Gorilla safaris in Uganda/Uganda gorilla tours offering Gorilla trekking in Uganda in Bwindi Forest & Mgahinga Gorilla Park are incredibly far better than any other safari destination in Africa.
The gorilla tours in Uganda hardly miss on the bucket list of most travelers who visit the Pearl of Africa! While on this memorable adventure, you’ll amazingly explore the misty magnificent rainforests of Uganda in search of gorillas in their natural habitat. A look at the sheer size of the mighty Silverback is so remarkable!
Most of the gorilla Uganda tours mostly take place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site home to half of the Mountain gorillas on Earth. It’s also possible in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The other only remaining Mountain gorillas on Earth can be spotted in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Virunga Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Congo, you can encounter also the Lowland gorillas.
For a memorable gorilla safari in Uganda, we advise you to take other safaris in Uganda on top of this adventure! Among these include chimpanzee tracking, wildlife safaris, golden monkey tracking, cultural encounters, bird watching, and mountain hiking tours.
You can go gorilla trekking in Uganda all time of the year, however, as experts recommend a dry season. Also, never forget sturdy hiking boots, a rain jacket, a camera as well as insect repellents!
Inquire now for more about your gorilla trips in Uganda.
BELOW LET’S LEARN MUCH ABOUT GORILLA TRIPS IN UGANDA
While on your African safari in Uganda, you can go gorilla trekking in only 2 national parks of Uganda. And these include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga national park.
Note the endangered Mountain gorillas can’t survive in captivity!
Here are the sites for gorilla trips in Uganda:
The scenic misty Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the best site for Mountain gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda.
This great biodiverse tropical rainforest, Bwindi national park boasts over 459 Mountain gorillas and this is almost half of the wild Mountain gorillas on Earth! It’s home to over 19 habituated Mountain gorilla groups.
Gorilla tours in Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest take place in 4 sectors, counting Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, as well as Nkuringo and Rushaga in the south.
All the gorilla adventures in Bwindi national park take about 2-8 hours and this normally depends on the movement of the gorillas.
While trekking Mountain gorillas in Bwindi Park, you can spot amazing wild animals such as:
The chances of spotting gorillas in Bwindi are over 99%
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another thrilling place to go gorilla trekking in Uganda.
This striking park in southwestern Uganda holds one habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi Gorilla group holding over 9 individuals with 4 Silverbacks.
Though it’s rare, this gorilla group is said to be transboundary! It can cross to Rwanda Volcanoes park or Virunga NP of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
For notable gorilla trips in Mgahinga national park, you can undertake also:
All the above adventures can be topped on your gorilla tracking safari in Mgahinga national park. You’ll start any of them from Ntebeko Park Headquarters.
Uganda Mountain gorilla trekking permit is charged depending on the nationality and here is how:
Note that the gorilla permit in Uganda includes the park entrance fees and there’re no discounted gorilla permits in Uganda.
They’re about 160 gorilla permits available in Uganda every day. Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to 19 habituated Mountain gorilla families while Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
You’re advised to book your gorilla permits (gorilla permit) in advance as they are limited. Only 8 visitors are allowed to visit a gorilla group per day!
In Uganda, there’re no discounted gorilla permits. You can inquire from your travel agent for more about discounted gorilla permits.
You can book your Uganda gorilla trekking permit in Uganda directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority or through your tour company.
Most travelers planning to go to gorilla trekking holidays in Uganda book their gorilla permits through tour operators. You’re advised to use a dependable company!
Using a travel agent to organize your trip saves you the booking hustles, especially in the peak season.
Remember, there are no discounted gorilla permits in Uganda.
Most travelers wonder how much does it cost to see gorillas in Uganda! You should note that there’s no fixed price for Mountain gorilla trekking tours in Uganda.
This is because of numerous factors that influence the gorilla safari cost in Uganda and these include:
Inquire from your tour operator to highlight you more on this!
Here is an estimate for a gorilla trip in Uganda:
You’re advised to book your gorilla trekking Uganda tours with reliable tour operators.
If you’re looking for the best ways to go gorilla trekking holidays in Uganda in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park on a budget, here are the tips to follow:
This is the best way to see gorillas on a budget in Uganda! This season holds wet months (October to November and March to May). Normally, in this period, most hotels, lodges, and camps give out discounts.
If lucky, you might get discounted gorilla permits, though rare! Discounted gorilla permits are no longer issued in Uganda.
Putting aside the cost of a gorilla permit, you should consider using a budget safari lodge as you plan to trek Mountain gorillas in Uganda.
Your tour operator will help you to choose the best lodge.
This is another thrilling way to trek Mountain gorillas on a budget in Uganda. Traveling this way allows sharing costs amongst the group such as transport costs, and accommodation.
Although not so recommended, it can be the best way to track gorillas in Uganda on a budget. It enables you to save money for hiring a car and paying for your driver guide.
You’re advised to always use legitimate means to avoid being robbed!
In all national parks counting Bwindi Impregnable National Park or Mgahinga, you can take 2-8 hours tracking gorillas.
The above duration depends on the movement of the gorilla group you’re tracking. Some gorilla families can be spotted just in 30 minutes walk from the park headquarters, especially in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
This time applies also to the Rwanda gorilla trek.
After spotting the allocated gorilla family, you’ll be limited to watching it for one magical hour.
You’ll amazingly watch these gentle giants of the forest feeding, walking, and grooming each other. This adventure offers a memorable experience! Never forget a camera to take incredible photos while coming for a gorilla trek in Uganda.
Travelers interested in spending more time with gorillas should opt for the Gorilla habituation experience.
This time applies even while on gorilla treks in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla tours in Uganda take a minimum of 3 days! It’s not possible in one day as it is for the Rwanda gorilla trek in Volcanoes NP.
In Uganda, the 1st day is used to transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Park (about 8-9 hours drive). Note that, gorilla adventures in Uganda start strictly at 8 am.
Then, you’ll track gorillas on the 2nd day. On the 3rd day, we shall drive back to Kampala or Entebbe airport for your departure flight.
Mountain gorillas are so active during the morning hours! During morning hours, the endangered Mountain gorillas are always busy feeding, and the young stars are always playful wrestling each other. So amazing to watch!
In the afternoon, they usually rest.
You can have a gorilla trek in Uganda all year round! However, dry months, June to early September and December to February is best time to do so.
In the above months, the trails to trek Mountain gorillas for example, in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are drier and easier to hike and rains are minimal.
The wet season in Uganda includes March to May and October to November! Regardless of the rains, trekking Mountain gorillas becomes easier! You can easily spot the gorillas as food is plentiful in the forest, gorillas don’t move to higher elevations.
As you go on a gorilla trek, you should put or have the following for a thrilling experience:
While coming for gorilla expeditions in Uganda, there’re some essential things you should carry for a thrilling experience:
Among these include:
Undeniably, all gorilla expeditions in Uganda are safe! For many years, thousands of travelers have taken gorilla treks in Uganda and no mishap has ever happened.
Below is what makes gorilla adventures in Uganda safe:
Yes, mountain gorilla tours in Uganda are worth the money, and below is the discussion about it:
Are you wondering how difficult is the gorilla trek in Uganda? Well, Gorilla tracking in Uganda is fairly challenging, however, this depends on your level of fitness.
The gorilla treks in Uganda for example, in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park involve passing through challenging terrains, a hilly and misty thick jungle as well as valleys.
You’re advised to do some physical exercise before taking your gorilla watching trip in Uganda. This applies even to the Rwanda gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park.
While undertaking gorilla trekking in Uganda in all national parks, for instance, Bwindi national park, there’re gorilla tracking rules to follow. These are set to protect the gorillas as well as visitors who visit them.
These cut across even in Rwanda Volcanoes Park as well as Congo’s Virunga Park.
Here are the gorilla tracking rules to follow in Uganda:
Other rules to follow when you meet a gorilla family:
Is Uganda or Rwanda better for gorilla trekking? Both Uganda and Rwanda are ideal destinations for African gorilla adventures however, below is a comparison:
Key points to note:
There are numerous reasons why travelers planning to undertake gorilla tours on top of their African safari tours should opt for Uganda and leave out other destinations.
Here are the key reasons why you should trek gorillas in Uganda:
Other Safari Activities in Uganda to Accompany on Your Gorilla Trip
As experts, we recommend that you accompany other amazing safaris on your Uganda gorillas watching trip.
The prominent ones include:
Uganda game viewing tours offer you a thrilling opportunity to spot most of the game animals in Uganda. The prominent animals to look for include Lions, Leopards, cape Buffalos, Elephants, Giraffes, Hippos, giant Nile Crocodiles, Hyenas, plus several Antelope species and birds.
The prominent areas for Uganda wildlife trips include:
Among the above park, Queen Elizabeth Park is the only site to spot renowned tree climbing Lions. These tree climbing Lions are spotted while on game drives in the Ishasha sector.
Chimpanzee tracking tours allow you to visit the amazing cousins of man, chimps in their charming natural environment. This safari experience is so incredible!
You’ll get a chance to watch these lovely humanlike primates feeding, roaming the ground, swinging in trees, etc.
At the end of your Uganda chimp tracking adventure, you’ll agree that chimps are humans living in the wild!
Uganda chimpanzee tracking safaris in Kibale offers the best experience. It’s also possible in Kalinzu Forest, Kyambura Gorge, and Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park.
The gorilla habituation experience is a notable safari adventure ideal for researchers on Mountain gorillas. It’s also worth undertaking for travelers interested in spending more time with gorillas.
This memorable adventure is done on a gorilla family undergoing a habituation process.
The gorilla habituation experience runs for over 4 hours and you’ll be in the company of scientists and trackers.
During the gorilla habituation experience, you’ll have a great opportunity to learn about all the amazing behaviors of gorillas.
On the African continent, you can only enjoy the gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Price for a gorilla permit for gorilla habituation experience in Uganda:
Note that:
For a rewarding experience, you can go for double gorilla tracking:
v A gorilla trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo allows you to visit Lowland gorillas. Among East African countries, the Democratic Republic of Congo is the only site to encounter Lowland gorillas.
v Likewise, you can visit Rwanda gorillas. On this trip, you can add the Akagera National Park safari to your gorilla watching tour in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
There’re numerous lodges in each destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda whether in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable forest or Mgahinga. These range from budget, midrange to luxury lodges. The option is always yours, however, we’re there to guide you!
Here are the:
Top Budget Lodges on Your Gorilla Trip in Uganda
Ideal Midrange Lodges to Use while Trekking Gorillas in Uganda
Best Luxury Safari Lodges to Use on Your Gorilla Trip in Uganda
Although there’re several tour operators in Uganda, you’re advised to book your gorilla trip with the best and most reliable travel agent. We are the best Uganda gorilla tour operators in Uganda.
Commonly, gorilla trips in Uganda are combined with primate safaris, wildlife trips, bird watching, mountain hiking, as well as cultural encounters. The prominent parks for wildlife safari trips in Uganda include Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park.
Here are the best Gorilla safari tours in Uganda:
In summary, gorilla expeditions in Uganda offer a memorable opportunity of trekking gorillas in Uganda! African Gorilla watching trips in Uganda are considered the best for gorilla expeditions among East African countries.
For a rewarding experience, we recommend you top up Uganda wildlife trips, chimpanzee tracking, and cultural encounters on your gorilla tour.
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