Uganda Safaris, Gorilla Safaris, Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours

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.

Top Uganda Safari Tours & Gorilla Safaris

Where to See Gorillas in Uganda? | Where to Go Gorilla Trekking 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 that endangered mountain gorillas can’t survive in captivity!

Here are the sites for gorilla trips in Uganda:

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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:

1. Forest Elephants,
2. Duikers
3. Bushbucks
4. Beautiful birds
5. Amazing primates such as Black and White Colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys

The chances of spotting gorillas in Bwindi are over 99%

1. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

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 and 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 also undertake:

1. Golden monkey trekking
2. Volcano hiking in any of the 3 picturesque Virunga Mountains (Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura) in Mgahinga Park.
3. Batwa trail cultural encounter and
4. Bird watching

All the above adventures can be topped off on your gorilla tracking safari in Mgahinga national park. You’ll start any of them from Ntebeko Park Headquarters.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Cost How Much Does It Cost to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda? How Much Does It Cost to Trek With Gorillas?

Uganda Mountain gorilla trekking permit is charged depending on the nationality and here is how:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800
• Foreign Residents: $700
• East African Citizens: (Ugx)250,000

Note that the gorilla permit in Uganda includes the park entrance fees and there’re no discounted gorilla permits in Uganda.

How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available in Uganda?

There are about 160 gorilla permits available in Uganda every day. Uganda’s 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 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 with your travel agent for more information about discounted gorilla permits.

How do I book a gorilla permit in Uganda?

You can book your Uganda gorilla trekking permit in Uganda directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through your tour company.

Most travelers planning to go on gorilla trekking holidays in Uganda book their gorilla permits through tour operators. You’re advised to use a reliable company!

Using a travel agent to organize your trip saves you the booking hustle, especially in the peak season.

Remember, there are no discounted gorilla permits in Uganda.

How Much Does It Cost to See Gorillas in Uganda? How Much Is a Gorilla Safari in Uganda?

Most travelers wonder how much does it costs 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:

• The travel means you wish to use
• number of people on your gorilla tour
• accommodation class you’ll use
• Duration of your trip

Inquire from your tour operator to highlight you more on this!

Here is an estimate for a gorilla trip in Uganda:

• A 1-day gorilla trip in Uganda costs about $1200. It includes the gorilla trekking permit.
• A 2-day gorilla tour costs over $1400, inclusive of the gorilla permit.
• A 3-day gorilla-watching trip in Uganda can cost about USD 1600 with a gorilla permit included.

You’re advised to book your gorilla trekking Uganda tours with reliable tour operators.

The Cheapest Way to See Gorillas in Uganda | How Do I See Gorillas on a Budget?

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:

1. Always target the low season

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 this is rare! Discounted gorilla permits are no longer issued in Uganda.

2. Use budget safari lodges.

Putting aside the cost of a gorilla permit, you should consider using a budget Uganda safari lodge as you plan to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda.

Your tour operator will help you choose the best lodge.

3. Opt for a group gorilla tour

This is another thrilling way to trek Mountain gorillas on a budget in Uganda. Traveling this way allows for the sharing of costs amongst the group, such as transport costs and accommodation.

4. Using public transport

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!

How long does gorilla trekking take in Uganda?

In all national parks, counting Bwindi Impregnable National Park or Mgahinga, you can spend 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 a 30-minute walk from the park headquarters, especially in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

This time also applies to the Rwanda gorilla trek.

How Many Hours Can One Spend With Mountain Gorillas During Uganda Gorilla Safaris?

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 going on 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.

How long are gorilla holidays in Uganda? How Many Days Do You Need for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

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 first day is used to transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Park (about an 8–9-hour drive).  Note that gorilla adventures in Uganda start strictly at 8 am.

Then, you’ll track gorillas on the second day. On the third day, we shall drive back to Kampala or Entebbe airport for your departure flight.

What Time of the Day Are Gorillas Most Active?

Mountain gorillas are so active during the morning hours! During the 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.

What is the Best Time of Year to See Gorillas in Uganda? | Which Month Is Best for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

You can have a gorilla trek in Uganda all year round! However, the dry months of June to early September and December to February are the best times 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 rain, trekking with mountain gorillas becomes easier! You can easily spot the gorillas, as food is plentiful in the forest. Gorillas don’t move to higher elevations.

What to Wear for Gorilla Tracking in Uganda?

As you go on a gorilla trek, you should do or have the following for a thrilling experience:

1. Comfortable hiking boots: While on gorilla treks, hiking boots protect your feet from any possibility of piercing objects.
2. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers: keep your skin safe from bug bites and other cuttings in the jungle. These have to be in environment-friendly colors such as kaki and brown.
3. Garden gloves: While tracking mountain gorillas, these protect your hands in case you touch thorny plants.
4. Rain jacket: protects you in case rainfall finds you as you trek mountain gorillas.
5. Sunglasses and sunhats protect you from strong tropical sun rays, especially in the dry season.
6. Insect repellents protect you from the possibility of biting insects, including mosquitoes.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trips in Uganda?

While coming for gorilla expeditions in Uganda, there’re some essential things you should carry for a thrilling experience:

Among these include:

1. Gorilla permits: You’ll need to present a gorilla permit at the park headquarters before embarking on gorilla tracking or gorilla habituation.
2. A camera: is so important! It helps you take amazing photos & videos during your gorilla adventure
3. Binoculars can be used to see distant features that might be encountered during a gorilla trek.
4. Rain jacket: Ideal in case rain finds you during the gorilla tracking experience
5. Insect repellents: protect you from biting bugs while in the rainforest
6. Backpack: Helps to keep safe all your daily necessities counting a camera, travel documents, rain jacket, etc.
7. Walking sticks: offer you extra support while on a gorilla trek, especially on slippery points along the trail.
8. Energy-giving snacks and water: are ideal during the strenuous gorilla treks

Is Gorilla Trekking Safe in Uganda? | Is It Safe to Trek Gorillas in Uganda?

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:

1. In Uganda, armed park rangers from the UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) always accompany tourists on gorilla treks.
2. Gorilla trips in Uganda, for example, in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, are done with fully habituated gorilla families. So, they’re used to human presence.
3. There are rules and regulations to follow while on a gorilla trek in Uganda. For instance, maintain a 7-distance distance from these gentle giants.

Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Worth It? | Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Money in Uganda?

Yes, mountain gorilla tours in Uganda are worth the money, and below is the discussion about it:

1. Mountain gorillas can’t survive in captivity. Therefore, a large portion of revenue from gorilla tracking in Uganda is used to conserve gorillas’ natural habitat.
2. Revenue from gorilla permits is used to pay park rangers. These people help monitor and keep gorillas from poachers.
3. Also, some funds from gorilla permits are used to develop communities surrounding gorilla national parks. For example, the endangered Batwa people around Bwindi national park.
4. Trekking mountain gorillas is the most fascinating adventure in Africa. It’s worth the money!

How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda? How Hard Is Gorilla Trekking Uganda?

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 terrain, 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 trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations in Uganda

While undertaking gorilla trekking in Uganda in all national parks, for instance, Bwindi National Park, there are 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:

1. Always come with your gorilla permit. You’ll present it at the park headquarters before you embark on a gorilla trek.
2. Visitors with contagious diseases are not allowed to undertake a gorilla-watching adventure in Uganda.
3. Gorilla permits in Uganda are only issued to travelers above 15 years old. Email your tour operator for clarity on this!
4. A group of 8 people is allowed to visit a gorilla family. It also applies to Rwandan gorillas

Other rules to follow when you meet a gorilla family:

5. Keep a 7-distance from gorillas. This applies even while on a visit to Rwanda.
6. It’s illegal to eat, drink, or smoke near Mountain gorillas while on gorilla treks
7. If it happens that you sneeze, you must cover your mouth or turn your face away from Mountain gorillas.
8. On spotting a gorilla group, you’ll spend one hour with it.
9. You must always follow the ranger’s instructions while on the gorilla treks.
10. Only take photos with flashless cameras. The flashlight stresses gorillas

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda vs. Rwanda: Is It Better to See Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda?

Is Uganda or Rwanda better for gorilla trekking? Both Uganda and Rwanda are ideal destinations for African gorilla adventures; however, below is a comparison:

1. Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost 700 USD, while in Rwanda Volcanoes national park they cost 1500 USD
2. Uganda boasts over 20 habituated gorilla families in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga parks. Rwanda has only 12 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park.
3. You can easily combine wildlife safaris in Uganda with gorilla tours, unlike in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park. In Uganda, Queen Elizabeth Park (home to the tree-climbing Lions) is just nearby Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
4. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is easily accessible from Kigali airport (about 2–3 hours drive). All of Uganda’s gorilla parks (Bwindi and Mgahinga) are very far from Entebbe airport (about 8–10 hours drive).
5. Gorilla trekking tours in Uganda Bwindi national park hold a lovely terrain compared to that of Rwanda Volcanoes National Park.

Key points to note:

• The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) issues gorilla permits in Rwanda, while UWA does so in Uganda.
• Travelers interested in double gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda are advised to apply for the East African Tourist Visa.

Why Go For Gorilla Trips in Uganda? | Why You Should Trek Gorillas in Uganda?

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:

• Uganda boasts almost half of the mountain gorillas on Earth. Out of the 1,063 wild mountain gorillas on Earth, half live in Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Park. This makes it the best site for gorilla tours in Africa.
• The rest of the gorillas on Earth are found in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park and Congo’s Virunga Park. All these are found in the Virunga Mountains.
• Gorilla holidays in Uganda are cheaper: gorilla permits in Uganda cost $700, while a Rwanda gorilla trek costs $1500. Therefore, tracking gorillas in Uganda is ideal for budget travelers.
• Uganda is pretty safe. Among gorilla tracking safari countries in East Africa, Uganda is considered the safest destination to go to. For instance, trekking gorillas in Congo is not considered safe. Always inquire from your tour company before traveling.
• Gorilla trips in Uganda can easily be combined with other amazing trips. While on a gorilla tour in Uganda, you can easily take on adventures like chimpanzee trekking and game-viewing trips in parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park, etc.

Other Safari Activities in Uganda to Accompany on Your Gorilla Trip

As experts, we recommend that you accompany other amazing safaris on your Uganda gorilla-watching trip.

The prominent ones include:

1. Wildlife Safari Tours in Uganda

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, and hyenas, as well as several Antelope species and birds.

The prominent areas for Uganda wildlife trips include:

• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Uganda Kidepo Park and
• Lake Mburo Park

Among the parks mentioned above, 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.

2. Chimpanzee Tracking Tours

Chimpanzee tracking tours allow you to visit the amazing cousins of man, chimpanzees, in their charming natural environment. This safari experience is so incredible!

You’ll get a chance to watch these lovely human-like 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!

Ugandan chimpanzee tracking safaris in Kibale offer the best experience. It’s also possible in Kalinzu Forest, Kyambura Gorge, and Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park.

3. Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda

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:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $1,500
• Foreign Residents: $1,000
• East African Citizens: (Ugx) 750,000

More Memorable Safari Activities in Uganda

4. Ugandan bird-watching trips
5. Cultural encounters, including visits to Batwa People.
6. Golden monkey tracking adventures. A golden monkey trekking tour will take you to the beautiful golden monkeys in Mgahinga Park. Golden Monkeys in Uganda can only be spotted in this park.
7. Mountain hiking adventures, for instance, Mount Rwenzori hikes. Also, you can try out Virunga Mountains in Mgahinga Park.

Note that:

For a rewarding experience, you can go for double gorilla tracking:

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.

Likewise, you can visit Rwandan gorillas. On this trip, you can add the Akagera National Park safari to your gorilla-watching tour in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Hotels in Uganda and Safari Lodges in Uganda to Use During Your Gorilla Vacation in Uganda

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 to 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

1. Buhoma Community Rest Camp in Bwindi impenetrable park
2. Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
3. Amajambera Iwachu Community Camp in Mgahinga park.

Ideal Midrange Lodges to Use while Trekking Gorillas in Uganda

1. Lake Chahafi Resort in Mgahinga park
2. Traveler’s Rest Kisoro in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
3. Haven Lodge Buhoma in Bwindi
4. Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Best Luxury Safari Lodges to Use on Your Gorilla Trip in Uganda

1. Buhoma Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
2. Clouds Gorilla Lodge in Bwindi
3. Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge in Mgahinga Gorilla NP
4. Mucha Safari Lodge in Mgahinga
5. Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Best Gorilla Safari Companies in Uganda to Book with Your Trip

Although there are 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.

Best Uganda Gorilla Safari Packages | Top Gorilla Tours in Uganda

Commonly, gorilla trips in Uganda are combined with primate safaris, wildlife trips, bird watching, mountain hiking, and 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:

• 5 Days Uganda Primate Safari
• 7-Day Uganda Gorillas Safari
• 8-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari
• 9-day Uganda Trip
• 10 Days Uganda Safari Tour
• 12 Days Uganda Safari Tour
• 13-Day Uganda Safari Tour
• 14-Day Uganda Safari Trip
• 16-Day Uganda Gorillas Safari Vacation
• 18-day Uganda Safari Tour
• 20-Day Uganda Vacation

In summary, gorilla expeditions in Uganda offer a memorable opportunity to trek 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.

GET IN TOUCH WITH US FOR A NOTABLE GORILLA SAFARI IN AFRICA!