Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris
Spend an unforgettable hour with a family of wild mountain gorillas in the misty forests of south-western Uganda, with permits, lodges and transfers arranged for you.
Uganda is home to roughly half of the world's mountain gorillas, which live in two protected forests: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Trekking to see them is one of the great wildlife experiences on earth, and Uganda offers it in beautiful, remote scenery that you can combine with chimpanzees, big game and lakes.
A trek begins with a briefing at the park office, after which rangers lead a small group into the forest to find a habituated gorilla family. The walk can take anywhere from two to seven hours depending on where the family is that day. Once you find them, you spend one hour in their company, close enough to watch the family feed, play and rest.
Read more: Gorilla trekking permits: what they cost and how to get one
What To Expect
Permits
A permit is required for each person and the number issued each day is limited, so book early.
Fitness
Moderate fitness helps. Steep, muddy trails are normal, and porters can carry your pack.
Time with gorillas
One hour with a habituated family, after a trek of about two to seven hours.
Minimum age
Gorilla trekking is for visitors aged 15 and over.
Where You Will Go
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage rainforest with four trekking sectors, Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Your permit sector decides where you stay, so we secure the permit first and build the trip around it.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
A small park in the Virunga volcanoes on the Rwanda and Congo border, with fewer permits each day and the chance to meet golden monkeys as well.
Uganda Gorilla Safaris Itineraries
Ready day-by-day plans you can book as they are or adjust.
12 Days Uganda Gorilla Classic Safari
You kick-start your safari with Murchison Falls National Park which offers you the meandering beautiful Victoria Nile…
15 Days Uganda Classic Holiday
You start your safari with Murchison Falls National Park which offers you the meandering beautiful Victoria Nile; the…
4 Days Gorillas in the Mist Fly-In Safari
This four days fly in safari is designed for those who have less time and want to trek gorillas in Uganda. It allows…
6 Days Gorillas and Chimpanzees Safari
This safari takes you to the Western part of Uganda famous for its cool weather, tranquil environment as well as its…
7 Days Gorillas and Big Game Safari
Encounter gorillas & other primates on this tour through Savannah plains and West African jungles as you navigate…
8 Days Amazing Gorillas of Uganda Safari
In 1907, from his book “My African Journey”. A young Member of the British Parliament at the time- Winston Churchill…
15 Days Uganda Gorillas Wildlife and Nile Adventure
Follow a varied route through Uganda, beginning with the Nile landscapes of Murchison Falls and continuing to the…
12 Days Uganda Wildlife Primates and Community Encounters
This Uganda journey links wildlife encounters with opportunities to understand the places between the parks. Travel…
Best Time To Go
Dry seasons run from December to February and June to September: easiest trails and best game viewing. March to May and October to November are wetter, greener and quieter.
How We Plan It
We secure the permit first, then plan lodges and transfers around the sector.
We add chimpanzees, savannah parks and the Nile if you want a longer trip.
We can arrange a fly-in option to avoid the long drive to Bwindi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a gorilla permit cost?
Permit prices are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and can change. Our gorilla permits guide on the blog lists the current published prices and how to book.
When is the best time to trek gorillas?
Treks run all year. The drier months, roughly December to February and June to September, give easier trails, while the wetter months are greener and quieter.
How difficult is a gorilla trek?
It depends on where the family is on the day. Expect steep, muddy and uneven ground. Porters are available to carry your bag and help you on the trail.
Can I see gorillas in a short trip?
Yes. A fly-in safari of four days lets you trek gorillas without the long drive from Entebbe.
Is a gorilla sighting guaranteed?
The gorilla families are tracked daily and the chance of a meeting is very high, but wildlife remains wild and nothing can be promised.
