Experience the Magic of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Every encounter with these gentle giants is a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience that will stay with you forever.
Uganda gorilla safaris, Uganda wildlife safaris, Gorilla Bookings
Gorilla Uganda Safari Bookings specializes in creating the best gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, with unforgettable journeys to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Our expertise extends beyond Uganda, offering remarkable gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda and Congo, giving you the chance to encounter mountain gorillas across East and Central Africa. Whether you prefer affordable budget trips or classic luxury gorilla trekking adventures, we design experiences that suit every traveler.
In addition to gorilla trekking, we combine your safari with chimpanzee tracking, wildlife game drives, cultural immersions, and community encounters to deliver the ultimate African holiday adventure. We provide trusted and up-to-date information on gorilla trekking tours and wildlife safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, ensuring every step of your journey is well-guided. All our tours are led by professional English-speaking driver guides with deep knowledge of wildlife, landscapes, and the rich culture of the Pearl of Africa.
We are proudly represented on leading safari platforms, including SafariBookings and SafariGo, making it easy for you to connect with us and book your dream gorilla safari with confidence.
Gorilla Uganda Safari Bookings brings you closer to the rarest primates on earth through unforgettable gorilla trekking safaris. In Uganda, our safaris take you deep into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both home to thriving gorilla families and breathtaking scenery. Beyond Uganda, our tours extend to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, where gorilla trekking combines perfectly with the luxury safari experience, and to Congo’s Virunga National Park, known for its raw wilderness and fewer crowds.
Whether you’re traveling on a tight budget or seeking an exclusive luxury safari, we offer tailor-made gorilla trekking tours that match your travel style. Our gorilla safaris can also be combined with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Nile cruises in Murchison Falls, and meaningful cultural encounters with local communities. Each itinerary is carefully designed to give you more than just a tour—it is an adventure into the heart of Africa’s wilderness, guided by professionals who know the land, wildlife, and culture deeply.
Speaking of top things to do and and see while in on Uganda safari , Rwanda Safari and Congo Tours. this amazing three east african destinations has got one common popular activity which is gorilla trekking / gorilla tracking also know as gorilla trekking safari or simply gorilla trekking tours.the activity takes places in different national parks in the in the mentioned destination. In Uganda, gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park , in Rwanda, gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes national park Rwanda while in Congo , gorilla trekking takes in Virunga national park. Besides gorilla safaris, gorilla uganda safari bookings also offers activities such as wildlife excursion , birding safaris, cultural tours, city tours among others. Below are some of the top things to do while when you visit East Africa.
Game Drives/ wildlife
Mountain Hikes
Boat Cruise
Community tours
Uganda gorilla safaris are among the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in the world. Deep within the mist-covered mountains of southwestern Uganda lies a wilderness that shelters over half of the planet’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking through the dense jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers an intimate, emotional, and awe-inspiring encounter with these gentle giants — a journey that connects travelers to one of nature’s most profound stories of survival.
The Heart of Uganda’s Gorilla Country
Uganda is one of only three countries on Earth where mountain gorillas still exist — the others being Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. What sets Uganda apart is its blend of accessibility, rich biodiversity, and affordability. The country’s gorilla trekking destinations — Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park — offer lush landscapes, varied terrain, and a diversity of gorilla families that make every trek unique.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – The Gorilla Haven
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to nearly half of all mountain gorillas worldwide. Covering over 331 square kilometers of ancient rainforest, it is divided into four main trekking regions: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.
Each sector hosts several habituated gorilla families, allowing trekkers to choose their base depending on accessibility and desired lodge options. The forest is also home to over 350 bird species, rare butterflies, forest elephants, and other primates, making it a biodiversity paradise.
Trekking in Bwindi is a life-changing experience — the terrain is rugged, the forest thick, and the air filled with birdsong and mist. The trek can last anywhere between one and five hours depending on the gorillas’ movements, but the reward of standing face-to-face with a family of gorillas, watching them feed and interact, is beyond words.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Where Gold Meets Silver
Just a short drive from Bwindi, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park sits within the Virunga Mountain range, shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. It is home to the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family, a highly habituated group known for its calm behavior and scenic volcanic backdrop.
Trekking in Mgahinga offers more than just gorillas — travelers can also encounter the endangered golden monkeys, hike one of the Virunga volcanoes (such as Mount Gahinga or Mount Sabinyo), and experience cultural tours with the Batwa pygmies, who once lived in the forest.
For those looking for a less-crowded alternative to Bwindi, Mgahinga delivers both serenity and scenery in abundance.
Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda
A Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs USD 800 per person (as of 2024). This fee includes the guided trek, park entry, ranger services, and a full hour with the gorillas once located.
For travelers seeking a more extended experience, Uganda also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience at USD 1,500 per person, allowing up to four hours of interaction with a semi-habituated gorilla family under the supervision of researchers and rangers.
It’s highly recommended to book permits at least 3 to 6 months in advance, especially during the peak seasons of June to September and December to February, when demand is high.
Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking is available year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons, when trails are less slippery and access roads are easier to navigate.
Peak Dry Season: June – September and December – February
Green Season: March – May and October – November
The green season brings lush landscapes and fewer crowds, offering a more private trekking experience for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
What to Expect During the Trek
The trek begins early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters, where trekkers are assigned gorilla families and briefed on rules and etiquette. Treks vary in difficulty — some gorilla families stay close to the starting point, while others require longer hikes through steep, muddy terrain.
Once you find your gorilla family, you’ll spend one magical hour observing them as they play, groom, feed, and communicate. The moment is powerful and humbling — a silent exchange between two closely related species that share 98% of their DNA.
Guides and armed rangers accompany each trek, ensuring safety and helping identify gorilla behavior and forest species along the way.
Accommodation – Where Comfort Meets Wilderness
Uganda’s gorilla regions offer a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly lodges to high-end forest retreats.
Luxury Lodges: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Mid-Range Options: Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Budget Options: Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
Each lodge offers warm hospitality, scenic views, and easy access to park headquarters. Many lodges support community initiatives, allowing travelers to contribute directly to conservation and local livelihoods.
Getting There – The Journey to the Gorillas
Most visitors fly into Entebbe International Airport and either take a domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip or drive 8–10 hours through Uganda’s scenic countryside.
An alternative and popular option is to start your journey in Kigali, Rwanda, and cross into Uganda through the Cyanika or Katuna border — a shorter, 4–5-hour drive to Bwindi or Mgahinga. This route is perfect for travelers who prefer less time on the road and wish to combine Uganda and Rwanda in one itinerary.
Uganda offers gorilla trekking in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, which is home to the largest population of mountain gorillas, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the Virunga Volcanoes region. Both destinations provide an authentic trekking experience, though Bwindi has more habituated gorilla families to track.
As of 2025, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is USD $800 per person for international visitors. This fee goes directly toward conservation efforts and supports local communities around the parks. Rwanda permits cost $1,500, while Congo’s are more affordable at around $400.
Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, but the dry seasons from June to September and December to February are the most popular. During these months, the forest trails are less slippery, making treks easier. The wet seasons, however, tend to have fewer crowds and greener scenery, which many photographers love.
The difficulty of gorilla trekking depends on the gorilla family you are assigned to track. Some hikes take just an hour, while others may last 4–6 hours through steep and forested terrain. A moderate level of fitness is recommended, and porters are always available to help carry your bag and support you on the trek.
To protect the gorillas and minimize stress, only 8 visitors are allowed to track a gorilla family per day. Once you find them, you are given one magical hour to observe and photograph them as they interact in their natural habitat.
Yes, absolutely. Most travelers combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, game drives in Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls National Parks, or even cross-border safaris to Rwanda and Congo. This gives you a richer experience of East Africa’s wildlife, culture, and landscapes.
Essential items include sturdy hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, long-sleeved shirts and pants, gardening gloves for gripping vegetation, insect repellent, and a camera with extra batteries. A walking stick is usually provided at the park, and hiring a porter is highly recommended for both support and community benefit.
