What Time Does Gorilla Trekking Start and End?

What time does gorilla trekking start? is one of the most commonly asked questions by travelers preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking is an exhilarating adventure that takes you deep into Uganda’s ancient rainforests to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

The experience involves hiking through thick vegetation with trained guides and trackers who follow the movements of habituated gorilla families. A typical trek lasts 2 to 5 hours, depending on how far the gorillas have moved, and once they are located, visitors spend one full hour watching and photographing them.

What Time Does Gorilla Trekking Start?

A gorilla trekking day in Uganda follows a well-coordinated schedule to ensure the best sightings and a safe, enjoyable experience.

6:00 AM – Wake-Up & Breakfast

Travelers start their morning early. Lodges offer a wake-up call and serve breakfast at 6:00 am, giving you enough time to prepare and pack your essentials.

7:00 AM – Briefing at the Park Headquarters

Guests gather at the briefing point by 7:00 am. Here, park rangers share important safety guidelines, explain gorilla behavior, assign trekking groups, and answer questions about the day’s activity.

8:00 AM – Trek Begins

The trek officially starts at 8:00 am, taking you into the dense forests of Bwindi or Mgahinga. Rangers lead the trail while trackers ahead communicate gorilla movements.

12:00 PM – Lunch Break (Approx.)

Depending on how quickly your group finds the gorillas, lunch may be taken on the trail. Some groups find the gorillas early, while others trek longer distances.

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Return to Base

The entire activity normally ends between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm. The return time depends on how far the gorillas were and the pace of the group.

Where to See Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

Uganda offers two exceptional destinations for gorilla trekking:

1. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga is home to the famous Nyakagezi gorilla family and forms part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area. The park is known for its dramatic scenery, including the towering Virunga Volcanoes. Besides trekking, visitors can hike Mount Sabyinyo, explore ancient caves, and enjoy cultural encounters with the Batwa people.

2. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi is the heart of gorilla trekking in Uganda, sheltering almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas over 400 individuals. Treks are conducted in four sectors:

• Buhoma
• Nkuringo
• Rushaga
• Ruhija

Each sector offers unique terrain, habituated gorilla families, and incredible biodiversity. Rangers guide trekkers through lush, misty forests while sharing insights about the ecosystem and gorilla behavior.

Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs in Uganda

To visit mountain gorillas, every traveler must purchase a permit. Prices vary by nationality:

• Foreign Non-Residents (FNR): $800 per person per trek
• Foreign Residents (FR): $700 per person per trek
• East African Citizens: $250 per person per trek

Each permit grants you one hour with the gorillas once they are found.

Best Time to See Gorillas in Uganda

The best months for gorilla trekking are:

• June – September
• December – February

These dry seasons offer easier hiking conditions, thinner undergrowth, clearer paths, and higher chances of great gorilla sightings. Wildlife also tends to come out more frequently in search of food and water.

What to Pack for a Gorilla Trekking Safari

Here is what every traveler should bring:

• Versatile clothing (lightweight, breathable, neutral-colored)
• Waterproof rain jacket and trousers
• Comfortable backpack/daypack
• Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots
• Walking stick (can also be hired at the park)
• Energy snacks (nuts, fruits, energy bars)
• Broad-spectrum sunscreen
• DEET-based insect repellent
• Binoculars and camera equipment

Proper packing ensures a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable rainforest experience.

Book Your Gorilla Trekking Safari with Jeisking Tours

Join Jeisking Tours for unforgettable primate adventures, incredible wildlife safaris, scenic landscapes, and meaningful cultural encounters. Our expert team ensures a seamless experience from permits to accommodation and transportation.

Reserve your gorilla trekking safari:
gorillaugandasafaribookings@gmail.com