Home » Gorilla Safaris, Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours & Safari Trips 2025/2026
Gorilla Safaris, Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours & Safari Trips 2025/2026
Uganda gorilla safaris take you gorilla trekking in Uganda to see Ugandan gorillas, which is always a popular interest of most travelers undertaking African safaris in Uganda.
The Uganda gorilla trekking safari activity is a fascinating once-in-a-lifetime experience allowing you to go trekking with gorillas and visit these gentle giants (mountain gorillas) in their charming, misty natural habitat!
A mountain gorilla is among the rarest primates in the world! Globally, over 1,063 mountain gorillas are living in two populations.
The highest population lives in Uganda’s Bwindi National Park. The others are in the Virunga Mountains in Uganda’s Mgahinga Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and Congo’s Virunga Park.
However, Uganda is the best destination for spotting gorillas in Africa, as it holds over 50% of mountain gorillas on earth.
Only two locations offer Uganda gorilla safari tours: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both of which are under the control of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Bwindi National Park offers the best gorilla tours in Uganda as well as East Africa. It’s a fascinating hilly and misty UNESCO site, home to over 459 mountain gorillas, which is half of the gorillas remaining on Earth!
All gorilla expeditions in Uganda to see Ugandan gorillas are safe and you shouldn’t get worried about where to stay. There are various classes of accommodation at all sites for gorilla trips in Uganda. These range from budget to midrange and luxury. Therefore, Uganda welcomes every traveler!
Endeavor to undertake Uganda gorilla tours for a memorable African safari holiday experience
Sites for Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda: Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Normally, people intending to have gorilla trips in Uganda are always curious about where to see gorillas in Uganda!
Please note that gorilla tours in Uganda only take place in two (2) national parks.
1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Situated in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the main area for all gorilla trekking tours in Uganda. Furthermore, it’s the best area to go gorilla trekking in Africa!
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest houses over 459 mountain gorillas. This total is almost 50% of the mountain gorilla population (1,063) on Earth!
19 habituated gorilla families participate in gorilla tracking safaris in Bwindi. Four sectors of the park, Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga, are home to these gorilla families.
Often, Bwindi gorilla treks take place in the Buhoma sector since it has a fairly gently sloping relief. Due to the viable population of mountain gorillas in Bwindi, visitors have over a 99.9% chance of spotting gorillas during the trek.
As you trek to mountain gorillas in the misty Bwindi, expect to encounter some wild animals, such as
- Forest Elephants
- Bushbucks
- Duikers, like the Black-fronted and Yellow-backed duikers.
- Forest hogs, as well as
- The rare L’Hoest’s Monkeys, etc.
For bird lovers, endeavor to include bird watching on top of your gorilla tracking trip in Bwindi.
This park holds about 350 bird species, including over 23 Albert Endemic bird species ; 14 are endemic, including the Grauer’s Broadbill and the Neumann’s Warbler. You may spot some of these species during your gorilla trek.
2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
This park is another great site for gorilla expeditions in Uganda. Only the Nyakagezi gorilla family, consisting of over 9 members, participates in mountain gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park.
This captivating family is prominently known for its amazing number of silverbacks living together (4 of them).
The Nyakagezi gorilla group holds an incredible world record of being the gorilla family in the world with the most silverbacks!
While trekking to see mountain gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, lucky visitors can encounter some wildlife there! Among these are golden monkeys, bushbucks, forest elephants, & buffalos.
For bird lovers, Mgahinga Gorilla NP is the best area in Africa to spot the Rwenzori Turaco, Shell’s Crimsonwing, etc.
Furthermore, since Mgahinga Park boasts 3 striking volcanoes (Muhabura, Sabinyo, and Mgahinga), it’s an ideal site for mountain hiking safaris in Uganda!
Golden monkey tracking is also possible here!
How Long Does Gorilla Trekking Take in Uganda?
In all the national parks, gorilla treks in Uganda usually take about 2–8 hours.
The duration of the gorilla trek usually depends on the movement of mountain gorillas in the jungle.
If fortunate, one can spot some gorilla families during a 30-minute trek in Bwindi.
This is especially true in the Buhoma sector in the north of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations
The rules and regulations for mountain gorilla tracking help to secure your life as you visit the shy, gentle giants in the jungle.
Also, these guidelines help preserve the health of endangered mountain gorillas.
Below are the gorilla tracking rules to follow:
Gorilla Trekking Guidelines Before Departing into the Jungle
1. Always ensure you carry your payment receipts and permits to the briefing point for gorilla tracking (park headquarters). This shows proof of your payments.
2. The gorilla tracking Uganda age limit is 15 years.
3. If you feel like easing yourself on a gorilla trek, you must go off track. Afterward, bury the waste 30cm (12 inches) deep in the soil.
4. A gorilla group can only accommodate 8 visitors per day. Only 4 people can accompany the gorilla habituation experience.
5. You shouldn’t visit mountain gorillas if you have a cold or other contagious illness. Gorillas can catch human infectious diseases!
Gorilla Tracking Guidelines When You Are With Gorillas:
6. Maintain maximum silence while on a gorilla trek in the jungle. However, this shouldn’t stop you from asking some questions.
7. Littering in the park is illegal. You must leave the park with anything you came in with. At park headquarters, there are always trash cans available for you to use.
8. Always maintain a 7–10-meter distance from the mountain gorillas. It’s illegal to touch gorillas! Despite their habituated state, they retain some wild instincts.
9. Smoking, eating, and drinking around gorillas are strictly illegal!
10. If you sneeze in the presence of gorillas, cover your face or turn away. Mountain gorillas can catch infectious diseases, such as a cough, from humans, which can be fatal to them.
11. You must always follow the instructions of the ranger while on the gorilla trek.
12. You only have an hour to spend with the gorillas. For those undertaking the gorilla habituation experience, you’ll spend about 4 hours with these semi-mountain gorillas.
13. You shouldn’t use flash cameras while taking photos. The light irritates and stresses these shy giants.
What Is the Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda? | Can Children Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years of age. Therefore, people under 15 are not allowed to undertake a gorilla trek.
Please note that the gorilla tracking Uganda age limit is set at 15 years due to the following reasons:
1. Young men are unable to control their emotions in the event of a mountain gorilla attack! Remember, screaming and running away makes gorillas charge more!
2. Furthermore, children are more likely not to follow the trekking rules and instructions of the park ranger.
3. Also, children might not be fit enough for this challenging hike into the misty / hilly jungle.
Note that
- Only Uganda’s Bwindi Park, with its relatively good terrain, allows children under 15 years old to trek gorillas. Children will always be assigned to the nearest gorilla family.
- For children to trek gorillas in Uganda, their parents have to sign a consent form in case any misadventure happens during the trek.
Packing List for Gorilla Trekking: What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
We recommend being well-equipped for a memorable experience when planning a gorilla tour in Uganda.
Below is the packing list for a gorilla trip in Uganda:
1. A camera with extra batteries as well as a good storage space to accommodate many photos.
2. Wear a rain jacket with a hood to protect yourself in the event of rain in the jungle. Note that tropical rainforests are prone to rainfall.
3. Sturdy hiking boots: These are recommended since the experience involves hiking challenging hills and crossing some mud points in some areas.
4. Insect repellents: These are of enormous importance. They will protect you from biting bugs like mosquitoes. We recommend those with over 50% DEET.
5. Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts: These will help to protect your skin from cuts during the hike in the jungle.
6. Hardy gloves: Help to safeguard your hands as you hold tree branches as well as other vegetation during the hike.
7. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat: These are must-haves as they will protect you from the sun.
8. A backpack: This is so important on your gorilla Uganda tour. It helps to keep all your belongings safe, like your camera, toiletries, documents, and extra clothes.
9. Packed lunch: Usually, energy-giving snacks are ideal.
10. Enough drinking water: This helps to keep you hydrated during the 2-hour strenuous hike.
What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
We recommend wearing eco-friendly clothing during your gorilla African safari in Uganda.
For example:
Gorilla tracking Uganda safari colors are khaki, brown, and grey.
Note that
a. Bright colors, such as red and clothes with animal prints irritate gorillas. Therefore, avoid them, as they elicit a charge from gorillas!
b. Black is not ideal as it absorbs much heat, especially during the dry season.
c. Waterproof hiking boots are of great importance, as you might come across hilly and slippery muddy points along the trail.
d. Furthermore, it’s ideal to put on long socks. Frequently, visitors tuck in their pants and socks to avoid safari ants that might be along the trail.
Other Amazing Safaris in Uganda to Accompany on Your Gorilla Trip
Usually, visitors accompany other captivating Uganda tours on top of their gorilla-watching trips for a wonderful experience.
Among these tours are:
1. Wildlife Safaris in Uganda
The trip is a thrilling experience that allows you to spot most of the game animals in Uganda, including the incredible Big Five. Often, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park are visited.
A visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park gives you a golden opportunity to encounter the incredible tree-climbing lions.
2. Chimpanzee Trekking Tour
A chimpanzee tracking tour is a charming adventure, giving you a chance to visit the intelligent chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Kibale National Park offers the best chimpanzee tracking experience in Uganda.
More notable holiday tours in Uganda include:
- Boat cruise tours in Uganda
- Cultural encounters, for example,include visiting the Batwa people.
- We offer Golden Monkey trekking trips. This itinerary gives you a golden chance of encountering the dazzling golden monkeys.
Please note that
For a rewarding experience, you can undertake double gorilla trekking:
- A visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo allows you to encounter the lowland gorillas. In East Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the only site to spot lowland gorillas.
- Also, you can go for Rwandan gorillas. It’s wise to accompany Akagera National Park on your gorilla-watching tour in Rwanda.
Uganda Gorilla Safari Lodges in Uganda
Uganda ranks as the best destination to spot gorillas in East Africa, with more affordable accommodation facilities than its rival neighbor, “Rwanda”.”
All sites for gorilla expeditions in Uganda offer a range of accommodations, ranging from luxury to midrange to budget.
Popular Luxury Safari Lodges to Use on Your Gorilla Vacation in Uganda
- Buhoma Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Park
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge in Bwindi
- Mount Gahinga Lodge in Mgahinga Gorilla NP
- Mahogany Springs in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Recommended Midrange Lodges to Use while Trekking Gorillas in Uganda
- Haven Lodge Buhoma in Buhoma
- Traveler’s Rest Kisoro in Mgahinga Gorilla NP
- Gorilla Mist Camp in Bwindi Park in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge in Bwindi National Park
- Lake Chahafi Resort in Mgahinga park
Best Budget Lodges on Your Gorilla Holiday in Uganda
- Buhoma Community Rest Camp in Bwindi impenetrable park
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Amajambera Iwachu Community Camp in Mgahinga Gorilla NP.
What Is the Best Time of Year to See Gorillas in Uganda?
Are you wondering which month is the best for gorilla trekking in Uganda? Visitors can have gorilla tours in Uganda all year round; however, the best time to visit gorillas in Uganda is always in the dry months.
Dry months in Uganda include June–August and December–February. During these months, less rainfall is experienced in the rainforests and thus, the trails are relatively drier and mud-free.
Please note that undertaking gorilla trips in Uganda during the wet months is a blessing in disguise! During these months, food is abundant in the forest and gorillas rarely move to higher altitudes in search of food.
Therefore, tracking gorillas generally becomes easier (it takes a shorter time). You just have to get ready for fairly challenging mud along the trail!
Is Gorilla Trekking Safe in Uganda? Is It Safe to Visit Gorillas in Uganda?
Is gorilla trekking in Uganda safe? Ideally, all gorilla expeditions in Uganda are safe, with no recorded accidents in the past few years.
Below is how safe gorilla trips are in Uganda:
1. Armed ranger guides who ensure your safety will always be with you during your gorilla treks in Uganda.
2. Daily, rangers patrol the forest to keep poachers from harming gorillas.
3. We conduct gorilla trips in Uganda with fully habituated gorilla families who are familiar with human presence. As a result, we rarely record gorilla attacks!
How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda? How Hard Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
Usually, most travelers are curious about how difficult the gorilla trek in Uganda is! Gorilla trips in Uganda are fairly difficult; however, the challenge depends on one’s physical level of fitness.
This memorable adventure involves walking through relatively challenging terrain, misty and thick forests, as well as valleys.
However, the above shouldn’t discourage you from taking a gorilla adventure holiday in Uganda.
There are always porters to assist you in any case. They can even carry you on a modern bamboo stretcher!
We advise travelers to at least engage in some physical exercise prior to their gorilla trips. Such activity helps to raise your body’s fitness level.
How Much Does It Cost to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
If you are wondering how much it costs to see gorillas in Uganda, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit varies according to nationality, as seen below.
- Foreign Non-Residents: 700 USD
- Foreign Residents: 600 USD
- East African Citizens: 250,000 UG shilling
Please note that
- The above gorilla permit rate includes the park entrance fees
- There are no discounted gorilla permits in Uganda.
How Many Gorilla Permits are there in Uganda?
Currently, Uganda boasts over 20 habituated gorilla family groups. Therefore, over 160 gorilla permits are available every day in Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to 19 habituated gorilla families, while Mgahinga National Park is home to one.
How Do You Book A Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda?
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is responsible for issuing all gorilla permits in Uganda. It’s a governmental body that’s responsible for tourism and all protected areas in Uganda.
Travelers can book their gorilla permits directly from UWA; however, booking through a dependable safari company is more appropriate.
It’s advisable to book your gorilla permit 6 months before your safari due date. This is due to the limited availability of gorilla permits!
Remember, there are no discounted gorilla permits in Uganda!
Is Gorilla Trekking Worth It in Uganda? | Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Money in Uganda?
Usually, travelers planning to have a gorilla vacation in Uganda wonder whether the gorilla permit is worth the money!
Undoubtedly, obtaining a gorilla permit in Uganda is a worthwhile investment, as explained below:
1. A mountain gorilla can’t live in captivity! As a result, a sizable portion of the income goes toward protecting their environment, which is under threat from man.
2. Furthermore, park rangers, who assist in monitoring these endangered creatures in their habitat, receive substantial compensation.
3. Also, a percentage of the money is returned to develop the communities around it. For instance, Batwa communities initially inhabited these rainforests.
4. Encountering the gentle giants of the forest in their misty, charming environment is worth the money. It ranks among the most amazing adventure tours on the African continent and is a must-not-miss!
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Vs Rwanda Is it better to see gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda?
Frequently, travelers intending to have gorilla adventures on top of their visit to Africa inquire whether to undertake a gorilla trip in Uganda or Rwanda!
Below is a comparison between gorilla expeditions in Uganda and the Rwanda gorilla trek:
1. The Uganda gorilla permit costs 700 USD, while that of Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park is 1500 USD. And therefore, gorilla trekking holidays in Uganda are relatively cheaper!
2. The Pearl of Africa: Uganda holds over 20 fully habituated gorilla families, while Rwanda has 10. Therefore, there are more gorilla permits in Uganda than in Rwanda’s only Volcanoes National Park.
3. Almost half of the mountain gorillas on earth dwell in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. And thus, visitors have over a 99.9% chance of spotting gorillas in Uganda!
4. Destination Uganda is the only place offering gorilla habitat in Africa. The experience takes place with the Bikingi gorilla family in Bwindi. The gorilla habituation experience allows you to spend over 4 hours with gorillas.
5. Unlike Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, you can easily combine gorilla tours with wildlife safaris in Uganda. The main gorilla site in Uganda (Bwindi) is close to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is one of the best parks for wildlife expeditions in Uganda.
Please note that
- Travelers interested in double gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda should apply for an East African Tourist Visa. It allows you to cross the boundaries of East African countries.
- In Rwanda, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) issues permits for gorilla trekking, whereas UWA issues them in Uganda.
How Much Does A Gorilla Safari Cost in Uganda? | How Much Is A Gorilla Safari in Uganda?
This question is a common query among travelers intending to have gorilla vacations in Uganda! However, keep in mind that a gorilla tour’s cost varies depending on several factors.
Below are the determinants of the price of your gorilla trip in Uganda:
1. Class of Accommodation You’ll Use on Your Gorilla Vacation
The accommodation class you choose to stay in greatly affects the cost of a gorilla trip in Uganda. For instance, using luxury accommodations raises the safari cost, while the budget minimizes it.
2. Number of Days You’ll Spend on Your Gorilla Trip
Often, short trips are relatively cheaper than long safaris. For example, a 3-day gorilla trip to Uganda is cheaper than a 5-day gorilla tour.
Normally, the more days, the higher the expenses, including accommodation as well as transport costs.
3. The Vehicle You Are to Use on Your Safari
Also, this is among the key factors that determine the cost of your gorilla holiday trip in Uganda. Let’s say that using a safari van is relatively cheaper than using a 4×4 safari Land Cruiser.
This is due to the varying rates of fuel consumption.
4. Activities to Undertake During Your Gorilla Tour
The activities you undertake on top of your gorilla holiday in Uganda also affect the cost of your trip. Often, the more safari activities you do, the higher the price of your gorilla trip.
5. Number of People on a Gorilla Safari
Always, the price of a gorilla trip increases with the increase in the number of people undertaking a tour. This is because each additional person incurs additional expenses, such as a gorilla permit and accommodation.
However, many people on a trip encourage saving. For example, it leads to the sharing of expenses like transport as well as accommodation.
List of the Top Tour Companies You Must Travel With On Your Gorilla Vacation in Uganda
Though there are many tour operators in Uganda, getting a reliable tour operator (tour company) online is not easy!
Below are some of the best safari companies in Uganda:
3. Africa Safaris & Tours
4. Safari Uganda Safaris
5. Gorilla Safaris & Tours
6. Gorilla Trekking Uganda
Below Are Some of the Best Gorilla Safari Packages in Uganda | Uganda Safari Gorilla Packages
There are different gorilla safari packages in Uganda and some of the best tours in Uganda include
8-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari Tour
9-Day Nile Perch Fishing Safari In Uganda
Undertaking a gorilla trip in Uganda is one of the most fascinating experiences you shouldn’t miss out on during your safari visit in Africa!
It’s a remarkable adventure, giving you a golden opportunity to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in their attractive, misty environment. Most gorilla trips in Uganda take place in Bwindi, home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
For a rewarding experience, it’s ideal to add wildlife as well as a cultural encounter on your gorilla holiday in Uganda. All gorilla expeditions in Uganda are safe and you shouldn’t get worried about your accommodation!
Book Now Your African Gorilla Holiday Trip in Uganda with Us for a Rewarding Experience. Always feel free to email us with any inquiries about your holiday in Uganda!