Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime activity that anyone above 15 years can enjoy, no matter their age, background, or experience. Even if you have a disability, there are special packages to help you take part in this unforgettable adventure.
You can do gorilla trekking on its own or combine it with bird watching, wildlife viewing, cultural experiences, camping, or mountain hiking. It’s perfect for solo travelers, couples, families, groups, honeymooners, or even people on work trips during holidays.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in two national parks, both found in the southwest, near the Virunga Mountains.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
This park became a national park in 1991 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Bwindi has the highest number of mountain gorillas in the entire Virunga area. Some researchers believe that the gorillas here are slightly different from others in the region. More than 20 gorilla families live, eat, and move around in four main sectors of the park, and tourists visit these areas to track them.
- Buhoma Sector is in the north. It’s the most visited and was the first area where gorilla tracking started in Uganda. Gorilla families in Buhoma include Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Katwe. Each family has its own habits and characters.
- Nkuringo Sector is in the south. It’s known for the Nkuringo gorilla family. Tracking here needs good physical fitness because the area is steep and high.
- Rushaga Sector is also in the south. It has about 8 families open for tracking and the special habituation experience. These families include Bweza, Nshongi, Kahungye, Rwigi, Bikingi, Mucunguzi, Busingye, and Mushaya. Bushaho and Bikingi are used for habituation.
- Ruhija Sector is in the east. It is also popular and has four main families: Oruzogo, Kyaguriro, and Bitukura. Gorilla permits in Bwindi are sold based on the sector you want to visit.
Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
This is one of Uganda’s smallest parks but still one of the best. It is also in the southwest, near the border with Congo’s Virunga National Park. It was made a national park in 1991 to protect mountain gorillas, the forest, and other animals like golden monkeys. Only one gorilla family is here, and only eight people can track it each day.
Many people like this park because it is less crowded. The gorilla family is calm and interesting, and you might also see other rare animals.
You can also track golden monkeys in this park. These monkeys have golden fur, move quickly, and are fun to watch. They stay in the trees, feed on bamboo, and jump from branch to branch.
What to Expect During Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking means walking through the forest on foot to find the gorillas. It can be tiring, but it’s worth it. Gorillas are apes that share more than 95% of their DNA with humans. Some people even believe humans came from them, though there is no proof. When you see how they behave, like breastfeeding or standing upright, you’ll see how close they are to us.
Gorillas live in families led by a dominant male called a silverback. His job is to protect the group, keep order, and find new places to live. Gorillas are shy and usually fear people, but if they feel threatened, they may tear leaves, make loud sounds, beat their chest, or run around. If this happens, stay calm, look down, and wait for the ranger to help.
Trekking starts around 8:00 a.m. at the park or sector offices. Rangers check your documents and give a briefing. They tell you the rules, explain more about gorillas, and assign each person to a gorilla family. Then, the trek begins.
Tracking starts from where the gorillas were last seen the day before. You follow signs like broken branches and leaves. Depending on how far they have moved and your walking speed, trekking can take one to eight hours. Along the way, you may also see birds, monkeys, other forest animals, and unique plants. Once you find the gorillas, you get one hour to watch them, take photos, and ask questions.
Rules for Gorilla Trekking
These are the main rules to follow during gorilla trekking:
- Keep quiet in the forest.
- Stay 7 to 8 meters away from the gorillas to avoid spreading diseases like flu or cough.
- Don’t use flash when taking photos.
- Don’t litter or destroy the plants.
- Don’t copy the gorillas’ behavior.
- No smoking, eating, or feeding the gorillas.
These rules help protect you, the gorillas, and the forest.
Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
According to the 2020–2022 prices from the Uganda Wildlife Authority:
- $800 for foreign non-residents
- $700 for foreign residents
- 300,000 UGX for East African citizens
This fee includes park entry and one gorilla family tracking. Permits are for people aged 15 and above. Each permit is only valid for one specific day and cannot be changed, so choose your date carefully.
The money supports conservation, pays rangers, and helps care for gorillas when they are sick. Because there are few permits available each day, it’s best to book early.
What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking
Pack the following items for your trip:
- Visa and passport
- Strong hiking boots
- Insect repellent
- Warm clothes and an umbrella (it can rain any time)
- Binoculars
- Camera (no flash)
- Gloves
- Hat
- Long-sleeved shirt and trousers
Other Tourist Activities in Uganda
Besides gorilla trekking, Uganda offers other interesting things to do.
- Wildlife Safari: Uganda has many animals like lions, elephants, leopards, zebras, crocodiles, and antelopes. You can see them in any of the 10 national parks. Bird lovers can see rare species like the shoebill stork and crested crane. You can explore the parks by game drive, walking safari, or hot air balloon.
- Chimpanzee Trekking: Chimpanzees are even more closely related to humans, sharing over 98% of our DNA. Watching them use sticks to get food or care for their babies is an unforgettable experience. The best place to see them is Kibale Forest National Park, which is home to over 13 types of primates.
- Hiking: If you like climbing and seeing views from above, Uganda has beautiful mountains like Rwenzori and Elgon. You don’t need special skills, just the will to walk and enjoy.
Best Time to Visit Uganda Gorillas
Uganda is open for visitors all year, but the best months are December to February and June to October. These are dry months with fewer rains and better conditions for activities. Bird watching is best in the rainy months (March to May and November).
Gorilla trekking is one of the best things to do while traveling. Uganda is a great place for this because it’s more affordable, safe, and has many other exciting activities. Book your safari and be the next traveler to enjoy this amazing experience.
