Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Gorilla Safaris & Tours in Bwindi & Mgahinga

These Mountain Gorillas are also close relatives of humans with a DNA similarity of about 98%. Thus, Gorilla tours are a must-have experience for tourists on a Uganda trip for amazing African safari adventures.

Additionally, discover the rare Gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park during your Gorilla tour to Uganda.

You can also add wildlife safaris to this adventure by visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park which is a famous destination for tree climbing Lions or visit Murchison Falls National Park.

Alternatively, you can combine your Gorilla tour with other famous Uganda primate tours for example Chimpanzee tracking (Chimpanzee trekking) and Golden Monkey tracking.

Below, we discuss more about the Gorilla experiences.

Where to See Gorillas in Uganda? | Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

These endangered Mountain Gorillas live in only 3 countries, which are Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo which also protects the Lowland Gorillas. They live in highland forests and cannot survive in Zoos in any part of the world.

In Uganda, the Gorillas only live in 2 national parks, which are;

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The misty Bwindi impenetrable forest in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park ranks as the best destination for Uganda Mountain Gorilla tracking safaris in East Africa.

The park is found in southwestern Uganda and comprises both montane and lowland forest that cover areas of 131 km2.

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 for its rich ecosystem and wide biodiversity that protects many endangered species.

This montane forest park harbors 459 Mountain Gorillas which is about 45% of the surviving Mountain Gorillas of the world (1063).

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has about 19 habituated Gorilla families to trek in the four sectors. These are Nkuringo and Rushaga in the south, Buhoma in the north, and Ruhija in the East, with all having park headquarters.

All these 19 families are open for trekking and there is a 99% chance of meeting a family during your Gorilla treks.

Gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the alternative Ugandan destination to go to on your Ugandan Gorilla tours.

The park sits on the southwestern edge of the Ugandan border with Rwanda. Found within the Virunga Mountains, it is also the smallest park in Uganda, covering an area of 33.7 km2.

This park has one habituated Gorilla group called the “Nyakagezi” which previously crossed into Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, the family is now settled in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The Nyakagezi family consists of 9 members with about 4 silverbacks which makes it famous for its large male tolerance. You can trek this family along the Ntebeko trailhead that begins for the park headquarters.

Mgahinga NP is also the sole Ugandan park where you will see Golden Monkeys, thus a destination for Golden Monkey trekking/Golden Monkey tracking.

Gorilla Trek Cost/Price in Uganda | Gorilla Trek Permit Cost Uganda

To have your Gorilla tours in Uganda, you need a Gorilla permit which is $700 for foreign nonresidents. Foreign residents purchase discounted permits at $600 and East African citizens pay UGX 250,000.

The Gorilla trek permit includes the park entrance fees in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, allowing you to meet and allows you to see a Gorilla family.

How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available in Uganda?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest) has 19 habituated Gorilla families and Mgahinga Gorilla National 1 Gorilla family, thus 20 families in total and 8 tourists trek Gorillas per day.

Thus, 160 Gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) every day thus selling the highest number of Gorilla permits compared to other Gorilla tracking destinations.

Additionally, Uganda is the best destination for Gorilla watching due to the highest number of habituated Uganda Gorillas that you can trek.

How Do I Book a Gorilla Permit in Uganda?

You can book a Gorilla permit in Uganda through the Uganda Wildlife Authority so that you obtain this legal document to trek Mountain Gorillas.

While booking your Gorilla permits through the Uganda Wildlife Authority, someone in the reservations department will give you an online form to fill hen you will transfer the money for your Gorilla permit.

You will then pick up your Gorilla permit upon arrival in the country from the UWA offices. However, you can also use a tour operator to purchase it for you.

The tour operators will make the purchase of your Gorilla permits easier for you. It is also advantageous to use them because they can help you purchase last-minute Gorilla permits, especially in the peak season.

Likewise, your tour company can sometimes help purchase for you discounted Gorilla permits to visit a Gorilla group.

How Much Does it Cost to See Gorillas in Uganda? | How Much is a Gorilla Safari in Uganda? | How Much Does it Cost to Trek With Gorillas?

Several factors on your Gorilla watching holiday determine the cost of your Gorilla tour in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Below are some of these factors which affect your Gorilla watching trip in Uganda;

1. Gorilla permit cost: For your Uganda Gorilla tours in Bwindi National Park, you will require a Gorilla trekking permit that costs $700 for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents, and 250,000 UGX for East African Citizens.
2. Mode of transport: You can use the 4X4 vehicles whose costs range from $80-$100. Land cruisers on the other hand cost $150-$300 per day with prices inclusive of fuel.
3. Accommodation: During your Gorilla walking tours in Uganda you will have to spend a night or two at either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. Thus, the choice of accommodation you take will determine the cost of your Gorilla tour.

You will pay between $30-$90 per night for budget accommodation, the midrange is from $100-$180, and your luxury accommodation will range between $200-$500 or more.

4. Cost of things to pack while you go to trek Mountain Gorillas: For your Gorilla trek safari you will need some important items to pack and purchasing them will also determine the cost of your safari.
5. Cost of porters especially for elderly travelers: paying porters costs between $10-$20 per trek. You will not need to hire a guide or ranger as all these costs are inclusive Gorilla permit.
6. Tips for rangers, guides, drivers, or hotel staff: a tip is not mandatory, but it brings a smile to the faces of the workers.

Cheapest Way to See Gorillas in Uganda | How Do I See Gorillas on a Budget?

Gorilla trek safaris in Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga Park can also be done on a budget.

So what is the cheapest way to see Gorillas in Uganda? Below are necessary tips for seeing Gorillas in their natural habitat on a budget.

1. Target The Low Season:

This is the best budget method to see Gorillas in Uganda on a budget. The low season runs from March to May and from October to November and the hotels, camps, and lodges usually give discounted rates.

If you are lucky, you may as well get discounted Gorilla permits.

2. Consider Budget Accommodation:

Excluding the Gorilla permit cost, you can determine a cheaper Gorilla vacation by the choice of accommodation you choose. Thus, choosing a quality budget accommodation will reduce these costs.

It is possible to get a friendly budget safari lodge with en suite bathrooms, mosquito nets, and a clean environment.

3. Use Public Transport

Private means of transport are quite costly s you will need to hire a driver, or vehicle, or even buy fuel.

Using private means of transport will allow you to save a lot of money.

4. Join a Group Tour

Expenses on a group tour are most times shared among different travelers thus making the Gorilla travels cheaper.

How Many Hours Can One Spend With Mountain Gorillas?

Gorilla treks in Uganda will take about 1 to 8 hours while you trek Mountain Gorillas in the tropical rain forests of either Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga Park.

These Gorilla treks begin from the park headquarters. Despite all these long hours taken trekking the Gorillas, it is an exciting experience when you meet them. You will be allowed to spend one hour with them while in their presence.

This one hour that you spend with the Gorillas is unforgettable as you get to view the animals as they play, eat and care for one other.

The size of the silverback will mesmerize you and you will be allowed to take their photos although flashlight photos are not allowed.

Nonetheless, if you wish to spend more hours with these primates on your Gorilla trek holidays in Uganda, you can undertake the Gorilla habituation experience which will give you 4 hours with the Gorillas.

How Long Are Gorilla Holidays in Uganda? | How Many Days Do You Need for Gorilla Trekking?

Best Gorilla walking holidays on your Uganda safaris usually take more than one day.

The minimum number of days for these Gorilla treks and Gorilla habituation experience is 3 days.

The first day is usually for transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga and the distance is 507km, taking an 11-hour drive.

You can therefore not trek on day 1 since the Mountain Gorilla tracking experience begins at 8 am. Thus, tracking will occur on day 2 and day 3 will be for a transfer back to Kampala or Entebbe.

What Time of the Day are Gorillas Most Active?

Gorillas are diurnal primates that are most active in the morning and late afternoon hours which is why the Gorilla tracking experience occurs in the morning, the best time for Gorilla watching.

This is also emphasized such that you meet them in good moods when they are up at sunrise.

In the morning hours, you will find them searching for food as their leader takes them to the points for feeding.

At about midday, the Gorillas especially the adults rest in their nests while the young ones will remain playing or wrestling with each other.

What is the Best Time of Year to See Gorillas in Uganda? | Which Month is Best for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda? | Uganda Gorilla Trekking Best Time to Go

Any time of the year is good for Gorilla tracking safaris and a Gorilla habituation experience. However, the dry season is the best to go Gorilla seeing which are the months from June to August and December to February.

In this dry season, the tracks for Gorilla treks are dry thus making them easy to pass through and giving amazing photography as there is enough lightening.

However, in this dry season, you may take longer hikes as Gorillas will move deeper into the forest to look for food.

In the wet season, trails are usually slippery and hard to pass through.  The wet season, therefore, runs from March to May and from September to November.

Additionally, the wet season has few tourists who go Gorilla watching in the country thus this can work to your advantage as some costs will reduce. Also, the Gorillas, do not move far distances to look for food as the nearby areas are abundant.

What to Wear For Gorilla Trips in Uganda? | What to Wear For Gorilla Trekking Tours in Uganda?

To have more comfortable Gorilla treks, you will need to choose the best clothes to wear during the activity. Below are some of the clothes that you need before you go Gorilla watching;

Light Hiking Boots: These will help you for easy movement during the long Gorilla treks in the forest. Likewise, they will protect your ankles and feet from being pierced.

Long-sleeved light trousers and shirts: Bright colors usually stress the Gorillas thus, wear dull colors or colors that easily blend with the environment for example Khaki or brown during your Gorilla tracking or habituation.

Likewise, they help to keep you against the weather and bugs from biting your skin.

Garden Gloves: while you are trekking Mountain Gorillas, you may accidentally touch thorny itchy plants but your gloves will protect you all the time.

Sunglasses and a hat: sunglasses will protect your eyes from direct sunlight while Gorilla tracking while the hat will protect your head from direct sunlight.

A rain jacket or Poncho: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga are both tropical rainforests and rain is expected even in the dry season. Your rain jacket or poncho will keep you dry in case it rains when you are trekking Mountain Gorillas.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trips in Uganda?

There are various things that you should pack when you are going on Uganda Gorilla walking safaris. Below are some of these essentials;

Gorilla permits:

This is one of the most important documents that you will need to present at the Park headquarters before beginning your Gorilla tracking or Gorilla habituation experience.

Travelers touring with a tour company can have their tour operators present these Gorilla permits.

A good camera with extra batteries:

This helps take photos or videos of your moments with the Gorillas while Gorilla tracking.

Binoculars:

When you go Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you will find other wildlife like birds, other primates, and wild animals. You may need your binoculars to get clear views of these wildlife.

The poncho/Rain Jacket:

This will keep you and your belonging from getting wet in the rain during your Gorilla tracking experience.

Insect Repellents:

This will keep insects and bugs from biting you as you track the Gorillas.

Bottled Water:

This is to keep you hydrated as you go Gorilla trekking.

Backpack:

This is essential for keeping personal items like sunscreen, cameras, insect repellents, binoculars, etc.

Walking sticks:

It will give you extra support while on the trails especially on the slippery trails as you go Gorilla trekking.

Snacks, packed lunch, and drinking water:

Gorilla treks or the Gorilla habituation experience in Uganda are unpredictable as the time you may take to find the primates range from 2-8 hours. This is why you need to pack your lunch for such emergencies.

Is Gorilla Trekking Safe? | Is it Safe to Trek Gorillas in Uganda

Yes, trekking Gorillas in Uganda is safe because the Mountain Gorillas are habituated, thus are already used to human presence.

Also, you are in the presence of armed rangers who are trained to scare away the Gorillas or other animals in case they attack you.

You will also be required to stand at a safe distance of 8 meters between you and the Mountain Gorillas, thus making the whole experience safe.

For more safety, follow the advice of your guide and ranger and also respect the home of the Gorillas as you are just a visitor.

Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Worth it? | Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Money?

Yes, trekking Gorillas in Uganda is worth the time and money.

When you trek Mountain Gorillas, the experience will leave mesmerized as you will watch the Gorillas feeding, and the young ones playing around. The smile of the silverback is so memorable.

The money that is paid to go Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be used to conserve the Gorillas and other wildlife species. Thus, this experience is truly worth the money.

How Difficult is Gorilla Trekking? | How Difficult is The Gorilla Trek in Uganda? | How Hard is Gorilla Trekking Uganda?

Mountain Gorilla trekking in Uganda is among the top highlights of a Uganda tour and not like the game drive. The Gorilla trek involves moving through the terrains, hills and valleys, and thick vegetation, which makes the hike a bit challenging.

When these gorillas go deeper into the Bwindi forest you will need to move deeper into the forest for long distances. Everyone can have Gorilla trekking holidays also the more fit people will enjoy the experience more.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is thus quite challenging but when you meet the Gorillas, the thrilling excitement will make you forget all the challenges as you will spend an hour with them.

Gorilla Walking Rules and Regulations

Mountain Gorilla trekking rules and regulations are put in place to protect both you and the Gorillas. You should therefore take them seriously as the park rangers will make them clear for you at the park headquarters.

Generally, there are rules that you follow before you go Gorilla trekking in Uganda while others are followed when you meet the Gorillas and they also apply for the Gorilla habituation experience.

Trekking rules before you meet the gorillas;

• Carry your payment receipts and Gorilla permits that you will present to the officials to permit you to go Gorilla trekking in Uganda.
• Please do not track Gorillas in case you have a flu, cough, or any other infectious illness.
• Only those who are 15 years and above are allowed to do Mountain Gorilla trekking in Uganda.
• If you feel like helping yourself, bury the human waste 30cm (12 inches) deep.
• Only a group of 8 people are allowed to visit a Gorilla group.

Rules upon meeting the Gorillas;

• Ensure that you stand 7 meters (21ft) away from the Gorillas.
• Eating, drinking or smoking is not allowed when with the Gorillas to reduce the chances of transmitting diseases to Gorillas and also prevent them from coming closer to get your eats.
• Always cover your mouth and nose or even turn away if you sneeze or cough. This is because Gorillas can get infected with cough and cold.
• You are only permitted an hour with the Gorillas.
• Additionally, do not use flash photography when taking photos of these primates.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Vs Rwanda | Is it Better to See Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda? | Is Uganda or Rwanda Better for Gorilla Trekking?

Uganda and Rwanda are both great destinations for your Gorilla tour holidays with each country offering unique experiences.

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda which is just 113.1 km from Kigali International Airport, is a 2 and half-hour drive, making the Rwandan destination shorter and easier to access. Thus, Rwanda Gorilla trek tours can occur in a minimum of 2 days the distance to Volcanoes National Park is shorter.

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Park on the other hand are 500km from the Entebbe International Airport which will make you have the safari for a minimum of 3 days.

There are 10 Gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda thus 96 Gorilla permits are sold out to visitors every day who would like to visit Rwanda Gorillas. On the other hand, Uganda has 19 habituated Gorilla families thus 160 Gorilla permits are issued every day.

Additionally, the Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs about $700 and to track Rwanda Gorillas, you will purchase the Gorilla permit at $1500 that you can purchase from the Rwanda Development Board. This shows how Uganda is a better destination for your Gorilla trek, especially for travelers on a budget safari.

While Gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda can be merged with wildlife safaris in only Akagera National Park, Uganda on the other hand has 4 beautiful savannah parks where you can have wildlife experiences in addition to the Gorilla tours.

Uganda has more and varied prices of safari lodges to stay in during your Gorilla tracking trips. Rwanda Gorilla trek safaris on the other hand are quite expensive because of the high-end lodges in Volcanoes National Park.

Therefore, comparing these two destinations for Gorilla tour holidays depends on the travelers’ budget and time.  It is easier for visitors to track Gorillas in both these countries after them getting an East African tourist visa.

Why Go for Gorilla Trips in Uganda | Why You Should Trek Gorillas in Uganda

There are various reasons to track Gorillas in the country as it is the best destination for trekking Mountain Gorillas.

These Gorillas stay in two national parks which are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Park.

Below, we look at the reasons why you should go for Gorillas in Uganda;

1. Uganda Protects Half of the World’s Surviving Mountain Gorillas

Both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park have half of the world’s surviving Mountain Gorillas. The large population of these Uganda Gorillas gives you the highest chance of spotting these primates.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has about 19 habituated Gorilla families and each has at least 8 or more members in a group. Mgahinga National Park has only 1 Gorilla family which is the Nyakagezi Gorilla family with 9 members.

This shows how Uganda is the best country for Gorilla watching vacations since 160 Gorilla permits are sold and available every day.

The rest of the Mountain Gorillas are within Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park.

2. Gorilla Holidays in Uganda are Cheaper

This is one of the major reasons why you should track Gorillas in Uganda. Gorilla permits in Uganda are less than half the cost of Rwanda Gorilla permits. Additionally, accommodation facilities in Uganda are also cheaper than those in Rwanda.

Gorilla permits in Uganda are sold at $700 while those in Rwanda are sold at $1500 to track Gorillas only in Volcanoes National Park.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has a way cheaper Gorilla safari cost of $400, but because of the instabilities, it is unsafe to tour this destination unless you have appropriate safe travel tips and plan from a tour operator.

3. Uganda is a Safe Country for All Tourists

Various travelers come to Uganda for various reasons for example business, tourism, leisure, etc. 99% of these travelers stay completely safe till the end of their trip, meaning that you can travel to Uganda any time of the year and remain safe.

Additionally, Uganda has loving and friendly people.

4. Contribute to Gorilla Conservation and Supporting Communities

When you go Gorilla trekking in Uganda, the money collected from buying a Gorilla permit is always used for various Gorilla conservation purposes.

Mountain Gorillas are endangered animal species thus the money collected is also used to monitor, treat and pay rangers who protect them from poachers.

Money gotten from buying a Gorilla permit is also used to support the local communities.

Therefore, going Gorilla trekking in Uganda enables you to help in Gorilla conservation and support local communities.

5. View More Primates on the Gorilla Trek

Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga NP are not only homes to Gorillas but also to other primates that you can view on your Gorilla safari experience.

The primates to view in these destinations include Golden Monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, Baboons, Blue Monkeys, and Red-tailed Monkeys, among others.

6. Combine Gorilla Trips With Other Uganda Safaris

Uganda has 10 national parks and 12 wildlife reserves in addition to other tourist destinations. Tourists on Gorilla tours can easily have Uganda wildlife tours, birding safaris, and Uganda cultural safaris because of the various touristic offers in these sections.

Other safaris that you can have in Uganda include boat cruise safaris, fishing safaris, and many others.

Best Uganda Gorilla Trek Companies for Gorilla Expeditions in Uganda

Various tour operators organize Gorilla holidays in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Park. Below are some of the best tour operators to use during your tours and safaris. Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd is the best Uganda gorilla tour operator in Uganda.

Best Gorilla Safari Packages | Gorilla Safari Tours in Uganda

Gorilla safari packages grant you the chance to meet Gorillas in their natural home. They also lead you to the different national parks of Uganda for memorable African safari experiences to view other wildlife.

During the Gorilla watching tours in Uganda, you will enable to engage in trekking Gorillas in Uganda which is a lifetime experience and excitement will be guaranteed.

Below are the best Gorilla packages in Uganda;

5 Days Uganda Primates Safari

7 Days Uganda Safari

8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari

10 Days Uganda Safari Tour

12 Days Uganda Safari

13 Days Uganda Safari Vacation

14 Days Uganda Safari

16 Days Uganda Safari Trip

18 Days Uganda Safari Tour

Gorilla trips in Uganda are thus the most beautiful destination for trekking Gorillas in Uganda lead you to beautiful jungles for Gorilla seeing and Gorilla habituation experiences.

Your Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda are always combined with Chimpanzee tracking tours or wildlife tours to give you unforgettable memories.

On your Gorilla trip, you can also do wildlife viewing when you visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, a special sight for tree climbing Lions, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park.

Inquire and Book your amazing Gorilla Safari Tours in Uganda today.