Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Uganda is home to half the world's Mountain Gorilla population. Seeing these animals up close in their natural habitat is one of the most impressive wildlife encounters in Africa. …
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most popular gorilla trekking destination in Uganda. Within the dense thicket, 18 families of Mountain Gorilla roam.
Gorilla trekking is hard work, but the rewards are immense.
Adult Gorilla photographed by the habituation team.
Uganda is home to half the world's mountain gorillas.
The Gorillas roam in small familial groups.
Arriving at Bwindi on Cessna Caravan light aircraft.
The habituated Gorillas are shy and docile, despite their strength.
Mother keeping watchful eye on her young.
Gorillas are found deep within the thickets of Bwindi.
Uganda is home to the largest and most closely monitored community of mountain gorillas, split across two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Bwindi alone is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Finding these beasts in the dense forest is no easy task, and gorilla treks here can last 7 hours or more.
However, those who persevere are rewarded with an exceptional experience. Getting up close to these animals in the wild is arguable the most impressive wildlife encounter in the world.
Environmentalists estimate that in the 1980s there were only 254 mountain gorillas left in the world, but thanks to massive conservation efforts financed by gorilla trekking, their numbers have steadily increased.
A gorilla in Bwindi, relaxing in the sun
Two tours run daily from the base camp, usually starting at 09:00 or 14:15 and are limited to groups of eight.
The limit on group size is to keep to gorillas safe from any airborne pathogens, but also to increase the chances of sightings, as larger groups often scare off these (surprisingly) timid animals.
From the onset, the imposing southwestern sloped hills and terraced volcanoes prove a formidable adversary. This is gorilla territory, and access requires hiking through the thick, triffid-like tangles of vegetation, up muddy hills and down into craggy valleys.
The high altitude and testing terrain make the journey tiresome, but the rewards all the more magical.
The habituated Gorillas are shy and docile, despite their strength.
Once contact is made, there is usually a silent wait, deep within the dense foliage, as the gorilla’s edge closer.
When they do emerge, seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat, the verdant forest providing the perfect backdrop, is a truly breathtaking experience.
Any silence is soon broken by the rustling of leaves as the gorillas wander and play, and the calls, whistles, and whoops of thousands of animal species for miles around provides the perfect sound-track.
Once contact is made, you have up to one hour to spend with the gorillas. If you wanted to spend longer, you can take part in a gorilla habituation experience, and spend up to 4 hours with these gentle giants.
Baby gorillas are naturally very playful and inquisitive.
Gorillas can be tracked year-round, although the rainy season makes for more challenging treks. There are two rainy seasons in Uganda, one from March to May and another from October to November. There are benefits to visiting during the rainy seasons, but the rains do make for tougher treks.
All gorilla trekkers need to obtain a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. These current rates for permits is $700 per person at time of writing, and while they used to be cheaper in the rainy season, this is no longer the case.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda remains significantly cheaper than in neighbouring Rwanda, where permits cost an eye-watering $1,500 year-round.
Uganda is home to half the world's Mountain Gorilla population. Seeing these animals up close in their natural habitat is one of the most impressive wildlife encounters in Africa. …
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park have excellent gorilla populations, and gorilla permits here are much cheaper than in neighbouring …
The Gorilla Habituation Experience gives you the chance to spend 4 hours in the company of the Mountain Gorillas in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You'll trek into the…
The best time to visit the gorillas in Uganda is from June to August, and again from December to February. These are the driest months in Uganda which makes trekking much easier, …
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to an estimated 400 gorillas. To visit them, you’ll need to secure a permit, issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to 19 habituated gorilla families, and over half of the world's wild gorilla population.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most popular travel destination in Uganda, and there are a number of great accommodation options in and around the park. Which …
Bwindi Impenetrable National park in the southwest of Uganda is home to over half the world's Mountain Gorilla population. Previously the journey to Bwindi was long and difficult, …
The best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is between June and August, and then again in December through to February. These are the driest months, with the best …
The physical variation, biodiversity, natural beauty and fascinating cultures found in and around Bwindi make it a wonderful place to visit. While the average stay is only two or …
Blanketed by one of Africa's oldest rainforests, Bwindi's misty hills are a sanctuary for many rare and endangered species, including almost half the world's mountain gorilla …
Most gorilla trekkers include the experience as part of a wider itinerary in Uganda, but it is possible to do standalone gorilla fly-in expeditions if you're short on time.
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
Combine chimp trekking in Kibale Forest with mountain gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A well-paced highlights tour unlocking some of Uganda's most impressive experiences. Consider breaking up the journey from Kibale to Bwindi with a classic safari at…
If you had the chance to trek through lush forests; to stand metres away from a family of Mountain Gorillas - deep in the heart of Central Africa - would you take it? This 4-day adventure works great as a…
Combine gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with beautiful lakeside retreats at Lake Mutanda. Tough treks and primate encounters paired with idyllic, calming lakes and oases make for an unforgettable experience in this remote pocket of Uganda.…
Board a Cessna light aircraft and head into the southwestern pocket of Uganda. Trek through the forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in search of the mountain gorillas. Retreat to luxury lodges for sundowners and delicious food. Hard days, soft…
Spend 4 hours in the company of a gorilla family by joining the habituation trek. Combined with a luxury safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park, this trip offers truly once-in-a-lifetime wildlife…
Combine safaris in Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park with a 4 day gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Top and tail with overnights in the bustling capital of Kampala.…
Trek the Rwenzori Mountains where forests morph into ice-clad mountain peaks, cut through jungle thickets to hang out with mountain gorillas, and finish your trip relaxing lakeside amongst the staggering beauty of Lake Mutanda. This is Uganda.…
Two visits to the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, moving through the forest along the most awesome trekking routes, and staying the night at the best lodges and exclusive camps in the park. This is Uganda gorilla trekking at…
Travel to the farthest corners of Uganda where towering volcanoes mark the border between the thick jungles of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the untamed vastness of central Africa. After trekking the gorillas in Mgahinga, head inland for a couple…
Open top road trips looping through Uganda's epic southwestern pocket; this is the safari adventure of your imagination. Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, go in search of gorillas in Bwindi, cruise the savannah plains of Queens, and look out for…
The full western circuit complete with luxury lodges, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, and the best safaris Uganda has to offer. Close out your adventure with kayaking and canoeing on the rapids of the river Nile.…
The quintessence of Ugandan exploration. Start your adventure in the wild Kidepo Valley in the northern tip of Uganda before weaving down to meet the gorillas in southwestern jungles. Epic landscapes, incredible safaris, and luxury lodges; this is a proper…
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
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