Explore Uganda’s Premier Gorilla Trekking Safaris

Of all the trips we have organized and shared with the world, gorilla trekking demands precision because every aspect of it contributes to a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

This article aims to ensure that things are done correctly, sparing you from expending excessive effort only to receive minimal returns and wasting valuable time and money.

For the sake of fun, lifelong memories, and a fulfilling vacation experience, a gorilla trekking safari is an opportunity not to be missed.

The call of the silverbacks, a sound like no other, heightens adrenaline as you step into a unique world, walking amidst these majestic apes in their natural habitat.

Observing them play, swing from branches, and feed offers an unparalleled experience. Many features of mountain gorillas closely resemble those of humans.

There are three distinct species of gorillas worldwide: the western, eastern lowland, and mountain gorillas.

These creatures do not inhabit zoos but reside within the tropical rain-forests of East and Central Africa, specifically in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Uganda is home to half of the mountain gorilla population, some of which are reportedly distinct and unique compared to those in other destinations.

Whether it’s during a business trip, honeymoon, family retreat, research expedition, summer vacation, winter break, or weekend getaway, the gorilla trekking experience improves with each step, offering uninterrupted immersion.

Among numerous safari experiences, this tailored adventure creates unforgettable memories, enriching your life for years to come.

About Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

Mountain gorillas are primates with large bodies covered entirely by thick fur, except for their eyes, thumbs, and toes.

They are highly social creatures, sharing approximately 98% of their DNA with humans and displaying similar attributes.

A group of gorillas is referred to as a family or troop, led by a dominant silverback responsible for maintaining discipline, leading the group to different territories, defending against threats, teaching jungle tactics to infants, and building nests.

Female gorillas dominate the groups, which also consist of infants, black-backs, and various youngsters. Currently, there are an estimated total of 1060 mountain gorilla species worldwide.

Gorillas typically do not spend more than two nights in one territory, except under special circumstances.

They primarily feed on foliage, fruits, roots, stems, bamboo shoots, and insects deep within the jungle.

Gorillas are capable of producing over 27 distinct sounds for communication within their territories, calling out to each other or playing.

Park rangers state that silverbacks can assume leadership roles from the age of 12, while females are capable of giving birth.

The cohesion of a troop depends on the strength and influence of the leading silverback.

Although gorillas are wild and shy creatures, they often act as if they haven’t noticed visitors while feeding or moving.

Therefore, it’s crucial to follow all instructions provided during the pre-trekking briefing.

Despite this, they exhibit beautiful and captivating behaviors, resembling humans in many ways, including tearing leaves, hooting, chest-beating, rapid eating, somersaulting, and running on all fours as a response to perceived threats.

Most silverbacks are known for engaging in fights, not with visitors, but with fellow silverbacks, often resulting in group splintering, injuries, and occasionally, fatalities.

About Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Conducted on foot deep within the forest under the guidance of experienced park rangers and armed security personnel, gorilla trekking becomes increasingly rewarding with each passing moment.

Even individuals with disabilities can encounter these apes in their natural habitat with a moderate level of fitness, a passion for trekking, and love for wildlife.

The day’s adventure begins at dawn with registration and a pre-trekking briefing at the park headquarters, where park rangers provide detailed information about the gorillas, including their history, trekking rules and regulations, and unique features.

The jungle experience unfolds to the rhythm of the gorillas, dictating the trekking pace, conversations, and laughter.

While the briefing lasts about 30 minutes, the actual trekking lasts approximately 1-8 hours, followed by a maximum hour for photography, observation, Q&A sessions, and relaxation.

As you venture into the jungle, the initial stop is where the apes were last sighted, followed by tracking their footprints, broken branches, and vocalizations.

Along the way, you may encounter various unique primates, birds, and forest mammals, including monkeys, chimpanzees, and turacos.

If the gorillas are not foraging, you may witness mothers nursing infants, young ones playing, and silverbacks patrolling their territory.

Things to Avoid on a Ugandan Gorilla Trekking Safari

• Avoid poor time management, as gorilla trekking is never postponed, and permit fees are non-refundable for cancellations, delays, or no-shows.
• Avoid choosing a month with heavy rainfall for your trip.
• Avoid staying overnight in a lodge far from the trekking area.
• Never forget your gorilla trekking permit.
• Ensure you wear appropriate trekking attire.
• Do not forge documents for trekking.
• Avoid provoking the apes in their territory.

Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and never trek alone.

About Uganda Gorilla Trekking Destinations

Once referred to as “the pearl of Africa” by British wartime minister Winston Churchill in his book “My African Journey,” Uganda stands as one of the world’s finest destinations.

It boasts thriving gorilla trekking safaris among its premier safari adventures, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences.

Uganda, a small landlocked country in East Africa, shares borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Kenya, and Tanzania, among others.

Visitors are welcome to interact in various languages while in the country, including Luganda in the central region, English nationwide, and Swahili, among others.

Additionally, experienced tour guides fluent in languages such as Chinese, German, French, or English, among others, can be assigned upon request.

Uganda is renowned for its diverse attractions, including the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha Sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the River Nile – the world’s longest river, Murchison Falls National Park – home to the most powerful waterfalls on earth, the snow-capped Mount Rwenzori, three-horned chameleons, Lake Victoria – the third-largest freshwater lake globally, the elusive shoebill stork, warm hospitality, safety, lip-smacking cuisines, and favorable weather.

Visitors often leave Uganda with a promise of return, having experienced its wonders in every way imaginable.

Dos and Don’ts of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

• Gorilla trekking permits are valid only for the day of trekking, and fees are non-refundable.
• Wash hands before encountering the apes.
• Follow instructions from park rangers.
• Do not trespass, create paths, or leave human waste uncovered.
• Do not feed the apes.
• Maintain a distance of 7 meters from the gorillas.
• Keep noise levels to a minimum.
• Avoid prolonged eye contact with mountain gorillas.
• No smoking in the jungle.
• Do not imitate the apes.
• Do not use flashlights while taking photos or videos.
• Cover your mouth with your elbow when coughing to prevent spreading infectious illnesses to the gorillas.

After spending a maximum of one hour with the apes, return to the park headquarters for a certificate before enjoying lunch at the lodge or departing.

The jungle is safe, and gorillas pose no threat to visitors.

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

A quarter of the mountain gorilla population calls this park home. It is located south of the western part of Uganda at the foothills of the giant Virunga Chain Mountains, sprawling through three East and Central African countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The park was established in 1991 and is blessed with a wide range of biodiversity, flora, and fauna.

Adjacent to Mgahinga National Park is Virunga National Park, located in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. As of today, there is only one gorilla family open for trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

It is a very friendly family known for its fun, active members and unity. In the past, the group used to move to the neighboring country, Congo, making the chances of meeting them very minimal—an act that has now ceased.

Visitors now have a 95% chance of encountering this group roaming freely, feeding, relaxing, or grooming in their territory.

Gates open very early in the morning, with the trekking exercise lasting approximately 1-8 hours, plus an extra hour for observation.

There is always a well-connected tracking team ensuring you meet these giant apes.

The Nyakagezi gorilla family has about nine members, a number that fluctuates over time.

Some of the members include Nvukagezi gorilla, Mathew, Bugingo gorilla, baby Rukundo, Mutagambo, and Nshuti. Mark is reportedly the current leader, having overthrown Bugingo.

About eight gorilla trekking permits are available each day and can be obtained up to 24 hours before the trekking time.

Please note that gorilla permits can only be purchased at Uganda Wildlife Authority offices in Kampala and not at the park headquarters in Ntebeko, as was previously the case.

Other activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Other activities in Mgahinga National Park include, among others, golden monkey trekking, bird watching, Batwa pygmy encounters, mountain hiking, and guided nature walks.

Those interested in gorilla trekking at Mgahinga, the most isolated, stunning, and tranquil destination in the country, can access the park either by air or road from Kampala city or Kigali, Rwanda.

Flights are available from Kajjansi Airstrip or Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip. By road, it takes about 9 hours from Kampala, the country’s capital city.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Located in the Kanungu district in the southwestern part of Uganda at the base of the vast Virunga Chain Mountains, the impenetrable yet penetrable rainforest of Bwindi National Park is a true gorilla haven.

One of the finest destinations, it boasts the highest concentration of mountain gorillas.

The park lies at the boundary of the Albertine Rift at the western wing of the East African Rift valley and was established in 1991, later declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are four sectors in Bwindi from which gorilla trekking is conducted: Buhoma sector with five gorilla families, namely Mubare troop, Habinyanja family, Rushegura troop, Katwe groups, and Muyambi group; Nkuringo group with Nkuringo family and Christmas troop; Rushaga sector; and Ruhija sector.

To ensure you catch the briefing on time, it is advisable to spend the night in the sector where the trekking is scheduled.

Those intending to track gorillas in Bwindi can access the park by air or road. By road, it is a 9-10-hour drive from Kampala city, a 3-4-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda, and also from Queen Elizabeth National Park through the Ishasha sector.

Over thirty-six permits are available per day for individuals aged 15 years and older. The gorilla groups in this park are reportedly distinct from those in other destinations within and outside Uganda.

Trekking activities commence early in the morning and last for hours, offering encounters with other park residents such as chimpanzees, birds, and forest mammals.

Besides gorilla trekking, visitors can engage in bird watching, cultural encounters with the Batwa pygmies, guided nature walks, and enjoy Lake Bunyonyi—a magnificent site just a 2-hour drive from Bwindi.

While it is possible to have a one-day gorilla trekking safari from Rwanda, the same is not possible from Kampala.

The park is blessed with a wide range of biodiversity, a cool climate, and unmatched accommodation facilities.

Each sector is unique, and instead of settling for just one, trying families from other sectors is also a good idea.

Gorilla Trekking Cost in Uganda

Trekking permits are mandatory in both destinations, with uniform prices: $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and 2500 UGX for East African residents.

This price includes park entrance and payment to the park rangers but excludes accommodation, transportation, several other activities, and services.

The funds are allocated to conservation efforts to ensure future generations can enjoy this unique experience.

Once purchased, permits are non-refundable or exchangeable for alternative trekking dates. They are one-time documents.

Though permit prices are fixed, it is possible to tailor packages to accommodate budget travelers for an encounter with their relatives in their natural habitat.

Who Qualifies to Track Gorillas in Uganda?

Anyone aged 15 years and above with a valid trekking permit is welcome from any part of the world.

Special arrangements are made for the disabled in both parks.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking?

This is a common question among those planning a safari adventure in Uganda.

However, for gorilla trekking, there’s no need to stress because many essentials can fit into a 50 kg backpack, including your passport, visa, yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable), a negative Covid-19 test result, sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, gloves, insect repellent, a hat, a professional camera for photography, binoculars, a sleeping bag, long pants and shirts, sanitary towels for ladies, and a first aid kit for emergencies.

Porters are available to assist with carrying the load.

Best Time to do Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

While gorilla trekking is available year-round, some seasons are better than others.

For those who prefer dry weather and higher chances of encountering the apes after a shorter search, June to September and December are the most ideal months.

Budget travelers may opt for other months despite the frequent showers because of the great discounts on accommodation and packages.

Accommodation and Where to Stay

Spending a night before and after gorilla trekking is part of the trip experience. Accommodation facilities are available in both destinations, ranging from budget to luxury lodges, homesteads, campsites, and hotels.

For Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it is advisable to book accommodation in the sector where you intend to track gorillas.

Other Safari Activities in Uganda

Besides gorilla trekking, visitors can enjoy game drives, mountain hiking, bird watching, cultural encounters, white water rafting, bungee jumping, and chimpanzee trekking.

Gorilla trekking is a unique prime safari experience in Uganda, offering unforgettable sounds and sights.

The destination is exciting, safe, and open to visitors globally, making it a compelling reason to book your safari.

Make your safari one worth remembering!

Useful links:

• https://www.bwindiforestnationalpark.com/
• https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/682/
• https://ugandawildlife.org/national-parks/bwindi-impenetrable-national-park/