Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla tracking is typically a highlight of any safari in Uganda and its major drawcard. It offers the rare opportunity of meeting the endangered mountain gorillas face-to-face in their natural habitat. Seeing these animals up-close is life-transforming and one of the most popular activities to add to your itinerary.

What is gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking is a guided hike through dense forests to see a family of habituated mountain gorillas. The activity involves walking over steep hills, dense foliage, and streams with a machete-wielding guide in the tropical rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or the Virunga Mountain Ranges.

While gorilla tracking in Uganda is thrilling and unforgettable, it is an expensive activity in terms of costs and physically demanding (requires strenuous hiking) to reach areas where mountain gorillas live.

What to expect when gorilla trekking in Uganda

Mountain gorillas can only be seen by trekking into their natural habitat since they do not thrive in captivity. Daily treks usually begin at 8 a.m. at the visitor center where you are divided into small groups of eight individuals, an experienced tracker, and two armed rangers for purposes of safety since you’ll be moving in untamed areas with potential risks.

The ranger guides lead the way, usually with a machete to clear the path. The hike can take anywhere between 2 and 6 hours (round-trip) depending on where the gorillas nested the previous night. Once you find a habituated family, you will be allowed one hour with them, observing from a safe but intimate distance of 7 meters.

Unnecessary movement and conversations when in their presence are usually prohibited for your safety as well as the gorillas. Please read more about what to expect when gorilla trekking.

How many mountain gorillas are in Uganda?

Uganda is home to roughly 500 mountain gorillas which is more than half the population of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making Uganda the single most important habitat for these majestic creatures. Mountain gorillas are one of the world’s rare and critically endangered species and trekking them in the wild is not only awe-inspiring but also one of the world’s premier wildlife experiences.

Where can you see gorillas in Uganda?

In Uganda, you can see mountain gorillas in two locations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These two incredible parks are located in southwestern Uganda, next to each other.

While there are 160 gorilla trekking permits available per day across all sectors combined, most travelers prefer Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Mgahinga because it has more gorilla families and trekking permits.

How much is gorilla trekking in Uganda?

The cost of gorilla tracking in Uganda depends on factors such as the cost of a permit, accommodation, transport, meals and duration of the trip. A trekking permit costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens.

A full 3-day gorilla budget safari with basic accommodation typically starts at USD 1,200 per person, while luxury options can exceed USD 5,000. Gorilla trekking is generally an expensive activity because of the high cost of a permit which increases its overall cost.

The proceeds from gorilla permits directly contribute to the conservation and protection of these endangered species in their natural habitat.

How can you get a gorilla permit in Uganda?

You can obtain a gorilla permit in Uganda by purchasing it directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Kampala. However, to avoid the long queues and bureaucratic hurdles, we recommend buying through a reliable tour operator. They will include it as part of the entire safari package, making it a much more convenient alternative.

Due to limited availability, it is advisable to book at least 12 months in advance. It will give you quick access to the park to trek the gentle giants.

What is the minimum age for gorilla tracking in Uganda?

15 years is the minimum age for gorilla tracking in Uganda, a rule strictly enforced by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a government agency responsible for wildlife conservation and protected areas. The applicant’s passport date of birth is used to verify the age. Trekkers have to be physically capable and mature enough to follow the rules and regulations of trekking. It ensures the safety of both trekking travelers and the gorillas.

Children under 15 can still trek gorillas but their parents will be required to sign a letter of consent before they embark on the activity.

Is gorilla trekking in Uganda safe?

Yes, gorilla tracking in Uganda is widely considered a safe activity because you’ll be seeing a habituated family of gorillas that are used to human presence. Besides, the Ugandan Wildlife Authority and various conservation organizations have established measures to ensure the safety of both visitors and the gorillas.

Visitors usually go through a mandatory safety briefing before the trek and are led into the forest in groups of 8 by an expert ranger guide and two armed rangers for protection against dangerous animals or attacking gorillas.

When is the best time for gorilla tracking in Uganda?

The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the long dry season from June to September and the short dry season from December to February. Many travelers prefer to travel during these months because they provide favorable conditions for trekking. The trails are generally drier, the ground is less slippery and it is also less likely to rain.

What should I wear for gorilla trekking in Uganda?

You should wear or pack the following for gorilla trekking in Uganda;

• Sturdy hiking boots with good traction
• Long pants and sleeves to protect against scratches and insect bites
• A rain jacket and sweater
• Lightweight and breathable clothing that protects you from the elements
• A hat
• Sunglasses and a sunscreen
• A camera with a strong battery and memory
• binoculars
• Walking stick
• A headband and hair ties
• Toiletries

Proper preparation for what to wear or carrying these items will make for a safe and comfortable gorilla trekking expedition in Uganda. Read more about what to pack and wear for gorilla trekking.

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