Gorilla Trekking in Uganda – Bwindi & Mgahinga Gorilla Safaris in Uganda

Ultimate Guide for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

More than half of the world’s mountain gorillas live in Uganda’s parks. Gorilla permits in Uganda are also cheaper than in other countries, costing $800 each, all year round with no discounts. Besides gorillas, Uganda also has many other things to offer.

You can combine your gorilla safari with wildlife viewing, mountain climbing, chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey trekking, cultural visits, boat trips, nature walks, and exciting activities.

Whether you are on a business trip, honeymoon, family holiday, research trip, summer vacation, winter break, or weekend getaway, the gorilla trekking experience gets better with every step. It gives you a deep and peaceful connection with nature.

Among many safari activities, this one creates special memories that stay with you for a long time.

The Mountain Gorillas of Uganda

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

They are very social and share about 98% of their DNA with humans. They behave in ways that are similar to people.

A group of gorillas is called a family or troop. It is led by a dominant silverback who keeps the group in order, leads them to new areas, protects them from danger, teaches the young, and builds nests.

Female gorillas play a big role in the group. The family also includes young gorillas, black-backs, and babies. There are around 1,060 mountain gorillas left in the world today.

Gorillas usually do not stay more than two nights in one place unless there is a reason.

They eat leaves, fruits, roots, stems, bamboo shoots, and insects found deep in the forest.

They can make more than 27 different sounds to talk, call each other, or play.

Park rangers say silverbacks can lead a group from the age of 12, and females can have babies.

The strength of the silverback helps keep the family together.

Although gorillas are shy and wild, they often ignore visitors and go on with their feeding or moving.

This is why it is important to follow all the instructions given during the pre-trek briefing.

Gorillas show many human-like behaviors, such as tearing leaves, hooting, beating their chests, eating fast, doing somersaults, and running on all fours when they feel danger.

Silverbacks often fight, not with people, but with other silverbacks. These fights can break up groups, cause injuries, and sometimes even death.

About Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking is done on foot deep inside the forest, led by trained park rangers and armed guards. The experience becomes more exciting with time.

Even people with disabilities can take part, if they are fairly fit, enjoy trekking, and love nature.

The trek starts early in the morning with registration and a short briefing at the park headquarters. Here, rangers give important information about the gorillas, the rules of trekking, and what to expect.

The walk through the forest follows the gorillas’ movement. They set the pace of the trek and shape your adventure.

The briefing takes about 30 minutes. The trekking can last between 1 to 8 hours, followed by up to one hour with the gorillas for photos, watching, asking questions, and resting.

The search starts where the gorillas were last seen. Rangers then follow signs like footprints, broken branches, and gorilla calls.

Along the way, you might see other animals like monkeys, chimpanzees, and birds such as turacos.

If the gorillas are not feeding, you may see mothers nursing, young ones playing, or silverbacks guarding the group.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is found in the Kanungu district, in the southwest of Uganda, near the base of the Virunga Mountains. This thick forest is often called impenetrable, but it is open to those who come to see the mountain gorillas. It is one of the best places in the world to see these great apes and has the highest number of mountain gorillas.

The park lies along the Albertine Rift, on the western side of the East African Rift Valley. It was established in 1991 and later became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi takes place in four main sectors. The Buhoma sector has five families: Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Katwe, and Muyambi. The Nkuringo sector has the Nkuringo family and the Christmas group. The other two sectors are Rushaga and Ruhija.

To avoid delays, it is best to sleep near the sector where your trekking will take place.

Travelers can reach Bwindi by road or air. By road, it takes about 9 to 10 hours from Kampala, 3 to 4 hours from Kigali in Rwanda, and a few hours from Queen Elizabeth National Park through the Ishasha sector.

More than 36 permits are issued each day for people aged 15 and above. The gorilla families in Bwindi are said to behave differently from those in other parks in Uganda or nearby countries.

Trekking starts early in the morning and can last several hours. During the trek, you may also see chimpanzees, birds, and other animals in the forest.

Besides gorilla trekking, you can also enjoy bird watching, visit the Batwa community, take guided nature walks, or go to Lake Bunyonyi, which is about a 2-hour drive from the park.

It is possible to do a one-day gorilla trek from Rwanda, but this is not possible from Kampala due to the long distance.

The park has many types of wildlife, a cool climate, and good places to stay.

Each sector offers a different experience, so if time allows, visiting more than one sector is a great option.

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

About a quarter of the mountain gorilla population lives in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It is found in the southwest of Uganda, at the base of the Virunga Mountains, which stretch across three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The park was created in 1991 and is home to many types of plants and animals.

Next to Mgahinga is Virunga National Park in eastern Congo. At the moment, there is only one gorilla family open for trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

This is a friendly family known for being active and close to each other. In the past, they used to cross into Congo, making it hard to find them. This no longer happens.

Today, visitors have about a 95% chance of seeing the group while they feed, rest, or groom each other in the forest.

The gates open early in the morning. The trek usually takes 1 to 8 hours, plus one extra hour spent with the gorillas for watching and taking photos.

There is a team that helps track the gorillas to make sure visitors find them.

The Nyakagezi gorilla family has around nine members, although this number can change.

Some of the known members include Nvukagezi, Mathew, Bugingo, baby Rukundo, Mutagambo, and Nshuti. Mark is said to be the current leader, taking over from Bugingo.

Only eight gorilla trekking permits are given out each day, and they can be booked up to 24 hours before trekking.

Please note that permits can only be bought at the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices in Kampala. They are no longer sold at the park office in Ntebeko.

Other Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Other activities in the park include golden monkey trekking, bird watching, meeting the Batwa people, mountain hiking, and guided nature walks.

Those who want to trek gorillas in Mgahinga, one of the most peaceful and quiet places in Uganda, can reach the park by road or by air from Kampala or Kigali, Rwanda.

Flights are available from Kajjansi Airstrip or Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip. By road, it takes about 9 hours to drive from Kampala, the capital of Uganda.

Things to Avoid on a Ugandan Gorilla Trekking Safari

• Do not arrive late. The trek does not wait, and the permit fee is not refundable.
• Avoid visiting during months with heavy rain.
• Do not book a lodge far from the trekking point.
• Never forget your gorilla trekking permit.
• Always wear the right trekking clothes and shoes.
• Do not use fake documents.
• Never tease or disturb the gorillas.

This is a rare and special adventure. Make sure to follow the rules and never go trekking alone.

Dos & Don’ts of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

• Gorilla trekking permits are valid only on the day of your trek, and the fee is non-refundable.
• Always wash your hands before you meet the gorillas.
• Follow all instructions given by the park rangers.
• Do not go off the trail, create new paths, or leave waste in the forest.
• Never feed the gorillas.
• Stay at least 7 meters away from the gorillas at all times.
• Keep your voice low and avoid making noise.
• Do not look directly into the gorillas’ eyes for a long time.
• Smoking is not allowed in the jungle.
• Do not copy the gorillas’ sounds or actions.
• Do not use flash when taking photos or videos.
• If you need to cough, cover your mouth with your elbow to avoid spreading illness to the gorillas.

After spending a maximum of one hour with the gorillas, return to the park office to receive your certificate. You can then have lunch at the lodge or begin your journey back.

The jungle is safe, and the gorillas are not dangerous to visitors.

Gorilla Trekking Cost in Uganda

Gorilla trekking permits are required for both trekking destinations in Uganda. The cost is $800 for foreign non-residents, $800 for foreign residents, and 300,000 UGX for East African residents.

This price includes park entry and payment for park rangers, but it does not cover accommodation, transport, or other activities and services.

The money from permit sales supports conservation to help protect gorillas for future generations.

Once you buy a permit, it cannot be refunded or used on a different date. It is valid for one trek only.

Even though permit prices are fixed, there are safari packages that can be adjusted to suit travelers on a tight budget who still want to see gorillas in the wild.

Who Can Track Gorillas in Uganda?

Anyone who is 15 years or older and has a valid gorilla trekking permit can take part. Visitors are welcome from any country.

Special arrangements are available for people with disabilities in both parks.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking

Many travelers ask what to carry for a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda.

Most of the important items can fit into a 50 kg backpack. You should pack:

• Your passport
• Visa
• Yellow fever vaccination card (if required)
• Negative Covid-19 test result
• Strong hiking boots
• Warm clothes
• Gloves
• Insect repellent
• Hat
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Sleeping bag
• Long trousers and shirts
• Sanitary towels (for ladies)
• Small first aid kit

Porters are available to help carry your bag if needed.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking is done all year, but some months are better than others.

If you want dry weather and a better chance to find the gorillas after a short walk, the best time is from June to September and in December.

Travelers on a budget may choose other months, even though it rains more, because accommodation and tour packages are cheaper during those times.

Accommodation & Where to Stay

It is best to spend the night before and after your trekking experience close to the park. There are many places to stay, from budget lodges and homesteads to luxury hotels and campsites.

For Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, make sure to book a lodge in the same sector where your gorilla trek will start.

Other Safari Activities in Uganda

Apart from gorilla trekking, Uganda offers other exciting activities. These include:

• Game drives
• Mountain hiking
• Bird watching
• Cultural visits
• White water rafting
• Bungee jumping
• Chimpanzee trekking

Gorilla trekking is one of the top safari experiences in Uganda. It allows visitors to enjoy the sounds and sights of the forest and meet gorillas in their natural home.

Uganda is a safe and welcoming place, and this is a great reason to book your safari.

Make your Uganda safari one to remember.