The low-down on gorilla safaris in Uganda
Spend time with some of the last remaining mountain gorillas in the dense Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
A Mountain Gorilla tracking holiday in Uganda is often described as ‘the most magical wildlife experience on earth’. In small groups you will visit these critically endangered primates in their own terrain and come face to face with a silverback and his family. It’s something that stays with you for the rest of your life and is one of Africa’s 'must do' experiences. Permits are based on a first come first served basis and sell out very quickly so be sure to book early.
The last remaining 600 mountain gorillas live high up on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda, and the dense Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. These are the best places in the world to see these incredible animals.
In Bwindi, you and seven other guests are escorted up the mountain by a guide, in search of your designated gorilla family. The going can fairly strenuous, but the guides are well versed in setting the pace to match the slowest hiker. You’ll trek up the side of this famous volcano range along narrow pathways that have been cut away by your guides through the thick vegetation – hence the name ‘Impenetrable Forest’. The length of the trek depends on where the gorillas have spent the night, as these animals have no boundaries and are 100% wild. A basic level of fitness is required but it is very unusual for someone to find the trek too arduous. There are also porters for hire, which we recommend as it means that you can enjoy the trek without lugging your day pack and camera equipment up the slopes, and it helps boost the local economy too.
Upon reaching the gorillas, your guide will communicate with the Silverback using guttural noises, and once the head of the family has given the group his blessing with more grunts you are welcome in. You have one magical hour spent in close proximity to the gorillas. You’ll be up to six metres away from the individuals, watching their movements and interactions. The mothers will be grooming the babies, and some of the adolescents might be making mischief, whilst the huge silverback watches over his family. The gorilla family mimics the social roles we are all familiar with as humans. As with anything in nature, sightings cannot be guaranteed but the success rate is close to 100%. It really is a once in a lifetime experience, unless of course you take our advice and have booked two treks in a row!
For those that want a bit more than an hour, a day’s habituation visit can be arranged where you will go and sit with a guide who is in the process of habituating a family of gorillas. These do not occur every day and like the normal gorilla experiences have to be booked in advance.
We use a number of very comfortable lodges, most within walking distance of the park headquarters, which means we will make sure this a luxury experience as well as a rewarding one.
PERMIT COSTS
Permits in Uganda are $600 per person in Uganda and $1500 per person in Rwanda. There is very little difference between the 2 experiences apart from that the trekking is possibly slightly tougher in Uganda. For conservation purposes, a limited number of permits are issued each day, and are sold on a first come first served basis.
Gorilla permits in Uganda will increase to $700 per permit from 1st July 2020.
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Active Uganda - Gorillas, Chimps and Big Game
- Entebbe
- Bwindi
- Kisoro
The best of Uganda's Mountain Gorillas, Forest Chimps and Big Game mixed with activities to explore the surrounding area on foot
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Holidays, Trips and Tours Ideas
Our Uganda gorilla trekking expert, Ruth, says:
“Gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of those rare experiences that feels almost impossible to put into words until you’re there. Spending time quietly observing a gorilla family in Bwindi, watching the silverback keep a gentle watch while the younger ones play, is both moving and humbling. That first moment of seeing the gorillas up close, often just a few metres away, is incredibly powerful and stays with people long after they return home. Small groups, experienced trackers and a thoughtfully paced trek ensure the experience feels personal rather than rushed, even as you move through dense rainforest in search of your designated family. I always recommend booking early, as permits are limited and understandably in high demand.”
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Lodges and Camps
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Holidays FAQs
Planning a Uganda gorilla trekking holiday? Our experts share advice on everything from what to pack, when to go, to tips for families, covering the questions we get asked the most.
Where are the best places to see mountain gorillas in Uganda?
The best location in Uganda is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a vast, ancient rainforest where several habituated gorilla families live. Across the border, the slopes of the Virunga Mountains (particularly in Rwanda) also offer exceptional sightings, but Bwindi remains Uganda’s primary and most celebrated trekking destination.
How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost?
Permits in Uganda currently cost around USD 700 per person (subject to change). These fees contribute directly to conservation and community projects. Permits are limited and issued on a first-come, first-served basis, so we always recommend booking well in advance.
How big are the trekking groups?
Yes. With a trusted guide and a well-planned itinerary, families can explore comfortably. Lodges in key safari areas are used to welcoming children and offer secure, relaxed environments.
What’s the minimum age for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking?
Children must be 15 or over to trek with gorillas, and 12 or over to trek with chimpanzees. Families with younger children can enjoy safaris, cultural activities, and adventure-based experiences instead.
How difficult is the trek? Do I need to be very fit?
A reasonable level of fitness is helpful, as treks can be strenuous and involve steep, uneven terrain through dense forest. However, the pace is always set to match the slowest walker, and most people with moderate fitness manage well. Porters are available and highly recommended, both to ease the walk and to support local livelihoods.
How long do you spend with the gorillas?
Once you locate your assigned family, you are allowed one unforgettable hour with them. You will usually be around six metres away, observing natural behaviours such as grooming, feeding, and playful interactions between younger gorillas.
Are sightings guaranteed?
While sightings can never be absolutely guaranteed as the gorillas are fully wild, success rates are extremely high, close to 100%. Experienced trackers set out early each morning to locate the families, greatly increasing the chances of a successful encounter.
Can you spend longer than one hour with the gorillas?
Yes. A special habituation experience can sometimes be arranged, allowing you to spend extended time with a gorilla family that is in the process of becoming accustomed to human presence. These permits are limited and must be booked well in advance, but they offer a deeper, more immersive experience for keen wildlife enthusiasts.
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Alistair
