Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of the world’s most unforgettable wildlife adventures. Deep in the misty rain forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, visitors hike through dense jungle trails to spend one magical hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family. This experience offers not just a safari, but a profound encounter with one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.

Where to Go for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Home to 17 habituated gorilla families spread across four trail heads: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.
Offers diverse trekking options, ranging from easy to challenging hikes.
Bwindi is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its biodiversity and scenic landscapes.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Part of the Virunga Mountains and home to the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family.
Provides a more intimate experience due to fewer visitors.
Also offers golden monkey tracking and spectacular volcano hikes.

The Gorilla Trekking Experience

Guided Jungle Hike

Your journey begins with a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Guided by expert trackers, you will navigate through thick rain forest vegetation in search of the gorillas.

Duration

The trek can take 40 minutes to several hours, depending on where the gorillas are. Along the way, you’ll encounter other primates, birds, and beautiful jungle scenery.

The Gorilla Encounter

Once located, your group of eight people will spend one full hour observing the gorillas, watching them feed, play, groom, and interact in their natural environment.

Gorilla Habituation Experience

For those who want more, Uganda offers a unique Gorilla Habituation Experience, where you spend up to 4 hours with a wild gorilla family as they gradually become accustomed to human presence.

Key Details You Need to Know

Gorilla Permit Cost in Uganda: $800 per person.
Group Size: Maximum of 8 trekkers per gorilla family.
Assistance: Walking sticks and porters are available for hire to help with carrying your backpack or navigating steep sections of the trail.
Certificate: After your trek, you’ll receive a certificate of participation, a keepsake of your achievement.

Combining Gorilla Trekking with Other Experiences

Cultural Immersion

Enhance your gorilla trekking safari with a visit to the Batwa people, indigenous forest dwellers who share their ancient traditions, hunting techniques, and music.

Other Primate Tracking

Golden Monkey Tracking–Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Chimpanzee Trekking– Kibale National Park or Budongo Forest.

Wider Safaris in Uganda

After gorilla trekking, many travelers combine their trip with:

Queen Elizabeth National Park–famous tree-climbing lions and boat cruises on the Kazinga channel.
Murchison Falls National Park–Uganda’s largest park, home to elephants, giraffes, lions, and the mighty Murchison Falls.