Gorilla trekking in Uganda is the reason many travellers visit the Pearl of Africa. In fact, Uganda protects close to half of the world’s mountain gorillas. You can meet them in two parks in the far south-west: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This guide explains how a trek works, how permits are booked, when to go and what to pack. Then, when you are ready, browse our gorilla safaris below or ask us for a free tailor-made itinerary.
Our 12 day Uganda safari gives you the bragging rights of having done it all. First, you enjoy game drives on the savannah of Murchison Falls and a dramatic boat ride to the falls. Next, you walk with chimps in Kibale Forest. Then, you search for lions and leopards in
Our 2 day Lake Mburo safari is a short, easy wildlife break from Kampala or Entebbe. In just one night away, you can enjoy two game drives, a nature walk and the open, rolling scenery of Lake Mburo National Park. As a result, it is ideal if you have a
Our 3 day Queen Elizabeth safari brings you to one of the most varied wildlife parks in Uganda. Imagine a cool afternoon game drive under a bright sun. You move slowly past herds of Uganda kob, giant forest hogs and warthogs, and you may even spot lions or leopards. Then,
Our 3 day Kibale chimpanzee safari takes you into one of the best primate forests in Africa. The famous chimpanzees of Kibale Forest National Park are wild. However, they have been habituated, so they are not afraid of people, and you can get close to them. In addition, you walk
Our 3 day Bwindi gorilla trekking safari is the quickest way to meet mountain gorillas from Kampala or Entebbe. Your trip to Uganda is not really complete without the full gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. If you are looking for a challenge, you have found it. The
This 4 day gorilla trekking and volcano hike takes you to Kisoro, in the far southwest corner of Uganda. First, you track mountain gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Then, you spend a full day exploring the sleeping volcanoes, forests and cultural trails of the area. You need to be
A gorilla trek is a guided walk through the rainforest to find one habituated gorilla family. Habituated gorillas are used to people, so they carry on feeding, playing and resting while you watch. Once your group reaches them, you spend one unforgettable hour in their company. After that, you walk back out with the rangers.
Local porters wait at the trailheads. For a fee, a porter carries your daypack and helps you up steep, muddy slopes. Hiring one also supports families who live next to the park. Walking sticks are usually offered at the start too, so you rarely need to bring your own.
Uganda has two gorilla parks. Both lie close to the Rwanda and DR Congo borders, so you can easily combine them with other countries.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of gorilla tourism in Uganda. Its steep, forested ridges hold most of the country’s mountain gorillas. In addition, the park is split into four trekking sectors: Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, and Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. Each sector has its own habituated families, and your permit is booked for one sector. We choose the sector that fits your route, your fitness and your lodge.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest national park in Uganda. It covers the Ugandan slopes of three Virunga volcanoes: Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo. Here, trekking feels quieter because far fewer permits are available. Besides gorillas, Mgahinga is the best place in Uganda to track golden monkeys. You can also walk the Batwa Trail with members of the Batwa community, the forest’s original people.
Every trekker needs a gorilla permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Each permit is valid for one trek, on one date, in one sector. Because each family receives only a small group of visitors per day, permits are limited. They often sell out in the busy months. So, we recommend that you book several months ahead, especially for June to September and December to February.
Permit prices are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and change from time to time. For that reason, we do not quote a fixed price here. Instead, Roots will confirm the current rate when you enquire, and we secure your permit before we finalise your safari. Our guide to Uganda gorilla permits explains the booking steps in more detail.
Would you like more time with the gorillas? The gorilla habituation experience lets you spend up to four hours with a family that is still getting used to people. It takes place in southern Bwindi, and permits are even more limited than standard ones. As a result, it suits keen photographers and anyone who wants a deeper, slower encounter.
You can go gorilla trekking all year round. However, the dry seasons from June to September and from December to February are the most popular. Trails are firmer then, so hiking is easier. On the other hand, the wetter months of March to May and October to November bring lush forest and fewer visitors. Rain usually falls in short, heavy showers, and treks still go ahead. For a month-by-month view, read our page on when to plan your gorilla trek.
You do not need to be an athlete. Still, a fair level of fitness makes the day far more enjoyable, because the trails are steep, muddy and at altitude. Before your trip, regular walks on hills will help a lot.
Our page on trekking rules and fitness tips explains each rule and why it matters.
Pack light but smart. Bring waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt and gardening gloves for grabbing vines. Also carry drinking water, snacks, insect repellent and a camera with spare batteries. Our full gorilla safari packing list covers everything in one place.
Every gorilla safari we plan is tailor-made. So, start with the style that suits you, and we will build the route around it.
Gorillas are only the start. Winston Churchill called Uganda the Pearl of Africa, and it is easy to see why. More than 1,000 bird species have been recorded here, including the prehistoric-looking shoebill. Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, and remote Kidepo Valley is home to cheetahs. You can also hike the Rwenzori Mountains or Mount Elgon, or meet some of the country’s more than 50 cultures. See our full list of activities across Uganda for ideas.
Roots Tours & Travel is a Kampala-based tour operator and a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO). We plan tailor-made gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. That means we take care of the permits, the route and the timing, so you can focus on the experience. Tell us your dates, budget and interests, and we will send you a free itinerary for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Love to Travel? We are the whole Tool & Box that you need. At Roots Tours & Travel Uganda we look forward to speaking to you!