Uganda is one of the world’s premier destinations for mountain gorilla trekking offering an unforgettable opportunity to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Uganda combines breathtaking scenery, exceptional wildlife, and warm hospitality to create one of Africa’s most rewarding safari experiences.
Gorilla trekking takes place in two national parks:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to most of Uganda’s habituated gorilla families and the country’s most popular trekking destination.
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a smaller park with spectacular volcanic scenery and one habituated gorilla family.
Some of the best gorilla trekking tour options include:
- 2 Day Uganda Gorilla Tour
2 Day Gorilla Safari to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This safari trip starts and ends in Kigali, Rwanda. The trip takes you to Bwindi via Katuna Border and past the Virunga Mountains, and takes you to Bwindi Forest.
- Ideal for travelers with limited time
- Includes border crossing, including transportation, accommodation, gorilla permit, guide and one trek.
- 3 Day Gorilla Trekking Safari
This is Uganda’s most popular gorilla trekking package and is perfect for travelers with limited time.
- Ideal for travelers with limited time.
- Include transport, accommodation, gorilla permit, guide and one trek.
- 4 Day Gorilla Trek & Lake Bunyonyi
This tour combines gorilla trekking with relaxation at the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi.
- Great for couples and photographers.
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
- Bird watching
- Canoeing and cultural experiences
- 5 Day Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari
Experience Uganda’s two most famous primates in the unforgettable journey.
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park.
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk
- Spectacular rainforest scenery
One of Uganda’s most popular wildlife itineraries and best for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
- 7 to 8 Day Uganda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari
Includes gorilla trekking, chimpanzees, game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, boat safari on the Kazinga Channel and often Lake Mburo or Murchison Falls.
- Gorilla trekking
- Chimpanzee tracking
- Golden monkey tracking
- Queen Elizabeth National park
- Kazinga channel boat cruise
- Scenic crater lakes
Where to trek Gorilla in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is Uganda’s premier gorilla trekking destination and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has the largest population of habituated mountain gorillas and several sectors including Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The park is located in southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga offers a quieter trekking experience with one habituated gorilla family. The park is also famous for golden monkey tracking and the scenic Virunga Volcanoes.
Best time to go
- June to September and December to February are the driest months and generally offer the best trekking conditions.
- Gorilla trekking is available year round.
What to expect during gorilla trekking
The day begins with a ranger briefing before entering the forest in small groups of up to eight people. Treks can last anywhere from 1 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once the gorillas are found, visitors spend one unforgettable hour observing and photographing them while following strict conservation guidelines.
What to pack
- Long trousers and long sleeved shirts
- Wear waterproof hiking boots and long trousers.
- Bring a rain jacket, gloves
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Camera (without flash)
- Drinking water
- Sunscreen
- Small backpack
- Insect repellent
- Energy snacks
Gorilla Trekking Tips
- Book your gorilla permit several months in advance, especially during peak season.
- Be reasonably fit for hiking
- Hire a porter, they make the trek easier and support local communities.
- Keep a minimum distance from the gorillas as instructed by your guide.
- Follow all ranger instructions for your safety and the gorillas’ well-being.
Why choose Uganda?
Uganda offers one of Africa’s best value gorilla trekking experiences, stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, welcoming people and excellent opportunities to combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking, wildlife safaris, bird watching, and cultural encounters. Whether you choose a short 3 day adventure safari or a week long safari, gorilla trekking in Uganda is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that leaves visitors with unforgettable memories while supporting conservation and local communities.
