Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs US$800 per person for foreign non-residents. The permit allows you to take part in one gorilla trek and spend up to one hour observing a habituated gorilla family.

The permit covers your gorilla trekking experience, park entry, ranger services and the opportunity to spend time with a habituated gorilla family. It does not normally include accommodation, transport, meals or other safari activities.

It is best to book your gorilla permit several months in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the June to September or December to February peak periods. Booking early also gives you a better choice of trekking dates and sectors.

You can request a preferred trekking sector or gorilla family, but the final allocation is handled by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Your safari operator can advise you on the available options when arranging your permit.

Gorilla permit cancellation and refund conditions depend on the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s current regulations. Because permits are date-specific and limited, travellers should check the applicable cancellation terms before making payment.

Most travellers reach Bwindi by road from Kigali, Entebbe or Kampala. The best route depends on your arrival airport and the Bwindi sector where your gorilla trek is booked.

The journey from Entebbe to Bwindi usually takes most of a day by road, depending on your route, traffic, road conditions and the specific trekking sector. Many travellers choose to break the journey with overnight stops or combine the drive with a wildlife safari.

Yes. Travellers staying in Kigali can cross into Uganda and trek gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga. This is a popular option for visitors who arrive through Kigali International Airport.

Yes. Airport pickup and transfers can be arranged as part of a private Uganda gorilla safari, depending on your itinerary. Your driver-guide can meet you at Entebbe International Airport or another agreed pickup point.

Private gorilla safaris are normally conducted in comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles suitable for Uganda’s roads and longer journeys. The vehicle can also be used to combine gorilla trekking with game drives and other safari activities.

Yes. Combining gorilla trekking with a Uganda wildlife safari is one of the best ways to experience the country’s different ecosystems. A popular itinerary combines Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with Queen Elizabeth National Park, allowing travelers to experience gorilla trekking and traditional game drives. You can also include Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking, Murchison Falls National Park for wildlife and boat safaris, or Lake Mburo National Park for a shorter wildlife experience. Travelers with more time can add Kidepo Valley National Park or other destinations. These combinations make it possible to see mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos and many bird species during the same Uganda safari holiday.

Most international travellers need a visa to enter Uganda, although requirements depend on your nationality. It is important to check the current Ugandan immigration requirements before travelling.

Uganda tourist visas are generally applied for online through the official Uganda immigration visa system before travelling. You should complete the application using your passport details and allow sufficient time for processing.

A standard Uganda tourist visa does not automatically give you entry into every neighbouring country. Travellers visiting several East African countries should check whether they qualify for an East African Tourist Visa or need separate entry permission.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in southwestern Uganda near the borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Both parks offer genuine mountain gorilla trekking experiences. Bwindi has several trekking sectors and a larger number of habituated gorilla families, while Mgahinga offers trekking in a smaller park with striking volcanic scenery.

Yes. Uganda can be combined with Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania to create a longer East African safari. Uganda and Rwanda are particularly easy to combine for travelers interested in gorilla trekking, while Kenya and Tanzania are strong additions for travelers wanting the Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater or other classic savannah experiences. Uganda can also be combined with Rwanda for a gorilla trekking and wildlife itinerary, or with Kenya and Tanzania for a wider East African safari holiday. Nturo Safaris also organizes trips to DR Congo and Burundi, allowing travelers to explore several destinations in East and Central Africa. The best combination depends on your arrival and departure airports, available time, border arrangements and the experiences you want to prioritize.

Bwindi has four main trekking areas: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Each sector has its own gorilla families and accommodation options, so your permit location should be considered when planning your safari.

It is possible to visit both parks during a double gorilla trekking safari, but a gorilla trekking permit is required for each trek. Most travellers choose one park and use the extra time to experience other wildlife and cultural activities.

Depending on your itinerary, you can combine gorilla trekking with golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga, Batwa cultural experiences, nature walks, chimpanzee tracking and wildlife safaris in nearby national parks.

Gorilla trekking can range from moderate to challenging because Bwindi and Mgahinga have steep, uneven and sometimes muddy forest trails. The difficulty varies depending on the location of the gorilla family and the terrain on the day.

The trek can take anywhere from a few hours to most of the day, depending on where the gorilla family is located. Once you find the gorillas, visitors are generally allowed up to one hour with the family.

Wear comfortable hiking clothes, sturdy hiking boots and long trousers. Long sleeves, gardening-style gloves and rain protection are also useful because the forest can be wet, muddy and covered with dense vegetation.

Gorilla trekking is available throughout the year, but the drier periods of June to August and December to February are generally preferred because forest trails are often easier to navigate. Trekking is also possible during the wetter months.