Do It Yourself Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Here’s a comprehensive guide to (DIY) Do It Yourself Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, including everything you need to know from where to go and stay, to what to pack and safety tips. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a life-changing experience and yes, you can plan it yourself. With a little research, logistical prep, and awareness of the local procedures, you can enjoy this adventure without going through a tour operator.

Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda has two national parks where mountain gorillas live:

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Home to over 20 habituated gorilla families.
• Divided into 4 sectors:
  • Buhoma (North)
  • Ruhija (East)
  • Rushaga (South)
  • Nkuringo (Southwest)
• Buhoma is the most accessible and popular, Nkuringo and Rushaga offer more scenic, challenging treks.

2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

• Smaller park, one habituated gorilla group (Nyakagezi).
• Bordering Rwanda and DRC.
• Great if combining with Volcanoes National Park or golden monkey trekking.

Where to Stay during Do It Yourself Gorilla Trekking in Uganda (DIY-Friendly Options)

You can book your own lodging through websites like Booking.com, Airbnb, or directly with the lodge. Options range from budget to luxury.

Budget

• Bwindi Backpackers Lodge (near Buhoma)
• Broadbill Forest Camp (Ruhija)
• Traveler’s Rest Hotel (Kisoro for Mgahinga)

Mid-range

• Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Rushaga)
• Rushaga Gorilla Camp
• Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge

Luxury

• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Nkuringo)
• Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (Buhoma)
• Mount Gahinga Lodge (Mgahinga)

🎒 What to Pack for Do It Yourself Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

• Waterproof hiking boots
• Rain jacket/poncho
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
• Gardening gloves (for grabbing vegetation)
• Insect repellent
• Reusable water bottle
• Daypack with snacks
• Walking stick (often provided by park rangers)
• Gaiters (optional but useful)
• Camera with zoom (no flash)

Best Time to Go for Do It Yourself Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda offers year-round trekking, but the dry seasons are best:

• June to September
• December to February

These months have less rain, making trails easier to navigate and wildlife spotting more enjoyable.

Do It Yourself Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Step-by-Step Itinerary Example

Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe or Kigali

• Overnight in Entebbe/Kampala or Kigali depending on your arrival airport.

Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi or Mgahinga

• Rent a car or hire a private driver. Public transport is not ideal for this leg.
• Drive time:
  • From Entebbe to Bwindi: 8–10 hours
  • From Kigali to Bwindi (via Cyanika or Katuna): 4–5 hours

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Day

• Report to the briefing point by 7:30 AM.
• Trekking can last 2–8 hours depending on gorilla location.
• Spend 1 hour with gorillas.
• Optional: relax in the afternoon or do a cultural tour.

Day 4: Optional Day

• Explore the area: Batwa community visits, forest walks, canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi, or golden monkey tracking.

Day 5: Return to Kampala/Entebbe or Kigali to end the tour

Gorilla Permits (Booking on Your Own)

• Cost: $800 (2025-2026 rate) for foreign non-residents.
• Book through:
  • Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA): www.ugandawildlife.org
  • UWA offices in Kampala
  • Directly through a registered Tour Operator Eco Adventure Safaris who charge you a small agreed fee.

Permits are non-refundable, and should be booked at least 3–6 months in advance, especially in high season.

Is It Safe for Do It Yourself Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Yes, Uganda is generally safe for travelers and the trekking experience is well-managed. However, keep in mind:

• Gorillas are protected and habituated; attacks are extremely rare.
• Rangers escort every trekking group and are armed.
• Border areas with DRC are patrolled and monitored.
• Always travel with updated information on road conditions and political developments.
• Avoid night travel and remote shortcuts when self-driving.

🚗 Transportation Tips for DIY Travelers

• Car Rental with Driver: Best option for flexibility and safety. (~$80–$150/day with fuel)
• Self-Drive: Possible if you’re experienced with African road conditions and navigation.
• Public Transport: Buses go to nearby towns (e.g., Kabale, Kisoro), but not directly to park headquarters. You’ll need a boda-boda or local hire to reach lodges.

What is the best country to see the gorillas Rwanda or Uganda? Which is the best (most impressive)? 

This is a very tricky question but people say Rwanda is a better option than Uganda. Reasons to support this is that Volcanoes National Park is a 2-3 hours drive from Kigali, that Gorillas are easily seen etc. This is indeed very true and no one can run away from it. People used to avoid gorilla trekking in Uganda because of the 9-10 hours drive from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi but now we arrange tours to Bwindi via Kigali which then becomes 4-5 hours drive only. With this, you land in Kigali, use the East African Tourist Visa (which allows you to visit both countries at ago) and then trek gorillas in Uganda at an affordable price. Because of this, even Rwanda tour operators are selling Uganda instead of their country.

Uganda used to sell/allocate gorilla permits depending on gorilla families but now, they no longer do this. They sell/allocate gorilla permits per region. Eg Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Depending on the gorilla permits booked for you at the time of confirmation, its when you could possibly decide on which gorilla family you prefer. All families are good but will depend on your interest. There those who want families with many silver barks, many members or those with many kids/young ones. So depending on your interests and physical fitness to trek in a strenuous or easy side of Bwindi, you will be allocated a gorilla family of your choice accordingly.

Why book your Gorilla Trek in Uganda Through Eco Adventure Safaris

Eco Adventure Safaris Limited offers tailor made gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda,Rwanda and Congo. We combine gorilla trekking safaris with eco-friendly and unforgettable high-end adventure and wildlife safaris that help preserve biodiversity, conserve wildlife and uplift local communities, these include chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris and game viewing, Mountain Hiking, Boat cruises excursions and Cultural encounters to give you a memorable and best African Safari experience including popular and great African safari destinations Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia.