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Are you planning to visit Uganda and you want to know How is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda before choosing to go gorilla trekking in Uganda? Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an extraordinary experience offering visitors the chance to encounter one of the most majestic and endangered creatures on Earth the mountain gorillas in its natural habitat. Uganda is home to about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, making it one of the prime destinations for gorilla trekking in the world.
Here’s what you can expect and how is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the main locations for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Bwindi’s dense forests provide a challenging yet rewarding environment for tracking gorillas.
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Another important gorilla trekking destination in Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a unique experience with the gorillas amidst the stunning backdrop of the Virunga Mountains.
- Permit Requirements: Gorilla trekking permits are required to track the gorillas, and they need to be obtained in advance. These permits can be limited in number and should be booked well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Guided Trekking: Gorilla trekking is typically guided by experienced trackers and guides who are familiar with the terrain and the behavior of the gorillas. They lead small groups of visitors into the forest to locate the gorillas.
- Trekking Experience: The experience of trekking through the dense forest in search of gorillas can be physically demanding and may require a reasonable level of fitness. Treks can vary in duration from a few hours to a full day, depending on the location of the gorilla groups.
- Encountering the Gorillas: Once the gorillas are located, visitors usually spend a limited amount of time (usually around one hour) observing them from a respectful distance. This allows for an up-close and personal encounter with these incredible animals while minimizing disturbance to their natural behavior.
- Conservation Impact: Gorilla trekking in Uganda contributes significantly to the conservation of mountain gorillas and their habitats. The revenue generated from permits helps fund conservation efforts and supports local communities living around the parks.
- Sustainability: It’s important for visitors to follow guidelines provided by park authorities to ensure minimal impact on the gorillas and their habitat. This includes maintaining a safe distance, avoiding direct eye contact, refraining from touching the gorillas, and following any instructions from guides.
Overall, gorilla trekking in Uganda offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with one of our closest relatives in their natural environment, while also contributing to their conservation and the well-being of local communities.
What is the price of the gorilla trekking permit in Uganda?
As of 2024, starting 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2026 the Uganda gorilla trekking permit will cost USD800 per person for Non-Foreign Residents, USD700 for Foreign Residents and Shs. 300, 000 for East African Citizens. You are allowed only one hour of viewing of the gorillas or staying in their space.
The gorilla trekking permits normally sell out so very quickly during the high season (January, February, July, August, September, and December every year. Contact Eco Adventure Safaris about your planned trek and desired dates, we shall check the availability of permits online system for Uganda Wildlife Authority and if permits are available, we shall send you an invoice to make payment for the permits as they are top priority and if they are not available, you will choose other dates that have availability of permits. Once we receive payment, we shall book and secure your permits and send you copy of the receipt with booking ID to confirm your trek. The process of acquiring the gorilla permits is easy and transparent for your booking of gorilla trip to Bwindi impenetrable National Park.
What is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
The best time to trek gorillas in Uganda is during the drier months of January, February, June, July, August and early September, these months experience less rainfall though the climate changes every day. Any time of the year, you can visit the gorillas in Bwindi. Sometimes, the rainy season is considered better to see the gorillas as there is a lot of food growing because of rain and gorillas can clearly be spotted. Gorilla permits tend to sell out quickly and all those interested in trekking gorillas during this time should book their gorilla permits in advance.
How to access Uganda for gorilla trekking?
You will need to fly to Entebbe International Airport in Uganda or Kigali International Airport in Rwanda for you to start the trip from here to Bwindi impenetrable national Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park by road, it is about 9-10 hours’ drive from Kampala/Entebbe and 4-5 hours from Kigali. The road trip is enjoyable as you will stop at the Equator for Photography, Lunch in Mbarara and other stops to view beautiful scenery. We do use 4×4 vehicles that are comfortable for your trip and our professional and trained driver guides will ensure your safety on your gorilla trip.
You can as well fly to Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrips that serve Bwindi impenetrable national park. The flights is about 1-2 hours and they you drive to the hotel/ lodge. There are daily flights from Entebbe international Airport and Kajjansi Airstrip, you can opt for scheduled flights or chartered flights depending on your budget and planned trip.
You can also fly into Kigali International Airport, drive to south western Uganda through Cyanika or Katuna Boarder which take only 4-5 hours with the time spent at immigrations at the border. We always advise our visitors to acquire the East African Visa which allows multiple entry of both Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. The East African Visa fee costs USD100 which can be gotten at the Airport upon arrival or online and it is cost effective instead of buying single entry Visas. But you can as well opt to secure single Visas as well, the Rwandan Visa costs USD50 and Uganda Visa cost USD 50. Bwindi impenetrable national park is easily accessible and safe for gorilla trekking.
Where to stay on a gorilla trekking?
Bwindi impenetrable national park has many lodges/Hotels where you can stay on your gorilla trekking tour. These range from budget to high end hotels and Eco Adventure Safaris can help you book the hotel of your choice and budget. We recommend staying in the sector where you are trekking for easy accessibility of the park headquarters. In Rushaga, you can stay at Rushaga Gorilla camp, Four Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, in Nkuringo you can stay at Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge, Clouds Mountain gorilla lodge. In Buhoma sector you can stay at Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany springs Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, and Gorilla forest camp. In Ruhija sector you can stay at Trekkers tavern Lodge, Bakiga lodge or even at Lake Bunyonyi or lodges in Kabale town. The lodges are very many in Bwindi but they require to be booked in advance as they can be fully booked during high season. We always ensure standard service for safety of clients on their stay.
Why book Through Eco Adventure Safaris to do gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Eco Adventure Safaris is a Local tour operator based in Uganda with its head offices in Entebbe. Eco Adventure Safaris is run and owned by Ugandans. We have been in operation for more than 15 years and we specialize in life-changing experiences and sustainable tours and holidays to all East African countries. We are members of AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) and are registered by UTB (Uganda Tourism Board). We have a good and long working relationship with UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) making it easy to book your gorilla permits and gorilla trekking safari. Eco Adventure Safaris is highly reviewed on trip advisor as well as Trust Pilot. Please contact Eco Adventure Safaris to plan your visit to trek the gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Contact us here about How is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.