Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Bwindi Safari

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Bwindi Safari

Trekking the endangered mountain gorillas remains one of the undisputed highlights of any visit to Uganda, meeting these incredible primates deep in the rainforest can only be described as an emotionally overwhelming experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park.

Looking deep into the expressive brown eyes of gentle giants is surely the most exciting and poignant wildlife encounter that Africa has to offer, but we should not let it distract from Bwindi’s broader biodiversity, a result of its immense antiquity and an altitude span of from 1,160 to 2,607m. The National Park has 90 mammal species, including 11 primates, of which the black-and-white colobus monkey, with its lovely flowing white tail, is prominent. The forest birding ranks with the best in Uganda, with 23 highly localized Albertine endemics present.

Where to see mountain gorillas in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an independent park and Mgahinga gorilla National Park bordering Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and DR Congo’s Virunga National Park.

Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda

Besides the Democratic Republic of Congo Uganda has the second cheapest gorilla permit prices at USD 800 per gorilla permit per person, including the park entrance fees for that day, however, the gorilla permits are sold on a first come first serve basis which may require a booking in order to guarantee the permits.

Gorilla trekking age limit in Uganda

The gorilla trekking age limit is currently 15 years and any child below the age of 15 may be prohibited from visiting gorillas in their natural habitat.

How long is the mountain gorilla trek in Uganda?

This is pretty unpredictable to tell how long you will take during your gorilla trekking adventure but according to starts the best and the shortest experience is usually two hours (2 hours) meaning you hike for only 30 minutes view the gorillas for one hour and make your way back in 30 minutes and the real trek and harder experience is about nine (9 hours) meaning you will hike for four hours (4 hours) view the gorillas for one hour (1 hour) and trek back four hours (4 hours).

The actual encounter with mountain gorillas of Uganda

Sharing time with the mountain gorillas in the wild in Africa’s dense rainforest is utterly magical; nothing is intense like preparing you for the sheer beauty and Braun, those soulfully brown eyes, their astonishing human-like expressions for their extraordinary gentle demeanour. This encounter normally just lasts precious one hour but the Uganda Wildlife Authority has offered a new gorilla habituation experience where you can actively participate in habituating a wild gorilla family during the process you will spend 4 hours.

Getting to Bwindi and Mgahinga for Gorillas

There are two best ways to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Via Kigali by Road

The most accessible way to Uganda’s gorillas is by flying to Rwanda and taking the 4-5 hr. drive with border crossing.

Via Entebbe by Air

There are scheduled flights from Entebbe to Bwindi daily and those flights serve Kihihi Airstrip for Buhoma and Ruhija and Kisoro Airstrip which serves Rushaga, Nkuringo and Mgahinga respectively

When to go

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an all-year safari adventure but the best time is usually during the dry season which runs from May to October and from December to February.

Where to stay

It’s important to note that Uganda has 5 gorilla trekking zones and where to stay largely depends on where your gorilla permits are scheduled.

• North Bwindi-Buhoma sector

Sanctuary gorilla forest camp-luxury, Haven lodge-mid range and Ride 4 women-budget.

• Eastern Bwindi-Ruhija sector

Gorilla Mist Camp-Budget, Agandi Eco Lodge-mid range and Kiho Gorilla Lodge -Luxury

• Lower south-Rushaga sector 

Bwindi Gorilla Havens Lodge-budget, Ichumbi Gorilla lodge-mid range and Four Gorillas Lodge -Luxury

• Upper south Bwindi-Nkuringo sector

Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge-luxury, gorilla close up-budget

• Mgahinga park-Ntebeko sector 

Mt Gahinga Lodge- Luxury, Mucha Lodge- mid-range and travellers rest -Budget