Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: A Complete Guide

If your goal is to go mountain Gorilla trekking, Uganda is the ideal destination.

Rwanda is currently the only other country where you can encounter these gentle giants on a trek, but Uganda still provides the best and most varied options you can choose.

What Is Gorilla Trekking In Uganda?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda entails a challenging hike through dense forests like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of gorilla families.

The journey involves getting muddy, and tired, and venturing deep into the bush with an experienced local guide to locate mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

It’s an incredible experience that leaves tourists with unforgettable stories to share. Needless to mention, a gorilla trek is the major highlight of all visits to Uganda. We invite you to check out our expertly crafted small-group gorilla tours.

Why You Should Go Gorilla Trekking In Uganda

Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population spread across two national parks — Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga.

This provides a higher chance for you to encounter these precious gentle giants in Uganda than anywhere else.

Ugandan gorilla trekking permits are approximately half the cost of those across the border in Rwanda. Besides gorilla trekking, Uganda offers a variety of other activities.

The country that sits astride the equator, is rich in primate species, and Kibale National Park provides exceptional opportunities for Chimpanzee trekking and observing several species of monkeys.

Kidepo valley, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks give Uganda a perfect balance between wildlife and nature.

All these combined in a single trip are perfect for safari experiences in a savannah setting, where you can spot the big five — Lions, Buffalo, Elephants, Hippos, Leopards and various antelope species.

Uganda’s landscapes are particularly picturesque and cater well to those interested in natural history and active holidays alike. Read more about the Weitz Safaris’ Best of Uganda Small-group safari in 10 days.

All this is underscored by Uganda being honored with a nomination for “Most Desirable Country in the Rest of the World” at the prestigious Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards—a global accolade determined by over 168,000 passionate travellers InstagramX (formerly Twitter). This recognition celebrates Uganda’s unrivalled blend of lush rainforests, sweeping savannahs, vibrant cultures and pioneering eco-adventures—from gorilla treks in Bwindi to boat safaris on the Nile. 

Uganda was featured among the best places to visit in the Bradt Guides. 

Uganda was Listed as a top travel destination by CNN, National Geographic, The New York Times, and Lonely Planet.

Want to go gorilla trekking? Our Weitz Safaris Uganda-savvy tour team would be delighted to discuss your wish list and design the perfect gorilla trekking safari adventure fully customized to suit your dates, interests and budget.

Get Started And Let’s Craft Your Gorilla Trekking Itinerary

The Mountain Gorilla — Facts You Should Know

The mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) is a large primate, a subspecies of the eastern gorilla, exclusively inhabiting East and Central Africa.

It holds the distinction of being the largest living primate — distinguished by its greater size, strength, and thicker, longer fur compared to other gorilla species.

These adaptations enable it to thrive in harsh, high-altitude environments with extreme cold conditions.

Similar to human thumbprints, each mountain gorilla possesses a unique nose print.

Among the gorilla subspecies, the mountain gorilla faces the greatest risk of extinction and is the sole gorilla species found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, in Uganda.

Where Mountain Gorillas Live — Habitats

The mountain gorilla resides exclusively in east-central Africa within two distinct groups — one located in the Virunga Volcano Mountains, spanning three forest reserves across Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The other group inhabits a remote montane forest in Uganda’s isolated rift valley, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and extending into Sarambwe Nature Reserve in the DRC.

These gorillas are found solely in high-altitude montane and bamboo forests, typically situated between 8,000 to 13,000 feet (1,400 to 3,800 meters) above sea level, amidst areas inhabited by humans.

Mountain Gorilla Relation To Humans

The mountain gorilla shares 98% of its genetic makeup with humans, yet it lacks immunity to common human diseases — leaving it susceptible to illnesses that can have severe consequences, even from a simple cold.

The survival of mountain gorillas largely hinges on gorilla tourism. Consequently, conservation teams and governments implement strict protocols to prevent the transmission of human diseases to these vulnerable animals.

Measures include regular health monitoring, habituation processes for tourism, visitor number control, maintaining a minimum distance of 10 meters, and requiring visitors to wear face masks during encounters.

Want to spend a thrilling hour with a gorilla troop? Our Weitz Safaris Uganda-savvy tour team would be delighted to discuss your wish list and design the perfect gorilla trekking safari adventure fully customized to suit your dates, interests and budget.

Diet Of Mountain Gorillas

Mountain gorillas dedicate about a quarter of their day to consuming a vegetarian diet, primarily consisting of roots, shoots, leaves, fruit, wild celery, tree bark, and pulp.

In the dense forests of Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC, these troops find abundant food to support their plant-based diet.

They also get raw protein from snails and ants and derive sodium from tree bark.

An adult male mountain gorilla can consume up to 34 kilos (75lbs) of food daily, while a female can eat up to 18 kilos (40 lbs.).

To support their large heavy bellies, they walk on all fours and spend much of their time sitting, grooming, farting, fornicating, and socializing to help with digestion.

Social Life Of Mountain Gorillas: What You’ll Observe During Trekking

Mountain gorillas typically live in stable family groups, called troops or bands, with around 10 to 40 members, led by a dominant male known as a silverback and several females.

The silverback is responsible for the family’s well-being, including locating good foraging spots, defending against intruders, managing conflicts within the family, finding secure nesting sites, and patrolling a home range of 0.75 to 16 square miles.

Those who challenge the alpha male are often deterred by his displays of physical strength. He may stand upright, throw objects, make aggressive charges, and pound his massive chest while emitting powerful hoots or a terrifying roar.

Despite these displays and their physical prowess, mountain gorillas are generally peaceful and nonaggressive unless they are threatened.

In the gorilla group, both males and females care for their young by hugging, carrying and playing with them.

As they grow older, most males and females leave their birth group to join another troop, which helps prevent inbreeding.

Gorilla Trekking Destinations In Uganda

Start your gorilla trekking dream with a life-changing safari adventure with the Weitz safaris comprehensive guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Learn why Uganda is the top destination for encountering mountain gorillas, explore various trekking options and get the best guidance and tips to plan your unforgettable primate safari experience. You can as well book your slot in the Weitz Safaris’ Best Of Uganda Small-group safari in 10 days.

Let’s dive right in to the most incredible gorilla trekking destination areas in Uganda:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi is the best destination in Uganda to track mountain gorillas.

The park safeguards approximately 40% of the world’s mountain gorilla population and features several habituated groups.

In addition to gorilla tracking, the park is also a bird-watcher’s paradise — with over 350 species recorded, including many endemics to the Albertine Rift.

Bwindi Impenetrable offers excellent gorilla trekking with almost guaranteed sightings of gorilla troops or families.

It is unspoiled with a dense rainforest. The indigenous Batwa community experience, coupled with the Weitz safaris savvy tour guides, your gorilla trekking safari will come alive.

Bwindi Impenetrable Scenery

Bwindi is an unspoiled rainforest on the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley — featuring a landscape of ridges and valleys covered in dense, impenetrable forest and is home to 10 tree species found nowhere else in this region.

Bwindi Wildlife

In addition to the endangered mountain gorillas, the forest is home to nine other primate species, including Chimpanzees, olive baboons, black-and-white colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys. The park also boasts an impressive checklist of butterflies.

Bwindi Weather and Climate

Rain is a constant presence at Bwindi, with the heaviest downpours occurring from March to May and October to November.

Be sure to pack plenty of wet-weather gear to handle the drizzle.

The forest’s mild climate is more enjoyable during the drier months from June to August and December to February

Best Time to Visit Bwindi impenetrable

Tracking mountain gorillas is best when Bwindi’s trails are less muddy and there is more sunshine, typically from June to August and December to February. During the wetter months, slippery trails and occasional mist make wildlife watching more challenging.

Want to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? Embark on your dream journey toward gorilla trekking with Weitz Safaris and receive valuable insights. Our Weitz Safaris Uganda-savvy tour team would be delighted to discuss your wish list and design the perfect gorilla trekking safari adventure fully customized to suit your dates, interests and budget.

Get Started And Let’s Craft Your Itinerary To Bwindi

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park safeguards the Ugandan slopes of the majestic Virungas, a range of free-standing volcanoes reaching up to 4,507m (14,77ft) on the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

It serves as an alternative destination to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for mountain gorilla trekking. Other attractions include hikes to the park’s volcano peaks and golden monkey trekking.

Mgahinga Wildlife

In addition to the endangered mountain gorilla, Mgahinga hosts many other mammal species, although they can be hard to spot in the forest.

The very rare golden monkey, endemic to the Albertine Rift, can be tracked here. Other mammals include black-and-white colobus, buffalo, elephant, bushbuck, and duiker.

Mgahinga Scenery

Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest park and is part of the Virunga mountains and borders the parks in DRC and Rwanda.

The entire park is situated at a high altitude, offering spectacular and breathtaking views.

Its most notable features are the volcanic cones of extinct volcanoes within the mountain range. Additionally, it also provides stunning views over Lakes Mutanda and Mulehe.

Mgahinga Weather and Climate

The near-constant threat of rains means that Mgahinga lacks a true dry season, although rainfall decreases somewhat from December to January and even more in mid-year.

Known as one of uganda’s coolest places, the park has an average daytime temperature of 20°C (68°F). During the two wet seasons (February to May and September to November), you’ll need plenty of warm, waterproof clothing.

Best time to visit Mgahinga

Tracking gorillas in Mgahinga is possible throughout the year.

The low seasons roughly correspond with the wet seasons (February to May and September to November), but be aware that some accommodations in the park close during these months.

The landscape, dominated by the Virunga mountains, is easier to navigate during the drier months.

Want to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park? Embark on your dream journey toward gorilla trekking with Weitz safaris and receive valuable insights.

Get Started And Let’s Craft Your Itinerary To Mgahinga

How To See Mountain Gorillas

Tourists have the opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas through primate jungle safaris known as Gorilla Trekking Safaris.

Tour operators such as Weitz Safaris, commonly arrange comprehensive gorilla trekking tours, handling logistics such as obtaining trekking permits, securing accommodations, and managing transportation.

Weitz safaris offers an all-inclusive 10-day Gorilla Groups Expedition for individuals, couples and groups that would like to experience Uganda — climaxing with mountain gorilla trekking.

This safari package is crafted to provide tourists with a perfect balance between wildlife and nature while encouraging group bookings to minimize the tour costs while maximizing the experience.

A rewarding trip is more than pretty sightseeing — it’s memories and friendships shared with people along the way.

On this Gorilla Groups Expedition tour by Weitz Safaris, the small 8 to 10 members you travel with will be a big plus. However, private bookings can be arranged at request. Secure your spot for this 10 day adventure before permits sell out.

Book This 10-Day Gorilla Trekking Expedition Here

These Weitz Safari tours typically begin from Entebbe, following a route that connects Uganda’s must-see sights — from the timeless Nile River to the radiant Murchison Falls and head southwest to the dense forests of Bwindi or Mgahinga, while enjoying the lush rolling hills and scenic views.

You’ll encounter majestic tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, playful chimpanzees, awe-inspiring mountain gorillas and soak in tasty food and Uganda’s sun.

Note: For a better watching experience on mobile devices, please activate auto-rotate for full screen viewing!

This safari package cuts the stress by providing comfortable rooms in centrally located hotels in the parks, private executive tour transportation from destination to destination, and a Weitz Safaris’ Uganda-savvy tour manager to advise you along the way.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority charges USD 800 for a gorilla permit for foreign non-resident visitors, which includes a guided trek into the jungle and an hour spent with the habituated gorilla family.

However, please note that gorilla and chimpanzee permits are strictly reserved for booking by licenced tour operators. 

Get Started And Let’s Book Your Gorilla Permit Today

Travelers have the option to experience mountain gorillas in Mgahinga National Park, which is located near Bwindi. However, Bwindi is preferred due to its multiple sectors offering multiple accommodation options.

For a more immersive encounter with mountain gorillas, travelers can opt for a gorilla habituation experience. Uganda offers these experiences in Bwindi, allowing up to eight participants per day.

During this experience, four individuals accompany primatologists and rangers into the jungle to spend at least four hours observing and photographing a semi-habituated gorilla family.

The cost of a gorilla habituation experience in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is USD 1,500 per permit.

If you’re heading into the jungle to find mountain gorillas, pack efficiently and lightly. Wear light hiking boots, breathable trousers, and a long-sleeved t-shirt.

Bring a light rain jacket or poncho and a waterproof backpack for your gadgets and snacks to stay prepared and comfortable in the Ugandan jungle.

Encountering mountain gorillas is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and worth every penny.

Want to book your 10-Day Gorilla Groups Expedition slot? Embark on your dream journey toward gorilla trekking with Weitz safaris and receive valuable insights

Book This 10-Day Gorilla Trekking Expedition

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safety Measures

Gorilla trekking is considered very safe, with extremely rare dangerous incidents. Experienced Park rangers guide visitors to habituated gorilla troops.

These gorillas encounter people daily and recognize them as non-threatening. While they generally ignore humans, young gorillas may display curiosity.

Mountain gorillas are known for their gentle nature, showing minimal aggression towards each other and maintaining a peaceful demeanor overall.

Follow your guide’s instructions and adhere to guidelines as listed below:

• Stay with your group and guide at all times.
• Avoid sudden movements and keep noise levels low.
• Maintain a recommended distance of at least 7 meters (23 feet); await instructions from your guide if a gorilla approaches.
• In the unlikely event of a gorilla charge, crouch down slowly, avoid eye contact, and await further guidance from your guide.
• Refrain from using flash photography.
• Allow gorillas uninterrupted passage when they move.
• Gorillas are vulnerable to human illnesses, do not visit if you’re unwell and cover your mouth if coughing.
• Wear protective clothing against nettles and mosquitoes, including long sleeves, insect repellent, a hat, sunscreen, and adequate hydration.
• Use sturdy waterproof footwear and carry a waterproof bag for cameras and belongings.

Secure your spot for this 10 day gorilla adventure before permits sell out.

Seeking Professional Travel Help

If you are new to Uganda, you can benefit from talking to professional and experienced tour and travel enthusiasts like Weitz Safaris who understand the intricacies of Uganda’s beauty, wildlife, birds, nature and the global tourist expectations to weave incredible safari experiences.

Working with Uganda-savvy tour managers is essential for harnessing the full potential of your safari destination and deriving a great experience effectively. Fortunately, you have found the right place.

Weitz Safaris possesses in-depth knowledge, love and understanding of the region to create exciting customized and packaged tours at great prices that offer a lifetime experience to all our clients.

With our intuitive understanding of Uganda as a destination and your unique needs, we can create detailed itineraries guided by your wishes and give you a once-in-a-lifetime safari vacation.

You can consider reaching us online at any moment if traditional in-office engagements are uncomfortable for you.

While online, we can discuss your safari wish-list from the comfort of your home or anywhere with an internet connection.

Our tour specialists are professional and you can communicate with us in a way that’s most comfortable for you, whether by phone, email, WhatsApp, live chat, Instagram, Facebook or a combination of these methods.

Consider booking with Weitz Safaris as your premier safaris operator and let us help you spend an incredible vacation in Uganda.

Why Book for Gorilla Trekking With Weitz Safaris?

Weitz safaris is a premier local-owned safari company that organizes specialized tours in Uganda.

We utilize our in-depth knowledge and love of the region to create exciting customized and packaged tours at great prices that offer a lifetime experience to all our clients with specific interests.

With a team comprising of travel enthusiasts, we know the global tourist needs and expectations to offer incredible experience.

And so, we aim to delight all travelers with unforgettable moments on suitable and sustainable holiday tours.

Whether you desire a luxury or midrange safari as a nature lover, animal lover, birder, culture lover or an adrenaline junkie, be assured of having an amazing time when you book with us.

Whatever is on your wish list, embark on your dream safari by talking to one of our Uganda-savvy tour managers.

Excellent customer service

Expect 24/7 assistance during the designing and execution of your holiday safari.

Act with integrity

We’re an honest, transparent, and trustworthy company that does what it says it will do and delivers excellent tours.

Professional and knowledgeable team

Our staff has extensive knowledge about the different tour destinations in the area to provide fitting and memorable safaris.

Offer sustainable tourism

We aim to deliver exceptional tour services to all clients while respecting the tour destinations and their people to ensure that future generations also get to see these places.

Pro Tip

In Uganda, the mountain gorillas appear to be prolific, yet gentle. They are huge in size and appear largely unconcerned by human presence — so we always enjoy close viewings and exciting photographic moments. You’ll never forget such amazing moments.

Want to experience gorilla trekking in Uganda? Embark on your dream journey toward gorilla trekking with Weitz safaris and receive valuable insights. Our Weitz Safaris Uganda-savvy tour team would be delighted to discuss your wish list and design the perfect gorilla trekking safari adventure fully customized to suit your dates, interests and budget.

Secure your spot for this 10 day gorilla adventure before permits sell out.