Trekking through ancient rainforest, the air thick with mist and the sound of birds and rustling leaves—and suddenly, you’re face-to-face with a 400-pound silverback gorilla calmly chewing leaves just a few feet away. His deep, intelligent eyes meet yours. You don’t move. You just breathe.
Welcome to gorilla trekking in Uganda.
It’s one of the most powerful wildlife experiences on Earth, and Uganda is one of only three countries in the world where you can do it.
In this post, Kizan Safaris walks you through everything you need to know about gorilla trekking in Uganda—from what to expect, where to go, how to prepare, and why this should be at the top of your Africa bucket list.
1. Why Uganda for Gorilla Trekking?
There are fewer than 1,100 mountain gorillas left in the wild—and over half of them live in Uganda.
Uganda offers two top gorilla trekking destinations:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with 20+ habituated gorilla families
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Smaller but beautiful, with the added bonus of golden monkeys and views of the Virunga volcanoes
Compared to Rwanda and the DRC, Uganda’s permits are more affordable, and the experience is just as wild and authentic.
2. What Is Gorilla Trekking, Exactly?
Gorilla trekking involves hiking through dense rainforest with trained guides and trackers until you locate a habituated gorilla family. Once you find them, you get to spend one hour observing them in their natural environment.
During your trek, you’ll see gorillas:
- Feeding on leaves and fruit
- Playing with their young
- Grooming each other
- Resting under trees
- Interacting in complex social ways
It’s not a zoo. There are no fences. These animals are wild, and you’re a respectful guest in their home.
3. What to Expect on the Day of the Trek
🕗 Morning Briefing (7:30–8:00 AM)
Your day begins early at the park headquarters. Rangers give you a safety briefing, explain trekking rules, and assign you to a gorilla family based on your fitness level.
🥾 The Trek Itself
- Duration: 1 to 5 hours (each way), depending on gorilla location
- Terrain: Steep, muddy, thick forest
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (you don’t need to be an athlete, but a reasonable level of fitness helps)
🦍 The Encounter
Once you find the gorillas, your guide tells you when to take photos, when to stay still, and how to behave. You’ll spend a magical 60 minutes with the gorilla family. It goes by fast—but it stays with you forever.
🌿 Return and Certificate
After your trek, you’ll hike back and receive an official Gorilla Trekking Certificate—a cool keepsake of your experience.
4. How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost?
As of 2025, Uganda gorilla permits are:
- $800 USD per person (Foreign Non-Residents)
- $700 USD (Foreign Residents)
- UGX 300,000 (East African Citizens)
Your permit includes:
- Park entry
- Ranger and guide fees
- One hour with the gorillas
✅ Kizan Safaris handles all permit bookings for you in advance—no need to worry about long queues or availability issues.
5. When Is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
Uganda is a year-round destination, but the dry seasons are the best time for trekking:
- June to September
- December to February
During these months:
- Trails are drier and less slippery
- Gorilla visibility is excellent
- The weather is cooler and more predictable
That said, the wet season (March–May, Oct–Nov) is lush and beautiful—and permits and lodges are often discounted. If you don’t mind a bit of rain, it’s a peaceful time to trek.
6. What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking
You’ll be trekking through rainforest, so come prepared. Here’s a packing list recommended by our Kizan Safaris guides:
- Hiking boots (sturdy and waterproof)
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Long pants & long-sleeve shirt (for protection from thorns and insects)
- Gardening gloves (for grabbing onto branches)
- Insect repellent (malaria risk is low but still present)
- Refillable water bottle (at least 2L)
- Energy snacks
- Walking stick (often provided by guides or locals)
- Camera (no flash)
- Day backpack
🎒 Pro tip: Porters are available at park entrances. For a small fee (about $10–15 USD), they carry your bag and help on steep sections. It also supports local livelihoods.
7. Can Anyone Do Gorilla Trekking?
Gorilla trekking is open to anyone over 15 years old. While some treks are physically demanding, the park authorities do try to assign gorilla families based on your fitness level. If you’re not very active, let your guide know—we can request a family group closer to the trailhead.
People with disabilities or mobility challenges can also arrange a sedan chair experience, where porters carry you through the forest safely.
8. Responsible Tourism & Gorilla Conservation
The $800 you pay for a permit isn’t just for a photo—it directly funds conservation efforts and supports surrounding communities. Thanks to eco-tourism:
- Gorilla populations have increased steadily over the past two decades
- Rangers are trained, employed, and well-equipped
- Locals benefit through jobs, community projects, and schools
At Kizan Safaris, we only work with responsible lodges and partners who are committed to sustainable tourism.
9. Where to Stay: Gorilla Trekking Lodges
Kizan Safaris works with a variety of trusted accommodations in Bwindi and Mgahinga, from luxury to budget-friendly.
Top Picks:
- Buhoma Lodge – Luxury lodge with views into the forest
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge – Mid-range comfort near Rushaga Gate
- Bakiga Lodge – Eco-friendly with affordable rates
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge – Premium luxury near Nkuringo
- Gorilla Valley Lodge – Perfect for budget travelers
We help match you with the right lodge based on your style, budget, and the gorilla family you’ll be visiting.
10. Add-Ons to Your Gorilla Safari in Uganda
Make the most of your trip by combining gorilla trekking with other unforgettable experiences:
- 🐘 Wildlife Game Drives – Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls
- 🛶 Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel
- 🐒 Chimpanzee Tracking – Kibale Forest
- 🏙️ Kampala City Tour
- 🚁 Fly-in Safaris – Save time with a domestic flight from Entebbe to Kisoro or Kihihi
🛫 At Kizan Safaris, we offer fly-in packages for gorilla trekking to cut travel time from 10 hours by road to just 1 hour by air.
11. Gorilla Trekking FAQs (Quick Answers)
Q: Is it safe?
Yes. Gorillas are gentle, and treks are led by armed rangers and expert guides.
Q: Can I touch the gorillas?
No. Maintain a 7-meter distance to protect both you and the gorillas.
Q: How close do you get?
Usually 3–7 meters. Sometimes gorillas approach you, but never touch or block their path.
Q: How many people are in a group?
Max 8 tourists per gorilla group per day.
Q: What if I’m sick?
You’ll be asked to skip the trek. Human illnesses can be deadly to gorillas. Be honest—it’s about protecting them.
12. Book Your Gorilla Safari With Kizan Safaris
At Kizan Safaris, we don’t just book your trip—we design a meaningful, life-changing journey tailored to you.
✅ Permit booking
✅ Airport pickup
✅ Transport and accommodation
✅ Expert local guides
✅ Cultural extensions and wildlife tours
✅ 24/7 local support
We’ve helped travelers from all over the world experience the thrill of gorilla trekking in Uganda—and we’d love to do the same for you.
📞 Ready to meet the mountain gorillas?
Contact us today or view our Gorilla Trekking Safari Packages and start planning your adventure now.