Uganda • Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: The Complete Bwindi Guide
Few experiences on Earth compare with gorilla trekking in Uganda. After hiking through misty rainforest with expert trackers, you step into a clearing and there they are: a family of mountain gorillas, the youngsters tumbling, the mothers grooming and the silverback watching calmly. You get one magical hour with them. Here's how to plan it.
Gorilla trekking at a glance
- Where: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Time with gorillas: one hour (up to about four hours on a habituation experience)
- Trek length: from about 1 to 6 hours, depending on where the gorillas are
- Minimum age: 15 years
- Group size: a maximum of 8 visitors per gorilla family per day
- Permits: limited, so book months in advance
Where to go gorilla trekking in Uganda
Bwindi is home to nearly half of the world's mountain gorillas, with many habituated families spread across four trekking sectors. Your sector depends on your permit, so we match your lodge to it.
North
Buhoma
The original trekking sector, with a good choice of lodges, community walks and generally gentler terrain.
East
Ruhija
High and cool, with superb birding. Ruhija is a great choice for keen birders.
South
Rushaga and Nkuringo
These southern sectors have several gorilla families and are where the gorilla habituation experience takes place. Nkuringo has spectacular views but can involve steep hiking. They are also the closest sectors to Rwanda.
The Virunga volcanoes
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
A small park on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, with a habituated gorilla family and golden monkey tracking.
What happens on a gorilla trek?
Early morning
Briefing
Arrive at the park headquarters for a briefing from the rangers. You are then assigned to a gorilla family and a small group.
The trek
Into the forest
Trackers have gone ahead to find the gorillas. You follow with your ranger guide, through forest, up and down hillsides and sometimes through dense vegetation.
The magic hour
With the gorillas
Once you reach the family, you spend one hour watching them eat, play and rest. Keep your voice low and your camera ready, but take time simply to watch.
The gorilla habituation experience
For a deeper encounter, the gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi's southern sector lets a small group spend up to about four hours with a gorilla family that is still getting used to people, alongside researchers and trackers. Places are very limited, and it costs more than a standard permit, but for photographers and true gorilla lovers it is unforgettable.
Gorilla permits
Every trek needs a permit issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Numbers are limited each day to protect the gorillas, so permits for June to September sell out early. Permit prices are set by the authority and can change, so ask us for current rates. Tourgy Tourz secures your permits as part of your safari.
Gorilla trekking rules
- Keep a distance of at least 7 metres from the gorillas.
- Don't trek if you have a cold, flu or other infectious illness. Gorillas can catch human diseases.
- Wear a face mask if asked by your ranger.
- No flash photography, eating or drinking near the gorillas.
- Stay together in your group and follow the ranger's instructions.
How fit do you need to be?
You need moderate fitness. Treks can be short or take several hours over steep, muddy ground at altitude. Walking sticks are provided, and you can hire a local porter to carry your bag and help you on steep sections. Hiring a porter is also a great way to support the communities around the park.
What to pack for gorilla trekking
- Waterproof hiking boots with a good grip
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts in neutral colours
- Garden gloves to grip vegetation
- A light rain jacket
- Gaiters, or socks tucked over your trousers, to keep out ants
- Water, snacks and a small daypack
Best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking runs all year. The drier months, June to September and December to February, are easiest for hiking. The rainy months are muddier but greener, quieter and sometimes easier for permit availability.
Beyond the gorillas
Around Bwindi you can take a community walk, meet the Batwa people and learn about their forest heritage, or relax on beautiful Lake Bunyonyi. Combine gorillas with chimpanzees in Kibale and lions in Queen Elizabeth. See our Uganda Safari Guide, or compare destinations in Uganda vs Rwanda Gorilla Trekking.
A baby gorilla peeks out from behind its mother, curious and unafraid. For one hour, the world shrinks to this patch of forest, and you know you'll carry it with you forever.
Frequently asked questions
How much time do you spend with gorillas in Uganda?
On a standard trek, you spend one hour with the gorilla family. The gorilla habituation experience allows up to about four hours.
How hard is gorilla trekking in Uganda?
It requires moderate fitness. Treks can take from about one to six hours over steep, muddy terrain, and porters are available to help.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years.
When should I book my gorilla permit?
Book as early as possible, ideally several months ahead, especially for June to September, as permits are limited.
Which is the best sector for gorilla trekking in Bwindi?
All four sectors offer excellent trekking. Buhoma is often gentler, Ruhija is great for birders, and Rushaga is home to the habituation experience. The best sector depends on your permit and itinerary.
Secure your gorilla permits
Permits are limited. Tell us your dates now, and we'll handle your permits, lodge and transfers.
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