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Book Memorable Affordable Uganda Trekking (Gorilla Safaris in Uganda in Bwindi at The Best Cost/Price!!

Uganda Gorilla trekking tours or Gorilla safaris in Uganda trips in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park give you a lifetime experience of walking with Gorillas in their natural habitat and spending time face to face with these rare endangered Mountain Gorillas in Uganda Africa.

For over 12 years, we have offered significant tailor-made, affordable, eco-friendly Walking with Gorilla in Uganda tours that offer value for money.

Set out on gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and enjoy astonishing Gorilla tours with a 100% guarantee of trekking and seeing the rare endangered Mountain Gorillas in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

We also tailor Rwanda Gorilla tour packages taking you for a Gorilla trek in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park.

You can also go for private Gorilla treks in the Democratic Republic of Congo to meet the Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park within the Virunga Mountains or the Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Uganda the “Pearl of Africa” holds almost half of the Mountain Gorillas’ population with about 456 individuals in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the rest are within the greater Virunga massif comprised of Mgahinga in Uganda.

Within the Virunga Mountains, you find national parks like Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Uganda shines with greatly stunning greenery, deep clean water lakes, high soaring mountains, and highlands and that’s why Winston Churchill named it the Pearl of Africa since it has half of the remaining Gorilla population, it makes it the most ideal destination for Gorilla treks and Gorilla habituation experience in Africa.

A Gorilla tour in Uganda takes you on a Gorilla tracking adventure in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park to see the amazing Uganda Gorillas. Both destinations are unmissable when on Gorilla tours in Africa.

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Top 12 Uganda Gorilla Trekking Packages

The Uganda gorilla tour packages and itineraries below are combined with amazing African wildlife viewing, community and beautiful scenery viewing tours and much more awaiting you to adventure.

Booking Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris with Wildlife & Cultural Tours

Where Can I See Gorillas In Uganda? | Uganda Gorilla Parks 

Uganda is one of the 3 countries in East Africa holding Mountain Gorillas besides Rwanda within Volcanoes National Park and the Democratic Republic of Congo within Virunga NP and it also has Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega.

Among these 3 Gorilla watching destinations, Uganda holds the highest number of Mountain Gorillas within its two national parks, Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Forest 

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is arguably the most popular tourist activity in this country as you get to see Uganda Gorillas. There is no doubt that you are guaranteed sightings of the Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat.

When you go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can trek Mountain Gorillas of one of the 19 habituated Gorilla families. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has 4 sectors to go gorilla trekking – Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Ruhija. You can go gorilla trekking in Uganda in the 4 sectors though the Gorilla habituation experience is only enjoyed in Rushaga.

Gorilla watching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park requires you to be equipped with your hiking boots, gorilla permits, insect repellents, walking sticks, and many others.

Trekking Mountain Gorillas begins at 8:00 a.m. with a briefing from the park rangers at the park headquarters concerning the Gorilla tracking rules. From here, you are allocated a Gorilla family to trek though you are in a group of 8 members.

Gorilla tracking can last from 2 to 8 hours depending on the movement of the giant apes. Once you spot a Gorilla family, you are only allowed to be in their presence for one hour which is of a lifetime. It is the right time to take all pictures for remembrance of the Gorilla holiday though never forget to keep your flashlight off.

  • Mountain Gorilla Trekking In Rushaga Sector Of Bwindi. Rushaga is the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park home to 8 Mountain Gorilla families, the highest population of families in the park. Out of the 4 sectors, it is the only sector to offer Gorilla habituation experience. When in Rushaga on your gorilla tour, you get amazing views of the forest canopy, Lake Mutanda, and the distant Virunga Mountains of Rwanda.
  • Gorilla Trekking In Nkuringo Sector Of Bwindi. The Nkuringo sector is in the southern part of the park just like Rushaga and it is a great place to go gorilla trekking in Uganda. This sector has 4 Gorilla groups (Nkuringo, Bushaho, Christmas, and Posho) that are all fully habituated just waiting for you to get a glimpse of their beauty during Gorilla watching.
  • Gorilla Trekking In Ruhija Sector Of Bwindi. The Ruhija sector is situated within the East of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and it is easily accessible from Buhoma and Kabale proximately closer to Queen Elizabeth National Park home to the tree climbing Lions It is the only sector where you can spot Elephants. Besides that, there are 3 fully habituated Gorilla families (Bitukura, Oruzogo, and Kyaguriro).
  • Gorilla Trekking In Buhoma Sector Of Bwindi. Buhoma is the northern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and it is the most popular trailhead to go gorilla trekking in Uganda. It is at a lower altitude (1,400m) than other sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest meaning that trekking Mountain Gorillas in Buhoma is moderately easier.

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park 

Mgahinga National Park is located in southwestern Uganda in the Kisoro district bordering Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Virunga Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is the other park in Uganda where tourists can go Gorilla trekking. Tourists can Gorilla trek the Nyakagezi group the only Gorilla family in the park. Trekking Mountain Gorillas in Mgahinga takes about 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the Mountain Gorillas as they usually move from one place to another.

Trekking the Mountain Gorillas starts at the park headquarters after you hand in your Gorilla permit which signifies your participation in Gorilla tracking activity. This park also offers Golden Monkey trekking or Golden Monkey tracking and you get to see the endangered Golden Monkeys. The Golden Monkeys are rare creatures that live within communities in the bamboo trees and you can see them on your Golden Monkey tracking or Golden Monkey trekking encounters.

Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 

Gorilla habituation is the slow and gentle introduction of wild Mountain Gorillas to the presence of humans. The Gorilla habituation experience gives tourists 4 hours of Gorilla watching which is more time than the typical Gorilla expedition. You wake up on time and you are briefed by the ranger guides and follow them to the Rushaga sector where the Gorilla habituation experience is done. It is only done for the Bukingyi family and the permit for Gorilla habituation costs $1,500.

Uganda Gorilla Families 

There are 20 habituated Gorilla groups within the two national parks in Uganda, 19 are found within the 4 sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo) of Bwindi National Park and 1 within Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. However, there are other unhabituated families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with wild Mountain Gorillas.

Below are the habituated Gorilla groups to trek Gorillas on your Gorilla safari;

  • Buhoma with 4 Gorilla groups including Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Katwe
  • Ruhija with 4 Gorilla families including Bitukura, Oruzugo, Kyaguriro A family, and Kyaguriro B (Mukiza)
  • Rushaga with 8 Gorilla groups including Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Bushingye, Bweza, Mucunguzi, Rwigi, and Kutu
  • Nkuringo with 3 Gorilla family groups including Nkuringo, Christmas, Bushaho family

Most of the Gorilla groups have a Dominant Silverback, other Silverbacks, adults, sub-adults, infants, and some have juveniles.

Rules of Gorilla Trekking In Uganda 

Mountain Gorilla Walking rules ensure both the tourist’s safety and that of the Gorillas. Before you go for the Gorilla trek, they are given to you by the park rangers during a briefing at the park headquarters and the same rules apply to the Gorilla habituation experience.

Gorilla trek rules before you set out;

  • Always make sure that you carry your payment receipts and Gorilla permits.
  •  In case you have a cold or any kind of infectious illness, please do not go track Gorillas.
  • Mountain Gorilla trekking in Uganda is only for those above 15 years.
  • If you want to help yourself, make sure that human waste is buried 30cm (12 inches) deep.
  • Also, only 8 people are permitted to visit a Gorilla group.

Gorilla trek rules when you meet the Gorillas;

  • Make sure that there is a 7-meter (21ft) distance between you and the Gorillas.
  • You should not smoke, eat, or drink when with the Gorillas. It helps in the reduction of transmitting diseases to Gorillas.
  • Always cover your mouth and nose or even turn away if you sneeze or cough. This is because Gorillas can get infected with cough and cold.
  • Tourists are only permitted or given only 1 full hour to be with the Gorillas.
  • When you are photographing the apes, ensure not to use a flash.
  • Do not touch the gorillas.
  • Don’t feed the gorillas
  • Keep your voice low at all times.

Where To Stay When Tracking Gorillas In Uganda? 

When you go Gorilla trekking in Uganda, there are several safari lodges where you can stay and these lodges are classified into budget, midrange to luxury options. You can find them within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park and Mgahinga Park

Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 

  • Luxury accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park includes; Buhoma Safari Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, etc.
  • Midrange accommodation includes; Silverback Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Agandi Safari Lodge, Bakiga Safari Lodge, etc.
  • Budget accommodation includes; Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Trekker’s Tavern Cottages, etc.

Accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Some of the accommodation in Mgahinga includes; Mount Gahinga Lodge, Traveler’s Rest Hotel, Mutanda Lake Resort, etc. 

In summary, Walking with gorillas and Gorilla habituation experiences enable you to get close encounters of the endangered apes in the jungle which will give you full excitement.

Gorilla tours in Uganda can be combined with Chimpanzee tracking tours for ultimate memories. You can as well visit Queen Elizabeth National Park home to the tree climbing Lions, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park for remarkable wildlife viewing.

Reach Out to Us for Memorable Gorilla Safari Tours.

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All Uganda Gorilla Trekking Frequently Asked Questions

Planning for gorilla trekking in Uganda? Carefully check out out popular frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking Uganda safaris.

Uganda is one of the 3 countries in East Africa holding Mountain Gorillas besides Rwanda within Volcanoes National Park and the Democratic Republic of Congo within Virunga NP and it also has Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega. Among these 3 Gorilla watching destinations, Uganda holds the highest number of Mountain Gorillas within its two national parks, Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

A Gorilla permit is an official document that permits you to trek Gorillas on your Gorilla tours. Gorilla permits are purchased from Uganda Wildlife Authority and you can use a tour operator or tour company to help you get the Gorilla permit. Always buy your Gorilla permit in advance as they can be scarce in the peak season.

Uganda has 160 permits available daily as only 8 people with Gorilla permits track a Gorilla family. This makes it the highest number of Gorilla permits among other destinations for gorilla trekking safaris. If lucky, discounted gorilla permits can be available in the low seasons.

The cost or price of a Mountain Gorilla trekking permit is $700 per person (non-residents), there are discounted Gorilla permits for foreign residents as they go for $600, and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens per person. A Gorilla permit is inclusive of park entrance fees in all the Gorilla tracking destinations on your Gorilla tour.

Many tourists ask themselves how to book a Gorilla permit in Uganda. You can buy a Gorilla permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and you can use the services of a tour operator (Tour Company). Once you purchase the Gorilla permit, you can collect it from the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices or the tour operator (Tour Company) will sign in at the park headquarters for you on the day of trekking. Uganda tour operators will do for you a nice job in getting you the Gorilla permits and this will prevent you from the hustles. They are more resourceful as they can get you last-minute Gorilla permits which may be difficult for you, especially in the peak season. Tour operators can help you acquire discounted Gorilla permits, especially in the low season. Always purchase your Gorilla permits in advance to avoid any inconveniences.

There is no fixed price for a Gorilla safari cost for gorilla trekking holidays as different tour operators offer different quotations based on the safari factors like the Gorilla permit cost, number of people on the Gorilla tour, accommodation class to use, mode of transport, etc. However, expect the cheapest to cost around $1100 per person. A luxurious Gorilla safari package is expected to have an additional cost between $400 and $700 per person on your Uganda safari.

One can go gorilla trekking in Uganda or Gorilla watching on a budget and get lifetime experiences. Gorilla tours are not as expensive as most people think. Below is how you can trek Mountain Gorillas on a budget;
  • Target the low season; this is when most lodges in Gorilla safari destinations are at discounted rates. If lucky, you can land yourself discounted Gorilla permits.
  • Consider budget accommodation; besides the Gorilla permit which is standard, book budget accommodation during the gorilla trip.
  • Join a group tour; this means that most of the expenses on your Gorilla trip will be shared.
  • If possible, use public transport as it is cheap

Gorilla treks last from around 2-8 hours as you trek Mountain Gorillas in the tropical rainforests. Once you spot a Gorilla group on your Gorilla trek, you are allowed to be in the presence of the gentle giants for one full hour. This outstanding hour is of a lifetime as you get to enjoy apes playing, and feeding, and you can be amused by the size of the Silverback. However, if you want more time with the apes when on your Gorilla tracking holidays, then you can engage in Gorilla habituation. This activity gives 4-full hours to be with the Uganda Gorillas.

Gorilla trekking holidays in Uganda safaris cannot be done in one day. Gorilla treks and Gorilla habituation experience take a minimum of 3 days as the Gorilla destinations are distant from the airport. Usually, day 1 of the Gorilla trip is for traveling, day 2 is for the Gorilla trek starting at the park headquarters, and day 3 is for returning.

Gorilla watching and gorilla habituation is an all-year Uganda safari activity though the best time is during the dry season which is also the peak season. This is usually from June to August and December to February. In the dry season, the Gorilla treks are dry making the trails dry and accessible and photography is rewarding. In the wet season, the rains are heavy making the trails slippery and the wet months are from March to May and from September to November. Also, tourists can go Gorilla trekking in Uganda and if lucky, you can get discounted Gorilla permits for tour operators.

For amazing Gorilla walking safaris, you require a few essential items that you need to carry with you always and some of these include;
  • Gorilla permits
  • A good camera with extra batteries
  • Binoculars
  • The Poncho/rain jacket
  • Insect repellents
  • Walking sticks

There are clothes (wear) you can choose to put on so that your Gorilla treks are successful. Below is what to wear before you go Gorilla walking;
  • Light hiking boots
  • Long-sleeved trousers and shirts
  • Garden gloves
  • Hat or cap
  • Sunglasses

Oh yes, trekking Gorillas on a Uganda safari is safe and you are guaranteed security in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Also, the Mountain Gorillas on your trek are fully habituated meaning that they recognize human presence. When you go to trek Mountain Gorillas in the jungle, you are also escorted by armed ranger guides who protect you at all costs. Also, there is an 8-meter gap left between you and the Mountain Gorillas making it more secure.

Yes, Gorilla tours in Uganda are worth it and worth the money as no price equals meeting the Gorillas face to face. During your Gorilla tracking on a Uganda safari holiday, you will meet the Gorillas feeding, and caring, and the size of the Silverback is just outstanding. The gentle giants that you will see on the Gorilla trek are one of the remaining apes in the world and their looks will leave you amazed as their looks are charming.

Gorilla tracking is not as difficult as it may sound though the gorillas are found in mountainous forested areas and gorilla treks in search of these great apes can go up to 8 hours, scrambling through dense vegetation up steep, muddy hillsides, sometimes to altitudes of more than 3500 meters. The Gorilla trek trail can be challenging, but once you meet them face to face, then it will all be in the past as you get memorable experiences of being with the Gorillas.

Sightings cannot be guaranteed as Mountain Gorillas are wild animals and make movements at any time they feel like. However, the viewing chances are over 90% and there has been no case of anyone missing to see the primates. If you miss the sightings, then the Gorilla tracking can be re-arranged for you the next day.

Both destinations offer amazing Gorilla tours and that's why we recommend that you visit both destinations. Below is a simple comparison;
  • Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is situated near the Kigali Airport meaning that one can enjoy a 1 day Rwanda Gorilla trek to see Rwanda Gorillas which is impossible in Uganda.
  • Uganda sells 160 permits a day though the Rwanda Development Board only sells 96 Rwanda Gorilla permits for those going to trek Rwanda Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
  • A Gorilla permit in Uganda costs $700 though a Rwanda Gorilla permit from the Rwanda Development Board to track Rwanda Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park costs $1,500. However, it is also hard to get discounted Gorilla permits in both destinations.
  • A Rwanda Gorilla trek can be combined with wildlife safaris in its only savannah park Akagera National Park and Uganda has 4 amazing savannah national parks namely Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Lake Mburo Park.
Comparing the two destinations for Gorilla watching depends on one's time and budget though you can trek in both countries when you acquire an East African tourist visa.

Several tour operators can organize for you Gorilla holidays on your African safari within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park and Mgahinga Park and the most rated is Wild Gorilla Safaris.

The Gorilla safari packages are tailor-made to ensure that you get the best experience when you meet Gorillas in their natural setting. They also include other national parks for memorable African safari experiences. Enjoy the Best-priced Gorilla Safari Packages in Uganda.
  • 2 Days Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi National Park
  • 3 Days Gorilla Walking Bwindi Uganda Safari - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park Gorilla Trip
  • 3 Days Gorilla Tracking Safari - Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
  • 4 Days Uganda Safari - Gorillas Trek in Bwindi National Park & Queen Elizabeth National Park Wildlife Tour
  • 5 Days Uganda Tour - Gorilla watching in Bwindi National Park and chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
  • 6 Days Uganda Tour - Gorillas in Bwindi Forest & Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
  • 7 Days Safari in Uganda - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gorillas, Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth Park & Lake Bunyonyi
  • 10 Days Uganda Safari Gorilla walking in Bwindi National Park, Wildlife, Chimpanzees & Community Tours

There are several reasons for you to visit Gorillas in Uganda and below are some of these reasons;
  • Uganda has half of the world's surviving Mountain Gorillas meaning that you are guaranteed sightings
  • Gorilla tours in Uganda are cheaper
  • Uganda is a safe country for all tourists on Gorilla holidays
  • When you buy a Gorilla permit, you contribute to Gorilla conservation
  • As a tourist, you will meet the endangered primates that share over 95% of DNA with humans
  • You see more primates along the Gorilla trek like Golden Monkeys
  • Gorilla treks can be combined with other Uganda safaris like Uganda wildlife safaris
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