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Everything you need to know about Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
There are only three countries in the world where it is possible to go gorilla trekking, Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic of Congo. Out of these, Uganda is home to about half of the world’s gorillas, and most of them are living in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Embarking on a gorilla trek is one of the most surreal wildlife experiences in the world and something that had been on my bucket list for a decade. In fact, this experience alone was my main motivation for visiting Uganda.
After recently getting the chance to experience gorilla trekking with these amazing primates in their natural habitat, I’ve created this detailed guide to help you plan and arrange your own gorilla trekking journey in Uganda.
I’ll share essential tips on preparation including acquiring permits, the best times to visit, booking a reputable tour provider, and getting to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. I’ll also include a section on my experience that I hope will serve as a reflection of my journey and inspire your adventure.
I’m Olly, a full-time traveler for the past 5 years. I visit every destination I write about & handpick all recommendations. If you buy through my links, I may get a commission. Read my disclosures.
Video From My Uganda Gorilla Trekking Experience
Here is a vlog-style video from my gorilla trek in the Ruhija sector of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Watch on YouTube
Where To Go Gorilla Trekking In Uganda
Only three countries on Earth offer the incredible opportunity of gorilla trekking: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga National Park). Uganda leads the way with nearly half of the world’s gorillas and the majority reside within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
That said, there are two gorilla trekking regions in Uganda, both located in the southwest region of the country within the Virunga mountain ranges.
These are:
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park: This is one of the most renowned destinations for gorilla trekking, with over 400 gorillas and 20 habituated gorilla families you can visit on a trekking experience.
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: also offers gorilla trekking opportunities and is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which is home to around 100 mountain gorillas and 2 habituated families.
What is the Best Region for Gorilla Trekking?
By far, the best and most popular choice for travelers looking for the most enjoyable and sustainable experience is at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This is the place to go gorilla trekking in Uganda. This forest stands out due to its many habituated gorilla families, which makes it easier for trekkers to secure permits and get a better chance of meeting these incredible creatures.
Bwindi is also known for its sustainable and responsible tourism practices, which was something that was important to me when researching about where to go. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) works closely with the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP) which is a collaboration of the WWF, African Wildlife Foundation, and Fauna and Flora International to ensure that gorilla tourism is sustainable, ethical, and organized in a way that enables trekking to contribute to conservation efforts.
I did a lot of research before booking my gorilla trek and I came to the conclusion that Bwindi is exactly where I wanted to go to trek to the endangered mountain gorillas.
Map of the Mountain Gorilla Forests in Uganda
Below is a useful map showing the location of Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga National Park relative to Kampala, the capital of Uganda.
You’ll notice that Bwindi is a much larger forest, which is why it can house so many gorillas.
How To Book & Arrange The Gorilla Tracking Experience
Gorilla trekking and habituation permits can be booked directly with UWA or with a trusted tour operator like Elyson Adventures.
However, after trying to arrange this independently, I found that it was almost impossible to secure permits and arrange the trip by myself.
That’s because similarly to the chimpanzee trekking experience, gorilla trekking permits can only be issued at the UWA Headquarters in Kampala. And, since you need to arrange permits at least a month in advance in low season, and at least 2-3 months in high season, this is practically impossible for most travelers.
So, in the end, I decided to organize my gorilla trek and my entire 2-week safari trip around Uganda with Nathan from Elyson Adventures. This worked out to be a lot more practical in terms of transport and organization since they took care of everything for us.
If you’re looking for someone to arrange your gorilla permits or your travels in Uganda, I couldn’t recommend Nathan and Gillian enough for their fun, professional outlook– they really did make our trip to Uganda!
Costs of Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda
One thing that you should know is that gorilla trekking permits are not cheap and are constantly changing. As of my latest research, the costs are $700 USD per person for foreigners in the peak season, which allows for 1 hour with the gorillas once you find them.
Below is a table showing the current gorilla trekking pricing from UWA.
| Permit | Foreign Non residents | Foreign Residents (East Africa) | East African Citizens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular trekking permit | $700 | $600 | UGX 250,000 |
| Habituation permit | $1,500 | $1,000 | UGX 750,000 |
Your gorilla permit includes expert tracking guides and one hour with the gorillas. Note, even though you can arrange this experience with a tour operator, it is only UWA staff who will take you to see the gorillas.
While expensive, the money raised from gorilla trekking permits is invested directly back into gorilla conservation efforts and supporting the communities around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The permits are also much cheaper than gorilla trekking in Rwanda, which currently costs more than double this at $1,500 USD per person.
Remember: These prices are up to date as of the 2023/2024 seasons. If prices or information change, please leave a comment below so that I can keep this guide updated with the most relevant information to help travelers.
Optional: Gorilla Habituation Permit
If you’re willing to pay the extra money, there is an option of instead booking a gorilla habituation experience at Bwindi.
This is an extended encounter with gorillas that lasts up to four hours and allows for a deeper understanding of their behavior.
The group sizes are also limited to four visitors, and you’ll be guided by researchers actively habituating the gorillas. It includes a habituation permit, your guide, and the chance to observe and document gorilla behavior.
My advice: While we chose to do the chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale, we opted for the standard trekking experience with the gorillas in Bwindi because we couldn’t justify the higher permit costs. In my opinion, getting one hour with the mountain gorillas is enough, since you must also trek in and out of the forest. This means that the experience can easily take an entire day regardless.
About the Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
While there are over 316,000 lowland gorillas in Africa, mountain gorillas are much more critically endangered. Out of the 1,063 endangered mountain gorillas left in the wild about 459 of them are living in the 32,000 ha covered by Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
In the gorilla trekking experience, you will be allocated a sector and an individual gorilla family to visit in small groups.
This forest spans over three countries, Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was established as a Ugandan National Park in 1991 to protect the mountain gorillas, famously displacing the Batwa forest communities.
Mountain Gorillas are one of our closest relatives, sharing roughly 98% of our DNA. They live in groups of between 5-30 members and are dominated by a silverback gorilla that makes most of the decisions.
Unfortunately, due to war, habitat destruction, and disease, mountain gorillas nearly became extinct in the 19th century but are slowly recovering thanks to better conservation efforts funded by activities like tourism trekking and habituation programs.
Sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
There are four sectors of the park where tourists can come to do gorilla trekking. These are Buhoma Sector, Ruhija Sector, Rushaga Sector, and Nkuringo Sector.
| Sector | Habituated Gorilla Families | Trekking Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buhoma Sector (north) | 5 | Moderate | Easiest trek, many accommodations |
| Ruhija Sector (east) | 4 | Moderate to Difficult | Diverse birdlife, dense vegetation |
| Rushaga Sector (south) | 8 | Moderate to Difficult | Large gorilla families, steep hills |
| Nkuringo (south) | 3 | Moderate | Easiest trek, with many accommodations |
We trekked in the Ruhija Sector. We didn’t have much say in this as it was was completely determined by the availability of permits. After speaking to Nathan from Elyson, he told me that most sectors are equal and all sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offer a 100% chance of spotting gorillas since UWA trackers work around the clock to keep an eye on their location.
However, as you can see in the table above, the difficulty and the terrain vary slightly across the sectors.
Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located over 500 kilometers southwest of Uganda’s capital, Kampala. There are two main ways to get here:
By Air:
- Entebbe International Airport (EBB): The primary international gateway to Uganda.
- Domestic Flights: From EBB, you can take a domestic flight to either Kihihi Airstrip (closer to Buhoma and Ruhija sectors) or Kisoro Airport (closer to Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors).
Nathan from Elyson told me that fly-in safaris like this are common for wealthier travelers who are looking to save time. However, there is so much to see in Uganda, and due to the distance, I highly recommend combining the gorilla trek with a large Uganda safari experience by road.
By Road:
- From Kampala: Driving from Uganda’s capital to the starting point in Bwindi takes at least 10 hours. It’s a long drive and therefore is usually broken up with stops at Queen Elizabeth National Park and/or Lake Mburo. There are two main roads into Bwindi National Park and both have unsealed sections that are quite bumpy. The road we took from Queen Elizabeth leads to the Congo.
- Public Transport: Buses run from Kampala to towns like Kisoro or Kabale, which are closer to Bwindi but this is very difficult for a tourist in Uganda. I recommend contacting a tour provider like Elyson to help you.
My Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Forest
Below is my personal experience trekking to the mountain gorillas of Uganda at Bwindi. I’ve written this to serve as a valuable memory for me and I hope it also inspires you to embark on this incredible wildlife journey.
Arriving at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Our allocated gorilla trekking sector of Bwindi was Ruhija, which involved a long 5-hour drive following our game drive with Elyson at Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The road to Ruhija is remarkably beautiful and there is a clear sense that we are climbing deep into the misty hills. We stopped several times for views over the rolling hills leading up to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and arrived at the Gorilla Mist Camp Lodge late in the evening.
Out of all the safari lodges that we stayed at in Uganda, this was one of my favorites. If you watched my video above, you can see the amazing mountain views we had from our balcony. And, the buffet dinner was amazing.
Arriving at the Ruhija Gorilla Trekking Headquarters for Briefing
We woke up just before sunrise and ate a delicious breakfast before Nathan drove us to the briefing point located at the park headquarters just a few minutes away.
We were happy to see that there were only about 10-15 other trekkers in total that day. Furthermore, we were all broken up into four smaller groups to visit different gorilla families within the Ruhuija Sector.
After a short briefing about safety and gorilla behavior, we were treated to a traditional welcome song and dance. This was performed by locals from the Ruhija community.
Gorilla Trekking Porters
The staff at the briefing center also told us that it was optional to hire local porters who would help carry your bags or cameras through the forest. They assured us that this is an initiative that they are incorporating to give opportunities back to the local communities.
The cost is roughly $20 USD per porter, per day. Nathan also advised us that we should tip the porters $15 USD or more, depending on the load that they are carrying.
However, as we aer quite used to carrying heavy gear, we chose not to hire a porter for our trek. This is completely optional and can be useful for some travelers looking to lighten the load or help out the local community.
Starting the Gorilla Trek
Shortly after, we met our two gorilla trekking guides from UWA, who explained to us that we were going to meet the Oruzogo Group which we were very excited about because this family has a small gorilla infant that we could meet.
Shortly after, our guides drove us to a remote part of Ruhija to begin our trek in search of the Bwindi gorillas.
Tracking the Mountain Gorillas of Uganda
After a short drive to the trailhead, we began trekking on an unmarked, established trail on the side of the road. We had our main tracking guide in the front, as well as another tracker to our rear. One tracker was carrying large firearms, which is a safety measure.
They assured us that they only use the weapons to fire into the air to scare away wild animals such as elephants and in case things get out of hand with the gorillas.
After roughly half an hour of hiking through the dense forest, our UWA tracking guides began making bird calls out into the forest. This was to communicate with other UWA staff who are permanently assigned to track each individual family, around the clock.
Our guide assured us that this was to protect the gorillas from poachers and other threats.
After hiking up the steep hillside through extremely dense vegetation, we now understood why Bwindi was called the impenetrable forest. It is very hard to maneuver through, and our guides had to lead the way by cutting back the forest with a panga (machete) to clear the path.
Eventually, we laid eyes on our first gorillas To our surprise, it was a small infant who was climbing a tree. Excited, our guides told us to put on our surgical masks to prevent spreading any viral or bacterial infections to the gorillas.
How Long Does It Take to Find the Gorillas?
We hiked for just over an hour through the dense forest before we reached the gorilla family.
My Garmin watch calculated about 1.5 kilometers and about 200 meters of elevation gain, which is slow going! However, they told us that we were lucky. Sometimes, if the gorillas are very far up the mountain, the trek can go for as long as 3 hours or up to 14 km (9 mi) before spotting a gorilla.
Photographing Mountain Gorillas in their Natural Habitat
We spent the next hour sitting in close proximity to the gorilla family. I was blown away by just how relaxed these amazing animals were with us in our presence, it was as if they didn’t care at all that we were with them.
Occasionally, the guides would make subtle grunts, almost communicating with the gorillas. They told us afterward that this was them telling the gorillas that we are friendly and we do not want to compete for their food.
Below are some more photographs that I captured during my time sitting with the amazing mountain gorillas of Uganda.
Trekking Out of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After the one hour was up, our guides led us back out of the forest on the same path. We noticed that the trail that the guides had carved out with their pangas was once again completely overgrown, with no trace of us barging through this section. In all my years of trekking all over the world, I had never encountered such dense foliage as in Bwindi.
Once we got back to the road, our guides presented us with our gorilla trekking certificates to commemorate this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We thanked our guides and left a nice tip for them.
As we drove away from Ruhija, heading toward our next destination in Uganda, I couldn’t help but reflect on the profound impact of this encounter. Looking back, I realized that this experience had not only deepened my appreciation for the natural world but also underscored the critical importance of conservation efforts for these truly amazing animals.
It was a humbling reminder that, as travelers, we have a responsibility to protect and preserve these remarkable habitats and the incredible creatures that call them home. My journey through Bwindi left an indelible mark on my heart, reminding me of the delicate balance between human and wildlife coexistence and the need to safeguard these species.
11 Rules & Guidelines When Observing Gorillas in their Natural Habitat
Observing gorillas in their natural habitat is a privilege that comes with responsibilities. After speaking with the UWA staff and guides, here are some key rules and guidelines they told me to ensure a respectful and safe experience:
- Maintain Distance: Always keep a minimum distance of 7 meters (about 23 feet) from the gorillas. This is to protect both the gorillas and visitors from potential human disease transmission.
- Wear a mask: Your guides will instruct you to wear a mask once you reach the gorillas. You do not need to wear it when trekking.
- Follow your Guide: Listen to your experienced guides and follow their instructions. Remember, these guys are trained to ensure your safety and the well-being of the gorillas.
- No Flash Photography: Flash photography can scare gorillas.
- No Eating or Drinking: Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the presence of gorillas. Human food and waste could upset them and they are not used to it.
- No Littering: Keep the forest pristine by not leaving any litter behind.
- Silence: Keep noise to a minimum. Gorillas are sensitive to loud sounds and definitely do not mimic them as you do not know what you are saying (you could be saying something rude!).
- Stay in Your Group: Do not wander away from your trekking group. This ensures safety and minimizes disturbance.
- No Physical Contact: Never touch the gorillas, even if they approach you. Human-borne diseases can be deadly to them and you do not want to aggravate a large silver back in his forest.
- Respect the Environment: Stay on designated paths and avoid trampling vegetation.
- Limited Time: Gorilla trekking permits allow for a one-hour visit with the gorillas. Make the most of this time, but do not overstay your welcome.
Tipping Guides and Trackers
While tipping is optional, it is highly recommended in Uganda as it is a strong part of the tourism service culture. We consulted our guide Nathan from Elyson who gave us rough figures as to who and how much to tip.
This is what he advised.
- Gorilla Guides: Tips should be placed in the central tip box if provided or given to the main guide who will distribute them amongst the guides. Amounts should be in the region of $20 USD per guest for the main guide. If there is no tip box, then give your tip the head guide.
- Gorilla Trackers and Rangers: Each guest should tip USD 3 to 4 per trek to the trackers staying with the gorillas. Please note, that this is for the total trackers or rangers, not per tracker/ranger.
This is the tipping schedule that I followed, and I found that all the staff were happy with this.
FAQ About the Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience in Uganda
Currently, as of the latest census in 2019, the mountain gorilla population sits at around 1,063 left in the wild. This is up from around 480 individuals in 2010, indicating a healthy recovery.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is generally considered safe as long as you book and arrange the trek with an experienced park rangers and guides (it is illegal to do so without them). However, remember to follow all safety guidelines and respect the gorillas’ natural habitat to ensure a safe and responsible experience.
Obtain a gorilla trekking permit through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). But, as this must be in person in Kampala, I recommend tourists to reach out to authorized tour operators like Elyson Adventures. I highly recommend booking your permit well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Gorilla trekking groups are limited in size to just 8 visitors per gorilla family in order to minimize disturbance to the gorillas.
Gorilla trekking can be very physically demanding as it involves hiking through dense forests and uneven terrain with steep slopes at relatively high altitudes of around 1,160 m – 2,607 m above sea level. The difficulty will depend on how far the gorillas are from the trailhead. But, a trek can be longer than 9 miles and take more than 3 hours to find them.
The best time for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons in Uganda, which typically runs from June to September and December to February. During these periods, the trails are more accessible than the rainy season, and the gorillas are easier to locate. However, permits are in high demand during these months, so booking in advance is crucial!
During gorilla trekking, your guides will instruct you to maintain a minimum distance of 7 meters (about 23 feet) from the gorillas. However, gorillas may sometimes approach you out of curiosity and will move around the forest so they will likely come closer. It’s best to just follow your guides’ instructions at this time, look down, and don’t move or make a sound.
Yes, you can take photos during the gorilla trekking trip. However, you can not use flash photography as it can scare the gorillas.
Gorilla habituation involves a more extended and in-depth 4-hour encounter with gorillas that are in the process of becoming accustomed to human presence. This is essentially getting the gorillas used to tourists. Regular gorilla trekking lasts for one hour and is with a family that is already well-habituated. In my experience on the chimpanzee habituation in Kibale, the apes that are not yet habituated usually stay quite far away from people compared to the already habituated groups.
We were advised to wear long-sleeved shirts, lightweight trousers, waterproof hiking boots, and to carry a rain jacket. We opted for earthy, natural colors (think safari clothing) to blend in with the jungle. Don’t forget gloves, a hat, insect repellent, and sunscreen as well.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda vs Rwanda
While I only have experience with gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park in Uganda, I did do extensive research between the options available in Uganda and Rwanda before embarking on my trip.
This is what I found.
Accessibility:
- Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is accessible by road from the major cities, but travel times can be longer due to winding roads and its remote nature.
- Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s gorilla trekking hub. It’s more conveniently located about a 2-3 hour drive from the international airport in Kigali, the capital.
Gorilla Populations
- Uganda: Home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas, with over 600 individuals living in the forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga.
- Rwanda: Approximately 380 mountain gorillas inhabit Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla Permit Costs:
- Uganda: Gorilla trekking permits are $700 USD for foreigners (variations based on residency and season).
- Rwanda: Rwanda’s permits are consistently priced at $1,500 for anybody
Overall Trekking Experience:
- Uganda: Trekking in Uganda is known for its dense rainforest and varying terrain. It can be physically demanding to get through but offers a chance to see a wide range of biodiversity.
- Rwanda: Trekking in Rwanda is often considered less strenuous because the vegetation is mostly bamboo.
In the end, I decided to choose my trekking experience in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, because the permit is much cheaper and I was looking forward to seeing the gorillas in a rainforest terrain.
More East Africa Adventure Travel Guides
I hope that you enjoyed this detailed guide covering my experience trekking with the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda.
Along with climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, this experience is up there with one of the most amazing things I go to do on my recent trip to East Africa. If you’re looking for more travel guides and adventure inspiration, check out my Uganda and Tanzania travel section of my blog.
