Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorillas might be the country’s landlords but when you delve deeper, you will discover that Uganda has so much more to offer. Straddling the Equator, Uganda’s southern shore lies on the majestic Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and second-largest freshwater lake in the world.
From rolling green hills to snow-capped mountains, misty forests, banana and coffee plantations, and deep crystalline lakes, Uganda has earned its reputation as “The Pearl of Africa”.
Where else, in the space of ten days, can you hike to within metres of endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees; navigate waterways in search of the elusive shoebill stork, hippos, elephants and giant forest hogs; explore the savannah grasslands teeming with thousands of topi, Ugandan kob and buffalo; or get to witness Uganda’s legendary tree-climbing lions? And if this is not enough, Uganda is a birder’s paradise with 1,020 recorded species. It is also the source of the longest river in the world, the River Nile. In addition, we will also introduce you to a few noteworthy conservation projects that not many know about.
XA Gorilla Safaris is an accredited Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) affiliated company, able to purchase gorilla permits directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Why visit Uganda
Explore popular areas like the Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, Murchison Falls National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. 43% of the world’s mountain gorilla population can be found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, where there are 26 habituated gorilla families for you to encounter while on a once-in-a-lifetime trek.
Even though Uganda is a small country, it offers all of this and much more, including white water rafting, exceptional game viewing, birding and some fantastic hiking. It’s here that the eastern savannah meets the West African jungle. In a nutshell, there is no other African destination that offers such a diverse variety of activities and wildlife encounters.
Uganda Highlights
Privately Guided and Hosted
Your entire experience and trek in Uganda is privately guided by leading gorilla expert and XA Gorilla Safaris owner, Lisa Marsden. With over 18 years of specialised experience in Uganda, Lisa delivers carefully curated privately guided safaris and photographic tours.
Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking
You will find 43% of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Bwindi has 26 habituated mountain gorilla families, while Mgahinga National Park, part of the Virunga Massif, is home to only one habituated gorilla family.
Chimpanzee trekking takes place in four reputable areas: Kibale National Park, Kyambura Gorge, Budongo Central Forest Reserve and Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve.
Best seat in the house
We hand-select accommodation to ensure you stay in reputable lodges that offer the highest level of comfort, spectacular settings, and convenient proximity to national park access points.
Provided the establishment meets our standards, we cater to all budgets.
Conservation Projects
Whether it’s pangolin rehabilitation or community initiatives, part of your tour will include an opportunity to learn about the various projects we support.
Fresh Produce, Coffee & Tea
Did you know that Uganda is Africa’s leading fruit-producing country? It’s the best place to enjoy mangoes, pineapples and plantains. Savour freshly harvested coffee and tea from the nearby rolling hills that are covered in plantations.
Seeking the Extraordinary
Are you looking to spot giant forest hogs, hippos, and a plethora of aquatic birds? Then take a private boat safari on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Even better, go on a game drive in the Ishasha sector and catch a glimpse of the rare tree-climbing lions or visit Mabamba Wetland outside of Entebbe to see the unique-looking shoebill stork.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda – Need to know
Permits:
- Permits must be booked in advance.
- Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Permits will be reserved for a maximum of seven days; during this time, they must be paid for in full or released back to the UWA.
- A valid passport is required when purchasing a gorilla permit.
- Permits are non-refundable, non-transferable, and subject to availability at the time of booking.
International Permit Tariffs:
- Gorilla trekking: USD 800.00 per person, per day
- Gorilla habituation: USD 1,500.00 per person, per day
- Valid 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2026
- Subject to change without notice
Discounted Rest of Africa (ROA) Permit Tariffs:
- Gorilla trekking: USD 500.00 per person, per day
- Gorilla habituation: USD 1,000.00 per person, per day
- Valid 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2026
- Subject to change without notice
Trekking Notes:
- Bwindi has 24 habituated gorilla families across four park sectors.
- Bwindi issues a maximum of 192 trekking permits and 4 habituation permits daily.
- Trekking and habituation occur regardless of weather conditions.
- Reaching a gorilla family can take 20 minutes to 5 hours.
- Trekking can be strenuous, and terrain varies greatly depending on the gorilla family’s location.
- Trekkers are allocated according to operations on the day and/or fitness levels.
- Strong scents, perfumes, and sunblock are discouraged, as they can attract bees and wasps in the forest canopy.
Trekking Rules:
- Always follow the head guide’s and trackers’ instructions.
- Masks must be worn to minimise the risk of transmitting human diseases to gorillas.
- Always maintain a 10-metre (32-foot) distance from the gorillas.
- Flash photography is prohibited, as it frightens the gorillas.
- The minimum age to view gorillas is 15 years.
- Viewing is limited to one hour per group per day.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Tracking departs daily from four sectors (trailheads).
- Buhoma Sector: Gorilla families – Rushegura • Habinyanja • Katwe • Mubare • Binyindo • Muyambi
- Ruhija Sector: Gorilla families- Oruzogo • Bitukura • Mukiza • Kyaguliro
- Rushaga Sector: Gorilla families – Busingye • Mishaya • Nshongi • Bweza • Kahungye • Bikingi • Kutu • Rwigi • Tindatine
- Nkuringo Sector: Gorilla families – Bushaho • Nkuringo • Christmas • Posho
Nyamaremura Sector is only for the gorilla habituation experience and here you will spend time with the Bikingi family.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Virunga Massif
Home to just one gorilla family, the Nyakagezi.
Suggested Tours
Signature Gorilla Safari
6 nights / 7 days
The name says it all! Explore Kibale and Bwindi, trekking for chimpanzees and gorillas. Optional Mabamba Swamp shoebill stork excursion.
Fly me to the Gorillas
3 nights / 4 days
An express safari, perfect for a pre- or post-safari in Kenya or Tanzania. Trek gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga for an unforgettable experience.
The Wings and Wheels Gorilla Safari
4 nights / 5 days
The ideal fly-in safari to experience the best Mgahinga has to offer – gorillas, golden monkeys, culture and scenic hiking.
The Pearl of Africa Safari
9 night / 10 days
A private boating excursion, game drives, night-time hiking, tree climbing lions, forest walks and waterfalls! Explore Kibale, Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
The Ultimate Uganda Safari
11 nights / 12 days
Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi National Parks – go on game drives, a shoebill excursion, chimpanzee trekking, boating and gorilla trekking.
The Great Uganda Safari
13 nights / 14 days
This safari includes culture, wildlife, chimpanzee habituation, gorillas, golden monkeys, volcano hiking, boating, and game drives! Explore Kibale, Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.