The Ultimate Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking is a once- in- a- lifetime experience that I had the privilege of doing in Uganda. There are not many mountain gorillas left, and getting to share their space in nature is one of the most special travel experiences I’ve had so far. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a moment where these creatures look directly into your eyes, and you realize they’re not so different from us.

Here is my complete, step- by- step guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda.

What is Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a hike that gives you the opportunity to come face to face with highly endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. It is estimated that there are only around 1,000 mountain gorillas in the world, making them one of the most elusive animals in existence.  The pure amazement of seeing them up close was one of the experiences that inspired this blog! I didn’t feel entirely prepared based on my extensive research, and it was one of my goals was to make sure that you do.

Why Choose Uganda for Gorilla Trekking?

Dense Gorilla Population

Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population.

They are primarily found in two key national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These parks offer a controlled environment where you can experience the thrill of seeing the gorillas up close. The dense population factor almost ensures that you will see gorillas on your trek, which unfortunately is not always guaranteed.

Diverse Landscapes

Beyond the gorillas, Uganda’s landscapes are breathtaking. From mist-covered mountains to the lush greenery, the country offers an array of atmospheres that add beauty to your trekking experience. As you trek, you’ll see a rich diversity of flora and fauna, which makes the journey as extraordinary as the destination.

Conservation Efforts

Uganda’s commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism is another reason it’s an ideal choice for gorilla trekking. There are strict regulations, such as issuing a limited number of permits, in order to minimize human impact on the environment. The country’s focus on protecting its wildlife through responsible tourism ensures that visiting contributes to the preservation of these incredible creatures and supports local communities.

 

Is Gorilla Trekking Safe

In short, yes, gorilla trekking is very safe. My experience is of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.  The gorillas of Bwindi have been habituated, which essentially means they are accustomed to humans and accept them as part of their natural environment. They do not view humans as a threat.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is heavily controlled. The Park rangers and gorilla trackers know the forest extensively and no one enters without a ranger. There are no poachers in Bwindi, so there’s no risk to your safety from a human perspective either.

 

Is there an age limit to gorilla trekking?

Yes, you must be at least 15 years old to obtain a gorilla trekking permit. This ensures the safety of both the trekkers and the gorillas, as younger children may have difficulty adhering to the guidelines. There is no maximum age limit, as long as you are in good physical condition.

 

How Difficult is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be moderately to highly challenging, depending on the gorilla family’s location. The treks can last from one to eight hours and often involve steep, muddy paths and cutting through the dense forest (which the rangers will do). A reasonable level of physical fitness is required, but the experience of seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat is well worth the effort.

 

When is the best time to go gorilla trekking?

The dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, are the best times for gorilla trekking.

Dry Season vs. Wet Season

Uganda has two main seasons: dry season and wet season. The dry seasons, are the best times for gorilla trekking. During these months, the trails are less muddy, and the weather is generally more pleasant, making it easier to navigate the dense forests. You’re also more likely to see gorillas, because during wet season they will be moving around more to hide from the rain.

 

Wet Season Advantages

While the wet season (March to May and October to November) presents more challenging trekking conditions, it has some advantages. The forests are lusher and more vibrant. There will be fewer tourists, offering a more intimate trekking experience. Additionally, permits can be cheaper during this time, making it a cost-effective option for budget travelers.

 

Weather Considerations

Uganda’s climate is generally mild, but it’s essential to be prepared for unpredictable weather, especially in the mountain regions where the trekking takes place. I had some of this on my trek, and it ended up changing the whole route we followed to find the gorillas. Dressing appropriate is crucial, and I’ll let you know what to wear in a bit.

 

Visas and Permits

Uganda Visa

First, you will need a visa to enter Uganda. You can get the visa here. The cost depends on which type of visa you get. You’ll likely need either a single-entry visa (50 USD) or an East Africa Tourist Visa (100 USD). Get the single- entry if you only plan to visit Uganda.

The East Africa Tourist Visa allows entry to Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. If you are visiting at least two of these countries, then this visa is worth it. But be careful, because if you exit the country, this visa does NOT allow you to reenter. For example, if you fly into Uganda, then visit Rwanda, but you fly home out of Uganda, you need to get a new visa to reenter Uganda. You can read more about this visa here.

In addition to your visa, you also need a valid passport and yellow fever vaccination. You can find a local US vaccination site here. Check to see if your insurance covers, because it’s expense out of pocket. My insurance did not cover and I paid 80 USD.

 

Trekking Permit

In addition to your Uganda visa, you need a trekking permit. Permits are essential because they limit the amount of daily human- gorilla interaction, which is important to their well-being. The revenue from the permits also maintains their environment and allows for increased forest patrols against poachers, which is also vital for the gorillas.

Your accommodation can assist with booking the permit. I stayed at Rushaga Gorilla Camp, which works with Go Gorilla Trekking. You can contact them here.

If you choose to go with a tour group (which is what I did), they can also help obtain the permit for you. For reference, the cost of the Uganda trekking permit is about 700 USD.

 

Choosing the Right Gorilla Trekking Tour

Choosing the right tour operator is a crucial step in ensuring a positive gorilla trekking experience. I can’t in good faith recommend the tour I used because to be honest, my experience could have been better. I went off a friend’s recommendation, and this ended up being a mistake. But in this section, I’ll give you key factors to consider when choosing a tour.

 

Reputation and Experience

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a very popular experience. It’s important to choose a company with a solid reputation and extensive experience in organizing gorilla treks. Look for operators that prioritize safety, have knowledgeable guides, and are committed to ethical and sustainable tourism practices. Make sure to read the reviews to see if others had a good experience.

 

Group Size

Consider the size of the trekking groups. Smaller groups offer a more personalized experience and reduce impact on the gorillas’ natural behavior. If the operator does not specify, make sure to ask how many people will be in your group!

To me, this is one of the most important factors to having a good experience. My group had too many people in it, which took away from the amount of time each person got to spend up close with the gorillas. I would say no more than six to 8 people per group for an ideal experience (mine had 12). If you can organize a group trip with people you know, even better!

 

Trekking Experience

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is no easy feat. Photos on social media may lead you think that anyone can do this experience- maybe even without training. But this is far from the case.

Some tours cater to specific levels of physical fitness or prior trekking experience, so choose one that matches your capabilities. This is also a very important factor, because the people in my group had varied levels of fitness. We ended up waiting an additional 2 hours for the people in our group to finish their trek—on top of our 7-hour trek.

When speaking with tour operators, be honest with them about what your fitness level is, so they can build your group with people who have similar levels of fitness and trekking experience.

 

Included Services

A good tour package should include transportation to and from the park, park entry fees, accommodation, and an experienced guide. They should also provide lunch options, since there’s no way of really knowing how long your trek will be. But most importantly, check to see how long you will be spending with the gorillas once you’ve actually found them.

You should be spending ONE HOUR with the gorillas.

Preparing for Your Trek: Essential Gear

Preparation is key to a successful gorilla trekking experience. It’s impossible to enjoy it if you don’t have to right gear. This section will give an overview of all the essential gear you’ll need to bring along, but for a complete packing list, click here.

Clothing

What you wear can make or break your trekking experience. Prepare to dress in layers. Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing is essential for comfort in Uganda’s humid environment. Long-sleeved shirts and pants are recommended to protect against wasps and thorns. A waterproof jacket is a must-have, as rain can be unpredictable in the forests.

Footwear

Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential for navigating the uneven terrain. Make sure they have good grip because the forest can be muddy even in dry season. Your boots should be well-broken-in to avoid blisters and provide good ankle support.

Daypack Essentials

A well-packed daypack is crucial for your comfort and safety, because there’s no predicting how long your trek will be. Make sure your daypack can fit water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, a first-aid kit, a power bank and charger, and maybe even some extra clothes.

Additional Gear

Binoculars, a trekking pole for stability, and gaiters to keep mud out of your boots are all useful items to consider bringing along. The Park also offers walking sticks for rent or purchase.

 

What to Expect on the Day of Your Trek

Understanding what to expect on the day of your trek can help ease any anxiety and ensure you’re fully prepared for the experience. This is already a really long post, so you can read about my personal trekking experience here. I do recommend reading it, because a LOT went wrong and it gives a good dose of travel reality.

Morning Briefing

Your day will start EARLY. Expect a 4-5 am wake up time, which gives enough time for you to have breakfast and transport to the park. Once you get to the park, expect a briefing at the park headquarters. During this session, you’ll be assigned a gorilla family to trek and provided with essential information about the day’s activities. The rangers will give you tips on how to behave around the gorillas and what to do in case of an emergency.

At this point, you’ll also have the option to purchase a porter to carry your stuff. They also offer help during the hike. I HIGHLY recommend this. I didn’t get one and I regretted it, especially on our way back up the mountain. They’re incredibly helpful, and by hiring one, you’re giving job opportunities to the locals.

The Trek Itself

Trekking to find the gorillas can take anywhere from 1 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family you’ve been assigned to.

The trek can be challenging, involving steep climbs, muddy paths, and dense, thorny vegetation. The gorillas are also constantly moving, so the path can change at any time. We were told our trek would be just one hour… it ended up being 7. Be mentally prepared for things to change at any moment.

Encountering the Gorillas

Once you find the gorillas, you’ll spend about an hour observing them. This is the most magical part of the trek, as you watch the gorillas interact with each other in their natural habitat.

The Return Journey

After your time with the gorillas, you’ll trek back to the park headquarters. The return journey is usually quicker (but in my case, it was twice as long). It’s also somehow more physically challenging, probably after the adrenaline rush of the gorilla encounter has worn off.

 

Health and Safety Considerations

Because gorilla trekking happens in a controlled environment, it’s a safe activity when proper precautions are taken. This section will cover important health and safety tips to ensure your trek is as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Health Precautions

Before your trip, it’s important to get vaccinated for diseases common in the region, like yellow fever. Antimalarial medication is also an option, but I personally didn’t take it.

You must wear a mask at all times when in proximity of the gorillas.

This was the rule, even before COVID. Mountain gorillas share about 90% of our DNA, so they can easily get any diseases or infections that we carry. Because the gorillas are already highly endangered, them getting sick could be devastating to their population. So please wear a mask!

 

Physical Fitness

Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, especially if you get stuck on a longer trek. Be honest with yourself about your physical limitations before deciding to participate in one of these tours!

Safety with Gorillas

The rangers will provide guidelines on how to behave around the gorillas to ensure both your safety and the safety of the gorillas. The basic guidelines are maintaining a safe distance (7 meters or 22 feet), avoiding direct eye contact, no sudden movements, and not using flash photography.

As you can see, there’s lots to consider when planning your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda. From the planning and preparation stages to the unforgettable moment of encountering the gorillas, hopefully this guide has provided you with all the information you need to make your trek a success!

For more tips and insights on bucket list adventures like these, be sure to check out my other blog posts and discover the many wonders that await you on your next journey. Happy trekking!