Uganda Gorilla Trekking – Mountain Gorilla Tour Packages & Adventures

Gorilla tracking is an amazing activity that can only be done on the African continent. Gorillas are shy and gentle apes that share over 95% of their genes with humans.

They are social animals and live in families led by a large, dominant silverback, who ensures discipline and safety for all family members.

The trekking experience is unforgettable and is available in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These countries are home to both Eastern Lowland Gorillas and Mountain Gorillas.

Anyone can visit gorillas in their green tropical jungle, whether for research, a business trip, a honeymoon, a family retreat, a weekend adventure, or a holiday break. Gorilla tracking will never disappoint.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Cost & Price

The cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda depends on factors such as:

• Travel style (budget, mid-range, or luxury)
• Accommodation choice
• Transport costs

The price of gorilla permits remains the same:

• $800 for foreign non-residents
• $700 for foreign residents
• About Shs. 250,000 for East African residents

On average, an all-inclusive 3-day Uganda tour costs between $1,350 and $3,000 per person (based on two people sharing). A 2-day tour costs between $1,080 and $2,500 per person (for two people sharing).

How Much to Budget for your Gorilla Safari

One of the most common questions travelers ask when planning a safari in Uganda is how much to budget.

Uganda is one of the least expensive safari destinations in Africa and welcomes all kinds of travelers, from those on a budget to those looking for luxury.

However, the total cost of a safari depends on the activities included in the itinerary.

Some of the main costs include:

• Park entrance fees
• Car rental charges, which vary based on the type of vehicle
• Accommodation costs (budget, mid-range, or luxury)
• Meals during the trip
• Group size (traveling with more people reduces the cost since expenses like transport and accommodation are shared)
• Trip length (shorter trips cost less than longer ones)
• Booking agency fees, which vary by company

How Do Uganda’s Tour Costs Compare to Other African Safari Destinations?

Although East Africa is known for its expensive luxury accommodations and safari adventures, Uganda is more affordable.

Visitors can enjoy nature even on a budget. You can trek mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitat, go on game drives in the Savannah parks, take village walks, hike the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, visit Jinja City for adventure activities, and relax by the lake-shores.

Is Uganda Gorilla Trekking Worth the Cost?

Yes, gorilla trekking is worth the cost. Anyone who has had the experience of walking through the jungle and seeing mountain gorillas up close will agree that it is unforgettable.

A gorilla permit costs:

• Rwanda – $1,500 per person per trek
• Uganda – $700 per person per trek
• Democratic Republic of Congo – $400 per person per trek

Gorilla conservation is expensive because teams of veterinarians, rangers, and law enforcement officers are needed to protect and study these endangered animals.

Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Challenging?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is not easy, but it is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences.

The trek involves hiking at elevations between 2,400 and 3,000 meters above sea level. The air is thinner, making breathing more difficult, and the terrain is mountainous and covered with thick forests. Because of this, trekkers need to be in moderate physical shape.

The duration of the trek is unpredictable. Some groups find gorillas within 30 minutes, while others may take up to six hours before reaching a habituated gorilla family.

Is It Safe to Go on a Gorilla Safari in Uganda?

Yes, it is safe to go gorilla trekking in Uganda. In fact, Uganda is one of the safest places for a gorilla safari.

Tourism police and park rangers in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are well-trained, well-equipped, and highly motivated to ensure the safety and security of visitors.

Ensuring Safety During Your Uganda Gorilla Tour

Uganda is a generally safe safari destination, but some borders are not well guarded, allowing illegal trade and immigration.

There are also cases of petty and violent crimes, such as bag snatching, mugging, and home invasions, similar to what happens in other parts of the world.

To stay safe, avoid carrying valuables, keep them at your hotel, and avoid walking at night.

Uganda vs. Rwanda – Which Destination is Better for Gorilla Trekking in Africa?

Both Uganda and Rwanda offer great gorilla trekking experiences, but some travelers prefer one over the other.

Each country has different advantages and challenges when it comes to tracking gorillas in the wild.

In Rwanda, the trekking terrain is more open, and the national park is only a three-hour drive from the city/airport. However, permits are more expensive at $1,500 per trek.

In Uganda, the vegetation in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is thicker, and the landscape is more mountainous, requiring more hiking. However, it is more affordable, with permits costing $800, and Uganda has twice the number of habituated gorilla groups compared to Rwanda.

One downside of trekking in Uganda is that Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks are about an 8-9 hour drive from Kampala.

The choice between Uganda and Rwanda depends on individual preferences.

What Are the Risks Involved in Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking is not dangerous because the gorillas visited are habituated.

These great apes are gentle and peaceful creatures that only become aggressive when they feel threatened or provoked.

A silverback, weighing over 180 kilograms, is the leader of the gorilla group. If he senses danger, he reacts by beating his chest and stamping his feet.

Why Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Expensive?

Gorilla trekking is costly due to the high expenses involved in researching, protecting, and monitoring these endangered animals in their natural habitat.

Tourism police, veterinarians, trackers, and armed rangers must be hired and supported, which raises the cost of permits.

Additionally, the high price helps limit the number of visitors, reducing the risk of gorillas catching human diseases.

How to Prepare for Uganda’s Rainy Safari Season

Uganda experiences two rainy seasons each year. The long rainy season is from March to May, while the short rainy season is from October to November.

During this time, daytime temperatures average 28°C, while mornings are cooler at around 16°C. Rainfall can come as light showers or heavy downpours, mostly at night or for a few hours during the day, often with thunder and lightning.

Many travelers avoid safaris during this season, yet it is a great time for bird-watching and seeing newborn animals. There are also fewer tourists, making tours more peaceful.

Why Is Gorilla Trekking Expensive in Africa?

This is a common question, and the high cost is one reason many people miss out on this special experience with gorillas in their natural habitat.

According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s tariff for 2020-2022, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit is:

• Foreign non-residents: $800
• Foreign residents: $700
• East African residents: 300,000 UGX

In Rwanda, the permit costs $1,500, while in the Democratic Republic of Congo, it costs $400.

Gorilla trekking is expensive because of the resources needed to protect and conserve mountain gorillas and their habitat. The limited number of permits and high demand also contribute to the cost.

Only eight people can visit a gorilla family per day, and these apes are found only in Africa, making the experience rare and valuable.

Despite the high price, gorilla trekking is a worthwhile adventure.

How to Prepare for a Gorilla Safari in Uganda

A gorilla trek requires good planning to ensure a successful and memorable experience. It involves mental, physical, and financial preparation.

Here are some steps to follow:

• Choose your trekking destination. Gorilla trekking is available in Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park), Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park), and Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park).
• Buy a gorilla trekking permit to gain access to the park.
• Contact a licensed tour operator to help with the itinerary and planning.
• Decide on the travel dates, what to pack, and how many people will be in your group.
• A maximum of eight people, aged 15 and above, with valid trekking permits, are allowed to visit a gorilla family each day.
• Even elderly or disabled visitors can participate, as there are special arrangements for them.
• Pack essentials such as a camera, good hiking boots, warm clothing, binoculars, gloves, and valid travel documents.

How Friendly Are Uganda’s Gorillas Towards Humans?

Gorillas are gentle and friendly towards humans. However, they are shy, which is why visitors are only allowed to spend one hour with them.

Many people assume that because gorillas are large, they are aggressive, but in reality, they are quite reserved.

Gorillas will only charge at humans if they feel threatened. When this happens, they beat their chests, tear leaves, run on two legs, somersault, and make loud noises.

If a gorilla does this while you are near, do not panic, run, or shout. Instead, stay calm, look down or squat, and follow the ranger’s instructions.

What Are the Ethics of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking is ethical and an important way to observe gorillas in their natural environment, where they eat, play, and rest.

There are rules every trekker must follow, including:

• Arriving early for the activity
• Not littering the park
• Keeping quiet during the trek
• Listening to the rangers
• Spending a maximum of one hour with the gorillas
• Not using flash photography
• Speaking in a low tone
• Staying on designated paths

The money collected from gorilla trekking supports conservation, research, and local communities.

How Likely Is It to See Mountain Gorillas in Uganda?

There is a 99% chance of seeing gorillas in Uganda. However, visitors must first search for them in the jungle, listening for their sounds and looking out for other primates and forest animals.

Trekking can take anywhere from 1 to 8 hours, plus an extra hour to observe the gorillas once they are found.

The experience comes with challenges, but it also brings smiles and unforgettable moments.

Uganda is home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas, with over 500 individuals living in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and others in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

These gorillas spend their time eating, moving, and resting in thick forests.

What Other Activities Can Be Done in Uganda?

Although gorilla trekking is a major attraction, Uganda offers many other activities, including: wildlife safaris, chimpanzee trekking, white-water rafting, mountain hiking, guided nature walks, cultural tours, city tours, boat cruises, beach trips, hot air balloon rides, golden monkey trekking and bird-watching safaris among other activities.

When to Visit Gorillas in Uganda

The best time to visit Uganda for a tour is during the two dry seasons.

The short dry season lasts from December to February, while the long dry season runs from June to September. These periods offer better trekking conditions for spotting mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and chimpanzees.

During these months, the forest floors are drier, and the vegetation is less dense. This makes trekking easier.

Game viewing in the Savannah parks is also better since most animals gather around the few remaining water sources.

However, trekking to see chimpanzees and mountain gorillas is an unforgettable experience at any time of the year.

Popular Uganda Gorilla Trekking Questions & Answers

Below are some of the most popular Uganda gorilla trekking questions and answers.

• What is gorilla tracking? Gorilla tracking is an exciting activity where people go into the jungle to see gorillas in their natural home.
• Where can you do gorilla tracking? Gorilla tracking is only possible in Africa, in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• What kind of animals are gorillas? Gorillas are shy, gentle, and social animals that live in groups led by a strong male called a silverback.
• Why is gorilla tracking special? It is a rare and unforgettable experience to see gorillas up close in the wild.
• Who can visit the gorillas? Anyone can visit, including tourists on holiday, researchers, honeymooners, or people on a business trip.
• How much does gorilla trekking in Uganda cost? $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents and around Shs. 250,000 for East African residents.
• How much does a full gorilla tour cost? A 3-day tour costs between $1,350 and $3,000 per person, and a 2-day tour costs between $1,080 and $2,500 per person.
• Why do tour prices vary? Prices change based on travel style, accommodation, transport, and group size.
• Is Uganda an expensive safari destination? No, Uganda is one of the cheapest safari destinations in Africa.
• How does Uganda compare to other safari places? Uganda is more affordable than many other African safari destinations.
• Is gorilla trekking worth the money? Yes, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that many visitors say is unforgettable.
• How much does a gorilla permit cost in Rwanda? A permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 per person.
• How much does a gorilla permit cost in the Democratic Republic of Congo? A permit in Congo costs $400 per person.
• Why is gorilla tracking expensive? It is expensive because protecting gorillas and their jungle home requires many rangers, vets, and security teams.
• Is gorilla trekking difficult? Yes, it involves hiking in mountains, thick forests, and high altitudes.
• How long does gorilla trekking take? It can take 30 minutes to 6 hours to find a gorilla family.
• Is it safe to see gorillas in Uganda? Yes, trained rangers protect visitors, making the activity very safe.
• Are there any dangers in gorilla trekking? No, the gorillas are friendly because they are used to people.
• Which is better for gorilla trekking, Uganda or Rwanda? Rwanda has open terrain and is closer to the airport but is more expensive. Uganda has more gorillas and is cheaper but involves more hiking.
• Why do people visit Uganda for safaris? Uganda offers gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, boat rides, city tours, and adventure activities.
• How can I stay safe while in Uganda? Keep valuables in a safe place, avoid walking alone at night, and listen to your guides.
• How do I prepare for gorilla trekking? Get a permit, pack hiking gear, book a tour, and stay fit for the hike.
• What should I pack for a gorilla trek? Bring hiking boots, warm clothes, gloves, a camera, and a rain jacket.
• How do gorillas behave around people? Gorillas are peaceful but may act aggressively if they feel threatened.
• What are the rules of gorilla trekking? Keep a distance, do not use flash photography, stay quiet, and follow ranger instructions.
• How likely is it to see gorillas in Uganda? There is a 99% chance of seeing them.
• When is the best time to see gorillas? The best time is during the dry seasons, from December to February and June to September.
• Can old or disabled people go gorilla trekking? Yes, special arrangements are available for them.
• What is the weather like in Uganda? Uganda has two rainy seasons (March–May, October–November) and two dry seasons.
• Why do gorilla permits have a limited number? To protect gorillas from human diseases and to reduce stress on the animals.