How to Plan Gorilla Trekking in Uganda – The Complete 2025/2026 Guide
Planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is one of the most rewarding travel decisions you can make. The experience of coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla — a species that shares nearly 98% of our DNA — in its natural rainforest habitat is deeply moving and unforgettable. But to make this dream adventure go smoothly, it’s essential to plan well in advance.
Uganda, home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, offers two prime trekking destinations — Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Whether you’re preparing for your first African safari or combining gorilla trekking with other wildlife adventures, this guide explains everything you need to know to plan the perfect gorilla trekking experience in Uganda for 2025–2026.
Step 1: Choose the Right Gorilla Trekking Destination
Uganda has two official gorilla trekking parks, each with its own charm and accessibility.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is Uganda’s flagship gorilla destination, with over 20 habituated gorilla families spread across four trekking regions: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Buhoma is the original trekking region, ideal for first-time visitors and luxury lodges. Ruhija offers beautiful high-altitude hikes and quieter trails, while Rushaga and Nkuringo in the southern sector are perfect for travelers coming from Rwanda. Bwindi is dense, mystical, and teeming with biodiversity — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that delivers a truly wild and immersive rainforest experience.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Smaller and less crowded, Mgahinga is located in the Virunga Mountains along the Uganda–Rwanda–DRC border. It’s home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, known for its mobility and scenic trekking routes across volcanic slopes. If you want to combine gorilla trekking with volcano hikes or golden monkey tracking, Mgahinga is an excellent choice.
Step 2: Secure Your Gorilla Trekking Permit
A gorilla trekking permit is your passport to this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Permit Costs (2025–2026)
Foreign Non-Residents: USD 800
Foreign Residents: USD 700
East African Citizens: UGX 300,000
Gorilla Habituation Experience: USD 1,500 (for up to 4 hours with gorillas)
Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and are limited to just 8 visitors per gorilla family per day — so booking early is essential.
How to Book a Permit
You can secure a permit through a registered tour operator or directly from UWA. Booking through a licensed safari company such as Moreen East Africa Safaris, Jeisking Tours, or Muhiga Safaris is the easiest and most reliable method. It’s recommended to book your permit 3–6 months in advance, especially for travel in peak seasons (June–September and December–February).
Step 3: Plan the Best Time to Visit
Uganda is open for gorilla trekking year-round, but the dry seasons provide the best trekking conditions.
Best Times for Trekking
June to October and December to February are the ideal months for gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris when trails are dry and clear.
Green Seasons (March–May & November)
Although these are rainy months, the forest becomes beautifully lush, photography is stunning, and lodges offer discounted rates. If you don’t mind a bit of mud, it’s a wonderful and quieter time to visit.
Step 4: Choose Your Accommodation
Accommodation near Bwindi and Mgahinga ranges from budget lodges to luxurious eco-retreats.
Popular Lodges in Bwindi
Luxury: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Gorilla Leisure Lodge
Mid-range: Mahogany Springs, Buhoma Haven, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
Budget: Ride 4 a Woman Guesthouse, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Havens
Popular Lodges in Mgahinga
Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge (Volcanoes Safaris)
Mid-range: Traveler’s Rest Kisoro
Budget: Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp
Choosing a lodge close to your trekking region helps you start early and saves time on the morning of your trek.
Step 5: Prepare Physically and Mentally
Gorilla trekking is a thrilling but physically demanding activity. Treks can last between 2 and 6 hours, depending on the gorilla group’s location. Trails are steep, humid, and muddy at times.
Tips to Prepare
Do light cardio and hiking exercises before your trip. Carry a comfortable daypack, rain jacket, and sturdy hiking boots. Wear long trousers and gloves to protect yourself from nettles and insects. Bring plenty of water and snacks for energy. Hire a porter — not just for assistance, but also to support the local community.
Step 6: Combine Gorilla Trekking with Other Uganda Adventures
Uganda offers far more than gorillas. To make your trip truly unforgettable, consider combining your trek with other incredible experiences such as chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, boat safaris in Murchison Falls, whitewater rafting in Jinja, or a relaxing retreat on Lake Bunyonyi.
Step 7: Understand the Trekking Rules
Your guides will brief you on park regulations before entering the forest. These rules are designed to protect both you and the gorillas. Keep a 7–10 meter distance from the gorillas, do not trek if you have a cold or flu, no flash photography is allowed, and always follow ranger instructions.
Step 8: Work with a Trusted Tour Operator
Booking through a licensed local tour company ensures a seamless experience. They handle your permits, transport, accommodations, and park logistics. Look for companies accredited by AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) or those with consistent positive traveler reviews.
Final Thoughts – A Journey into the Wild Heart of Africa
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is not just an adventure — it’s a spiritual journey into the heart of one of the world’s last untouched rainforests. The first moment you lock eyes with a silverback or watch a mother gently care for her baby, you’ll understand why this experience is described as life-changing.
From securing your permit to preparing your boots, careful planning ensures your trek is smooth, safe, and deeply memorable. Whether you trek in Bwindi’s misty jungle or the volcanic slopes of Mgahinga, Uganda’s gorilla safaris promise moments that will stay with you forever.
