Gorilla trekking is evidently the most exciting tourism activity in Uganda. With over a thousand mountain gorillas in two of her habitats that is Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, the chances of sighting and spending quality time with these primates are relatively high.

Uganda shelters almost half of the only remaining mountain gorillas in the wild. This has made the peal of Africa an exceptional tourism destination where travelers across the globe roam the country to be part of this once in a life activity. It's also worth noting that Uganda remains the largest host of the primate species of mountain gorillas universally.

Gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda. 

Bwindi forest national park and Mgahinga national park are the only 2 gorilla tracking destinations and mountain gorilla host in Uganda. The tranquil Bwindi forest is undeniably the largest host and the leading gorilla tracking destination in Uganda. There are over 500 gorilla individuals in 24 gorilla families in Bwindi. This national park shelters the largest habituated gorilla families making it a popular gorilla trekking destination.

There are 4 gorilla tracking sectors scattered in all directions of Bwindi and these may include Buhoma in the Northern part of the park, Rushaga gorilla sector in the Southern part of the park, Nkuringo and Ruhija gorilla sector.         

There is only one gorilla family in Mgahinga national park, the smallest national park in the country, and the second popular gorilla tracking destination in Uganda. The gorilla family is famously known as Nyakagezi gorilla group family. Gorilla trekking in all these destinations starts in the morning hours around 8:00am after a small briefing and simple breakfast.

The tracking process therefore can take about 2 to 6 hours depending on the weather, availability of food and the location of these mountain gorillas. The primates tend to move for deeper distances in search of food especially during the dry season.        

How Much Does It Cost?

Uganda gorilla safaris are quite costly yet worth it, both Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park offer almost the same unforgettable gorilla experience at 800 USD for foreign nonresidents per person, especially during the peak season of the year, foreign residents can pay for as low as 700 USD and be part of this enchanting tourism activity. East African citizens can engage in this warm unforgettable experience for as cheap as 300,000 UGX per person per trek.

When to Do Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

The exciting popular safari is actually an all year tourism activity, and therefore travelers can gorilla trek throughout the whole year. However, the best time for smooth running of all gorilla trekking activities is undoubtedly the dry season of the year. The drier period of around June to September, and December to February is the perfect timing for gorilla trekking in the wilderness of Bwindi and Mgahinga national park.

Simply because the lush vegetation is dried up leaving shorter vegetation that ease way for visible tracking trails hence enabling smooth maneuvering to the primate species natural habitats. The dry season also offers an opportunity to the travelers to save time, given the fact that tracking trails are not slippery, or dominated by water poles that would give a stressful and challenging experience to the travelers while tracking.   

Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations. 

Whereas gorilla trekking is a fascinating tourism activity, there are guidelines, pros and cons that should be put into consideration by the travelers and guests to ensure proper and unforgettable Uganda gorilla safari experience. These are put into place to ensure safety of both humans and the primates.

Gorilla trekking is such a demanding tourism activity and requires guests to be at their best physical health since it involves hiking, long nature walks and diving into the deep wilderness in search of the mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. Internally, travelers must also be at their best health and free from contagious diseases like cough and flue that might spread way easier to the mountain gorillas. These contagious diseases are so terrible and very dangerous to the primates and sometimes may lead to death.       

A valid gorilla trekking permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and valid travel documents are a must carry by the guests before they can get to dive into this breath-taking tourism activity. Without these, travelers might find it challenging to participate and be part of the gorilla trekking experience.

Travelers must also be 15 years and above, this is to ensure there are minimal risks and suppression of the contagious diseases. Children under the age of 15 tend to carry contagious diseases like flue and cough much more easily than the adults.

Smoking, Eating, drinking and direct eye contact around the mountain gorillas is absolutely prohibited as these might spark the aggressive behavior of the primates.

Once the guests are able to track and locate the mountain gorillas in their natural habitats, they are only limited to spend 1 hour with these primates and no minute beyond.

Only a group of eight visitors can access one particular gorilla family. A minimum of 7 meters must be obtained while encountering the mountain gorillas to ensure there's no transmission of contagious diseases like flue and cough.