Gorilla Trekking Uganda: Your Safari Experience

Our gorilla trekking Uganda tours mostly take place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage rainforest protecting nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. These Uganda gorilla safaris allow travelers to track a habituated gorilla family with experienced guides in one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife destinations.

The Four sectors of Bwindi where gorilla trekking takes place are: Buhoma (North), Ruhija (East), Rushaga (South), and Nkuringo (Southwest). Each region offers different trekking terrain, lodge styles, and unique gorilla families to encounter during your gorilla safari in Uganda.

Silverback mountain gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Uganda

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours & Safaris

Discover our most popular Uganda gorilla trekking tours, featuring gorilla trekking in Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and unforgettable Uganda gorilla safaris.

Trekking Process

How Uganda Gorilla Trekking Works

01

Plan Your Safari

We design a bespoke gorilla trekking itinerary tailored to your fitness level, travel style, and preferred luxury lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

02

Secure Your Permit

We handle all Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla permits, securing your spot months in advance during high-demand trekking seasons.

03

Trek the Forest

Led by expert rangers and trackers, you’ll hike through Bwindi rainforest before spending one unforgettable hour observing a mountain gorilla family.

Plan Your Gorilla Trek →

Only 8 permits are issued per gorilla family per day. Most travelers book 6–12 months ahead.

Permit & Safari Pricing

Uganda Gorilla Tour Cost

Gorilla trekking in Uganda requires a permit issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. This permit grants visitors the rare opportunity to spend one unforgettable hour with a mountain gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

$800 gorilla trekking permit

The permit includes:

  • Park entry to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Guided gorilla trekking with UWA rangers
  • One hour with a habituated gorilla family
  • Contribution to mountain gorilla conservation

Our Uganda gorilla safari tours typically include the trekking permit, accommodation, meals, transportation, and expert guiding. Packages vary depending on travel style, comfort level, and itinerary duration.

Our Difference

Why Choose Our Uganda Gorilla Safaris

With deep local knowledge and carefully curated experiences, we design gorilla trekking journeys that combine authenticity, comfort, and expert guidance.

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Local Expertise

Founded and operated by Jon, a Ugandan safari guide with over 14 years of experience, our journeys are shaped by deep knowledge of Bwindi’s forests, wildlife, and local culture.

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Guaranteed Permit Handling

We secure your Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla trekking permits in advance, ensuring seamless access to this once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

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Tailor-Made Itineraries

Every safari is crafted around your interests, travel style, and schedule — from gorilla trekking to wildlife safaris and cultural encounters.

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Expert Guides

Our experienced guides and rangers ensure your gorilla trekking adventure is safe, insightful, and deeply memorable.

Ready to experience gorilla trekking in Bwindi?

Start Planning Your Gorilla Safari
Your Safari Guide

Meet Jon – Your Uganda Safari Guide

John Muwaita, lead safari guide and wildlife photographer at Safaris by Jon

Jon is a Ugandan safari guide with over 14 years of experience leading gorilla tours and safaris in Uganda. He is the founder and owner operator of Safaris by Jon.

He has guided travelers from around the world through Uganda’s rainforests and national parks, sharing deep knowledge of wildlife, conservation, and local culture.

From tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi to chimpanzee encounters in Kibale and wildlife safaris in Uganda's savanah parks, every journey is carefully designed to deliver an authentic and unforgettable safari experience.

Plan Your Safari with Jon →
Traveler Reviews

What Our Guests Say

Discover why travelers from around the globe choose our bespoke Bwindi expeditions for their mountain gorilla encounters.

★★★★★
"We booked a 5-day tour with gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. It was just super nice. We were even able to spontaneously extend a day, about which we were very grateful and happy. The accommodations were great and Jon himself as a guide excellent. We learned a lot about wildlife and Uganda itself. Jon also loves the animals and is an avid photographer himself, leaving plenty of time for pictures."
Johannes B. Germany
★★★★★
"I traveled with Safaris by Jon in June 2025. John answered all my questions when I first started inquiring about the itinerary. He answered all emails within a few hours. When traveling he communicated what the schedule was for the day. It was an amazing journey! I felt safe every day even when seeing animals up close!! The Gorilla Trekking was an experience of a lifetime!"
Nanette B. USA
★★★★★
"My safari in Uganda was truly unforgettable. From the thrilling game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, to the magical chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, and the deeply moving gorilla encounter in Bwindi, every moment felt special. Jhon were exceptional, knowledgeable, kind, and always made us feel safe, inspired and in the best hands every step of the way"
Santiago A. Colombia

Rated ★★★★★ by travelers worldwide

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Gorilla Trekking Guide

Uganda Gorilla Trekking FAQs

Essential information before your gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

When is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda? +

Uganda is a year-round destination, but the dry seasons (June–August and December–February) are the most popular because forest trails are drier and easier to hike.

However, the "Wet Seasons" (March to May and October to November) offer lush, emerald-green photography opportunities, lower lodge rates, and the gorillas often stay at lower altitudes to feed on fresh bamboo shoots, which can actually result in shorter treks.

How challenging is the gorilla trek? +

The trek is a moderate-to-high physical challenge. You will be hiking at altitudes between 1,100m and 2,500m (3,600ft – 8,200ft) through thick undergrowth and steep ridges. Some days the gorillas are found in 45 minutes; other days it takes 6 hours.

The Good News: We hire local porters to carry your gear and provide a steady hand on the slopes. As long as you can walk for a few hours with breaks, you can complete this trek.

When & how should I book the gorilla tour? +

You should book at least 6 to 12 months in advance, especially if you plan to travel the peak months of July, August, or December. Permits are limited to just 8 people per gorilla family per day and sell out quickly.

To book, simply send us an enquiry; we handle the entire permit acquisition process with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and secure your spot immediately upon deposit. You can either share your preferred travel dates or choose the dates in the quick form above on departure dates based on guaranteed permit availability.

What should I pack for the gorilla tour? +

Think "protection" over "fashion." Essential items include:

  • Hiking Boots: With good ankle support and grip.
  • Long Trousers & Long-Sleeved Shirt: To protect against stinging nettles and ants.
  • Garden Gloves: Very helpful for gripping vines or branches for balance.
  • Light Rain Jacket: It can rain at any time in the rainforest.
  • Poles: Usually provided by the lodge or park, but great to have.
What is the minimum age for Gorilla Trekking? +

The official minimum age is 15 years old. This is strictly enforced to protect the gorillas from childhood diseases and to ensure participants can handle the physical nature of the trek. Note: If your child is 14 but turning 15 shortly after the trek, exceptions can sometimes be made with prior approval from UWA—ask us for details.

Can I add some other activity on top of a gorilla trek? +

Absolutely. Many of our clients pair the trek with Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale, Tree-Climbing Lion Safaris in Queen Elizabeth Park, or a relaxing Canoe Trek on Lake Bunyonyi.

Within the Bwindi area itself, you can also add a Batwa Cultural Experience to learn about the indigenous hunter-gatherer "forest people" who lived alongside the gorillas for centuries.

Still have questions about gorilla trekking in Uganda?

Plan Your Gorilla Safari