Encounter endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, guided by expert trackers and combined with unforgettable Uganda wildlife safaris.
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.
Discover our most popular Uganda gorilla trekking tours, featuring gorilla trekking in Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and unforgettable Uganda gorilla safaris.
We design a bespoke gorilla trekking itinerary tailored to your fitness level, travel style, and preferred luxury lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
We handle all Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla permits, securing your spot months in advance during high-demand trekking seasons.
Led by expert rangers and trackers, you’ll hike through Bwindi rainforest before spending one unforgettable hour observing a mountain gorilla family.
Only 8 permits are issued per gorilla family per day. Most travelers book 6–12 months ahead.
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.
The permit includes:
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.
With deep local knowledge and carefully curated experiences, we design gorilla trekking journeys that combine authenticity, comfort, and expert guidance.
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.
We secure your Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla trekking permits in advance, ensuring seamless access to this once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
Every safari is crafted around your interests, travel style, and schedule — from gorilla trekking to wildlife safaris and cultural encounters.
Our experienced guides and rangers ensure your gorilla trekking adventure is safe, insightful, and deeply memorable.
Ready to experience gorilla trekking in Bwindi?
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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 →Discover why travelers from around the globe choose our bespoke Bwindi expeditions for their mountain gorilla encounters.
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Read More Guest ReviewsEssential information before your gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
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.
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.
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.
Think "protection" over "fashion." Essential items include:
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.
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.
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