Uganda safari with gorillas, chimps & wildlife.

12-Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari

Track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and explore Uganda’s iconic wildlife parks, combining unforgettable primate encounters with classic safari experiences.

From $3,165 pp Secure Your Trek
Destinations Murchison Falls · Kibale · Queen Elizabeth · Bwindi · Lake Mburo
Experiences Gorillas · Chimps · Wildlife Safaris
Group Size Private · Max 6 per Vehicle
Day by Day

12-Day Gorilla Tour & Safari Itinerary

Entebbe International Airport Uganda safari arrival point
Day 01

Entebbe - Arrival & The Gateway

Touch down in Entebbe, where your guide will be waiting to welcome you. Transfer to your lodge on the shores of Lake Victoria, and unwind after your journey with the gentle lake breeze and a quiet evening to reset before your safari begins.

Stay / Overnight:
  • Luxury: Protea Hotel Entebbe
  • Mid-range: 2 Friends Hotel Entebbe
  • Value: Via Via Entebbe Hotel
Rhino tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary
Day 02 — 04

Ziwa & Murchison Falls - The Nile’s Power

Track Rhinos at Ziwa before heading to Murchison Falls. Enjoy dawn game drives, a private boat cruise to the base of the falls, and an optional night safari to spot nocturnal predators.

Stay / Overnight:
  • Luxury: Entikko Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range: Bambo Village Safari Lodge
  • Value: Fort Murchison Lodge
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest Uganda safari
Day 05 — 07

Kibale Forest - The Primate Capital

Travel west with an overnight stop in Hoima before continuing to Kibale Forest, the primate capital of East Africa. Experience a world-class chimpanzee tracking encounter, then explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, known for its rich birdlife and diverse monkey species. After your forest adventures, continue your journey south to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Stay / Overnight:
  • Luxury: Chimpundu Lodge
  • Mid-range: Kibale Forest Camp
  • Value: Kibale Forest Camp - S/Tent
Hippos in the Kazinga Channel
Day 08 — 09

Queen Elizabeth & Kazinga

Begin the day with a morning game drive across the plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, renowned for its dense concentration of hippos, elephants, and birdlife. The following day, continue your journey toward the forested highlands of Bwindi, home of the mountain gorillas.

Stay / Overnight:
  • Luxury: Buffalo Safari Lodge | Gorilla Leisure Lodge
  • Mid-range: Bush Lodge | Rushaga Gorilla Camp
  • Value: Bush Lodge S/tent | Gorilla Havens Lodge
Lake Mburo walking safari
Day 11 — 12

Lake Mburo - The Final Wild

Continue to Lake Mburo National Park for a unique walking safari, offering a rare chance to explore on foot among zebra, giraffe, and more wildlife. The following morning, enjoy a short game drive before returning to Entebbe, reflecting on your journey as your safari comes to a close.

Stay / Overnight:
  • Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
  • Mid-range: Arcadia Lodge Mburo
  • Value: Eagle's Nest Mburo
See Full Pricing & Inclusions
Investment

Gorilla Trekking Uganda Price & Safari Costs

Prices are per person based on 4 people on double occupancy. You can customize your trip to your best preferences.

Essential

Value

$3,165 pp

Ideal for travelers seeking an affordable way to experience Uganda’s wildlife. These accommodations are clean, safe, and welcoming—often set in simple lodges, cottages, or safari tents—with comfortable beds and warm local hospitality.

Facilities vary by property—some rooms offer private bathrooms, while others use well-maintained shared facilities, particularly in remote or community-run lodges.

Signature

Luxury

$5,855 pp

These properties feature spacious suites, luxury safari tents, or elegant villas, thoughtfully designed to maximize views and privacy. Interiors are refined, with high-quality furnishings and seamless indoor-outdoor living.

Expect en-suite bathrooms, premium amenities, attentive service, and a polished safari experience that blends comfort with a strong sense of place.

What's Included

  • Mountain Gorilla Trekking Permit
  • Chimpanzee Tracking Permit
  • Private 4x4 Safari Vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Full Board Accommodation (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • All Park Entrance Fees & Taxes
  • All activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Unlimited bottled water in the vehicle

Not Included

  • International Airfare to Entebbe
  • Uganda Tourist Visa
  • Travel Insurance
  • Payment Transfer Charges
  • Gratuities for Guides and Lodge Staff
  • Personal Items & Laundry

Ready to customize your journey?

Request A Custom Quote Response time: Usually within 12 hours
The Difference

Why Choose Our Gorilla Tour & Safari Experience

Specializing in privately guided journeys through Uganda’s wild frontiers, we blend polished logistics with soul-stirring encounters.

Gorilla Trekking Uganda

A Glimpse Into Your Gorilla Trek

Step into Bwindi Forest and witness the moment travellers come face to face with mountain gorillas — an encounter that defines the journey.

Guided by John M — Founder & Safari Specialist

★★★★★ Rated 5/5 on TripAdvisor
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Primate Mastery

Beyond simply securing permits, we navigate the nuances of Bwindi and Kibale—matching trekking sectors to your fitness and seasons.

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The Art of Stay

We bypass the generic. Every lodge is personally vetted by John for its architectural character, intimacy, and commitment to conservation.

🚙

Private Travel

Enjoy the exclusivity of your own 4×4 Safari Vehicle and a dedicated guide. From arrival to departure, your journey is an uninterrupted flow.

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Excellence

  • UTB Licensed: RTT/TT/2022/100336
  • Member: Association of Uganda Tour Operators
  • Operating in: UG, RW, KE, ZNZ
Tailor-Made Excellence

Plan Your Gorilla Trekking Tour

No two expeditions are identical. Share your vision with our specialists, and we will curate a private itinerary that seamlessly bridges the gap between raw adventure and unrivaled luxury.

Direct Consultation

Speak with Jon

Discuss your dates, photography needs, and fitness preferences directly with our lead guide.

Email Privately

Response time: Typically < 12 hours

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Essential Intelligence

Gorilla Trekking Tour: FAQs & Travel Tips

Planning a gorilla trekking expedition involves permits, terrain, timing and preparation. These are the essential answers travellers usually ask before stepping into the Bwindi rainforest.

Speak With a Safari Expert
When is the best time to go gorilla trekking?

Uganda is a year-round destination, but the Dry Seasons (June to August and December to February) are the most popular. During these months, the forest trails are drier and less slippery, making the hike easier.

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 difficult 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.

How much does a gorilla safari cost?

Gorilla tours & safaris in Uganda typically range from $1,500 to $5,500+ per person, depending on the level of accommodation, number of days, activities of your interest, and transport options.

The largest cost component is the gorilla permit (currently $800 per person). We tailor each itinerary to match your budget and travel style—from confort, classic to luxury experiences.

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.

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