Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
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10 best Uganda gorilla tours
Compiled by
NadineUganda travel expert at TourRadar
- 6-day Gorilla Encounter (Camping)
- 9-day Gorillas & Nile River Encounter (Accommodated)
- 14 Days Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Source of Nile
- Experience Uganda Gorillas, Chimps, Big Cats & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
- Uganda Overland: Gorillas & Chimps
- Experience Uganda Gorillas, Chimps, Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
- 9-day Gorillas & Nile River Encounter (Camping)
- 8 Days Uganda's Best Highlights
- Gorillas, Chimps & Nile River (Accommodated) - 9 days
- Discover Uganda Gorillas, Chimps + Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
6-day Gorilla Encounter (Camping)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything about this tour was wonderful! Would do it again in a heartbeat!”
A, traveled in March
Misty forests near Lake Bunyonyi and Kyambura Gorge harbor mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Local experts guide specialized treks through Uganda's primate-rich landscapes, creating unforgettable encounters with endangered species.
Duration 6 days Destinations Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi Age Range 18 to 75 year olds Operator Acacia Adventure Holidays From $2,585
25% Off- NZ$1,939+$1,740 upfront costsYou save $646
The misty trails of Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest lead to intimate gorilla encounters with expert rangers. Observe these magnificent primates in their natural habitat, followed by chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge. Two flexible days at Lake Bunyonyi allow for optimal trekking conditions.
Duration 9 days Destinations Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Jinja Age Range 18 to 75 year olds Operator Acacia Adventure Holidays From $3,635
15% Off- NZ$3,090+$1,740 upfront costsYou save $545
14 Days Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Source of Nile
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“I got to see elephants, giraffes, lions, chimps, gorillas, and many more! I felt like I really got my moneys worth on this trip going through a local operator.”
Drew, traveled in November
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest hosts intimate gorilla encounters, complemented by chimpanzee tracking in Kibale's primate-rich jungle. Gorilla Friends Resort and Rushaga Gorilla Camp serve as bases while exploring Uganda's premier wildlife sanctuaries.
Duration 14 days Destinations Entebbe, Murchison Falls National Park, Fort Portal, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mburo National Park, Jinja Age Range 15 to 80 year olds Operator Enchanted Uganda Safaris Ltd From
15% Off- NZ$3,390+$3,390 local payments
Experience Uganda Gorillas, Chimps, Big Cats & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Uganda and Rwanda with Boaz. I definitely recommend this trip.”
Rebekah, traveled in December
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to 400 mountain gorillas, beckons wildlife enthusiasts. Professional guides navigate dense rainforest paths for an hour with these gentle giants. The adventure continues with chimp tracking in Kibale Forest, where 5,000 chimpanzees reside.
Duration 8 days Destinations Entebbe, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi Age Range 15 to 95 year olds Operator Devine African Safaris Ltd From
15% Off- NZ$6,236
Uganda Overland: Gorillas & Chimps
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Many thanks for your hospitality throughout guys!”
Jack, traveled in September
Professional trackers in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lead intimate gorilla encounters. Uganda's volcano forests harbor these magnificent primates, while Kalinzu Forest Reserve offers chimp tracking. All permits and certified guides are included.
Duration 9 days Destinations Kampala, Lake Bunyonyi, Jinja Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator G Adventures From $4,919
25% Off- NZ$3,689You save $1,229
Experience Uganda Gorillas, Chimps, Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Tracking Gorillas with Herbert and the forest rangers is a one of kind experience and definitely the highlight of our trip.”
Benjamin, traveled in February
Mountain gorillas roam freely in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where dedicated permits guarantee access. Groups of 8 observe these primates for one hour, followed by transfer to Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort. Small group sizes ensure intimate wildlife encounters.
Duration 6 days Destinations Entebbe, Kampala, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Central Forest Reserve Age Range 15 to 95 year olds Operator Devine African Safaris Ltd From
25% Off- NZ$5,185
Mountains gorillas roam the misty slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, while chimps swing through Kyambura Gorge. Local experts guide small groups through Uganda's primate habitats, creating meaningful encounters while following conservation protocols.
Duration 9 days Destinations Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Jinja Age Range 18 to 75 year olds Operator Acacia Adventure Holidays From $2,965
25% Off- NZ$2,224+$1,740 upfront costsYou save $741
The Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers close encounters with mountain gorillas. Comprehensive pre-trek briefings and guided visits with gorilla families enhance the experience, while cultural interactions with local Batwa communities provide deeper insights. Accommodations at the comfortable Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge complete the journey.
Duration 8 days Destinations Entebbe, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Age Range 15 to 80 year olds Operator GoExplore Safaris From
25% Off- NZ$3,561+$1,779 upfront costs
Mist-shrouded paths of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lead to intimate hours with mountain gorillas. Skilled guides navigate Kyambura Gorge's trails to observe wild chimpanzees. Package includes permits worth $1,000, lodging near tracking sites, and detailed briefings on primate behavior.
Duration 9 days Destinations Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Jinja Age Range 18 to 75 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $3,845
15% Off- NZ$3,268You save $576
Discover Uganda Gorillas, Chimps + Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The most incredible, life-changing trip!!! Absolutely exceptional in every way.”
Emily, traveled in June
Mountain gorilla families welcome visitors in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Morning briefings prepare trekkers for misty mountain trails leading to these magnificent creatures. The $600 permit includes stays at comfortable Bakiga Lodge, with time for relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort.
Duration 10 days Destinations Entebbe, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mburo National Park Age Range 15 to 95 year olds Operator Devine African Safaris Ltd From
15% Off- NZ$7,067
What people love about Gorilla Trekking Tours in Uganda
Everything from start to finish was great. I first reached out to Bosco, the owner on WhatsApp and he was very helpful in answering all my questions and reassured me about the trip. Bosco was also our guide and driver for my 14-day safari. He was a fun, informative guide and driver. Bosco did a great job of selecting comfortable accommodations and food even though it was a budget trip. I got to see elephants, giraffes, lions, chimps, gorillas, and many more! Also, I got to experience some local culture as well, eating local foods and seeing how locals make a living. I felt like I really got my moneys worth on this trip going through a local operator. Bosco was very accommodating stopping for breaks, photos, shopping, atms, etc. I highly recommend anyone going to Uganda choose Enchanted Uganda Safari and Bosco.
14 Days Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Source of Nile
- Experience Uganda Gorillas, Chimps, Big Cats & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
Our travel consultant from DAS was extremely helpful when my friends and I were planning our weeklong Gorillas Trek and Safari. He was very detailed when answering our questions and had nice suggestions for better and cheaper lodges than our initial request. Gorillas permits were also cheaper in Uganda. We did a mix of water on Kazinga channel, chimps in Kibale and gorillas in Bwindi which was absolutely incredible with Herbert. He made our trip very interesting with his valuable input and experience tracking animals on the game drives. Meeting with friendly Batwa pygmies was also very nice. Everything was well laid out and we have no complaints about anything. I recommend DAS and hope my friends also share their appreciation soon.
- Uganda Overland: Gorillas & Chimps
It was a very different experience from any travel I’ve done before and was a little outside of my normal comfort zone but both the guides and fellow travelers were awesome, very helpful and very patient.
What our customers ask about Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
How far in advance should I book a Uganda gorilla trekking tour?
Booking a Uganda gorilla trekking tour requires careful planning 6-12 months before your intended travel dates. Data shows most travelers book their trips 319 days ahead particularly for peak seasons from June to August and December to February. Popular accommodations near the trekking sites such as Rushaga Gorilla Lodge and Mahogany Springs tend to fill up quickly. A TourRadar traveler notes: "Book early to secure your preferred dates and accommodation as the best options fill up fast."
What gorilla families will I see during trekking in Uganda?
In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park visitors spend time with one gorilla family group that typically has 8-20 members. Each group includes a mix of silverbacks females and young gorillas. The Rushaga and Buhoma sectors feature different habituated families each offering unique encounters. One TourRadar traveler shared: "We saw 12 gorillas in our group at Bwindi including two playful infants and an impressive silverback - it was magical!"
What's included in a typical Uganda gorilla trekking permit?
Each Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs 700 USD and covers one hour of gorilla observation professional guides park entrance to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and a morning orientation. Groups are limited to 8 people per gorilla family maintaining an intimate experience. Permits can be secured through tour operators or directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority with options available in both the Rushaga and Buhoma sectors.
What are the accommodation options for gorilla trekking tours in Uganda?
The areas surrounding Uganda's gorilla trekking locations offer lodging choices for various budgets. Bwindi provides high-end options like Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge while mid-range travelers often choose Gorilla Valley Lodge. Near Queen Elizabeth National Park The Bush Lodge and Mweya Safari Lodge welcome visitors. As one TourRadar guest reports: "The lodges exceeded our expectations - Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge offered stunning views and excellent service after our trek."
What other wildlife can I see on a Uganda gorilla trekking tour?
Uganda's wildlife extends well beyond its famous gorillas. Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its tree-climbing lions elephants and hippos along the Kazinga Channel. Kibale Forest draws visitors for its chimpanzee populations while Bwindi Impenetrable National Park houses over 120 mammal species. A TourRadar traveler shares: "We enjoyed different facets of wildlife including chimps in Kibale tree-climbing lions in Ishasha and abundant birdlife throughout."
What's the difference between Uganda and Rwanda for gorilla trekking?
Uganda presents a more economical option with permits at 800 USD versus Rwanda's 1500 USD. The country combines gorilla encounters with additional experiences like chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest and wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. While both destinations excel in gorilla encounters Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a more demanding yet fulfilling trek. According to a TourRadar traveler: "Uganda gave us the complete package - gorillas chimps and classic safari all in one incredible trip."