There are moments in travel that rearrange your understanding of what it means to share this planet with other living creatures. Standing within metres of a wild mountain gorilla, watching a silver-backed patriarch rest in the undergrowth while his family plays around him, is one of those moments. It is unhurried, wordless, and completely unforgettable.

1,063
Mountain gorillas left on Earth (2024 census)
459
Mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
$800
Cost of one gorilla trekking permit in Uganda
1 hour
Maximum permitted time with one gorilla family

Why Uganda is the World's Premier Gorilla Destination

Uganda is home to the largest single population of mountain gorillas on the planet. The country offers two distinct national parks where you can trek to see them: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the southwest, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

While Rwanda has done an exceptional job marketing its gorilla trekking experiences, Uganda offers two significant advantages: lower permit costs (Rwanda charges $1,500 per person compared to Uganda's $800) and a greater number of habituated gorilla families, meaning more availability throughout the year.

Expert Tip from Alipsa Ventures

Many of our clients combine gorilla trekking with a chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest National Park, making it an outstanding primate circuit. Add a few days in Queen Elizabeth National Park for big game and you have one of East Africa's most diverse wildlife itineraries.

Gorilla Permits: Everything You Must Know

Gorilla trekking permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and currently cost $800 USD per person per trek. Each permit allows you one hour of face-to-face time with one habituated gorilla family, accompanied by an expert ranger guide.

  • ? Permits cost $800 USD per person (subject to change)
  • ? Children under 15 years of age are not permitted to trek
  • ? Each trek group consists of a maximum of eight people plus guides
  • ? The one-hour rule with the gorilla family is strictly enforced
Important: Permit Booking Timeline

We recommend booking your gorilla permits at least six months before your intended travel date for June through October travel. Permits are strictly limited to 8 people per gorilla family per day and sell out fast.

Let Us Secure Your Gorilla Permits

We handle all permit bookings, lodge reservations and logistics so you can focus on the excitement of planning your Uganda safari.

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Physical Fitness and What to Pack

  • 1 Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support — this is non-negotiable
  • 2 Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers in neutral, dark colours
  • 3 Lightweight rain jacket — rain is possible at any time of year
  • 4 Garden gloves for grabbing roots and vegetation when climbing steep sections

Gorilla Trekking Uganda: Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions our clients ask us most often before booking their Uganda gorilla safari.

You need a reasonable level of fitness but you do not need to be an athlete. The trek involves walking on uneven, often steep forest terrain for between one and six hours.

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years old. This rule is strictly enforced by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Mountain gorillas are tracked every single day and have almost never failed to be located in Bwindi. Expert trackers monitor their movements from before dawn.

Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential. Your policy must explicitly cover trekking activities at altitude and medical evacuation by air ambulance from remote areas.

AS
Alipsa Ventures Travel Team

This guide is written and regularly updated by our safari specialists. Our team has personally trekked gorillas in Bwindi. Reach out to us at tours@alipsasafaris.com for tailored trip planning.