There are two gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is by far the more popular choice as the park contains a greater population of gorillas, is better situated for fly-in safaris, and has a greater range of accommodation options.
Which park you visit will depend on your wider travel plans and the time you have available. There is no difference in permit prices or chances of sightings across the two parks. As you’ll notice from the map on the left, both Bwindi and Mgahinga are in the deep southwestern pocket of Uganda, near the border with Rwanda to the south and the DRC to the west.
Many of Uganda’s safari destinations are also found in the south-west. This makes it easy to combine a savannah safari with gorilla trekking to create a single itinerary bursting with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Uganda may be a small country, but it packs a punch.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a year-round activity, with each season offering distinct experiences. The peak seasons, spanning from June to August and December to February, coincide with Uganda’s dry periods, providing more favorable trekking conditions due to reduced rainfall. These months are particularly popular among tourists, leading to higher demand for gorilla permits and accommodations.
Conversely, the wet seasons, occurring from March to May and October to November, present a different set of challenges and rewards. Increased rainfall during these months results in lush, dense vegetation and muddier trails, making treks more demanding. However, the off-peak nature of this period often means fewer visitors, allowing for a more intimate experience with the gorillas. Additionally, some tour operators may offer discounts during these months, making it a cost-effective option for budget-conscious travelers.
It’s essential to remember that Bwindi is a tropical rainforest, and weather patterns can be unpredictable. Rain can occur at any time of the year, so trekkers should be prepared for varying conditions regardless of the season.
Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga takes you to Uganda’s smallest but scenic national parks. Mgahinga National Park covers an area of 33 square kilometers and sits on a high altitude of 4,127m. The park is found in Kisoro district in the Southwestern corner of Uganda bordering Congo and Rwanda. The park was founded in 1991 to help protect the endangered mountain gorillas. Mgahinga Gorilla Park is known as one of the only four places in the world for mountain gorilla tourism. The others are the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in DR Congo and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
The scenery in and around the park is stunning with three extinct volcanoes Mount Sabinyo, Mount Muhavura and Mount Gahinga all having their slopes in the park. The forests provide shelter and sufficient food for the mountain gorillas and other park animals. Although the park is located in Uganda, it is much easier to access it from Rwanda in a journey that takes about three hours from Kigali through the border Kyanika. The park can also be reached by air and road from Kampala.
Experience the thrill of standing face-to-face with the majestic mountain gorillas in the heart of Africa’s dense rainforests. Whether you choose the misty mountains of Uganda or the lush forests of Rwanda, gorilla trekking promises unforgettable encounters with one of the world’s most endangered species.
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To track mountain gorillas in Uganda, you need to secure a gorilla permit well in advance. The current price of a gorilla permit is US$800 for International Visitors, US$700 for foreign residents, US$80 for East African citizens and US$500 for holders of other African passports.
Appropriate attire enhances comfort and safety:
Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers to protect against insects and thorny vegetation.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support.
Accessories: Rain jacket, hat, gardening gloves (for handling vegetation), and a waterproof backpack.
To ensure the safety and well-being of both gorillas and visitors:
Maintain distance: Keep at least 7 meters (about 23 feet) away from the gorillas.
Group size: A maximum of 8 visitors per gorilla group per day.
Health precautions: Do not trek if you're ill, as gorillas are susceptible to human diseases.
Behavior: Avoid direct eye contact, do not use flash photography, and follow the guide's instructions at all times.
While sightings are highly probable due to daily monitoring of gorilla groups, they cannot be guaranteed, as gorillas are wild animals roaming freely in their natural habitat.
A range of accommodations caters to various budgets:
Luxury lodges: Offer premium services and amenities.
Mid-range lodges: Provide comfortable facilities at moderate prices.
Budget campsites: Basic amenities for cost-conscious travelers.
