Uganda Gorilla Safari Holidays – Best Gorilla Trekking Tours in Uganda?

Uganda, popularly known as ‘the pearl of Africa’ is one of the most compelling safari destinations in Africa and the world at large. The Country is nestled in East Africa, boarded by some of the popular safari destinations like Tanzania and Kenya – offering a unique blend of diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant cultures. Uganda is popular for its remarkable Uganda Gorilla Safari Holidays that grant travelers an opportunity to witness the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat – making it an exceptional destination for travelers seeking memorable Gorilla Trekking Experiences. Mountain Gorillas are an endangered primate species and there are about a thousand individuals left in the tropical rainforests in Africa. There are only three countries in Africa that inhabit these endangered primates; Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda has two gorilla trekking National Parks which are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Gorilla Safaris in Uganda offer remarkable adventure experiences to visitors and many past travelers have described the experience as ‘life Changing.’ Uganda has two National Parks where Uganda Gorilla Safari Holidays/ Gorilla Safaris in Uganda can be done. During your Gorilla tracking Safari tour to Uganda, you can visit the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, also known as ‘a place where silver meets gold.’ Gorilla tracking Holiday Tours to Uganda promise unrivaled primate adventures in the stunning tropical wilderness – teeming with abundant form and natural beauty.

At Acacia Safaris Limited, we offer a number of Uganda gorilla safari tour holidays, ranging from short 3 Day gorilla trekking tours to longer gorilla trekking tours like 7 Days, 8 Days and many more. Our Gorilla trekking tours can also be customized to suit your best interests. All the gorilla trekking tours to Uganda take you to either the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga gorilla National Parks. Explore a range of our hot gorilla trekking deals for 2024 – 2025 here.

Best time for Gorilla Trekking in Africa – When to go for Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Africa can be done all year round, however, some months of the year are known to offer more ideal gorilla trekking conditions. Generally, the dry season is the best time to visit Uganda for gorilla safaris. There are two dry seasons in Uganda, the longer dry season that runs from June to October and the shorter dry season that that runs from December to January. These dry months of the year offer the best gorilla trekking conditions since the trails are dry, the vegetation is less thick making sightings much easier. Although gorilla trekking locations receive rainfall all year round, the dry months usually see less downpours compared to the wet season.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda can also be done during the wet month of the year, especially for those interested in gorilla photography. These months offer a calm and scenic background for gorilla photography. Book your gorilla trekking tour with Acacia Safaris Limited for the best gorilla experiences in Africa

Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Safari Tour Holidays to Uganda – Top Gorilla trekking packages for 2024 – 2025 

What do Gorillas feed on? – Gorilla diet & facts 

Mountains gorillas are peaceful vegetarian animals. Their diet mainly consists of foliage. They mostly enjoy the tender bamboo shoots, as well as the bark of eucalyptus trees. The gorilla family is led by the male silverback, which is actually very knowledgeable about medicinal plants and herbs. After eating the gorillas rest a few hours before feeding again. While resting, the young ones play around. In the evening, the group, which does not have a fixed resting place, will form a nest for the overnight.

The nest is made of bamboo sticks and other broad leaves which also act as a blanket against the cold. Gorillas can live up to 45 years and the silverback weighs about 200 kg while the female between 80 to 120kg. Acacia Safaris Uganda offers you comprehensive gorilla trekking safari packages to see Mountains Gorillas in Uganda.

Where to Go for Gorilla Trekking Safari Adventures in Uganda? -Uganda National Parks. Acacia Safaris Uganda

In Africa, Mountain Gorillas are found in three countries; Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Of all the gorilla trekking destinations in Africa, Uganda has the highest mountain gorilla trekking population. Unlike Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda has two gorilla trekking National Parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has about 19 habituated gorilla habituated families for trekking. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has only one large habituated gorilla family known as the Nyakagezi family.

Gorilla Trekking Experiences in Uganda – What happens while trekking gorillas in Uganda 

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that offers a profound and unforgettable experience – where you get to meet one of the world’s most endangered and majestic creatures, the mountain gorillas. The Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari Tour is an immersive journey that provides a unique blend of excitement, challenge, and intimate wildlife encounters in either Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The Gorilla Trekking Experience in Uganda Starts with a briefing at the visitors center. During the briefing, you are provided with all the information that will help you make most of your trekking experience to see gorillas. You will be told the dos and don’ts during the trek, safety measures and how best to navigate through the forest to be able to meet the gorillas.

As you eagerly check your gear and listen intently to the guide’s briefing before the trek at the visitors center, you can feel the air changed with a sense of wonder which only braces you for the yet-to-be one of the most remarkable moments of your lifetime, an encounter with the gorillas. Gorilla Trekking unfolds with excitement that starts long before you set foot in the forest, the undeniable thrill in the anticipation that blends the eagerness and curiosity about what awaits in the jungle. After the briefing and allocation of gorilla families, you will then grab your trekking stick and your gear ready to embark on a trek in the forests to see gorillas.

After a long trek in the forest, you will finally encounter these gentle giants, your ranger guide will advise you on how you will approach the primates. You will enjoy observing their natural behaviors up close and so personal – you will see gorillas feeding, grooming, playing, and interacting with one another. At this time the excitement is at its peak and it’s also the best time to pull out your camera to capture these iconic moments with gorillas. Take as many photos as possible, however, flash photography is not permitted. After your allocated one hour with the primates elapses, you will start your trek back to the starting point. Arrive at the visitors center where you will receive the certificate of participation as a congratulations.

Uganda Gorilla Permits, Pricing, and Availability

To be able to trek gorillas in Uganda during the Uganda Gorilla Safari Holidays, one needs to acquire a Uganda Gorilla permit. The gorilla permits are legal documents that grant travelers access to gorilla trekking premises. Uganda offers over 152 gorilla permits every single day to visitors who wish to go gorilla trekking. The permit pricing in Uganda is based on the type of traveler and the prices do not change in all seasons.

Foreign non-residents; if you are an international visitor planning to visit Uganda for Gorilla trekking safaris, you will pay USD 800 for a gorilla permit per trek.

Foreign Resident. The foreign residents living in Uganda with working permits pay USD 700 for a gorilla permit per person/trek.

East African Nationals. For visitors who are East African Nationals, you will pay UGX 300,000 for the gorilla permit per person/trek.

Uganda also offers the unique gorilla habituation experience where you join a team of conservationists, rangers, and researchers. The gorilla habituation experience allows you to spend up to 4 hours with the gorillas in the wild. A gorilla habituation permit in Uganda costs USD 1500 per person/trek.

Note: Gorilla permits sell out quickly, especially during the peak season (high season). We recommend booking your gorilla trekking permit well in advance (about 6 months to the preferred trekking days).

How to get to Uganda for Uganda Gorilla Safari Holidays – How to travel to Uganda 

If you are looking forward to visiting Uganda for a gorilla trekking safari, the best way to travel to Uganda is by air. Fly to Uganda’s Entebbe international airport, located about 37 kilometers away from the Capital city Kampala. From Entebbe, you can proceed to your preferred destination either by road or by air.

The Uganda borders are also open 24/7 for those wishing to travel to the country by road.

The major entry points by road include;

Kagitumba, Gatuna & Kyanika – From Rwanda

Suam, Malaba, Busia – From Kenya

Afogi, Nimule – From South Sudan

Mutukula – From Tanzania

Bwera – From DRC

How to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Travelling to Bwindi 

Located in the southwestern part of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National park is home to over half the world’s Mountain Gorilla population. Getting to Bwindi after you land at Entebbe International Airport is now easier than before. You can travel to Bwindi for gorilla trekking either by road or by air.

Getting to Bwindi by Air;

Traveling by air is the fastest and most convenient way of getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. and there are a number of flights each day. After landing at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), which is roughly 29 miles from the capital city of Kampala you can transfer to Kajjansi Airfield. There are many domestic flights connecting to Bwindi from Kajjansi Airfield which is about 15 minutes drive from Entebbe. You can also book chartered flights to Bwindi from Kajansi.

The flight time from Kajjansi to Kihihi airstrip in Kisoro is about 2 hours, which is then followed by a short drive of around 1.5-2 hours to Bwindi.

Getting to Bwindi by road

From Entebbe straight to Bwindi, the journey will roughly take about 8 – 9 hours. Although the journey by road is long, it will give you the opportunity to witness the charming countryside as you drive past the stunning landscapes and natural sceneries.

Other frequently asked questions about Uganda Gorilla Safari Holidays – Gorilla trekking FAQs 

Uganda Gorilla Travel News. Acacia Safaris Uganda