Uganda
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Mgahinga
Gorilla trekking Uganda tours reach two parks — Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park — through some of Africa’s oldest and densest rainforest, home to over half the world’s mountain gorillas.
Bwindi vs Mgahinga
Two Parks, Two Different Trekking Experiences
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Uganda’s largest gorilla park, with the most habituated families and four separate trekking sectors — Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo — each with its own access point and difficulty range.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
A smaller park bordering Rwanda and the DRC, home to a single habituated family plus the option to trek golden monkeys, an endangered primate found only in the Virunga range.
What to Expect on the Trek
Denser Forest, Longer Days
Early Briefing
Trekkers gather at their sector’s headquarters for a briefing and family assignment, similar to Rwanda but often with a wider spread of trek lengths across sectors.
A Tougher Trail
Bwindi’s terrain is steeper and denser than Rwanda’s, with treks commonly running 2–6 hours each way — porters are available and worth hiring.
One Hour With the Family
Once located, you get a full hour with the gorillas, accompanied by UWA rangers and trackers, before the walk back out.
Permit Price
Uganda Gorilla Permit: $800 Per Person
Set by Uganda Wildlife Authority, standard permits run $800 for foreign non-residents, with a discounted $600 rate during the low-season months of April, May and November. As of 2026, permits must be booked through a licensed tour operator and paid in full at booking — we handle this as part of your trip. See our full permits guide for details.
Pair It With
Combine With Chimpanzee Tracking
Uganda’s forests are also home to chimpanzees, commonly tracked in Kibale Forest or Bwindi’s Buhoma sector. Many of our itineraries pair a gorilla trek with a chimp tracking morning for a fuller primate experience — see Tours & Packages for combined options.
Frequently Asked
Before You Book
Is Uganda gorilla trekking harder than Rwanda?
Generally yes — Bwindi’s terrain is steeper and the forest denser, so treks tend to run longer. Porters are widely available and make a real difference on the tougher sectors.
Can I trek gorillas and chimpanzees in one trip?
Yes, it’s one of the most popular combinations in Uganda — many visitors pair a Bwindi gorilla trek with chimp tracking in Kibale Forest a day or two later.
Can I combine Uganda with Rwanda gorilla trekking?
Yes — the land border near Bwindi is a short drive from Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and it’s a common route on our combined itineraries.
Ready to Trek Bwindi or Mgahinga?
Every gorilla trekking Uganda itinerary starts with your dates and group size — we’ll check permit availability from there.