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Uganda · Gorilla Trekking

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Request

  • Duration4 days / 3 nights
  • Group size1–12 guests
  • DifficultyChallenging
  • AvailabilityOn request
From KES 213,000 per person
Book now Request a quote

Overview

Uganda gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi

Meeting a wild mountain gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Africa’s great wildlife encounters. The park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protects steep, misty rainforest that is home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Our Uganda Gorilla Trekking safari is planned as a four-day trip from Entebbe or Kampala, with the permit, lodging and transport arranged so you can concentrate on the trek.

How gorilla trekking works

Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and allocated to a specific gorilla family and date. Trekkers gather at a park office for a briefing, then walk with rangers and trackers into the forest to find the group. Trekking time can range from under an hour to most of a day depending on where the gorillas are. When you reach them, visits are limited to one hour, and small groups keep a respectful distance from the animals.

Age, fitness and health

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15. Terrain can be steep, muddy and slippery, so moderate fitness and good boots are important, and porters can be hired locally to help carry bags. Visitors with colds or other contagious illnesses may be refused, as gorillas are vulnerable to human diseases. Uganda requires proof of yellow-fever vaccination for entry, and visa rules vary by nationality, so check requirements before you travel.

Permits and pricing

The gorilla permit is the single biggest cost. Rates for foreign non-residents are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, have been about USD 800 in high season with lower prices in some low-season months, and can change, so we confirm the current rate at booking. Permits can sell out months ahead in peak season, so early booking is strongly recommended.

Your four days

The first day is a long drive from Entebbe or Kampala towards Bwindi, with stops for meals. The second day is your trek. The third day may include a community or Batwa cultural visit, and a return drive begins. The fourth day finishes with the journey back to Entebbe. Flights between Entebbe and the Bwindi region can shorten the trip for an extra cost.

Best time to visit

June to September and December to February are usually drier, which makes trails easier. The forest is wet and muddy in any season, so waterproofs are wise.

Good to know

The price is a guide per adult sharing that includes the permit at the foreign non-resident rate. The final quote is confirmed in writing before payment and depends on permit availability, lodge tier and group size.

Highlights

  • One hour with a wild mountain gorilla family
  • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Small trekking groups guided by rangers
  • Scenic drive through south-western Uganda

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Day 1 – Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi

    Long scenic drive through south-western Uganda with lunch stops and an evening at your lodge.

  2. 2

    Day 2 – Gorilla trekking

    Briefing, a guided trek into the forest and one hour with a gorilla family, then rest at your lodge.

  3. 3

    Day 3 – Community visit and return drive

    Optional community or Batwa cultural visit, then drive back towards Kampala.

  4. 4

    Day 4 – Entebbe

    Final drive to Entebbe for your onward flight.

What’s included

Included

  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • 3 nights lodging with meals as quoted
  • 4x4 vehicle with driver-guide
  • park entry
  • drinking water

Not included

  • International or domestic flights
  • Uganda visa
  • yellow-fever vaccination
  • travel insurance
  • porter tips
  • tips
  • drinks
  • personal expenses

Practical information

Departure
Entebbe or Kampala; Nairobi flights can be arranged
Pickup
Entebbe International Airport and Kampala hotels
Meeting point
Confirmed after pickup location is provided
Accommodation
Budget to mid-range lodge or guesthouse near Bwindi or Kabale, matched to permit dates
Best time to go
June–September and December–February (drier); April, May and November may have lower permit rates but more rain
Recommended age
Minimum age 15 for gorilla trekking
Cancellation & changes
Free request changes before final confirmation; final terms depend on the selected supplier.
How to book
Submit your dates and guest details. Our team confirms availability and the final itinerary before payment.
Guide price basis
Per person sharing, 4-day gorilla trek from Entebbe or Kampala by road, including the gorilla permit (foreign non-resident rate), lodging and 4x4 with driver-guide; permit rates set by Uganda Wildlife Authority may change. This is an estimate based on current market rates; the final price is confirmed in writing before any payment.

Frequently asked questions

How old do you have to be to trek gorillas?

The minimum age is 15 in Uganda.

Are gorilla sightings guaranteed?

Rangers track habituated families daily and sightings are very likely, but the wild forest can never be guaranteed.

Can I book from Nairobi?

Yes. We can arrange flights from Nairobi to Entebbe and combine the trek with a Kenya safari.

Can permits be changed after booking?

Permit changes are limited by Uganda Wildlife Authority rules; we explain the terms when you book.

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