UGANDA SAFARI

Be in the know before you go!!

Gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda and Uganda offer a unique form of sustainable wildlife tourism. They play a crucial role in conserving critically endangered primates and supporting community development. Thanks to these efforts, mountain gorilla populations in Bwindi and Volcanoes have grown significantly, making gorilla trekking a vital part of primate conservation in East Africa.

Planning Your Gorilla Trekking Safari When planning your adventure, choose the destination that suits you best and familiarize yourself with the guidelines before you travel. Note that you must be 15 years or older to apply for a trekking permit. Plan your safari with friends, partners, or older family members!

What Does the Permit Offer? Each permit allows you to trek for one day, which may take anywhere from half an hour to six hours to find your designated gorilla family. Once you find them, you have one hour to observe, photograph, and enjoy these beautiful primates. Permit costs differ by country: currently, permits in Rwanda are USD 1,500 per person, and in Uganda, they are USD 800 per person. 

Fitness Level for Trekking People often ask about the fitness level required and which country offers easier treks. In Rwanda, the gorilla families live on gentler, more open slopes, making the trek easier. However, the altitude in Rwanda is higher, ranging from 2,500 to 3,000 meters, which can cause breathlessness.

In Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the terrain is steeper with thicker vegetation, but guides will clear a path with machetes if needed. Trekking is easier during the dry season when the ground is less muddy.

You don’t need to be super fit! Start doing regular walks with some elevations to prepare. You can also book a porter to carry your daypack and use hiking sticks for support.

Access to Gorilla Families is Limited There are 15 habituated gorilla families in Uganda, 14 in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and 1 in Mgahinga Gorilla Park. In Rwanda, there are 10 habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park. Each gorilla family group allows only 8 trekking permits per day, so plan and book your safari well in advance!

Pack the Right Gear Mountain gorillas live in high-altitude forests, which are wet, densely vegetated, and potentially slippery, with plenty of insect life. Proper clothing makes your safari much more comfortable! Wear strong walking shoes with good tread, lightweight clothing, long thick socks, long-sleeve tops, long trousers, and a rain jacket. Hiking sticks are very useful!

Listening to Your Guide is Crucial Your guide will provide a pre-departure briefing and key instructions when you encounter your gorilla family. These guides are experienced locals who know the habitat, gorilla behavior, and safety protocols.

• Keep calm and stay quiet.
• Maintain a safe distance of at least 7 meters.
• Don’t use flash photography, and drones are not permitted.
• Avoid eye contact with the dominant male (Silverback). If he charges, don’t run! Crouch in a submissive position without making sudden moves or loud noises.
• Take fewer photos and enjoy the experience. It’s a privilege!

When close to the gorillas, you will be asked to wear a mask to minimize the risk of transmitting diseases to the gorillas. 

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, covering 331 km², is home to about half of the world’s remaining 700 mountain gorillas. It is one of the most biologically diverse areas on earth and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While Bwindi doesn’t have the 5-star luxury lodges found in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, it offers excellent accommodation options within and overlooking the national park.