Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda for Rest of Africa Countries

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda for citizens of the rest of Africa costs $500 per person. A gorilla habituation permit costs $1,000 per person. Gorilla trekking in Uganda happens in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in southwestern Uganda. Visitors can book gorilla permits through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or a licensed tour operator like Iconic Africa Safaris.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in southwestern Uganda holds a UNESCO World Heritage status. This park protects mountain gorillas and diverse wildlife in its ancient rainforest. It sits on the edge of the Rift Valley and shelters nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. The park contains over 120 mammal species, 350 bird species, and more than 200 butterfly species.

Visitors hike through dense vegetation to meet gorilla families in their natural habitat. The forest holds over 160 tree species and more than 100 fern species. Established in 1991, the park became a UNESCO site in 1994. It features rugged ridges and deep valleys that form watersheds for five rivers. Elevations range between 1,160 and 2,607 meters. The name Bwindi comes from the Runyakitara word “Mubwindi,” meaning “a place full of darkness.”

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda’s smallest park, covers 33.7 square kilometers on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. Despite its small size, it offers a dramatic backdrop of three volcanoes: Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo. Mgahinga shelters one habituated gorilla group and sits at an altitude between 2,227 and 4,127 meters. It borders Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo, forming the transboundary Virunga Conservation Area.

Gorilla conservation in the Virunga region dates back to 1925 when Belgian authorities protected gorillas in Congo and Rwanda. The British administration declared the Ugandan section a game sanctuary in 1930. Uganda upgraded the sanctuary to a national park in 1991. The three volcanoes in Mgahinga have names reflecting local traditions. Gahinga means “small pile of stones,” Muhavura translates to “the guide,” and Sabinyo means “old man’s teeth.”

Mgahinga shelters 76 mammal species, including mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards. The bamboo zone provides habitat for golden monkeys, found only in the Virunga forests. The park’s bird list has 115 species, including Albertine Rift endemics like the Rwenzori turaco. Historically, Batwa pygmies lived in the forest as hunter-gatherers. Over time, Bafumbira farmers settled in the region, cultivating land up to the park’s boundary.

Gorilla Trekking Experience in Uganda

Gorilla trekking involves hiking through forests to locate a habituated gorilla family. The activity starts early, with registration and briefing at 7:00 am at the park offices. Park authorities monitor gorilla families and estimate their distance from the headquarters. Visitors get assigned to specific families based on fitness levels and hiking preferences.

After the briefing, visitors walk or drive to the trek starting point. The trek begins around 8:30 am, depending on the assigned gorilla family’s location. The hike may take at least an hour, but sometimes lasts over three hours. The scenery along the trails adds to the experience. Visitors should maintain a steady pace and stay hydrated due to the high altitude.

Upon locating the gorilla family, visitors leave their bags behind before moving closer. Rangers allow one hour with the gorillas. During this time, gorillas may feed, climb trees, groom each other, play, sleep, or interact. Each encounter provides a unique experience. Visitors maintain a seven-meter distance but may step back if the gorillas approach them. Rangers ensure visitor safety and provide insights about the gorilla families.

Guides share knowledge about gorilla behavior, the forest, and other wildlife. They recognize each gorilla and describe their personalities. Porters assist visitors by carrying bags and helping them navigate difficult trails. Hiring porters provides employment opportunities for young people living around Bwindi. By earning income through tourism, locals develop a greater appreciation for conservation efforts.

Comparing Bwindi and Mgahinga for Gorilla Trekking

Bwindi and Mgahinga both offer gorilla trekking, but each park has unique features. Bwindi has more habituated gorilla groups, spread across different sectors. This park offers varied trekking experiences, with trails passing through thick forests, valleys, and steep slopes. Mgahinga, though smaller, provides a different experience with its open bamboo forests and volcanic terrain. The park’s only habituated gorilla group allows for an exclusive encounter.

Accommodation options vary between the parks. Bwindi offers a wide range of lodges and camps in its different sectors, including luxury, mid-range, and budget choices. Mgahinga has fewer accommodation options, but visitors can stay in Kisoro town, located nearby. Both parks offer cultural experiences with the Batwa community, allowing visitors to learn about their traditional forest lifestyle.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking happens year-round, but the dry seasons from June to August and December to February provide the best conditions. Trails remain drier and more accessible, making trekking easier. The rainy seasons, from March to May and September to November, make trails muddy and challenging, but gorilla trekking remains possible.

During dry months, permits sell out quickly, so booking in advance is necessary. Rainy seasons offer fewer crowds and more availability of permits. Regardless of the season, the experience remains rewarding. Visitors should prepare for sudden weather changes, as forests remain humid and cool throughout the year.