What makes Uganda the top Gorilla Trekking Destination in Africa?

Uganda is a top gorilla trekking destination in Africa. Mountain gorillas live only in the wild, and seeing them in Uganda’s lush forests of bwindi is an unforgettable experience. These gorillas are found in just three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Trekking to see them involves hiking through tropical forests like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga region, including Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Virunga National Park, and Volcanoes National Park. Today, about 1063 mountain gorillas survive in the wild, a significant increase from just 254 in 1981, thanks to ongoing conservation efforts.

Mountain gorillas do not survive in captivity, so seeing them requires trekking to high elevations of 2500-3500 meters. These treks usually last between 2 to 6 hours, with one hour spent observing the gorillas up close.

Two Gorilla Trekking Spots in Uganda

There are only four parks in the world where you can see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, and two of them are in Uganda. This makes Uganda a unique and special place for gorilla safaris. The two trekking spots in Uganda are Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Home to Half of the World’s Mountain Gorillas

Mountain gorillas are rare, with only 1063 remaining in the world, living in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Over half of these gorillas, about 459, are found in Uganda, mainly in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Bwindi is also known as the “Place of Darkness” and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a biodiverse park with many endangered species.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in Southwestern Uganda. Established in 1991, it covers an area of 331 square kilometers. Mgahinga National Park is the smallest of the four gorilla trekking locations and the smallest national park in Uganda. Also founded in 1991, it spans just 33.7 square kilometers and features three stunning Virunga Volcanoes: Mt. Muhabura, Mt. Gahinga, and Mt. Sabyinyo.

Largest Mountain Gorilla Families

Compared to other gorilla safari destinations, Uganda has the most habituated gorilla groups. There are 21 habituated gorilla families in Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. In Bwindi National Park, 20 groups live in four sectors: Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. One group, Nyakagezi, lives in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Some of the gorilla groups in Uganda are Nyakagezi, Christmas, Rushegura, Nshongi, Mubare, Kyaguriro, Mishaya, Habinyanja, Bushaho, Kahungye, Busingye, Bweza, Katwe, Oruzogo, Bikingi, and Bitukura.

Gorilla Trekking Sectors

Uganda has five regions for gorilla trekking: Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ntebeko, and Rushaga. Four of these regions are in Bwindi National Park (Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Rushaga). Congo and Rwanda each have only one sector for gorilla trekking. This makes Uganda a unique and versatile destination for gorilla safaris.

Affordable Gorilla Permits and Safest Gorilla Trekking Destination in Africa

Uganda offers the most affordable gorilla trekking experience. A gorilla permit in Uganda costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for citizens of Uganda and other East African countries. In Rwanda, the cost is much higher at USD 1500 per person.

How to Book Uganda Gorilla Permits

Booking a gorilla permit in Uganda is easier when done through a trusted tour operator. It’s important to book in advance, ideally 2-4 to 6 months before your trekking date. Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd can help you secure your Uganda gorilla permits.

Peace and Security

Uganda is known for its peace and security, making it a safe destination for gorilla trekking.

Gorilla Trekking Add-ons

On your way to Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, there are many other attractions to see. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can see tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. Lake Mburo National Park is home to impalas, leopards, zebras, giraffes, topis, buffaloes, elands, hyenas, and many birds. Kibale National Park offers chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, and forest walks.

Other Unique Primates in Uganda

Besides mountain gorillas, Uganda has other unique primates. In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you can see golden monkeys. Other primates include l’hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, bush babies, pottos, and vervet monkeys. These can be seen in places like Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest, and Kalinzu Forest. You can combine golden monkey tracking with gorilla tracking and other safaris.

Warm Climate

Uganda’s location near the Equator gives it favorable weather for gorilla safaris all year round. The dry season is the best time for trekking as the trails are drier and easier to navigate. The best months for a Uganda gorilla safari are June, July, August, September, December, January, and February.