Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour 2026/2027/2028
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours for 2026/2027/2028 offer unforgettable encounters with endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks. Visitors trek through lush rainforests, observe gorillas at close range for one hour, and explore Uganda’s primate-rich wilderness with expert guides and official gorilla permits.
WHY UGANDA IS THE WORLD’S TOP GORILLA TREKKING DESTINATION
Uganda is home to more than 50% of the world’s mountain gorilla population, making it the number one destination for travellers seeking authentic gorilla encounters in 2026, 2027, and 2028. Whether you choose Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, gorilla trekking in Uganda offers one of the most emotional, humbling, and life-changing wildlife experiences on Earth.
Every year, thousands of travellers journey to Uganda specifically for gorilla trekking — but what makes the experience so special?
Uganda offers the most affordable gorilla trekking permits
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Uganda permit: USD 800
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Rwanda permit: USD 1,500
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Congo permit: (Not recommended due to instability)
Uganda has the largest number of habituated gorilla families
Over 22 habituated gorilla families are open for trekking.
Uganda has more diverse trekking routes
From steep mountain trails to gentle rainforest paths, Bwindi offers something for every traveller.
Uganda pairs gorillas with classic wildlife safaris
This makes it easy to combine gorillas with:
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Queen Elizabeth National Park (tree-climbing lions)
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Murchison Falls National Park
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Kibale chimpanzee trekking
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Lake Mburo safari
Uganda Wildlife Safari Packages
Uganda Safari Packages
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours
Uganda is the best value for travellers
Budget, mid-range, and luxury options available.
Uganda is safe, friendly, and well-organised
Local guides, professional rangers, and responsible tourism policies make Uganda one of the safest trekking destinations in Africa.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON A GORILLA TREKKING TOUR
To reach your gorilla family, you will join an early-morning guided trek through thick, lush rainforest — past waterfalls, birdlife, butterflies, and the sounds of the jungle awakening. After 1–4 hours of trekking, your guide will whisper:
“We found them.”
As you approach silently, you will see gorillas:
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nursing their young
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playing
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grooming
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climbing
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communicating
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beating their chests
For one full magical hour, you observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat — at a safe, respectful distance.
This is not just a safari.
It is a life-changing wildlife experience.
We will cover:
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gorilla trekking permits (800 USD)
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distances, terrain & difficulty
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best time to trek
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packing list
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fitness level
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safari combinations
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accommodation options
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conservation efforts
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2026/2027/2028 itineraries
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price breakdowns
Top Uganda Gorilla Trekking Packages for 2026/2027/2028
Below are the most popular, most requested, and highest-ranked gorilla tours for travellers visiting Uganda in 2026, 2027 & 2028.
Every tour is available in Budget, Mid-Range, and Luxury versions, with daily departures.
1) 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Most Popular Short Gorilla Tour
Perfect for travellers with limited time, this 3-day Uganda gorilla trekking safari takes you straight into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to over half the world’s mountain gorillas.
Highlights
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Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
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Scenic equator stopover
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Guided forest walk
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Community visit (optional)
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Stunning rainforest scenery
Price Range (Per Person)
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Budget: USD 1,150
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Mid-Range: USD 1,490
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Luxury: USD 2,050+
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe → Bwindi (via equator)
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience
Day 3: Return to Entebbe / Kampala
Explore 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari
2) 4 Days Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Safari – Bwindi & Lake Mburo
Best Short Combo Tour
Ideal for travellers who want to see gorillas + wildlife within a short timeframe.
Highlights
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Gorilla trekking
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Game drive in Lake Mburo
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Boat safari
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Walking safari
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Nature trails
Price Range
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Budget: USD 1,380
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Mid-Range: USD 1,750
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Luxury: USD 2,450+
3) 5 Days Uganda Gorilla & Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Tour
Best Primate + Big Five Tour
Combine gorillas with a spectacular savannah safari.
Highlights
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Gorilla trekking
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Big Five game drives
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Kazinga Channel boat safari
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Tree-climbing lions (Ishasha sector)
Price Range
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Budget: USD 1,850
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Mid-Range: USD 2,350
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Luxury: USD 3,250+
Internal links:
Uganda Wildlife Safari Packages
Queen Elizabeth National Park Safaris
4) 6 Days Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife Uganda Tour (Best Value)
Most Booked 2026–2028 Tour
This combines gorillas, chimpanzees, and wildlife for an all-around Uganda experience.
Highlights
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Gorilla trekking (Bwindi)
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Chimpanzee trekking (Kibale)
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Game drives in Queen Elizabeth NP
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Kazinga Channel boat safari
Price Range
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Budget: USD 2,150
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Mid-Range: USD 2,690
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Luxury: USD 3,750+
5) 7 Days Uganda Primate Safari – Gorillas, Chimps & Golden Monkeys
Best Primate Tour
Includes gorillas, chimps, and Mgahinga golden monkeys.
Highlights
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Gorilla trekking
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Chimp tracking
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Golden monkey trekking
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Cultural visits
Price Range
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Budget: USD 2,580
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Mid-Range: USD 3,290
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Luxury: USD 4,450+
Kibale Chimpanzee Trekking Tours
6) 10 Days Ultimate Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Big Five & Primates Safari
Ultimate Adventure Tour
Perfect for photographers & wildlife lovers.
Highlights
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Gorilla trekking
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Chimp trekking
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Big Five wildlife
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Nile boat cruise
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Cultural tours
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Kidepo or Queen Elizabeth extension
Price Range
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Budget: USD 3,590
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Mid-Range: USD 4,590
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Luxury: USD 6,850+
Uganda Safari Packages
East Africa Safari Packages
GORILLA TREKKING PERMITS (2026/2027/2028)
Uganda Gorilla Permit Cost: USD 800
Valid for 2026, 2027 & 2028
Issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)
Why Book Gorilla Permits Early?
Permits sell out quickly — especially in:
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June
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July
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August
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September
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December
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January
We Handle Everything
Your gorilla trekking package includes:
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Gorilla permit
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UWA ranger fees
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Park entry fees
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Community fees
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Conservation support
Uganda Gorilla Permit Information
WHERE TO GO FOR GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA
1. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
(Home to more than half the world’s mountain gorillas)
Key Facts
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22+ habituated gorilla families
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4 trekking sectors (Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija)
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UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Best trekking success rate (98%)
Why Choose Bwindi?
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Most trek options
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Best availability
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More gorilla families
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Lodges for all budgets
Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Packages
2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
(Smaller, quieter, beautifully scenic)
Key Facts
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1 gorilla family (Nyakagezi)
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Best for travellers wanting an easier trek
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Golden monkey trekking available
Why Choose Mgahinga?
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Great scenery
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Volcano backdrop
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Quieter trails
GORILLA TREKKING DIFFICULTY LEVELS
Not all gorilla treks are equal — some are easy, some moderate, some strenuous.
Easy Trek
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1–2 hours
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Suitable for all fitness levels
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Found in Buhoma sector
Moderate Trek
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2–4 hours
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Common in Rushaga & Ruhija
Difficult Trek
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3–7 hours
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Steeper slopes
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Found in Nkuringo sector
We help you choose the perfect trekking sector based on:
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Your fitness level
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Your age
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Your lodge location
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Gorilla family location
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda (2026/2027/2028)
Gorilla trekking is possible all year round, but the best months for clear forest trails, comfortable temperatures, and higher trekking success are:
June – July – August – September
(high season, dry trails, highest permit demand)
December – January – February
(short dry season, great visibility, fewer muddy sections)
Good for Budget Travellers:
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March, April, May
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October, November
These are the rainy seasons, but they allow better lodge discounts, fewer crowds, and softer permit availability.
The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry seasons: June–September and December–February, when forest trails are easier to hike, visibility is excellent, and gorilla families are easier to track.
Uganda Safari Packages 2026–2028
Best Time to Visit East Africa Safari Tour
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Cost Breakdown (2026–2028)
Below is a clear explanation of what makes up the total cost of a Uganda gorilla trekking package.
1. Gorilla Permit Cost (Mandatory)
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USD 800 per person
Valid for 2026, 2027 & 2028
Issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) -
Non-refundable
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Non-transferable
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Guarantees gorilla trek with 98% success rate
2. Transportation & Fuel Costs
Uganda has long driving distances:
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Entebbe → Bwindi: 8–10 hours
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Entebbe → Mgahinga: 10 hours
Fuel, 4×4 Land Cruiser charges, driver allowances, and road maintenance costs significantly influence pricing.
3. Accommodation Rates
(increase 8–11% annually due to demand)
Budget lodges: USD 70–120
Mid-range lodges: USD 150–250
Luxury lodges: USD 350–900
✔ Uganda Budget Safari Tours 2026–2028
4. Meals & Park Fees
Rates include:
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Park entry
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Ranger fees
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Community conservation fees
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Full-board meals
5. Optional Add-Ons
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Golden monkey trekking: USD 120
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Chimpanzee tracking: USD 250
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Batwa community walk: USD 30–40
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Gorilla habituation (4 hours): USD 1,500
A typical Uganda gorilla trekking safari costs USD 1,150–3,500 depending on lodge category, permit price (USD 800), number of days, transportation type, and chosen destinations.
Gorilla Trekking Packing List
For an ideal gorilla trekking experience, pack the following essentials:
Clothing
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Light long-sleeved shirts
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Durable hiking trousers
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Waterproof jacket
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Warm fleece (early mornings are cold)
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Cotton t-shirts
Footwear
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Strong waterproof hiking boots
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Gaiters (recommended)
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Thick hiking socks
Gear
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Camera with zoom
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Waterproof daypack
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Poncho or rain cover
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Reusable water bottle (eco-friendly)
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Energy snacks
Protection
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Insect repellent
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Sunscreen
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Gardening gloves (for steep sections)
Pack lightweight long sleeves, hiking boots, a rain jacket, gloves, insect repellent, a waterproof daypack, snacks, and 2 litres of drinking water for your gorilla trekking adventure.
Gorilla Trekking Safety & Difficulty
Uganda is one of the safest destinations for gorilla trekking.
✔ Professionally guided by UWA rangers
✔ Gorilla families are habituated (accustomed to humans)
✔ Strict rules ensure safety for both gorillas & trekkers
Difficulty Levels (By Sector)
Easy: Buhoma (gentle terrain)
Moderate: Ruhija / Rushaga
Difficult: Nkuringo (steep slopes, long hikes)
Travellers aged 15 to 80 years successfully trek gorillas every year.
Eco-Green Safari Approach
We actively support low-impact, responsible travel:
Eco-Conscious Lodges
We partner with lodges that use solar power, rainwater harvesting & local staff employment.
Plastic-Free Travel
We discourage single-use plastics. Refillable bottles included in selected packages.
Direct Conservation Support
A portion of your gorilla permit funds:
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Anti-poaching patrols
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Community schools
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Gorilla health monitoring
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Habitat restoration in Bwindi & Mgahinga
Community Tourism
We support:
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Batwa cultural tours
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Local craft groups
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Village walks
Your visit directly benefits families living near gorilla parks.
How Gorilla Trekking Works — Step-by-Step
1. Morning Briefing
You gather at the park headquarters for a safety briefing, group allocation, and ranger assignment.
2. Trekking Begins
Move through dense rainforest, guided by experienced trackers.
3. Gorilla Encounter
Spend 1 magical hour observing the gorilla family.
4. Certificate Awarded
Receive an official gorilla trekking certificate from UWA.
Previous Travellers’ Reviews
1. Melissa R. – USA – July 2024 – “A dream come true!”
“My gorilla trek in Bwindi was one of the most emotional travel experiences of my life. The Paradise Africa Safaris team handled everything perfectly—timing, lodge choice, guide knowledge. I will recommend your company to everyone.”
2. Jean-Paul & Marie – France – Feb 2024 – “Professional, safe & unforgettable”
“We appreciated the professionalism of the guides and the comfort of the lodges. Seeing the gorillas only two metres away felt surreal. Merci énormément!”
3. Ashwin P. – India – September 2023 – “Worth every dollar”
“The trek was challenging but extremely rewarding. Our guide Peter made sure we were comfortable and fully informed. Fantastic organisation.”
4. Christina Lopez – Spain – December 2023 – “Perfect for solo travelers”
“As a solo traveller, I felt safe, well cared for, and very welcome. The driver-guide was knowledgeable, and Bwindi was breathtaking. 10/10 experience.”
5. Gilbert M. – UK – May 2024 – “Highly recommended safari company”
“Everything was smooth—from permit booking to lodge arrangements. The community visit also made the trip meaningful. Thank you for the amazing experience.”
6. Paolo & Serena – Italy – August 2024 – “Unforgettable honeymoon moment”
“We added gorilla trekking to our honeymoon, and it was the best decision ever. The hour with the gorilla family was magical. Paradise Africa Safaris delivered excellence.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How difficult is gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking ranges from easy to challenging depending on the sector. Buhoma is the easiest, while Nkuringo has steep terrain. Treks typically last 2–7 hours, and all participants are assigned rangers who adjust the pace to your fitness level.
2. How much is the gorilla permit in 2026/2027/2028?
The official Uganda gorilla permit costs USD 800 per person for all years: 2026, 2027, and 2028. The price is set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
3. What is the age limit for gorilla trekking?
Minimum age is 15 years. There is no strict upper age limit as long as the traveller is physically capable.
4. Which is better: Bwindi or Mgahinga?
Both are excellent, but Bwindi offers more habituated families, more trailheads, and a variety of terrain. Mgahinga is quieter and ideal for travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path trekking.
5. What is the best month to trek gorillas in Uganda?
June–September and December–February are ideal due to dry forest trails and clear gorilla visibility.
6. Are gorilla treks safe?
Yes. All treks are guided by armed UWA rangers and trained trackers. Gorilla families visited are fully habituated, making encounters safe and controlled.
7. What should I pack for gorilla trekking?
Hiking boots, gloves, a waterproof jacket, long trousers, insect repellent, snacks, and a waterproof daypack are essential.
8. How long do you spend with the gorillas?
You spend 1 hour with the gorilla family once located. Gorilla habituation experiences offer 4 hours.
9. Can I combine gorilla trekking with wildlife safaris?
Yes—popular combinations include Queen Elizabeth NP, Murchison Falls NP, and Kibale Forest.
10. How early should I book a gorilla permit?
Ideally 3–6 months in advance, especially for peak months (June–September).
Ready to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Tour for 2026/2027/2028?
Experience Africa’s most powerful wildlife adventure with trusted experts.
WhatsApp: +254 728 567 308
Email: info@paradiseafricasafari.com
Website: https://paradiseafricasafari.com

