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Gorilla trekking is a very popular wildlife activity that can only be done in Africa. Mountain gorilla trekking is even more popular and is only possible in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Rwanda. As more and more people get to know about the activity, the number of travelers heading to the three countries increases each year, so that much that gorilla permits may be extremely difficult to get during certain months of the year. Those who are planning for a gorilla safari often wonder if there is an age limit for gorilla trekking especially when intending to travel with kids on safari.

Minimum Age for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo

The age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years in all three countries but there can be exceptions in Uganda as you will find out shortly. The age limit for gorilla trekking is set by the different government authorities responsible for managing the national parks. In Uganda, it is the Uganda Wildlife Authority while in Rwanda, it is the Rwanda Development Board. You might also be interested in the age limit for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.

Why age limit of gorilla trekking is set at 15

The age limit for gorilla trekking is set at 15 because younger travelers are considered to be children who may not be able to deal with any negative reactions from gorillas. Gorillas are very calm and gentile creatures but they can become aggressive when they feel threatened or misinterpret the actions of trackers. Children may not stay calm or lay low when a mighty silverback approaches them or appears what is the age limit for gorilla trekking? Aggressive. Screaming or running away could force the gorilla to run after the youngster. The only way to contain an aggressive or charging gorilla is to act submissive and lay low. Mature travelers are better at controlling their emotions in the event that a gorilla charges.

Secondly, mature travelers are less likely to get carried away. They are more likely to follow the gorilla trekking rules and instructions of the park rangers than younger trekkers. The gorilla trekking rules include not littering the park, keeping a distance of at least 7 meters from the nearest gorilla and not mocking or making fun of the gorillas.

Thirdly, youngsters may not be mentally ready for the activity. By the time an adult decides to go for gorilla trekking, they know what they are getting into. Children tend to go for safaris only to accompany their parents. They may not be as excited about the trip as their parents. Completing gorilla trekking requires determination especially if it involves following a gorilla group that is far away from the starting point.

Very young children may not be fit enough to complete gorilla trekking. They could slow down the tracking party or request to get back to camp because they feel tired or bored. Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda are found in areas of high altitude. Finding the gorilla group may involve hiking up mountainous and steep areas with prolonged exposure to sunlight. Children may struggle with these kinds of conditions and fail to complete the activity. Older hikers tend to be fitter and possess the kind of endurance and determination required to complete the activity.

Last but not least, very young children tend to get easily infected with communicable diseases like cough and flu (running noses). Mountain gorillas are very prone to human diseases. If they get infected with a flu, the results can be deadly.

It is because of the above reasons that the national parks under the guidance of primate researchers set the minimum age for gorilla trekking to 15 years.

Circumstances under which children may be allowed to track gorillas

After reading the information in the previous chapters, you might be disappointed that you cannot go tracking gorillas with your son or daughter whom you believe is mature enough but not yet 15. Do not despair because an exception can be made for a 14-year-old child who is making 15 in the year of trekking. This exception is only possible in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The child must be physically fit and mature enough. Bwindi Impenetrable forest is less steep compared to Mgahinga and the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Bwindi also has more forest cover which help shield trackers from the sun.

In order to qualify for this exception, parents may be required to provide pictures of the child to the Uganda Wildlife Authority with information about their physical fitness and maturity. The child must be about to make 15 years (14 years). To prove that the child is 14 and approaching 15, a passport copy will be required as well as current photos.

Age for gorilla trekking, child below 15 years of age may also be allowed to do gorilla trekking if they are accompanied by parents. The Uganda Wildlife Authority will require that the parent signs a consent/indemnity form to protect the organization from responsibility in case of any mishap during gorilla trekking. The Park Warden will ensure that the child is an allocated a gorilla group which is closest to the starting point. As a parent, you can make everything smooth for the child by hiring extra porters to carry them in Sedan chair whenever they get tired. Porters and Sedan chairs are also recommended for elderly trackers. If you are planning to do gorilla trekking with a child who is mature and physically fit but is less than 15 years of age, contact us at info@bwinditrailsexpeditions.com

What to do if your child is too young for gorilla trekking

You can still travel with children who are too young (13 years and below) to take part in gorilla trekking. There are lots of interesting activities that they can take part in while you go out to search for the gorillas. Hotel staff can stay with them in the hotel and keep them engaged with games and children’s movies. They can also be taken for nature walks, cultural visit or touring nearly local schools. You can also reschedule your trip so that you come when the children are of age.

Additional Information about eligibility for gorilla trekking

Note: Anyone above 15 years can track mountain gorillas. There is no maximum age limit for gorilla trekking. You might want to read about gorilla trekking for seniors.

Note: The Wildlife Authorities in the three countries will require that you send a copy of your passport before issuing out the gorilla permit. Even if you manage to get a gorilla permit without the passport, you will still be required to show it at the briefing point for gorilla trekking. The passport helps the park authorities know if you are eligible to take part in the activity.

When planning a Uganda safari, you don’t have to choose between game drives and cultural immersion: you can have both a Uganda cultural & wildlife safari! Uganda’s strength lies in its diversity. Not only in landscapes and wildlife, but also in people. With Bwindi Trails Expeditions, you’ll discover not just lions and Gorillas, but also the traditions, languages, and rhythms of everyday Ugandan life.

Whether you’re visiting the Batwa communities near Bwindi, learning from the Karamojong in the north, or enjoying a spontaneous village stopover, community tourism adds a human heartbeat to your safari adventure.

Below we will dive into community and culture encounters possible during a Uganda safari. For more information on wildlife options take a look at our Uganda travel guide or Guide to Gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Uganda’s Cultural Diversity: Meet the People beyond the Parks

Uganda is home to more than 50 tribes and over 30 languages, creating a living mosaic of cultures that enrich every traveler’s journey.

The Baganda – The cultural heart of central Uganda

In the capital Kampala, explore the traditions of the Baganda people, Uganda’s largest tribe. A city tour can include stops at the Kasubi Tombs, the Buganda Parliament, and local craft markets where you’ll hear Luganda and see the artistry of bark cloth and woven baskets.

The Karamojong-Nomadic Worriers of the North.

In Uganda’s northeast, the Karamojong maintain a cattle-based lifestyle steeped in tradition. Visiting a Karamojong village near Kidepo Valley National Park offers a powerful, respectful encounter with one of Uganda’s most resilient cultures. Expect dramatic landscapes, intricate beadwork, and powerful storytelling.

The Batwa-Indigenous Forest Dwellers of the South West.

The Batwa were the original inhabitants of Uganda’s southwestern forests. Today, guided cultural walks near Bwindi and Mgahinga give voice to their traditions. Taking you from medicinal plant use and hunting techniques to music and dance. These experiences help preserve Batwa heritage while offering guests a deep, respectful connection.

Cultural Encounters to include in your Uganda Safari

Bwindi Trails Adventures builds in meaningful community experiences that go beyond sightseeing. We like to say that we take you on a journey through Uganda. Not just from National Park to National Park ticking of animal sightings.

Village Walks to Connect with the Community.

Including a village walk in your safari adds depth and understanding for countryside life in Uganda. We offer interesting guided walks in communities by Queen Elizabeth National Park as well as Entebbe. Let’s take the popular walk in Kyambura village. This community walk takes visitors to a cacao and vanilla farmer we support, to learn about his fascinating crops. It then continues on through the village next to fields of matoke (food banana) as well as other food crops and on to a beautiful view point with twin crater lakes.

Taste Uganda: Discover Local Flavors on Safari.

Ugandan culture is also found on the plate and sharing a local meal is one of the warmest welcomes you can receive. Along your journey, Bwindi Trails Expeditions can include stops for authentic Ugandan food, whether it’s a sit-down lunch at a local restaurant or a quick roadside snack.

What to Try:

• Matoke – Uganda’s staple: green bananas steamed in banana leaves, often served with a hearty sauce.
• G-nut sauce – A rich groundnut (peanut) sauce that’s a favorite across many regions.
• Luwombo – A traditional stew of chicken, beef, or groundnuts slow-cooked in banana leaves.
• Gonja – Ripe plantain, grilled to caramelized perfection—perfect for a roadside snack.
• Muchomo – Uganda’s take on grilled meat, often skewered and served with spicy pepper sauce.
• Fresh fruits – Pineapple, mango, jackfruit, and passionfruit are just a few of the tropical treats often sold along the roadside or served at lodges. They’re seasonal, sun-sweetened, and incredibly tasty.

These food stops are more than meals. They’re cultural experiences. You’ll see how locals eat, what ingredients are used, and maybe even join a kitchen team at a lodge to learn how it’s prepared.

Market Visits along the Way.

Unscripted stops in local markets or villages add authenticity to your trip. These moments sharing a laugh with a farmer, tasting roasted bananas roadside, or watching crafts being made are often the most memorable.

Cultural Dance Performance.

While charming cultural dances can be arranged in villages and lodges across the country, the Ndere Cultural Centre in Kampala offers the most impressive and professional showcase. Their acclaimed troupe performs a few times a week so the dates of the safari needs to be planned around it (typically Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays).  With this performance you are taken on a journey through Uganda’s many ethnic groups. Each with its own rhythm, instruments and dance style.

Support Conservation &Culture: Batwa.

At Bwindi Trails Expeditions, we believe that true conservation begins with community. The Batwa people, Indigenous forest dwellers and original guardians of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest hold generations of wisdom about living in harmony with nature.

We are proud to support the Batwa community through initiatives that promote cultural preservation, sustainable livelihoods, and education. By partnering with the Batwa, we aim to ensure their traditions and knowledge continue to inspire conservation efforts in Uganda and beyond.

When you travel with Bwindi Trails Expeditions, you’re not just exploring breathtaking landscapes, you’re helping preserve a vibrant culture and protect the forests that sustain us all.

Why Choose A Cultural Wildlife Safari In Uganda?

Combining culture and wildlife offers a richer, more meaningful experience. Here’s what it adds to your safari:

• Wildlife + People: See Uganda’s iconic species and meet those who live beside them.
• Local Impact: Your travel supports jobs, preservation of traditions and conservation.
• Authentic Encounters: Go beyond surface tourism to engage with real Ugandan life.
• Deeper Connection: Return home with more than photos. Carry stories and the feeling that you have experienced Uganda.

Plan Your Cultural Uganda Safari with Bwindi Trails Expeditions.

At Bwindi Trails Expeditions, we specialize in tailor-made journeys so with us you can connect wildlife with culture. Whether you want to focus on local communities, mix in adventure, or go off the beaten path. we’ll help create Your Safari, Your Way.

Chimpanzee Trekking is one of the most sought after wildlife activities after the mountain gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda. Just like gorillas, Chimpanzees have been declared an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). There are not so many of them left in the wild and hence the need to double efforts for their conservation. Chimpanzees are more closely related to humans than even gorillas and that is why they are popular with tourists. They live in communities led by one or several dominant individuals. Chimps are very intelligent primates with the ability to use various tools and even show emotion.

Age limit for Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking can be done at Kibale forest national park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth national park, Kalinzu forest close to Kibale and the Budongo forest at the Murchison falls national park. Chimps can also be sighted in Semuliki National Park, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Entebbe Wildlife Education Center. In Rwanda, Chimpanzees can be seen in Nyungwe National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park.

Whereas Nyungwe National Park is the Number one destination for Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda, Kibale forest national park is the best destination for chimpanzee trekking in the world. Kibale has a total population of about 1500 individual chimps. Kibale national park is so vast that it spreads to the districts of Kamwenge, Kyenjojo, Kabarole and Kyegegwa. The Kibale forest national park is also home to several other wildlife like reptiles, mammals, a variety of birds and 12 other types of monkeys. To get to the Kibale forest national park, a traveler can choose to go by road or by air. It takes about 4 to 5 hours to drive to the park from either Kampala or Entebbe. The interesting thing about the road drive is that you will have the opportunity to view the beautiful landscape along the way. Traveling by air is also possible as there are daily domestic flights offered by companies such as Aerolink Uganda and Bar Aviation. With these one can decide to take on either a chattered or a scheduled flight to Kasese airstrip and then connect to the Kibale national park by road which is just about a 2-hour drive.

Age Limit for Chimpanzee Trekking – Permits

Parents traveling with children on safari often wonder if their children can track primates like chimpanzee. For one to see chimps, he or she is required to have obtained a permit ahead of the actual day of the trek since the permits are usually on very high demand. Both Chimpanzee Trekking and Habituation permits are not very costly like that of gorilla trekking. The permits are sold Minimum age for Chimpanzee Trekkingby the Ugandan Wildlife Authority or the Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda. A chimpanzee Permit costs 100 US Dollars in Nyungwe National Park of Rwanda but one has to also part with 100 US Dollars as park entrance fees. In Kibale, Chimpanzee Permits go for 250 US dollars and the Chimpanzee Habituation Permit costs $300. Foreign residents pay $150 for Chimpanzee permits in Kibale while East African residents pay 150,000 Uganda Shillings. These permit prices are inclusive of both entrance and guiding fees. The permit allows you to view and stay with the chimpanzees for one hour. The Chimpanzee Habituation Permits allows you to spend 4 hours with the Chimps as you observe the primates go about their daily lives. Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale forest national park is done in three sessions. The first starts early morning at 8am, the second session starts at midday and the last session starts at 2pm.

Chimpanzee Permits in Budongo forests cost $130. Permits in Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu forest cost $100 per person. These trekking sessions always start with pre-briefing at the park headquarters by the The minimum age for Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda park Guides and game rangers who take you through the process of the trek, the rules and regulations to be followed during the trekking. This follows the grouping of trekkers into small groups each headed by a Guide. The trekking usually takes between 30 minutes to several hours of searching. The duration of the activity depends on the movement of the primates around the dense forests. When you finally locate them, you get the opportunity to spend some time with them while also observing how they play, eat, communicate and care for their young ones. Chimpanzee trekking is a lot more exciting than gorilla trekking. Why? Because there is a lot of drama in chimp communities. Chimps are very loud and you seem to feel that the dominant male doesn’t have full control like a Silverback gorilla.

Minimum Age for Chimpanzee Trekking

Can a child take part in the chimpanzee trekking? What is the age limit for Chimpanzee Trekking? Well, according to the Uganda wildlife authority regulations and policies, the minimum age for chimpanzee Age limit for Chimpanzee Trekking is 12 years. This means that any child below the age of 12 is considered a minor and hence prohibited from taking part in the trekking activities. The minimum age for chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda is 15 years. The reason behind these age limits is that kids are very playful and can easily deviate from the chimpanzee trails and so could get lost in the forest. Kids are also not strict followers of rules and regulations. They can do something that could cause the primates to charge at them. The trekking activities are also very tedious and so kids could get tired very quickly even before locating a chimpanzee family. You can also read about the age limit for gorilla trekking.

Despite the fact that young children aren’t allowed to go chimpanzee trekking, the Kibale forest national park has got several other tailor-made activities to keep them engaged while their parents are out the minimum age for Chimpanzee Trekking. These activities include nature walks, birding, photography, lessons on forest surviving skills and visiting the neighboring indigenous communities to experience their culture and heritage.

In conclusion, chimpanzee trekking can be done by adults and children above 12 years of age in Uganda and 15 years in Rwanda. Travelers with trekking challenges do not need to worry as they can be assisted by porters who are found at the briefing points. These porters can also help trekkers to carry their backpack to help relieve them from the additional weight during the treks.

Discover the Big Five in Uganda – The Pearl of Africa

Uganda, known as the Pearl of Africa, is a true paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. From lush green savannas to misty mountains and sparkling lakes, the country offers a perfect mix of adventure and beauty. One of the biggest highlights of any safari in Uganda is the chance to see the famous Big Five animals, the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhinoceros.

These animals were originally called the Big Five because they were considered the most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot. Today, however, they are celebrated as icons of wildlife conservation and a must-see for anyone visiting Uganda.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these magnificent creatures and where you can find them.

1. The African Lion – King of the Savannah

The African lion is the symbol of strength, courage, and pride. In Uganda, you can find lions lounging under acacia trees or stalking their prey in the golden grasslands.
One of the most special experiences is seeing the tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of the few places in the world where lions actually climb trees! You can also spot them in Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park, often seen in groups known as prides.

2. The Leopard – The Silent Hunter

Leopards are shy, solitary, and incredibly beautiful. They are known for their stunning spotted coats and their ability to climb trees with ease.
In Uganda, your best chance to see a leopard is during a night game drive in Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls National Park, where they are often spotted resting on tree branches or quietly watching for prey. Patience is key, but the reward of seeing one is unforgettable!

3. The African Elephant – The Gentle Giant

The African elephant is the largest land animal on Earth and a true symbol of wisdom and power. Watching these majestic giants roam freely in Uganda’s national parks is an experience like no other.
You can see large elephant herds in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo Valley National Parks. They are often seen bathing in rivers or slowly moving across the savanna in family groups led by a matriarch.

4. The African Buffalo – The Strong Survivor

The African buffalo may not look as fierce as a lion, but it’s one of the most unpredictable animals in the wild. They usually move in large herds and are known for their strength and loyalty to each other.
Buffalos are found in nearly all of Uganda’s major national parks, especially Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls. Seeing a big herd crossing the plains or cooling off in a muddy waterhole is a truly African experience.

5. The Rhinoceros – The Rare Treasure

Uganda’s rhinos are the rarest of the Big Five. Sadly, they disappeared from the wild in the 1980s due to poaching, but today, thanks to strong conservation efforts, they are making a comeback!
You can visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located between Kampala and Murchison Falls, to see white rhinos up close. Guided walking safaris let you observe these peaceful giants in their natural environment while learning about ongoing efforts to reintroduce them into Uganda’s national parks.

Where to See the Big Five in Uganda

Here are the top destinations for spotting all five:

• Murchison Falls National Park – Home to four of the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant) and close to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhinos.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park – Famous for tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, and stunning scenery.
• Kidepo Valley National Park – Remote and wild, offering excellent chances to see lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes with fewer tourists.
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – The only place in Uganda where you can track rhinos on foot.

Experience Uganda’s Wild Heart

A safari in Uganda is not just about ticking off the Big Five — it’s about connecting with nature, supporting conservation, and experiencing the raw beauty of Africa. Whether you’re watching lions at sunset, elephants at the river, or rhinos grazing peacefully, every moment will leave a mark on your heart.

So, pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready to explore the Big Five of Uganda where adventure meets the wild!

Travel Tips:

• Best time to visit: June to September and December to February (dry seasons for easier game viewing).
• Bring: Binoculars, a good camera, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• Always: Respect wildlife and follow your guide’s instructions.

Is Uganda Good For African Safari? Uganda is located in the eastern part of Africa and is one of the most visited countries due to its so many attractions. There are a lot of attractions in Uganda and these include mountains, lakes, rivers, mammals, primates, and birds. The main reason why so many tourists love Uganda’s safaris is that Uganda has two national parks which are home to the endangered mountain gorillas that share 98%human DNA with human beings. These apes live in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga Gorilla Park both located in southwestern Uganda.

The other reason Uganda would have a good safari is the classic game drives that happen in the best national parks namely Queen Elizabeth national park, Kidepo valley national park, Murchison falls national park and Lake Mburo national park. During these game drives, you see a lot of mammals, primates as well as birds. Uganda has the best boat cruises done in Murchison falls national park to the bottom of the falls, boat cruise on Kazinga channel, and Lake Mburo.

Classic safari game drives in Uganda.

Classic safari game drives in Uganda.

Uganda has 10 national parks but 4 of these offer the best game drive experiences. The national parks where game drives are enjoyed in Uganda are Queen Elizabeth national park, Kidepo valley national park, Murchison falls national park, and Lake Mburo national park.

The best classic game drive on a Uganda safari can happen at three destinations and these are the famous Murchison falls national park, Kidepo valley national park in the rugged remote areas of the north as well as Queen Elizabeth national park famous for tree-climbing lions. The above destinations are good for game viewing safaris as well as the smaller Lake Mburo national park which you can visit to or from Queen Elizabeth national park, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, and Mgahinga Gorilla Park.

Safari in Queen Elizabeth national park

A safari to queen Elizabeth national park takes you to western Uganda to the most visited national park as well as the second-largest park in the country. One of the top reasons why people visit Queen Elizabeth national park is because of the rare tree-climbing lions that are found nowhere in the world but in this park as well as Lake Manyara national park of Tanzania.

Queen Elizabeth national park has gained an outstanding global reputation for having the biggest number of tree climbing lions that find their home in the Ishasha sector of the park. The lions are better seen during the afternoon hours when they are resting on branches of big fig trees.

During the early morning or late evening hours, you can head out to Kasenyi plains for a fantastic game drive where you see a number of animals. Just like other national parks during these hours the animals will be easy to spot. The animals that can be seen in queen Elizabeth national park include lions, elephants, topis, buffaloes, hyenas, leopards, waterbucks, bushbucks, warthogs, giant forest hogs, banded mongoose, hippos, vervet monkeys, olive baboons as well as black and white colobus monkeys.

There are also chimpanzees in Queen Elizabeth national park in Kyambura gorge.

Safaris in Queen Elizabeth national park can also contain a boat cruise which is done on the Kazinga channel. Kazinga channel is the biggest channel in the world and connects Lake George to Lake Albert. The boat cruise on the Kazinga channel is done on a daily basis unless when the weather conditions don’t allow it. They go for about 2-4 hours with opportunities of seeing hippos, crocodiles, fish, and different aquatic bird species such as yellow-billed stork, great and long-tailed cormorants, African skimmer, splendid pied kingfisher, and open billed stork among others.  During the dry session, a lot of park animals are at the water sources drinking water.

Another activity that can be done on a safari to Queen Elizabeth national park is bird watching. The Park is home to more than 600 bird species which makes the park one of the best birding spots in Uganda. There are different birding spots in the park such as Kazinga channel, Mweya peninsula, Kasenyi area, Ishasha sector, Katwe area, Kasenyi area, and Maramagambo forest to mention but a few. Some of the bird species in Queen Elizabeth national park include African jacana, rare saddle-billed stork, grey crowned crane, rare shoebill stork, papyrus gonolek, papyrus canary, lesser and greater flamingo, bar-tailed godwit, pink-backed pelican, martial eagle, corn lake, white-winged warbler, African mustached warbler, barbets, black crake, hooded vulture, black belied bustard, white-tailed lark, grey kestrel, and swamp nightjar.

Chimpanzee trekking can also be done in Kyambura gorge and this begins with a briefing after which trekkers are grouped and a ranger guide leads them into the jungle. After locating the chimpanzees, trekkers are given a maximum of one hour to be around chimpanzees and this helps them to learn more about their habitats. The other activity that is done in queen Elizabeth national park is lion tracking and this is done in the Kasenyi plains located on the northern side of the park.

Located in the northwestern part of Uganda, Murchison falls national park is the largest savannah park in Uganda one can go for a safari. The Park is a home of 76 mammal species and 451 bird species as well as Murchison falls which happen to be the strongest in the world. There are so many activities that can be done on a safari in Murchison falls national park and these include game drives, birding, sport fishing, hiking to the top of the falls, boat cruises, chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest and nature walks.

The boat cruise in Murchison falls national park is the best activity in the parka and this is done on Victoria Nile. The boat cruise is done in two sessions with one done in the morning and the other in the evening. The boat cruise lasts for 2-3 hours with opportunities of seeing water animals such as crocodiles, hippos, elephants, antelopes, giraffes, and water birds such as shoebills, giant kingfishers, long-toed plover, black-headed lapwing, and veracious dove among others. The boat cruise in Murchison falls national park takes you to the bottom of the falls where you get to see water passing through a narrow gorge making different sounds. At the bottom of the falls is also a link to the top of the falls. The boat cruise gives you an opportunity to take clear pictures of the waterfalls, water animals, and the animals on the shores of the river.

There are game drives in Murchison falls national park and these expose you to park animals and bird species. the game drives in the park take you through different tracks with opportunities of seeing animals such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, oribis, Uganda kobs, bushbucks, waterbucks, warthogs, hyenas, olive baboons, hartebeests, giraffes, hippos, oribis, and duikers among others.

Another activity commonly done in Murchison fall national park is birding because the park is one of the best birding places with over 451 bird species that have been so far recorded in the park. There are different birding spots where one can get an opportunity of seeing birds such as African emerald cuckoo, African fin foot, black coucal, red-throated wryneck, yellow bill, blue shouldered robin cat, grey crested crane, sulphur breasted bush shrike, African warbler, barbets, white-winged warbler, brown illadopsis, black bishop, white-winged tern, white-breasted nigro-finch, chestnut wattle eye, yellow wagtail, African jacana, sacred ibis, black crake, and grey crowned crane among others.

Kidepo valley national park in the north of Uganda could be the less visited national park in the country because it is located in rugged remote areas. The government is working hard to make it one of the most visited national parks in the country by constructing better roads to the park as well as better accommodation facilities. Kidepo valley national park has the highest number of lions in the country and the population is increasing compared to Queen Elizabeth national park and Murchison falls national park.

There are so many activities that can be done in Kidepo valley national park among which include game drives where you have an opportunity to see over 85 mammals of which 28 are found nowhere else in Uganda. The animals likely to be seen on a game drive in Kidepo include zebras, lions, Uganda kobs, hippos, bat-eared foxes, elephants, waterbucks, wild dogs, leopards, elands, klipspringer, Jackson’s hartebeest, cheetahs, mountain reedbuck, buffaloes, oribis, dik-dik, caracal, kudus, kongoni, patas monkeys, and bush babies.

Birding is also another activity one could do on a safari to Kidepo valley national park. The park is a home of 450 bird species that have been so far recorded in the park. The ostrich is the famous and common bird in the park but there are other bird species that are likely to be seen on a safari such as Kori bustard, dark chanting goshawk, red-winged pytilia, Jackson’s hornbill, Ethiopian swallow, Abyssinian scimitar bill, rufous chatterer, rufous chatter, chestnut weaver, black-breasted barbet, black coucal, golden pipit, greater kestrel, red-throated bee-eater, pygmy falcon, rose-ringed parakeet, steel-blue whydah, golden kestrel, Karamoja Apalis, pygmy falcon, northern carmine bee-eater, white-bellied go-away bird, Abyssinian roller, fox kestrel, D’Arnaud’s barbet, scarlet chested sunbird, and little bee-eater among others.

Kidepo valley national park offers the best cultural encounters in Uganda. There are two tribes living around Kidepo valley national park and these are the IK and the Masai. These people are mainly cattle keepers and the more cows a person has the more he is respected. When you visit these people, you get to learn their way of dressing, taste local foods, enjoy traditional dances and much more.

Lake Mburo national park is Uganda’s smallest national park located on Masaka Mbarara road. the park covers an area of 260 sq. km and has 5 small lakes with Lake Mburo being the largest. Because the park is small travelers can view wildlife on foot. There are so many activities in Lake Mburo national park among which include game viewing where you get to see some of the park animals such as zebras, topis, buffaloes, waterbucks, impalas, duikers, hippos, and warthogs among others.

There are boat cruises in the park done on Lake Mburo. The boat cruise on Lake Mburo exposes you to crocodiles, hippos, water birds, and other park animals on the shores of the lake drinking water. The boat cruise is done in 2 sessions one in the morning and the other in the evening. There is horse riding in the back and this can only be done by tourists who sleep in Mihingo Lodge. Horseback riding gives you opportunities of exploring the park animals, birds, and vegetation.

Birding is also another activity done in lake Mburo national park. The park is a home of over 360 bird species and this gives you an opportunity of seeing birds such as Tabora cisticola, great snipe, rare shoebill stork, African fish eagle, saddle-billed stork, African finfoot, papyrus yellow warbler, African-wattled lapwing, yellow-rumped tinkerbird, emerald spotted wood, African finfoot, jacana, white-winged tit, bare-faced go-away-bird, black papyrus gonolek, grey crowned crane, striated swallow, and Abyssinian ground hornbill among others.

What consists of a good safari in Uganda?

A good safari in Uganda consists of a good comfortable safari vehicle which would give you the best views during the game drives, a good safari driver-guide who knows how to communicate clearly and one who is well trained with experience, good accommodation facilities which can give you the best sleep and good tourism activities. About activities a good safari would be having primate watching let’s say chimpanzee trekking or gorilla trekking, a boat cruise on Lake Mburo, Kazinga channel, or Albert Nile in Murchison falls national park and a game drive in the 4 best national parks with game drives.

In summary, Uganda is a blessed country with so many attractions among which primate trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga national park lead. But to have the best safari in Uganda you must deal with trusted Uganda safari operators that can draw a good all-inclusive itinerary.

Best time to visit Uganda

Uganda can be visited at any time of the year but the best time to visit the country for an inclusive safari is the dry season. The dry season in Uganda happens from June to September and December to February. It’s during these months that the roads leading to the parks are passable, the tracks in the game parks are dry and the trekking trails in primate parks are not muddy or slippery.

The rainy season of March to May and October to November is also good for a safari to Uganda most especially when you want to do birding because there are migratory birds in the country during this period, the accommodation facilities are cheap because of a few people coming into the country and primate trekking takes a few hours because the primates don’t move far in the forests because there is plenty of food everywhere. The rainy season comes with bad roads, rainfall, and slippery or muddy trails and tracks.

Are you wondering “How does Gorilla trekking in Uganda work”? Here we tell you all about how the gorilla trekking works in a 6 step guide to Gorilla trekking in Uganda.

1. Secure your Gorilla trekking permit

The first step of making the dream of Mountain Gorilla trekking come true is to secure a Gorilla trekking permit. If you are booking a safari with a tour operator the Gorilla permit. Usually included in the price and arranged by the tour operator. Uganda Wildlife Authority has as of May 2022 changed the rules. So that gorilla permits have to be bought through Tour Operators registered with Uganda Tourism Board if you are a foreign resident (i.e. not living in Uganda). This means that if you arrange the safari independently you need to purchase the permit through a registered Tour Operator.

The exception from this rule is for Ugandans, East African citizens and foreign residents in Uganda. Who can buy a limited number of permits for their own use directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority? We are registered with Uganda Tourism Board so can arrange the Gorilla Permit for you.

While we are on the subject of securing the gorilla permit we should mention that it actually happens during the peak of the high-season that the gorilla permits sell out. This means that if you are planning to travel around end of December to January or July to August. It is needed to plan ahead and book several months in advance to be sure to get Gorilla permits. If you are travelling at other times during the high-season the pressure isn’t as high and during low-season (October, November, March, April and May). You can normally secure a Gorilla permit with short notice.

In Uganda there are five locations where gorilla trekking is done. Four of these are in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. The fifth location Mgahinga Gorilla National Park where there is one habituated gorilla group. These locations in different areas of the mountains so it is needed to plan your accommodation based on where the gorilla permit is. The gorilla permit bought for a location, so not for a specific group (more about this below).

2. Prepare for the gorilla trek

Ones you have all booked and ready for your tour it is time to start planning for the gorilla trek. In theory it is just to show up at the gorilla trekking starting point and make sure you have a gorilla permit (unless you travel with a tour operator who takes care of it) and passport to identify yourself but there are a few things that it is good to prepare for before the gorilla trek.

It can be slippery, rainy and annoying insects in the jungle so there are some things you should plan to pack to make your trek go as smooth as possible.

Comfortable hiking boots – it can be slippery in the jungle so good shoes will make it easier for you.
Backpack – a backpack to carry along for the trek that is comfortable to carry.
Rain gear – to be prepared if rain comes while in the jungle.
Light long sleeved shirt and long pants – to protect from insects and scratching branches.
 Socks long enough to tuck in your pants – to avoid getting bitten by safari ants.
 Warm sweater or a jacket – to keep you warm at the lodge in the evening. The height and the mist makes the evenings chilly in the mountains.

3. The morning of the gorilla trek – registration & briefing

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge and then head over to the gorilla trekking starting point at 8 am. Note that you should make sure to get a packed lunch with you from the lodge. If you are travelling with a tour operator the safari guide will plan this for you. But if not you should talk to the lodge the day before so they arrange a packed lunch for you. It is also important to bring along the water you plan to drink during the trek.

When you get to the Gorilla trekking starting point you register by showing your gorilla permit and passport, if travelling with a tour operator your guide takes care of this. At this point it is decided which gorilla group you will actually trek. If you have a specific wish like shorter trek due to health issues or a wish to spend as long as possible in the jungle you can come with that wish at this point. How well your wish can be taken into account depends on the situation on ground that day (where the gorilla groups are, how many visitors trekking there are etc).

Before you are then allowed to head into the jungle there is a briefing about how you should behave during the Gorilla trek. It is important to pay attention at this point so you know how to act while around the Mountain Gorillas. Worthy to note here is also the fact that the Mountain Gorillas are closely related to humans so if you have a contagious decease like cough for example the rangers have the right to refuse you from participating in the gorilla trek due to the risk of infecting the Gorillas.

4. Heading into the jungle – trekking to where the Gorillas are

We have now reached the point when it is time to head into the jungle. We recommend grabbing a walking stick for the trek, since it can help to keep balance in the jungle. You trek in a group with up to eight other visitors lead by a specialized guide and rangers. Depending on where the Gorilla group you are trekking is that morning you either start trekking straight from the briefing point or are driven a bit to get closer to the location where the Gorillas are.

Your specialized guide has a good idea of where the Gorillas are since Uganda Wildlife Authority early in the morning sends out a group of trackers to locate the gorillas based on where they spent the night. The trackers then keep following the Gorillas and communicate to the specialized guide about the best route to lead the Gorilla trekkers to the Gorillas.

How long you trek before reaching the Gorillas depend on where the Gorillas are that day. It can be as short as 30 minutes or several hours of trekking. There are trails within the jungle that the specialised guide will lead you along when possible.

5. Meet the mountain Gorillas!

The magic moment of seeing your first Mountain Gorilla has arrived. The rules are that you are allowed to spend one hour in the area of the Mountain Gorillas. During this time you still move together as a group with the specialized guide who will direct you on how to behave.

You are visiting the Gorillas as they are going about their daily life and hopefully get sightings of different members like the leading Silverback, adult females, adolescents and babies.

6. Finalizing the Gorilla trekking

When the hour has passed you trek back through the jungle. Depending on the time you might take a short break to have your packed lunch to get energy to finalize the trek. Ones you are out of the jungle you gather together with the group for a ceremony to finalize the trek. During this ceremony each visitor is rewarded a diploma for trekking the Mountain Gorillas of Uganda as a souvenir to remember this special day of meeting the Mountain Gorillas.

Learn more about gorilla trekking

Frequently asked questions about Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Complete guide to Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda vs. Rwanda

Age limit for Gorilla trekking in Uganda & options for families

Facts about Mountain Gorillas & conservation

Can I spend more than one hour with the Gorillas?

Where to see Gorillas in Africa.

Gorilla trekking is an unforgettable wildlife adventure, offering a rare opportunity to observe these magnificent primates up close (within a safe distance) in their natural habitat. Gorillas are found only in a few African countries namely Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo and represent the richness of Africa’s biodiversity.

Uganda and Rwanda are renowned for providing exceptional gorilla trekking experiences and are considered the best places to see gorillas in Africa. This guide explores various aspects of the trekking experience, including costs, safety, landscapes, difficulty of the trek, and more.

In terms of costs, the expenses involved in gorilla trekking in both countries, from permits to additional fees, will be outlined. Safety considerations for each destination will also be covered to ensure a worry-free adventure.

The landscapes of Uganda and Rwanda differ significantly, influencing the overall trekking experience. The variations in terrain and scenery will be explored, along with the physical demands of the trek, helping you prepare ahead of time and gauge which experience will align with your fitness level.

Beyond gorilla trekking, both countries offer a range of additional activities and attractions. Other wildlife experiences and must-see destinations will be highlighted, ensuring a well-rounded itinerary. Considering travelling with kids? We will discuss the suitability of gorilla trekking for families and provide tips for a smooth experience.

Timing is key, and the best periods to visit Uganda and Rwanda for gorilla trekking will be detailed. Additionally, options for combining a gorilla trekking adventure with other iconic East African destinations will be explored.

Whether you opt for a Uganda safari or a Rwanda safari, both destinations offer extraordinary experiences that rank them among Africa’s premier safari destinations. By the end of this guide, there will be a comprehensive understanding of gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, making it easier to choose the perfect destination for any travel plans.

Costs: Gorilla Trekking Uganda vs Rwanda

When comparing the costs of gorilla trekking in Uganda vs Rwanda, the permit prices are a significant factor. In Uganda, the cost of gorilla trekking permits is $800 per person, making it a more affordable option for a wider range of travelers. Conversely, the cost of gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda is $1,500 per person, reflecting a more premium experience. The higher cost in Rwanda is also often justified by the country’s investment in conservation and community projects.

Additional expenses also vary between the two countries. Rwanda offers more luxurious accommodation options, albeit at a higher cost, while Uganda provides a broader range of mid-range lodgings. Transport costs are generally lower in Rwanda due to its proximity to Kigali, which offers quicker and cheaper transfers. In contrast, Uganda’s longer distances can add to both logistical costs and travel time.

Ultimately, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is more accessible and convenient, ideal for those with limited time, whereas Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers a more authentic and adventurous experience and various additional sights to see. Whether you choose gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, both destinations are among the best places for gorilla trekking.

Is it Safe to Go Gorilla Trekking?

With fully grown male silverbacks weighing around 180 kilograms and standing at six feet tall, it’s understandable to feel some apprehension about gorilla trekking. However, rest assured that the experience is completely safe. As with all wildlife encounters, there are specific guidelines and rules to follow, which your guide will explain in detail.

In addition to adhering to these safety protocols, several other measures are in place to protect both trekkers and gentle-natured gorillas alike. These precautions ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved.

Both Uganda and Rwanda are considered safe for tourists. However, Rwanda has a slightly better reputation for political stability and infrastructure, and as such is considered the safer option between the two. Uganda is safe, but it’s advisable to stay updated on travel advisories.

Landscape

Bwindi, Uganda offers a beautifully rugged and dense trekking experience, true to its name. The ancient rainforest, with its steep hills and tangled undergrowth, presents a more authentic and adventurous rainforest experience. The varying altitudes, ranging from 1,160 to 2,607 metres, create diverse ecosystems, making the trek feel like a deep immersion into nature.

The lush, wet environment, filled with towering trees, mosses, and ferns, enhances the sense of being in a raw, untamed wilderness, though the thick foliage can sometimes limit visibility of the gorillas.

In contrast, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park provides a different kind of trekking experience in the Virunga Mountains. The volcanic terrain, characterised by more open spaces, bamboo forests, and meadows, offers a slightly easier navigation compared to Bwindi. Trekking at higher elevations (between 2,400 and 4,507 metres) in Rwanda often allows for clearer views of the gorillas due to the less dense vegetation.

The dramatic volcanic landscape, with its wide skies and panoramic views, combined with the more accustomed gorilla groups, makes for a visually stunning and somewhat more accessible trekking experience.

Is Gorilla Trekking Difficult?

The difficulty of the trek can vary in both countries. Uganda’s treks are generally considered more strenuous due to the dense forest and steep terrain. Rwanda’s treks are relatively easier but can still be challenging, especially at higher altitudes.

In both destinations, gorilla trekking is a considerably physically demanding activity. Because the lengths of a trek can range from one hour to eight, through varying terrains, it is recommended that those embarking on this adventure start training for it several months in advance

Other Things to Do Besides Gorilla Trekking

Both countries offer a variety of other activities in addition to gorilla trekking. While neither of these destinations is considered a typical safari destination, Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a more traditional safari and is home to the famous tree-climbing lions, whose remarkably unique behaviour remains a mystery to scientists, along with the city of Entebbe set on the shores of Lake Victoria.

Uganda is a sanctuary for 1000 bird species, making it one of the best destinations on the continent for birding. This includes 150 species found nowhere else on the continent. In addition, travellers to Uganda can visit Jinja, the source of the mighty Nile River, whose rapids make for an adrenalin-pumping adventure for those bold enough.

Rwanda offers golden monkey trekking and visits to the Genocide Memorial in Kigali. With over 700 species of bird, Rwanda is renowned for being a birdwatcher’s paradise. If big game and cats are what you are searching for, Akagera National Park is a protected area within the country where you can witness the reintroduction of the Big 5 and other game along the scenic landscapes of its wide savannahs and endless highlands.

Can Kids Go Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking is generally recommended for children aged 15 and above. Both countries have similar age restrictions, but Rwanda’s relatively easier treks might be more suitable for families with varying fitness levels and age groups.

When to Go Gorilla Trekking

The best time to visit Uganda and the best time to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. From mid-December to early February in Rwanda, the short dry season brings ideal conditions for these unforgettable adventures as the trails are firm and there is minimal malaria risk, it’s the perfect time to trek.

Uganda is a year-round treasure with its warm equatorial climate. However, Bwindi and Mgahinga’s gorilla forests remain humid and rainy throughout the year, so packing waterproof gear is a must—even during the drier months.

Combining Gorilla Trekking With Other Areas

Uganda and Rwanda offer the unique advantage of being easily combined with other iconic East African destinations like Kenya and Tanzania. This combination provides travellers with the opportunity to experience a diverse array of wildlife, landscapes, and cultural encounters all within one trip. Our Primate Edition small group safari tour is a great option to do so.

In Kenya, the famed Maasai Mara delivers unforgettable big game safaris, especially during the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebra traverse the plains. Tanzania complements this with its world-renowned Serengeti and the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, offering dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife encounters. These regions provide a stark contrast to the dense forests of Uganda and Rwanda, allowing you to enjoy both open savannas and lush, mountainous gorilla habitats.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale takes you to one of Uganda’s most visited parks. Kibale National Park is found in the western part of Uganda in the districts of Kibale and Kabarole. The park was established in 1995 to protect the forest and stop illegal logging but over the years, chimpanzees have become a key attraction. The park is close to the Rwenzori Mountains, Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Semuliki National Park. Kibale is referred to as the primate’s capital of the world because of the sheer variety/density of primates and for being the best place to track chimpanzees in East Africa

Kibale National Park in Uganda is home to an impressive collection of over 324 species of birds including the Black-capped Apalis, African Pitta, Crowned Eagle, Woodland Warbler, the Black-eared Ground Thrush, Blue-headed Sunbirds, Yellow-spotted Nicator, the Little Greenbul, the Black-bee Eater, Collared Apalis and the Purple- breasted Sunbird. Among the mammal include Golden cats, Warthogs, Hippos, Buffaloes, Forest Elephants, Bush Pigs, Bushbucks, Sitatungas, Duikers, Mangooses, Buffaloes and leopard. Lions come to the park regularly from Queen Elizabeth National Park. There are also numerous butterflies, amphibians and reptiles. The main tribes living close to the forest are the Batoro and the Bakiga but like already mentioned earlier, Chimps are the key attraction in Kibale.

Information about Chimpanzees

Chimps are man’s closest relatives considering that they share over 98% of our DNA. They are found mainly in West, Central and East Africa. Chimps live in communities that can contain about 100 individuals. The current threat to their habitat and persecution from humans has restricted their Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Parknumbers to an average of about 18 individuals per community. Unlike mountain gorillas, each chimp community has a unique culture and way of doing things depending on their habitat and diet. They are highly social primates while their intelligence comes second to only humans in the wider primate family. Chimp communities are led by a dominant male who ensures that the hierarchies within the group are maintained while providing support to all members if the group especially in the event of an attack from neighboring communities. The reign of a dominant male depends on the support of the females in the community. This is because the females do not necessarily mate only with the alpha male.

Because of their intelligence, chimps can communicate using complex body language, barks, hoots and pants. To convey their emotions, chimps use facial expressions. Chimps can use tools to dig out insects, open nuts or bring down fruit in difficult to reach parts of a tree. Chimps make daily nests on top of trees. Although they feed largely on fruits, flowers and insects, chimps usually hunt down antelopes and other small primates for meat in a group. Chimps can weigh up to 70 Kilograms and live up to 60 years in captivity.

Although chimps are preyed upon by leopards (rarely but mainly because the cats can climb trees), the main threat is from humans. Humans hunt chimps for meat in some countries, spread diseases, encroach on forests and destroy their natural habitat. Chimpanzees fall victim to snares and other traps set up to catch other animals like antelope. Many have lost their limbs to these snares if they are lucky enough to survive. In Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority and international organizations like the Jane Goodall Foundation have played a great role in ensuring that the chimps are well protected.             

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale

In Uganda chimpanzees can be tracked in Toro-Semliki wildlife reserve, Kyambura Gorge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Budongo Forest reserve,  Kibale National Park and Kalinzu Forest Reserve. Those who wish to see chimps in confined places can visit the Ngamba island sanctuary for rescued and orphaned chimpanzees or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe (Entebbe zoo).

With a population of over 1500 chimps, Kibale National Park is arguably the best place for tracking chimpanzees in the world. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale starts at 8am with a briefing from the rangers at the visitor’s center in Kanyanchu. The briefing covers important aspects of the activity like what to expect, length of the activity and how to act around the primates. The rangers will also give a brief background of the forest and chimpanzees in general. After the briefing, it’s time to head out into the forest. The ranger moves with a gun to scare off large mammals like elephants and chimps which are too wild (not habituated).

The great thing about tracking chimpanzees in Kibale is that you don’t need to walk very far to locate a group. In fact, it is only Kibale National Park where you are almost guaranteed seeing the chimps. Chimpanzees are very loud and you can hear them hooting miles away even before spotting them. However, you will still need to follow them – sometimes at high speed in order to catch up with them. Chimps are very observant. So much that by the time you spot them, they would have already seen you.

Chimps are not gentle like mountain gorillas. Once you are in the midst, expect a lot of drama and activity. You will watch them look for food, breastfeed, groom each other and mate. You may even witness fights between members of the group or larger males. Like we humans, each chimp has a unique personality and behavior. Some are quiet, others are shy while some love bullying others. Like humans, there are group dynamics and politics. Always follow the lead of the Guide because they know each chimp by behavior and character. They will advise you on which individuals to go close to and those to stay clear of. Chimpanzee trekking can leave you with a strained neck because the primates love staying on top of the trees. You need to be aware of falling fruit, urine and even poop. You are only allowed one hour with the chimps after they settle down. Check out our 3 Days Kibale Chimpanzee Safari package.

How is chimpanzee trekking different from gorilla trekking?

One of the most obvious difference between chimpanzees and gorillas is that the gorillas are larger in size. This implies that adult gorillas spend most of their time on the ground. They rarely climb trees unless it is absolutely necessary. Tree climbing is left to the younger gorillas. Chimpanzees spend most of their time on trees. They are very agile and can move at incredible speed on top of the trees. This makes it harder to see or take good photos of them. Chimpanzees are very lively and noisy while gorillas are more gentle. Despite the drama and noise among chimps, you get the feeling that you are part of them. Members of a gorilla group are very close and protective of each other. Another noticeable difference between gorilla tracking and chimp trekking is that gorillas live in colder and higher altitude with more difficult terrain. Chimps live on lower and flatter ground and hence the trek is not as demanding or tiring.

To see both primates, you will need a permit. Gorilla permits in Uganda cost $800 while chimp permits cost only cost $250. Only a certain number of people may visit a particular gorilla group or chimp community in a day. Chimpanzee trekking can be arranged in two sessions (morning and afternoon) while gorilla trekking can only be done in the morning. In Kibale Chimpanzee Trekking is now done three times a day. For both activities, you need good hiking boots and the right clothes to have the best possible trek. The minimum age for Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda is 12 years. You can read more about the difference between Chimpanzee trekking and gorilla trekking.

The chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale

Apart from the high chances of spotting chimps, Kibale National Park is special because visitors are offered the opportunity of going for the chimpanzee habituation experience. This activity is different from standard chimpanzee tracking because it involves spending a whole day with the chimps.  The experience is special because you learn more and contribute to the chimpanzee habituation process under the guidance and attention of researchers and experienced trackers.

The park authorities have set aside four chimp communities for research and tourism purposes. The one in Kanyawara consists of between 50 to 60 individuals and is open to tourists. The one in Sebitoli has been set aside for research purposes while the one in Kanyanchu is the most visited. The fourth habituated community is located at the center of the park with over 200 individuals.

The chimpanzee habituation experience starts much earlier than usual at 5:30am. The reason is so that you can find them while still sleeping in their nests. You then follow them throughout the day until 7:00pm when they make their night nest. By the end of the activity you would have learnt a lot more than what you would with normal chimp tracking. You would have known each individual chimp by and seen them foliage both on the ground on the trees. The photos are better and the researchers will share with you detailed information about chimpanzees and their conservation programmes in Africa. The chimpanzee habituation experience is popular during the low season (rains) when there are fewer visitors to the park.

The best time to for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale

Uganda has two rainy and dry seasons like most countries located along the equator. The rainy seasons are between April to May and October to November while the dry season falls between December to early March. The best time for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest is during the drier season.  However, given the popularity of the forest for chimp tracking, it can get crowded during the dry season. If you have come to see the chimps alongside other activities and wildlife adventures in the other game parks, then the dry season would be ideal. I would recommend that you visit during the low season if you have come to see only the chimps in Uganda to avoid the crowds. Besides, Kibale is a rain forest and the rains should be expected any time of the year. If possible, book for the morning session because the weather in the afternoon is unpredictable (rains are common).

Note: Are you wondering how to reach Kibale National Park? Well, if you are traveling on your own, you need to get a bus or taxi in Kampala city which will take you on a 300 kilometer journey to the town of Fort Portal. From Fort Portal you will drive for 36 kilometers to the Kanyanchu visitor center. The most convenient way to reach the park for international travelers is to book your safari with a reliable tour company. They will take care of everything including meals, transportation, accommodation and a Guide/Driver.

Rules to be followed while tracking chimps in Kibale National Park

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale is open to those who are at least 12 years old. However, exceptions can be made if a child is old enough, fit, strong and able to follow instructions from the Rangers.
• Only six people may track a particular community of chimps per session. Too many unknown faces may get the chimps nervous and agitated.
• Always listen and follow instructions from your Guide. They understand the chimps quiet well and know what they are talking about. You cannot enter the forest without an official Guide.
• You cannot track chimps when sick or ill with transmittable diseases like flue, cough or diarrhea.
• Chimps more unpredictable compared to gorillas. Keep a distance of about 8 meters from the nearest chimp.
• Eating food close to the chimps is not allowed. They may grab the food from you violently or forcefully.
• Using flash cameras is not allowed while with the primates.
• Try to have heavy breakfast before going out to track the chimps. Also remember to go to the toilet before heading out to the forest. You never know how long the trek will last. The rangers usually dig a hole for those who wish to go for long calls deep in the forest.

Packing List for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park

In order to have the most memorable experience tracking the chimps, we recommend that you come with the following items: –

A backpack: A light back-pack to carry your important items like cameras, binoculars, snacks and spare clothes

Hiking boots: The shoes need to be sturdy, with good traction and resistant to water. You will be climbing slippery and muddy slopes.

Clothing and stockings:  The clothing should be suitable for cold weather and a rain jacket. The shorts and trousers should be long-sleeved to protect you from sharp grass and insects. Stockings should be able to dry quickly, woolen (if possible) and water resistant (if possible).

Insect Repellents: Do not forget an insect repellent. There are all kinds of insects in tropical rain-forests. Most are harmless but will still bother if they can find their way to you.

Camera and binoculars: A good camera to capture the special moments with the chimps and a binocular to spot them while still on top of the trees. The binoculars and camera shouldn’t be too heavy to make you tired.  The camera should have good zoom lenses to capture good photos of the chimps while on top of the trees. No flash cameras are allowed.

Drinking water and packed snack:  This is important in case the activity goes longer than expected and you find yourself hungry or thirsty.

Other activities within Kibale Forest National Park

Primates walk:

Apart from chimpanzees, Kibale is home to 12 other smaller primates. The park is often referred to as the primate’s capital of the world because of the sheer variety and concentration of primates. Unfortunately, you can’t have everything. Kibale has no mountain gorillas. Had it been the case, it would be one of the most visited national parks in Africa. As you track the chimps, you will also encounter red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, baboons, bush babies, pottos, grey cheeked mangabey, black and white colobus.

Birdwatching:

Uganda is blessed with an incredible variety of birds and Kibale forest is one of the best places to go for bird watching in Uganda. Among the over 375 species available include the African grey parrot, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Double-toothed Barbet, Great Blue Turaco, Green Crombec, Hairy-breasted Barbet, little Greenbul, Lizard Buzzard, olive long-tailed cuckoo, Pygmy Kingfisher, Western green tinker bird, Winding Cisticola, Woodland Kingfisher, Zitting Cisticola, Black and white Casqued Hornbill

Nature Walks:

 Nature walks in Kibale National Park are arranged to give tourists an opportunity to have close encounters with forest creatures like monkeys, butterflies, birds, insects and. The nature walks are arranged in three sessions – two in the morning and one in the afternoon.  The activity starts from the Tourist Centre in Kanyanchu and can take up to three hours. As you go the walk, you will encounter several small primates and birds. You might even be lucky to see the chimpanzees along one of the established trails. The park arranges night walks aimed at spotting nocturnal primates like the bush babies and pottos. Night nature walks start from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Visiting Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary:

The Bigodi wetlands are located close to Kibale forest and one of the best places to spot birds in Uganda. It is also a great place to spot primates and butterflies. The activity involves walking through a 4.5 kilometer trail to spot over 139 species of birds under the guidance of experienced Guide. The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is managed by the Kibale Association for Rural Development (KAFRED) –  a community based organization. The organization also manages the Magombe swamp.  KAFRED organizes walks around the swamps using established trails and boardwalks. The swamp has rich vegetation and especially the papyrus which are breeding grounds for countless birds.

Visiting the Crater Lakes:

 The great African rift valley passes through much of western Uganda leaving behind several crater lakes. The lakes are divided into four clusters – The Kasende Cluster, Katwe Cluster, Fort Portal Cluster and the Bunyaruguru Cluster. The Kasende cluster is found in the western part of Kibale. The Katwe cluster on the other hand is found in Queen Elizabeth National park (close to Mweya Lodge). The Kasende cluster in Kibale National Park has got several lakes which act as sanctuaries to rare birds that are endemic to the area. Visiting these lakes offer amazing scenery and the opportunity to experience great wilderness and nature.

Seeing mountain gorillas in the wild is one of the most moving and unforgettable wildlife experiences in the world. Many travelers wonder, “What are the chances of actually seeing gorillas in Uganda?” The answer is very encouraging your chances are almost 100% when you book your trek with a trusted tour operator like Bwindi Trails Expeditions. Uganda’s gorilla trekking is well organized, carefully managed, and designed to ensure every visitor gets to see these gentle giants in their natural home.

Where to See Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, found in two main national parks:

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is the most famous and popular gorilla trekking destination in Uganda.
2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a smaller park located in the Virunga Mountains, home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family.

Both parks are located in southwestern Uganda, and each offers a unique gorilla trekking experience surrounded by lush forests and misty hills.

Why the Chances of Seeing the Gorillas Are So High

Uganda’s wildlife authorities and conservationists have done an excellent job in habituating gorilla families. This means the gorillas are familiar with humans and feel safe around them.

Here’s why your chance of seeing them is almost guaranteed:

• Daily monitoring: Each gorilla family is tracked every day by park rangers who know exactly where they are.
•  Guided tracking: Trekkers are guided by experienced trackers who follow fresh signs like footprints, dung, and broken branches to locate the gorillas.
• Limited groups: Only 8 visitors per gorilla family per day are allowed, ensuring calm, safe, and successful encounters.
•  Conservation efforts: Uganda’s gorilla population is healthy and growing, increasing the chances of sightings each year.

Because of this strong conservation system, the success rate of finding gorillas in Uganda is between 95% and 100%.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most popular destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda, and it has over 20 habituated gorilla families spread across four main sectors:

• Buhoma (North)
• Ruhija (East)
• Rushaga (South)
• Nkuringo (Southwest)

Every day, groups of visitors trek into the thick forest, guided by skilled rangers. The trek can last from 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. But at the end of the journey, you are almost guaranteed to come face to face with a silverback and his family a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

 Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

If you prefer a quieter experience, Mgahinga National Park is another excellent choice. Its home to the Nyakagezi family, known for its playful members and scenic mountain backdrop.

The trekking experience here also offers an almost 100% chance of sighting gorillas, and the park’s smaller size makes the trek shorter and easier. Mgahinga is also perfect for combining gorilla trekking with other activities like golden monkey tracking and volcano hiking.

 Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda

Every visitor needs a gorilla trekking permit issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

• Permit cost: USD 800 per person per trek (for foreign non-residents).
• Availability: Limited to 8 trekkers per family per day.
• Booking: Always book in advance through a trusted operator like Bwindi Trails Expeditions to secure your spot.

The permit includes your park entry, ranger guides, and one full hour with the gorillas once you find them.

What Happens During a Gorilla Trek?

Your day begins early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. Rangers explain the rules, assign groups, and share information about the gorilla families you will visit.

Then, you start your trek into the dense rainforest. The air is cool, birds sing overhead, and the forest floor smells fresh. As you move deeper, your guide follows signs left by the gorillas until you finally find them — feeding, grooming, or playing among the trees.

Once you find the gorillas, you’re allowed one magical hour with them. You can take photos, watch the babies play, and observe the silverback’s strength and calmness. It’s emotional, humbling, and unforgettable.

When Is the Best Time to See Gorillas in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking is possible all year round, but the best times are during the dry seasons:

• June to September
• December to February

During these months, forest paths are less slippery, and hiking is easier. However, the rainy months (March–May and October–November) also have their charm. Fewer tourists, greener scenery, and great photography conditions.

 Tips to Make the Most of Your Trek

• Always book your gorilla permit early.
• Follow ranger instructions at all times.
• Keep a safe distance (7 meters) from the gorillas.
• Stay quiet and move slowly, it helps the gorillas stay calm.
• Respect nature and never leave trash behind.

 Pro Tip: Hiring a local porter helps support the community and makes your trek easier. They can carry your bag and offer a helping hand on steep trails.

Conservation and Community Support

Every gorilla trekking permit directly supports conservation and local communities.
A portion of your fee helps fund anti-poaching efforts, ranger training, and community projects like schools and health centers near the park.

By trekking with Bwindi Trails Expeditions, you’re not only seeing gorillas, you’re also helping protect them and improving lives in the local area.

Why Choose Bwindi Trails Expeditions

At Bwindi Trails Expeditions, we specialize in Uganda and Rwanda gorilla safaris, offering tailor-made trips that fit your time, budget, and interests.

We handle everything including permits, transport, accommodation, and expert guides, so you can relax and enjoy the adventure. Whether it’s a short 2-day trek from Kigali or a longer Uganda wildlife safari, we ensure you get the best chance to meet these magnificent creatures.

Are you wondering “How does Gorilla trekking in Uganda work”? Here we tell you all about how the gorilla trekking works in a 6 step guide to Gorilla trekking in Uganda.

1. Secure your Gorilla trekking permit

The first step of making the dream of Mountain Gorilla trekking come true is to secure a Gorilla trekking permit. If you are booking a safari with a tour operator the Gorilla permit. Usually included in the price and arranged by the tour operator. Uganda Wildlife Authority has as of May 2022 changed the rules. So that gorilla permits have to be bought through Tour Operators registered with Uganda Tourism Board if you are a foreign resident (i.e. not living in Uganda). This means that if you arrange the safari independently you need to purchase the permit through a registered Tour Operator.

The exception from this rule is for Ugandans, East African citizens and foreign residents in Uganda. Who can buy a limited number of permits for their own use directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority? We are registered with Uganda Tourism Board so can arrange the Gorilla Permit for you.

While we are on the subject of securing the gorilla permit we should mention that it actually happens during the peak of the high-season that the gorilla permits sell out. This means that if you are planning to travel around end of December to January or July to August. It is needed to plan ahead and book several months in advance to be sure to get Gorilla permits. If you are travelling at other times during the high-season the pressure isn’t as high and during low-season (October, November, March, April and May). You can normally secure a Gorilla permit with short notice.

In Uganda there are five locations where gorilla trekking is done. Four of these are in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. The fifth location Mgahinga Gorilla National Park where there is one habituated gorilla group. These locations in different areas of the mountains so it is needed to plan your accommodation based on where the gorilla permit is. The gorilla permit bought for a location, so not for a specific group (more about this below).

2. Prepare for the gorilla trek

Ones you have all booked and ready for your tour it is time to start planning for the gorilla trek. In theory it is just to show up at the gorilla trekking starting point and make sure you have a gorilla permit (unless you travel with a tour operator who takes care of it) and passport to identify yourself but there are a few things that it is good to prepare for before the gorilla trek.

It can be slippery, rainy and annoying insects in the jungle so there are some things you should plan to pack to make your trek go as smooth as possible.

Comfortable hiking boots – it can be slippery in the jungle so good shoes will make it easier for you.
Backpack – a backpack to carry along for the trek that is comfortable to carry.
Rain gear – to be prepared if rain comes while in the jungle.
Light long sleeved shirt and long pants – to protect from insects and scratching branches.
 Socks long enough to tuck in your pants – to avoid getting bitten by safari ants.
 Warm sweater or a jacket – to keep you warm at the lodge in the evening. The height and the mist makes the evenings chilly in the mountains.

3. The morning of the gorilla trek – registration & briefing

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge and then head over to the gorilla trekking starting point at 8 am. Note that you should make sure to get a packed lunch with you from the lodge. If you are travelling with a tour operator the safari guide will plan this for you. But if not you should talk to the lodge the day before so they arrange a packed lunch for you. It is also important to bring along the water you plan to drink during the trek.

When you get to the Gorilla trekking starting point you register by showing your gorilla permit and passport, if travelling with a tour operator your guide takes care of this. At this point it is decided which gorilla group you will actually trek. If you have a specific wish like shorter trek due to health issues or a wish to spend as long as possible in the jungle you can come with that wish at this point. How well your wish can be taken into account depends on the situation on ground that day (where the gorilla groups are, how many visitors trekking there are etc).

Before you are then allowed to head into the jungle there is a briefing about how you should behave during the Gorilla trek. It is important to pay attention at this point so you know how to act while around the Mountain Gorillas. Worthy to note here is also the fact that the Mountain Gorillas are closely related to humans so if you have a contagious decease like cough for example the rangers have the right to refuse you from participating in the gorilla trek due to the risk of infecting the Gorillas.

4. Heading into the jungle – trekking to where the Gorillas are

We have now reached the point when it is time to head into the jungle. We recommend grabbing a walking stick for the trek, since it can help to keep balance in the jungle. You trek in a group with up to eight other visitors lead by a specialised guide and rangers. Depending on where the Gorilla group you are trekking is that morning you either start trekking straight from the briefing point or are driven a bit to get closer to the location where the Gorillas are.

Your specialised guide has a good idea of where the Gorillas are since Uganda Wildlife Authority early in the morning sends out a group of trackers to locate the gorillas based on where they spent the night. The trackers then keep following the Gorillas and communicate to the specialised guide about the best route to lead the Gorilla trekkers to the Gorillas.

How long you trek before reaching the Gorillas depend on where the Gorillas are that day. It can be as short as 30 minutes or several hours of trekking. There are trails within the jungle that the specialised guide will lead you along when possible.

5. Meet the mountain Gorillas!

The magic moment of seeing your first Mountain Gorilla has arrived. The rules are that you are allowed to spend one hour in the area of the Mountain Gorillas. During this time you still move together as a group with the specialised guide who will direct you on how to behave.

You are visiting the Gorillas as they are going about their daily life and hopefully get sightings of different members like the leading Silverback, adult females, adolescents and babies.

6. Finalizing the Gorilla trekking

When the hour has passed you trek back through the jungle. Depending on the time you might take a short break to have your packed lunch to get energy to finalize the trek. Ones you are out of the jungle you gather together with the group for a ceremony to finalize the trek. During this ceremony each visitor is rewarded a diploma for trekking the Mountain Gorillas of Uganda as a souvenir to remember this special day of meeting the Mountain Gorillas.

Learn more about gorilla trekking

Frequently asked questions about Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Complete guide to Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda vs. Rwanda

Age limit for Gorilla trekking in Uganda & options for families

Facts about Mountain Gorillas & conservation

Can I spend more than one hour with the Gorillas?