Ultimate Uganda Gorilla Trekking Guide

Few travel experiences compare to standing just a few feet away from a wild mountain gorilla. Their sheer size, human-like behavior, and quiet strength leave most visitors speechless. Uganda is one of the best places in the world to experience this rare adventure, with over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas living in its lush forests.

If gorilla trekking is on your bucket list, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from permits and best trekking spots to practical travel tips and how to apply for  Uganda eVisa before you go.

Why Choose Uganda for Gorilla Trekking?

There are only three countries in the world where you can trek wild mountain gorillas: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Out of these, Uganda stands out for a few reasons:

• Largest gorilla population – Over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas live here.
• Two national parks – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park both offer trekking.
• More affordable permits – At $700 USD, Uganda’s permits are cheaper than Rwanda’s ($1,500).
• Extra wildlife experiences – Uganda also offers safaris, chimpanzee tracking, and boat rides on the Nile.

Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Home to most of Uganda gorilla families.
• Dense rainforest, misty trails, and breathtaking mountain views.
• Over 20 habituated gorilla families are available for trekking.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

• Smaller and less visited but equally rewarding.
• Part of the Virunga Mountain range.
• Only one habituated gorilla family, but the experience is intimate and less crowded.

How Difficult is Gorilla Trekking?

Trekking can be challenging—it involves hiking through thick jungle, steep hills, and muddy trails. The trek can last anywhere from 1 to 6 hours depending on where the gorillas are that day.

You don’t need to be an athlete, but a reasonable level of fitness helps. Porters are available to carry your bag, and walking sticks are provided to make the climb easier. The reward—spending an hour with gorillas in the wild—is worth every step.

Gorilla Trekking Permits

A permit is mandatory for every trekker, and it allows you to spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family.

• Cost: $700 USD per person.
• Booking: Permits can be booked online through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or via a licensed tour operator.
• Timing: Book at least 6 months in advance, especially if traveling in peak season (June–September, December–February).

Best Time to Go

• Dry season (June–September, December–February): Trails are less muddy and trekking is easier.
• Wet season (March–May, October–November): Fewer tourists, cheaper accommodation, and greener scenery—but trekking is more challenging.

Uganda eVisa: What You Need to Know

Before heading to Uganda, you’ll need a visa. Luckily, the Uganda eVisa online makes the process simple.

Types of Visas for Gorilla Trekkers

• Tourist eVisa: Best for gorilla trekking, valid for 90 days, single entry. ($50 USD)
• East Africa Tourist Visa: Valid for Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, multiple entry, 90 days. ($100 USD) – perfect if you plan to visit Rwanda too.

How to Apply for a Uganda eVisa

1. Fill in personal and passport details.
2. Upload documents:
   • Valid passport (6+ months left)
   • Passport-size photo
   • Flight itinerary
   • Hotel booking or tour confirmation
   • Yellow fever vaccination certificate
3. Pay the visa fee online.
4. Wait for approval (usually 3–7 working days).
5. Print your eVisa approval letter and carry it with you.

Packing Tips for Gorilla Trekking

• Sturdy hiking boots – Trails can be steep and slippery.
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers – Protect against scratches and insect bites.
• Rain jacket – Weather is unpredictable in the rainforest.
• Gloves – Helpful for grabbing branches while hiking.
• Camera (no flash) – Essential for capturing your once-in-a-lifetime moment.
• Insect repellent & sunscreen – Jungle bugs are no joke.

Other Wildlife Adventures in Uganda

Since you’re already here for the gorillas, consider adding these to your trip:

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest.
• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park (look out for tree-climbing lions).
• Murchison Falls National Park – The Nile squeezing through a dramatic gorge.
• Boat trip on Lake Victoria – The largest lake in Africa.

Travel Tips for First-Timers

• Hire a guide or join a tour: Most visitors go through operators who arrange permits, transport, and accommodation.
• Bring cash (USD): Visa fees and park fees are often paid in US dollars.
• Halth prep: Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory; consider malaria prevention too.
• Stay near the parks: Lodges close to Bwindi or Mgahinga make early morning starts easier.
• Respect the gorillas: Keep a 7-meter distance, don’t make sudden movements, and never touch them.

Final Thoughts

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is not just another trip—it’s a life-changing experience. Standing in the misty rainforest face-to-face with a gentle giant is something you’ll carry with you forever.

The process may seem a bit complex—booking permits, arranging tours, applying for the Uganda eVisa—but with some planning, it all comes together smoothly.

So, get your eVisa, pack your boots, and get ready for one of the most extraordinary adventures the world has to offer. Uganda is waiting, and so are its gorillas.