How Do I Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an extraordinary adventure, offering travelers the chance to trek through lush rainforests and encounter the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The experience is unforgettable, but like any popular activity, proper planning is essential to ensure a seamless and memorable experience. One of the key questions for travelers is: How do I book gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Booking your gorilla trekking experience involves several important steps, from securing permits to choosing the right trekking location and understanding the logistics involved. This guide will walk you through the entire process to help you make informed decisions and ensure that you have a smooth journey.
Choosing the Right Destination for Gorilla Trekking
Uganda is home to two main gorilla trekking destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The first step in booking your trek is choosing which park you’d like to visit, as each offers a unique experience.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi is the most popular and largest of Uganda’s gorilla trekking parks, home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. It is located in the southwestern part of the country and offers four trekking regions: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. The park provides a wide range of trekking experiences, with varying levels of difficulty, depending on where you’re trekking. This park is ideal for those seeking a more diverse adventure, as it offers opportunities to explore the dense forests and observe other wildlife species.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga, located in the Virunga Mountains, is a smaller park with fewer trekking opportunities compared to Bwindi. However, it offers a unique experience due to its higher altitude and volcanic landscape. Mgahinga is perfect for travelers who want a more rugged and remote experience, with fewer trekkers in the area. It is also a great option for those interested in trekking through stunning landscapes and exploring the cultural significance of the region.
Both parks are part of the International Gorilla Conservation Programme, which works toward the protection and preservation of mountain gorillas.
Securing Your Gorilla Trekking Permit
Once you’ve selected your preferred trekking destination, the next crucial step is securing your gorilla trekking permit. The permit is your official entry to the park and allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to a certain number per day to minimize the impact on the gorillas.
Permit Costs
As of 2025, a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800 USD per person. This fee is non-refundable, so it’s important to be certain of your travel dates before booking. The permit price covers the cost of park entry, ranger guides, and other administrative expenses related to the conservation and management of the gorillas.
How to Book a Permit
There are several ways to book your gorilla trekking permit:
- Directly Through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA): UWA is the official body responsible for managing Uganda’s national parks. You can book your permit directly through their website or by contacting their offices. However, securing a permit directly from UWA can sometimes be complex, especially during peak seasons, so it’s advisable to book well in advance.
- Through a Tour Operator: The most convenient and reliable way to book your gorilla trekking permit is through a trusted tour operator like Samz Tours Uganda. Tour operators are experienced in handling permit bookings and can secure your permits on your behalf, saving you time and effort. They can also offer advice on the best trekking dates, provide local insight, and help you plan a full itinerary that includes transport, accommodation, and other activities.
Booking through a reputable tour operator is often recommended, as they can also handle additional logistics like transportation, accommodation, and providing a knowledgeable guide.
Choosing the Right Date and Time for Your Trek
Gorilla trekking is available year-round, but certain factors can influence the best time to visit Uganda for this adventure.
Peak Season vs. Low Season
- Peak Season: The peak season for gorilla trekking in Uganda is typically from June to September and December to February. During these months, the weather is drier, making trekking easier. However, because of the increased demand, permits may be more difficult to secure and accommodation can be more expensive.
- Low Season: The low season falls between March to May and October to November. While the trekking conditions might be more challenging due to rain, this is an excellent time to book permits if you want to avoid large crowds and enjoy lower prices on accommodation and permits. The gorillas are still accessible, and the experience can feel more intimate.
It’s important to book your permits as early as possible, especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment. Ideally, securing your permit at least 3 to 6 months in advance is recommended.
Accommodation and Travel Logistics
When booking your gorilla trekking experience, it’s essential to consider your travel and accommodation logistics. The trek itself can be physically demanding, so ensuring that you have a comfortable place to stay and reliable transportation is crucial.
Accommodation Options
Both Bwindi and Mgahinga offer a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. In Bwindi, you can find everything from budget lodges to luxury safari camps and boutique hotels. Mgahinga also offers a selection of lodges, though the options may be more limited compared to Bwindi. Many lodges are located near the park entrances, providing easy access to the trekking starting points.
It’s advisable to book your accommodation as soon as your permits are secured, as the best lodges often fill up quickly, particularly during peak season. Tour operators like Samz Tours Uganda can assist with booking your accommodation based on your preferences and budget.
Transportation
Traveling to the gorilla trekking parks can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Uganda’s road networks. While the parks are accessible by road, the journey can be long and bumpy, especially to Bwindi. For convenience, you can book transportation through your tour operator, who can arrange transfers from the nearest airport (Entebbe or Kigali) to the park.
If you’re coming from Kigali, Rwanda, the journey to Bwindi can take around 4-5 hours, while from Entebbe, it can take between 8-10 hours. Some travelers opt for a combination of flight and road travel, where they fly from Entebbe to Kisoro (the nearest airport to Mgahinga), and then take a short drive to the park.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Trek
Once your booking is confirmed, it’s time to prepare for the adventure itself. On the day of your trek, you’ll need to arrive at the park early, usually around 7:00 AM for a briefing. The briefing will be conducted by the park rangers and will cover important safety information, guidelines for interacting with the gorillas, and tips for the trek.
After the briefing, you’ll be assigned to a specific gorilla family based on your physical fitness and the availability of the families. The trek will take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located. Once you find them, you’ll have one hour to observe and take photographs, following all guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful interaction.
Final Thoughts: Booking Through Samz Tours Uganda
Booking gorilla trekking in Uganda can be an exciting but complex process, especially if it’s your first time. Working with a reliable and experienced tour operator like Samz Tours Uganda ensures that all the logistics, permits, accommodation, and transportation are taken care of. Our expert team is committed to providing you with a seamless, hassle-free experience, so you can focus on enjoying your adventure and making unforgettable memories with the mountain gorillas.
Whether you are looking to trek in Bwindi or Mgahinga, we are here to help guide you through every step of the booking process. From securing permits to arranging the best accommodations, we make sure your gorilla trekking experience in Uganda is everything you’ve dreamed of.
