Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Complete 2026 Guide
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of the most special wildlife experiences in the world. Uganda is home to more than half of the remaining mountain gorillas on Earth, and visitors from all over the world come to see these gentle giants in their natural forest home. In 2026, Uganda remains one of the best and most affordable destinations for gorilla trekking in Africa. Gorilla trekking means walking through the forest with an experienced guide to find a gorilla family. Once the gorillas are found, visitors spend one full hour watching them as they feed, play, rest, and interact with each other. This experience is very emotional, educational, and unforgettable.
Where Gorilla Trekking Takes Place in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in two main national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most popular place for gorilla trekking. It is located in southwestern Uganda and has many gorilla families that are used to human visitors. Bwindi is a thick tropical forest with hills, valleys, and rich wildlife. The park is divided into four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is smaller and located near the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It has one main gorilla family available for trekking. This park is also beautiful and offers views of volcanic mountains.
Gorilla Trekking Permits in 2026
To do gorilla trekking in Uganda, every visitor must have a gorilla trekking permit. This permit allows you to join a guided trek and spend one hour with a gorilla family.
For 2026, the gorilla trekking permit costs:
USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents.
USD 700 per person for foreign residents.
UGX 300,000 for East African citizens.
Permits should be booked early because they are limited and sell out fast, especially during the high season. The permit fee supports gorilla conservation, park protection, and local community development.
How the Gorilla Trekking Experience Works
Gorilla trekking usually starts early in the morning. Visitors arrive at the park headquarters by around 7:30 AM for registration and briefing by park rangers. During the briefing, guides explain the rules of gorilla trekking and assign visitors to different gorilla families.
The trek itself can take between 1 to 6 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located that day. The walk can be challenging because the forest is thick and the terrain is sometimes steep and muddy. However, guides move at a comfortable pace and help visitors during the walk. Once the gorillas are found, visitors are allowed to spend one hour with them. During this time, you can take photos, watch their behavior, and enjoy this rare moment in nature. After the hour is finished, the group slowly returns to the starting point.
Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking is possible all year round in Uganda, but some months are better than others.
The best time for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons:
June to September
December to February
During these months, the forest trails are less muddy, and trekking is easier.
The rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) are also good for trekking, especially for travelers looking for fewer crowds and sometimes lower safari costs. Gorillas are always present in the forest, no matter the season.
What to Wear and Carry
Proper preparation makes the gorilla trekking experience more comfortable. Visitors should wear:
Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers
Strong hiking shoes or boots
A light rain jacket
Gloves for holding plants and branches
A hat and sunscreen
It is also good to carry:
Drinking water
Snacks
A camera (without flash)
Walking stick (provided at the park if needed)
Porters are available at the park entrance and can help carry bags and assist during the trek. Hiring a porter also supports local communities.
Rules and Safety During Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is well organised and very safe. Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers guide every group and ensure visitors follow the rules.
Some important rules include:
Keep a distance of at least 7 meters from the gorillas
Do not touch the gorillas
No flash photography
Do not trek if you are sick
Keep voices low while with the gorillas
These rules protect both the gorillas and visitors.
Why Choose Uganda for Gorilla Trekking
Uganda is one of the best countries for gorilla trekking because it offers:
High chances of seeing gorillas
More affordable permits compared to Rwanda
Beautiful scenery and rich biodiversity
Friendly people and professional guides
The chance to combine gorilla trekking with other safaris like game drives, chimpanzee tracking, and cultural tours
Uganda is truly the “Pearl of Africa” and offers a complete and rewarding safari experience.
Plan Your Gorilla Trekking Safari in 2026
Gorilla trekking in Uganda in 2026 is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that connects visitors with nature in a very special way. Walking through the forest, meeting mountain gorillas face to face, and learning about their lives is something you will never forget. With good planning, the right guide, and a positive attitude, gorilla trekking in Uganda will be one of the highlights of your African safari. Whether you are travelling alone, as a couple, with family, or in a group, Uganda offers an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure.
If you are planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda in 2026, now is the best time to start. We are ready to help you with gorilla permits, accommodation, transport, and custom safari planning based on your travel dates and budget. Contact us today to start planning your Uganda gorilla trekking adventure and let us create a safe, memorable, and well-organized safari experience for you.
