Tour Overview
This is the most direct way to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda - one permit, one trek, with travel days either side. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest holds roughly half of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population, spread across several habituated family groups.
First-time gorilla trekkersShort-break travellersWildlife enthusiasts
Safari Highlights
One hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family
Bwindi's dense, biodiverse forest setting
Small group sizes (permits limit visitors per gorilla family per day)
A genuinely rare wildlife experience
Day-by-Day Itinerary
D1
Travel to Bwindi
Kigali or Entebbe → Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Drive (or scheduled flight, depending on your entry point) to the Bwindi area, arriving in time to rest before the next day's trek.
D2
Gorilla Trekking Day
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
An early briefing at the park office, then a guided trek - anywhere from 1 to several hours each way depending on where the gorilla family is that day - to spend a permitted hour observing a habituated mountain gorilla family at close range.
D3
Departure
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest → Kigali or Entebbe
Drive back to your departure point for onward travel.
What's Included
- 4x4 transport for the trip
- English-speaking driver-guide
- 1 gorilla trekking permit per person
- 2 nights' accommodation on the basis stated
- Park entry fees
What's Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees and travel insurance
- Porter fee (optional, paid locally, and worth considering)
- Tips for guides, trackers and lodge staff
- Items of a personal nature
Accommodation & Safari Vehicle
Accommodation: Mid-range lodge near Bwindi (upgradeable to luxury)
Vehicle: 4x4 safari vehicle
Best Time to Visit
Bwindi can be visited year-round since trekking happens regardless of season, though the two drier windows (June-August and December-February) mean less mud on the trekking trails. Wetter months still offer good trekking - the terrain is simply more demanding underfoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How physically demanding is gorilla trekking?
It varies a lot day to day since it depends on where the gorilla family has moved to - it can be a relatively short, easy walk or several hours over steep, uneven forest terrain. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, and a hired porter can help carry gear and offer a supporting hand on steeper sections.
Are gorilla trekking permits limited?
Yes - Uganda issues a limited number of permits per gorilla family per day, so booking well ahead is strongly recommended, especially for peak travel months.
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