Essential Packing List for Uganda
August 21, 2025
Uganda vs Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
August 26, 2025
Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda, Uganda is famous for its incredible biodiversity, but nothing compares to the once-in-a-lifetime experience of meeting mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. With just over 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the wild, trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park gives you the rare chance to observe these gentle giants up close.
But how exactly do you book a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda? Here’s a complete guide to help you plan this unforgettable adventure.
1. Choose Your Gorilla Trekking Destination
Uganda has two national parks where gorilla trekking takes place:
•Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
•Home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
•Treks range from easy to challenging depending on the group location.
•Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
•Smaller and less visited but equally rewarding.
•Only one habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group.
•Perfect for travelers who want fewer crowds.
Tip: Bwindi has more habituated gorilla families, so you’ll have better chances of securing a permit. Mgahinga is quieter and sometimes easier to book last-minute.
2. Secure a gorilla trekking permit
A gorilla permit is mandatory, and it’s the most important part of booking your safari.
•Cost as of 2025):
•Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per person
•Foreign Residents (with work permits): $700
•East African Citizens: UGX 300,000
•Where to Get a Permit:
•Directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Kampala.
•Through a licensed tour operator or safari company (recommended if you’re booking a full package).
•When to Book:
Permits sell out quickly, especially in the peak seasons (June–September, December–February). Book at least 6 months in advance if you’re traveling during those times.
3. Decide How to Book Your Safari
You have two main options:
Option A: Book Directly (Independent Travel)
•Buy your permit from UWA.
•Arrange your own transport, accommodation, and park entry.
•Best if you’re an experienced traveler on a budget.
Option B: Book Through a Tour Operator (Easiest Way)
•The operator secures your permit, accommodation, and transport.
•Packages usually include meals, guides, and sometimes extra activities like game drives or community visits.
•Recommended if it’s your first time in Uganda or you want stress-free planning.
4. Plan Your Transport & Accommodation
•Transport:
•Alternatively, you can book a domestic flight from Entebbe to Kihihi (for Bwindi) or Kisoro (for Mgahinga).
•Accommodation:
Options range from budget guesthouses to luxury eco-lodges. Staying near your trekking sector is crucial because treks start early in the morning.
Tip: Book accommodation immediately after securing your permit to avoid last-minute stress.
5. Prepare Physically and Mentally
Gorilla trekking is not a casual walk—it can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. The terrain is steep, muddy, and at high altitude.
•Start light exercise (hiking, walking, stair climbing) before your trip.
•Carry a walking stick (provided at the park or by lodges).
•Hire a local porter ($15–20) to carry your bag and support you during the trek—this also supports the local community.
6. What to pack for Gorilla Trekking
•Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support.
•Long-sleeved shirt & trousers (for protection against stinging nettles).
•Lightweight rain jacket (it can rain anytime).
•Garden gloves (to grip vines and branches).
•A small daypack with snacks, water, and camera gear.
•Reusable water bottle.
7. Follow Trekking Rules & Etiquette
To protect gorillas and yourself:
•Keep a 7-meter distance from gorillas.
•Wear a mask to prevent transmitting human diseases.
•Do not eat, drink, or smoke near gorillas.
•No flash photography.
•Maximum of one hour with the gorillas.
8. Add Extra Experiences
Make your trip even more memorable by combining gorilla trekking with:
•Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest.
•Game drives in Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls National Parks.
•Cultural encounters with Batwa communities.
•Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi.
Final Thoughts
Booking a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda may seem complicated, but with the right preparation, it’s smooth and incredibly rewarding. The key steps are simple: secure your permit early, choose your park, decide on independent vs. guided travel, and prepare physically.
Once you lock in the details, all that’s left is to stand among the misty forests of Uganda, watching a silverback beat his chest or a baby gorilla swing from a branch—a memory that will stay with you forever.
Uganda truly is the Pearl of Africa, and gorilla trekking is its crown jewe
