Gorilla Trekking Uganda
Face the Most Majestic Primates on Earth
Trek through ancient rainforest to encounter mountain gorillas in the wild. Uganda is home to half the world's remaining mountain gorillas — and Roam Beyond Tours brings you face to face with them, on your budget.
Why Uganda for gorilla trekking?
Uganda is the world's best destination for mountain gorilla trekking. Home to over 460 mountain gorillas — more than half the world's entire remaining population — Uganda offers two dedicated gorilla trekking destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Unlike Rwanda, Uganda's gorilla permits are more affordable (from $700 vs $1,500 in Rwanda), trails are wilder and more immersive, and the surrounding landscapes, crater lakes, tea plantations, local villages — make for a far richer overall experience.
Contact usBwindi vs Mgahinga
Which Trek Is Right for You?
|
Factor |
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park |
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park |
|
Gorilla Families |
19 habituated families |
1 habituated family — Nyakagezi |
|
Permit Price |
USD 700 (foreign non-resident) |
USD 700 (foreign non-resident) |
|
Terrain Difficulty |
Steep, dense jungle — moderate-hard |
Volcanic slopes — moderate |
|
Gorilla Time |
1 hour with gorillas (standard) |
1 hour (standard) |
|
Gorilla Habituation |
Yes — 4 hours with gorillas |
No |
|
Combined Activities |
Chimp tracking nearby, Batwa culture |
Golden monkey trekking |
|
Best For |
More choice, larger park |
Quieter, fewer tourists |
|
Roam Beyond Recommendation |
Bwindi (more gorilla families) |
Best combined with Rwanda |
What to Expect on Trek Day
Discover the ultimate guide to mountain gorilla trekking climax day
5:00 AM
Roam Beyond guide picks you up from lodge. Transfer to park briefing point.7:00 AM
Pre-trek briefing at park headquarters. Group of
max 8 trekkers per gorilla family.
7:30 AM
Trek begins.
Duration varies from 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on gorilla location.
On Encounter
Spend 1
magical hour observing the gorilla family, feeding, playing, grooming.
After Trek
Return to briefing point. Receive gorilla trekking certificate. Transfer back to lodge.Evening
Celebrate with a
local Ugandan dinner and cultural storytelling session.
Gorilla Permit Prices 2026
|
Category |
Permit Cost (USD) |
Notes |
|
Foreign Non-Resident |
$700 |
Citizens of non-EAC countries |
|
Foreign Resident |
$600 |
Foreign nationals resident in Uganda/EAC |
|
East African Citizen |
$250 |
Citizens of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda |
|
Gorilla Habituation |
$1,500 |
4 hours with gorillas (Bwindi only) |
|
Child (under 15) |
Not permitted |
Minimum age is 15 years for trekking |
Roam Beyond Gorilla Trekking Packages
3-day, 5-day, 7-day, and 10-day packages all available. Each includes park fees/permits, accommodation (budget to luxury), meals, transfers, and a certified local guide. All packages available with monthly payment plans.
From $1,095
3-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Tour
Explore Uganda's gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and optional birdwatching and nature walk or Batwa Trail experience.
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From $1550
5-Day Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife
From the misty Bwindi forest to the tree climbing lions. Explore the wildlife magic of Queen Elizabeth National Park in a style.
From $1,775
7-Day Ultimate Best of Uganda Safari
Feel the magic of Uganda's gentle giants in Bwindi, wildlife, nature, cultures and tranquil of adventure in this safari combo.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions about Uganda's mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
A: A Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs $800 per person for foreign non-residents. Full packages including accommodation, transfers and a guide can start from $1,200 for 3 days. With Roam Beyond Tour's payment plan, you can start with as little as $100/month
A: Gorilla trekking difficulty ranges from moderate to challenging depending on where the gorillas are on that day. Treks typically last 2–6 hours. Anyone with reasonable fitness can complete a trek.
A: Uganda's two dry seasons — June to September and December to February — offer the best trekking conditions. Trails are less muddy and wildlife is easier to track. However, gorilla trekking is possible year-round.
A: Uganda is home to over 460 mountain gorillas — more than half the world's remaining population of approximately 1,060 mountain gorillas.
