Where to See Ugandan Mountain Gorillas: Two conservation national parks in the country’s southwest, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, are home to Uganda’s mountain gorillas. It takes about nine to ten hours to drive from Kampala’s south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a premium park that is home to the world’s largest population of mountain gorillas. It is situated in Kanungu district, while Mgahinga National Park is situated in Kisoro district.
Numerous gorilla species can be found throughout the world, drawing millions of tourists to these locations. Nonetheless, Uganda is endowed with Eastern gorilla mountain gorillas, which the IUNC has listed as endangered. Mountain gorillas can also be seen in the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
This is the environmental scientist who just demonstrated that there are more mountain gorillas now than there were a year ago-more than 1065. Annually, the number is rising. Remarkably, half of the world’s mountain gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which also has over 21 habituated gorilla families.
Two groups are split up for the gorilla habituation experience, which lasts four hours while viewing the species and an additional hour for gorilla trekking. Christmas, Nkuringo, and Bushaho are found in the Nkuringo region; Kutu, Bikingi, Rwigi, Bweza, Nshongi, Mucunguzi, and Busingye are found in the Rushaga region; and Mukiza, Oruzogo, Bitukura, and Kyaguliro are found in the Ruhija region; Habinyanja, Katwe, Mubare, and Rushegura are found in the Buhoma region. Mgahinga has a group called Nyakagezi.
Another Ugandan gorilla safari location is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which has just one habituated gorilla group of nine individuals led by Silverback. However, because the park is adjacent to the Virunga mountain, which makes it challenging to hike with this group, they continue to migrate to the borders of Rwanda and Congo.
The dominant silverback, who guards their designated territory with female gorillas, offspring, juveniles, and babies, often leads each gorilla group.
The two main national parks in Uganda where you can see these rare gorilla species in their natural habitat are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
The four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park-Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushanga-are the locations for Uganda mountain gorilla trekking. with no more than eight individuals (15 years of age and older) each group.
A gorilla permit is required in order to participate in gorilla trekking, and reservations should be made well in advance to prevent last-minute disappointments. Additionally, you should only reserve your gorilla permits through a reputable travel agent who works with a legitimate tour operator.
It should be noted that gorilla permits are available at the UWA Uganda Wildlife Authority Offices for USD 800 per person per day for a gorilla trekking experience, which includes an hour of mountain gorilla observation, and USD 1500 for a full-day activity that includes four hours of time spent with these magnificent mountain gorillas.
Congolese gorilla trekking permits cost USD 400 per person per day, Rwandan gorilla trekking permits cost USD 1,500, and East African citizens pay UGX 300,000. You can get more information by getting in touch with All In Afrtica Safaris.
Expectations for a Gorilla Safari?
On the day of your walk, you should plan on rising early enough to get out of your cozy bed, eat breakfast, and then head to the briefing location by 7:30 a.m.Following the briefing, you will meet the park ranger who will assign you to a group of eight individuals to travel with the gorillas on that specific day.
As you start looking for gorillas, follow the guides into the jungle. Additionally, you will be able to witness many monkey species, animals, stunning butterflies, and many other creatures while trekking. However, the woodland routes can occasionally be difficult, requiring a high level of physical fitness. You should also anticipate being sweaty and muddy.
You will have an hour to shoot pictures with your camera after you meet gorillas, however flash drives are not permitted. After trekking, return to your lodge or choose to visit the Batwa tribe for a cultural interaction; it will be a life-altering experience.
You have the option to participate in the Gorilla Habituation Experience, wherein wild gorillas are trained for one to two years to become accustomed to human presence. This excursion is unique and costs USD 1,500 because you will be accompanied by researchers and park rangers in a group of four guests.
The Best Time to Visit Uganda to See Mountain Gorillas
In Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda, gorilla trekking is possible all year round. However, June through September and December through March are the ideal times to go gorilla trekking. It is easier to climb and see the gorillas during this time of year because there are fewer rains and drier park trails. 11 degrees Celsius in the morning and 23 degrees Celsius in the afternoon are the typical year-round temperatures in Bwindi.
Places to Stay
Depending on your financial situation, you can choose between luxury, midrange, and budget safari lodging when visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Cultural Lodge, Sabinyo Guest House, Virunga Campsite & Backpackers, and others are some of the lodges from which you can choose.
What should you pack for your gorilla tours?
These consist of a daypack, bug repellents, waterproof hiking boots, a lightweight rain jacket, a poncho, binoculars, a camera, a sufficient amount of mineral water, hiking boots, hand gloves, long pants and shirts, and energy snacks.
Guidelines for Gorilla Trekking and COVID SOP
Since mountain gorillas and humans share 98% of their genomes, the gorillas are particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus, flu, cough, and other airborne illnesses, making COVID-19 a threat to their existence. has the following list:
Clean and follow other SOP instructions.
Do not sneeze.
At least two meters separate you from the other person.
Wearing masks is crucial.
Stay seven meters away from the gorillas.
Don’t leave your trash at the park; instead, return with them.
Avoid eating or drinking in the park.
Pay close attention to the instructions.
Tell the guide to build a 30-meter hole with a panga after feeding it dust if you plan to go a long way.
Gorilla Trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is home to two gorilla species found nowhere else together: mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park and eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas, Gorilla beringei graueri) in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Virunga National Park – Africa’s oldest national park, established in 1925 – covers 7,900 km² of remarkable ecological diversity, from the volcanic peaks of the Virunga Massif to the glaciers of the Rwenzori Mountains and the tropical lowland forests of the Congo Basin. The park is also home to hippos, elephants, okapis, and the entire cast of Congo rainforest wildlife.
Eastern Lowland Gorillas – A Unique Encounter
The eastern lowland gorilla (Grauer’s gorilla) is the world’s largest subspecies of gorilla, with silverbacks weighing up to 220kg. Found only in the DRC, Grauer’s gorillas are considerably rarer than mountain gorillas – their population has declined by more than 70% since the 1990s due to conflict, habitat loss, and poaching. Kahuzi-Biega National Park in South Kivu offers the only reliable trekking experience with habituated Grauer’s gorilla families.
A gorilla permit in the DRC costs USD 400 per person – significantly cheaper than Rwanda (USD 1,500) or Uganda (USD 800). The experience is raw, off-the-beaten-track, and unforgettable for travellers seeking something genuinely uncommon.
Practical Information for DRC Gorilla Trekking
Getting to Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega
The most common entry point to eastern DRC is via Kigali, Rwanda. Goma – the gateway to Virunga National Park – is just 80km from Kigali. Direct flights from Nairobi and Kampala also serve Goma. Bukavu (gateway to Kahuzi-Biega) is accessible from Goma by road (3-4 hours) or by light aircraft.
Is it safe to trek gorillas in the DRC?
Security in eastern DRC is complex and fluctuates. Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega have experienced periods of closure due to armed group activity. Always check current security conditions with your tour operator and your government’s travel advisory before planning a DRC gorilla trek. Reputable operators with established local security networks are essential.
Recommended Tours: 8 Days Congo Gorillas & Nyiragongo Safari | 5 Days Lowland Gorilla Safari Congo
