Uganda Gorilla Tour

Gorilla tours in Uganda

Gorilla tours in Uganda are the leading tourist attractions with thousands of travellers visiting the country for the breathtaking gorilla trekking experience. Most gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda take place in Bwindi impenetrable national park in the southwest of the country. Bwindi is home to half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas with over 500 individuals living in the park. There are over 20 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi that are visited by tourists everyday. Some of these gorilla families include Bitukura, Nkuringo, Mubare, Mishaya, Busingye, Kahungye, Bweza, Nshongi, Oruzogo, among others.

A gorilla permit in Uganda is sold at $800 to foreign nonresidents, $700 to foreign residents within Africa and UGX300,000 to East African citizens. Visitors are allowed to spend a maximum of one hour in the presence of gorillas as one of the measures to enhance their conservation. Each habituated gorilla group is visited once a day by a group of 8 trekkers. Travellers interested in gorilla trekking are advised to book their gorilla permits at least 6 months in advance since they are issued in limited numbers.

Away from Bwindi, Mgahinga national park is another home to gorillas in Uganda. However, unlike Bwindi that has got a variety of gorilla families, Mgahinga has only one gorilla family available for tracking. The Nyakagezi gorilla family in Mgahinga sometimes crosses into Rwanda and visitors are only sent to the park after confirming its presence.

Gorilla tours in Rwanda

Gorilla tours in Rwanda take place in Volcanoes national park in the northwest of the country. Volcanoes is part of the bigger Virunga Mountains, a conservation area straddling borders of Uganda, Rwanda and Rwanda. The Virunga Mountains conservation area is well known for protecting endangered primates including gorillas and golden monkeys. It is also famous for its 8 Volcanic summits that are spread across the 3 countries including active volcanoes like Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira in DR Congo.

Volcanoes national park is home to over 350 mountain gorillas and a variety of other species including golden monkeys and birds. There are 12 habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes national park that are visited by tourist everyday. Some of the habituated gorilla groups in the park include Titus, Susa, Karisimbi, Amahoro, Umubano, Sabyinyo, Agashya, Kwitonda and more. A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is sold at $1,500 per person.

Gorilla tours in DR Congo

Unlike Uganda and Rwanda that have only mountain gorillas, DR Congo has also got another subspecies of gorillas, the lowland gorilla. This makes Congo a more attractive destination to travellers who would like to explore both subspecies. Congo’s lowland gorillas are found Kahuzi-Biega national park whereas mountain gorillas are found in Virunga national park. Both parks are located in the eastern part of the country. Some of the habituated gorilla groups in Virunga national park include Kabirizi, Bageni, Mapuwa, Rugendo, Lulengo, Munyaga, Humba, Nyakamwe, among others. The gorilla trekking permit in Congo is sold at $400 per person. Currently gorilla trekking and general tourism activity in Eastern DR Congo is on hold due to political instabilities in that part of the country.

Why go for a gorilla tour?

Gorilla trekking is a unique encounter and unlike other wildlife safari experiences that are common in most parts of the continent, gorilla trekking exclusively takes place in one region. Gorillas share 98% of the human DNA and this is clearly noticed upon meeting them in the wild. Visitors have observed the human-like behaviour of gorillas through their activity in the jungle and the way they relate one each other.

Like humans, gorillas live in well organised social groups or families which are headed by alpha males known as silverbacks. This is evident to tourists who are assigned to trek a specific gorilla family on their trip. Many travellers who have taken on the encounter have described gorilla trekking as one of the best wildlife experience in the world in their reviews.

What is the best season for gorilla tours?

The dry period from June to September and December to February is the best season to visit mountain gorillas. These apes live in montane rainforest which can be so hard to navigate in the wet season. Secondly gorillas tend to roam freely in the forests hence easy to find unlike in wet season when they confine at a specific area.

Frequently Asked Questions on Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Tours

How Difficult is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

For a mountain gorilla trek in Rwanda, anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can ably enjoy this activity. Usually the challenges are posed by the tricky terrain and high humidity levels. The jungle canopy traps and thickness can also become quite challenging. However the guides always clear the thick vegetation with machetes to create path ways.
However, gorilla families such as Sabyinyo, Agashya, Kwitonda, and Hirwa are less challenging for most visitors. Tracking a gorilla group in Rwanda can take visitors between 2 – 5 hours depending on the location of the gorilla groups.

Is Uganda or Rwanda better for gorilla trekking?

Uganda has more habituated gorilla families, 22 in number, compared to Rwanda’s 18 groups available for tracking on a particular day hence enhancing chances of gorilla permits availability in Uganda. However Rwanda is a smaller country in terms of its geographical area compared to Uganda where drive distances tend to be longer; and as such for travelers with less time, Rwanda becomes a better option.

How Much does it cost to see gorillas?

The cheapest a person can do a gorilla safari in Rwanda for a day trip is USD 1,700 (per person); a 2 days at USD 1900 per person; a 3 day gorilla trip at USD 2000 to USD 5000 (luxury package). Included in a gorilla tour package are: – a gorilla permit, private safari truck / vehicle, English / French / German speaking guide, accommodation and meals.

Is gorilla trekking worth the money?

Yes, gorilla trekking has proved the best wildlife experience according to TripAdvisor Reviews by most travelers to Africa. It is worth the effort, time and money spent. Encountering the mountain gorillas in the wild face-to-face is the most breathtaking experience any wildlife enthusiast would dream to experience.

What is gorilla tracking like?

Gorilla tracking requires physically fit travelers as it involves hiking through thick vegetation and steep terrain in some areas of the park. A gorilla trek in Uganda can last 1 hour to 6 hours, depending on the movement of mountain gorillas in the wild searching for their food. The gorilla tracking experience in both Uganda and Rwanda are similar.

Is gorilla watching safe in Uganda?

YES, gorilla trekking is Uganda is safe. The safest parts of Uganda are Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks. Uganda Wildlife Authority at all times maintains her park rangers highly motivated, vigilant, well equiped and trained to keep gorilla trekking safe and secure.

What is gorilla habituation experience?

Gorilla Habituation Experience (GHE) is the gradual exposure of a wild gorilla family to human presence. Researchers begin with a study of a gorilla specie, treat sicknesses and protect them from encroachers in view of conservation tourism. Currently there are two gorilla families subjected to habituation:- Bukyingi and Bushaho, all in Rushaga Sector- southern Bwindi. For a successful habituation process, each group has so far spent 3 to 5 years under the management of an expert research team, conservations and game rangers. Each day game rangers spend some time with the gorillas by gradually getting closer to them. This process will continue until the gorillas are very comfortable with the human presence thus eventually opening them to visitation by tourists. So, Gorilla Habituation Experience brings tourists to these gorillas under study and eventually turn them into friendly primates.
A tourist who participates in Gorilla habituation Experience is perceived as one who fully supports conservation since funds generated in this activity are utilized in supporting the survival of these primates. The Gorilla Habituation Experience enable a tourist to spend a day in the presence of the gorillas and thus participates in all activities related to the gorillas which culminates into an incredible wildlife experience.

How much does it cost to track gorillas in Uganda?

A gorilla permit in Uganda costs USD 700; for foreign nonresidents a gorilla permit costs USD 600; and Gorilla Habituation Experience costs USD 1500. The rest of the safari package is determined by any other activities and lodges a traveler would wish customized in his or her package.

What is the best month to visit Uganda?

The dry season June to August, and December to February offer better gorilla and chimpanzee trekking conditions. Game drives and viewing are also good during this period. However the rest of the months are also fine though with inconveniences posed by heavy rains. During this low season gorilla and chimpanzee permits tend to be subsidized so are the safari lodges.

What do you need for gorilla trekking?

Anyone tracking chimpanzees or mountain gorillas should wear sturdy clothing i.e. long sleeved shirts and trousers for protection against nettles. You need gardening gloves or protective leather gloves and a pair of gaiters / light walking boots.

Are the gorillas dangerous?

Generally, gorillas are powerful yet gentle and friendly animals. But they can attack and injure people who provoke them. The Silverback can react loud roars, thumping its chest and charge towards the person that has provoked him. Despite being gentle and calm, gorillas are wild animals that can prove dangerous if mishandled or threatened. Gorilla attacks on humans are extremely rare but can only be motivated by a defensive instinct.

Which place is best to see gorillas in Africa?

Mountain gorillas live in green volcanic Virunga Conservation area that includes Volcanoes national park of Rwanda, Virunga National Park – DR Congo, Mgahinga and Bwindi national parks in Uganda; whereas lowland gorillas live in the forests of central and western Africa in Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Central African Republic and DR Congo.

How do i book a gorilla safari?

To book a gorilla tour one has to pay for a gorilla permit which is simply a document that allows you spend an hour with gorillas in the wild. This document can be obtained through a registered tour company such as Africa Adventure Safaris (www.ugandagorillatour.com) or through Uganda Wildlife (UWA) in case of Uganda; or through www.rwandagorillassafari.com or Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in case of Rwanda.

What is gorilla trekking experience?

Gorilla trekking experience involves going on a guided hike through dense rainforest to spend time with a specific gorilla group in its natural environment. Encountering these calm and awesome creatures is a life-changing experience. Gorilla Trekking Experience begins with a guided walk through the dense rainforest in search of gorillas. An encounter with a family of gorillas is the ultimate goal of this hike. Tourists are allowed to stay in the presence of gorillas for an hour. Normally 7 meters are allowed for any guest getting closer to any gorilla group. However due to Covid 19 pandemic the distance has been increased to 10 meters. Gorillas can easily contract all human diseases since their DNA in relation to humans is about 96%.

National parks for gorilla tours

Bwindi impenetrable national park

Bwindi impenetrable national park in southwest Uganda protects the highest number of mountain gorillas with almost half of their global population living in the park. Currently there about 500 gorillas in Bwindi with over 20 habituated gorilla groups. There are four designated gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi namely; Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija and Buhoma. Each sector has got a good number of gorilla families that are visited by tourists everyday. For foreign visitors, Bwindi impenetrable national park is easily accessed via Kigali international airport in Rwanda.

It takes 3-4 hours of driving from Kigali to the park compared to over 10 hours taken to drive from Entebbe international airport in Uganda to the park. This is because the park is closer to the border with Rwanda and its capital Kigali. Apart from gorillas, other wildlife species in Bwindi impenetrable national park include forest elephants, chimpanzees, white and black monkeys, L’hoest’s monkeys, bush pigs, giant forest hog, black-fronted duiker, yellow-backed duiker, clawless otter, side-stripped jackal, among others.

Mgahinga gorilla national park

Mgahinga gorilla national park is also located in the southwest of Uganda and it is the country’s second home for mountain gorillas. Unlike Bwindi, Mgahinga has got only one gorilla family within its boundary, the Nyakagezi gorilla family. This family sometimes crosses the border to Rwanda since the park is located exactly at the border. In addtion to trekking gorillas in Mgahinga most of the visitors to the park also enjoy golden monkey tracking given a good number of golden monkeys living in the park. Like Bwindi, Mgahinga is also easily accessed by international visitors via Kigali international airport. Mgahinga is one of the 3 parks in the Virunga Mountains that protect mountain gorillas and other endangered primate species.

Volcanoes national park

Volcanoes national park is located in northwest Rwanda close to the borders with Uganda and DR Congo. It is part of the Virunga Mountains, a vast conservation area that straddles the borders of the 3 countries. Volcanoes is Rwanda’s home to mountain gorillas and other endangered species like golden monkeys. There are about 360 gorillas in Volcanoes national park and 12 habituated gorilla groups that are visited by tourists everyday. Volcanoes national park is considered as the most ideal destination for gorilla trekking due to several favourable factors that give it an upper hand over other parks. These include a short distance from the airport ( less than 3 hours drive), good transport network to the park, good accommodation facilities, and a less challenging terrain while trekking gorillas.