Discover Uganda’s Mountain Gorillas With Muganzi Safaris
Standing a few metres from a mountain gorilla in the mist-filled jungles of southwestern Uganda is one of the most powerful wildlife encounters on Earth. The slow breath of a silverback, the soft grunts of a feeding infant, the forest humming around you — these are moments that leave a mark on your soul.
This updated 2026–2027 guide from Muganzi Safaris brings together everything you need to plan your gorilla trekking adventure:
✔ permit prices
✔ best trekking sectors
✔ how difficult the hikes are
✔ what to pack
✔ how to choose the right trek and route
Whether you’re planning a dedicated gorilla safari or adding Bwindi to a longer East African journey, this guide gives you the clarity, confidence, and local insight you need.
Whether you’re planning a dedicated gorilla safari or adding Bwindi to a longer East African journey, this guide gives you the clarity, confidence, and local insight you need.
Key Facts for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda (2026–2027)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Where to Trek | Bwindi Impenetrable NP & Mgahinga Gorilla NP |
| Permit Prices | USD 800 (Foreign Non-Residents) · USD 700 (Foreign Residents) · USD 500 (EAC Citizens) |
| Minimum Age | 15 years |
| Trek Duration | 2–8 hours + 1 hour with the gorillas |
| Fitness Level | Moderate–High (varies by sector) |
| Best Seasons | June–August & December–February |
| Safety | Fully guided by armed UWA rangers |
| Conservation Impact | Each permit funds anti-poaching & community programs |
Updated November 2025 — verified by Muganzi Safaris’ on-ground team.
Why Choose Uganda for Gorilla Trekking?
Uganda offers the most diverse and rewarding gorilla trekking experience in Africa. With more than half of the world’s mountain gorillas living here, the country provides unmatched trekking routes, rich forest ecosystems, and exceptional local guiding.
1. More Gorilla Families, More Trekking Options
Uganda has 21+ habituated gorilla families across different sectors of Bwindi and one in Mgahinga.
This means:
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better permit availability
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treks for all fitness levels
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different landscapes and photography opportunities
Each trekking sector has its own unique atmosphere and style.
2. Truly Wild, Authentic Forest Experiences
Uganda’s gorilla parks are raw, lush, and deeply biodiverse. You trek through real wilderness — not manicured trails — guided by locals who have lived beside these forests for generations.
3. Exceptional Value
At USD 800, Uganda’s gorilla permits cost far less than Rwanda’s (USD 1,500), while offering equally high-quality guiding and conservation protection.
4. Easy to Combine With Other Safaris
From the gorilla parks, you can seamlessly connect to:
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Queen Elizabeth National Park
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Kibale Forest (chimpanzees)
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Lake Bunyonyi
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Murchison Falls
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Or drive/fly in from Kigali
5. Strong Community & Conservation Benefits
Your trekking permit directly supports:
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anti-poaching patrols
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ranger salaries
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local community projects
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habitat restoration
Muganzi Safaris partners with community groups around Bwindi and Mgahinga, ensuring tourism directly uplifts families living near the parks.
6. Warm, Welcoming Culture
Before and after your trek, you’ll meet local communities, traditional healers, craftspeople, and storytellers — adding a rich cultural layer to your experience.
Where to Trek: Bwindi vs Mgahinga (2026–2027)
Uganda offers two destinations for mountain gorilla trekking:
1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with dense rainforest, dramatic ridges, and the majority of Uganda’s gorilla families.
Trekking Sectors in Bwindi:
▪ Buhoma – Best for First-Time Trekkers
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Gentle terrain
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Close to park headquarters
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Shorter, easier hikes
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Great lodge choices
▪ Ruhija – Cool High Ridges & Birdlife
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Beautiful elevated views
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Excellent for birdwatchers
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Moderate difficulty
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Peaceful and less crowded
▪ Rushaga – Most Gorilla Families
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Many trek options
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Habituation experience available (4 hours with gorillas!)
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Mixed terrain, moderate to challenging
▪ Nkuringo – Steep, Scenic & Rewarding
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Toughest hikes
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Stunning Virunga Volcano views
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Ideal for fit hikers and photographers
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Remote, quiet, unforgettable
2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Uganda’s smallest park — a jewel of volcanic slopes and bamboo forests.
Ideal for:
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Travellers entering from Rwanda
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Scenic, dramatic landscapes
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Combining gorillas with golden monkey trekking
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Hikers interested in volcano climbs
The Nyakagezi gorilla family here is known for its calm behavior and rich family interactions.
What Makes the Trek Unforgettable
Every trekking sector gives you the same one hour with the gorillas — but the journey to reach them shapes your story:
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Ruhija’s quiet ridges
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Nkuringo’s steep valleys
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Buhoma’s soft forest floors
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Mgahinga’s volcanic slopes
Whichever path you choose, the forest silence follows you long after you leave.
