Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: A Life-Changing Safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
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Trekking with mountain gorillas has been at the very top of my bucket list for years. While waiting to meet our oldest daughter to finalize our adoption, we decided it was finally time to make the dream happen. Then, just weeks before departure, I found out I was pregnant, making this an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime adventure in more ways than one!
We spent 4.5 days of our 13-day babymoon across East Africa in Uganda, known as the “Pearl of Africa.” The highlights? Trekking with chimpanzees and the ultimate: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This is one of the most unique wildlife encounters in the world, and one I wouldn’t exactly recommend doing pregnant (more on that later!).
Why Choose Uganda for Gorilla Trekking?
When most people think of gorilla trekking, Rwanda is often top of mind because of its proximity to Kigali Airport. That was our original plan, but COVID changed our route, and Uganda’s incredible variety of safari experiences sealed the deal.
Uganda is home to over half of the world’s remaining endangered mountain gorillas, making it one of the best gorilla trekking destinations in Africa. Treks take place in two parks:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and where we visited for our trek
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – smaller but equally magical
Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Most travelers fly into Entebbe International Airport, near the capital city of Kampala. From there, you have two options:
By Air: A 1–1.5 hour domestic flight to Kisoro or Kihihi, followed by a short drive. Some travelers also fly into Kigali, Rwanda, and cross the border by road.
By Road: An 8–10 hour scenic drive from Entebbe, perfect if you want to explore more of Uganda’s landscapes and wildlife along the way.
We opted for an overland safari, which made the journey part of the adventure.
The Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi
Bwindi is exactly as its name suggests: dense, wild, and “impenetrable.” Trekking here is a physical and emotional adventure like no other. The park is divided into four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.
What to Expect:
Early Start – Arrive at the park headquarters for a briefing from rangers.
The Hike – Trek through misty jungle and steep, muddy terrain with expert guides and trackers leading the way.
The Encounter – Once you find a habituated gorilla family, you have up to one magical hour to observe them from at least 7 meters away.
The Moments – Watch silverbacks protect their group, playful juveniles tumble through the undergrowth, and mothers tenderly care for their babies.
For us, the Oruzogo Family was the reward after a grueling hike. Seeing them care for each other while I was still waiting to meet our daughter was profoundly emotional, a memory etched in my heart forever.
Gorilla Trekking Permits and Conservation
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is more than just an incredible travel experience, it’s a direct investment in conservation.
Permit Cost: $800 USD (as of 2025) through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a licensed tour operator.
Where the Money Goes: Protecting the gorillas, funding ranger patrols, and supporting local communities through jobs and revenue-sharing projects.
Your visit helps ensure these gentle giants have a future.
Essential Gorilla Trekking Tips
Fitness Matters – Treks can last anywhere from 1 to 6+ hours depending on gorilla locations and terrain. Being pregnant made it very challenging. Our guides even had to machete through dense jungle at times.
Hire a Porter – Worth every penny for carrying your bag and lending a hand on steep sections.
Dress for the Jungle – Long sleeves, long pants, sturdy waterproof boots, and insect-repellent clothing are a must (our full packing guide here!).
Pack Smart – Bring water, snacks, a rain jacket, insect repellent, hiking sticks, and a no-flash camera.
Book Early – Gorilla permits are limited and can sell out months in advance. We worked with Allen from Bushbound Safaris, who handled all the logistics for both our chimpanzee and gorilla treks.
Want to make packing a breeze? Check out our Ultimate African Safari Packing List here.
Extend Your Uganda Safari
While gorilla trekking may be the main draw, Uganda offers so much more:
Queen Elizabeth National Park – Famous for tree-climbing lions and boat safaris to spot hippos and elephants.
Murchison Falls National Park – See the mighty Nile River force its way through a 7-meter-wide gorge.
Lake Bunyonyi – The perfect post-trek recovery spot, with tranquil waters and stunning views.
Final Thoughts: A Soul-Stirring Experience
Gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is raw, challenging, and deeply moving. It’s not just a checkmark on a bucket list, it’s a connection to one of the rarest creatures on Earth and a direct contribution to their survival.
If you’re ready for a journey that blends adventure, conservation, and once-in-a-lifetime memories, book your Uganda gorilla trek and prepare to be transformed.
