Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The Mountain Gorillas in Uganda cannot be seen in any zoo anywhere in the world due to their endangered status and inability to survive in captivity. They can only be found in the wild in Africa, in the mountains straddling Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. There are only about 786 mountain gorillas left in the world and about half of them can be found in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Mountain Gorillas still seem to many an almost mythical species, not known about by humans until 1902. To be able to go and trek through this impressive mountain wilderness in search of these amazing creatures is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be done all year round although most people tend to go from June to September or December to February in order to avoid the rainy seasons.

There are strict gorilla tracking rules which include a maximum number of 8 visitors may visit a group of habituated mountain gorillas in a day. This minimizes behavioural disturbance to the gorillas and the risk of their exposure to human-borne diseases. There is also a minimum age requirement of 15. People are also not allowed to trek the gorillas if they are at all sick.

Your gorilla permit(s) are linked to your passport. Please carry your passport with you for each trek. Upon arrival at park headquarters, your guide will collect your passport(s), secure your permit(s), and assist in choosing a trekking group for your party. Please chat to your guide about your physical activity level. It is important to note that a more strenuous trek does not mean a better experience with the gorillas.