Mt. Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: The Heart of Gorilla Conservation
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in south-western Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley, is one of Africa’s most ancient and biologically diverse rainforests. Dating back over 25,000 years, this mist-covered jungle is home to an incredible 400 plant species and provides refuge to some of the world’s rarest wildlife.
Most famously, Bwindi protects approximately 459 mountain gorillas—almost half of the world’s remaining population. This “impenetrable forest” is one of the best places on earth to experience gorilla trekking, offering visitors the chance to come face-to-face with these majestic primates in their natural habitat.
When To Go To See The Mountain Gorillas in Africa?
Gorilla trekking is possible all year round in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. The best time to go gorilla trekking is during the months of June, July, August, September and December. There are fewer rains and the parks are drier, making it simpler to hike and see the gorillas. In Bwindi, the average temperature throughout the year is 11°C/52°F in the morning and 23°C/73°F in the afternoon.
January and February: Low season with fewer crowds and little or no rain.
March, April and May: Heavy rainfall makes treks more challenging — slopes can be slippery.
June, July & August: Peak season. Buy permits early as they sell out. Best time for gorilla safaris in Uganda and Rwanda.
Where to Stay
Choosing the best safari lodge or accommodation depends on your budget. Some lodges charge as high as $2,500 while budget options start from $80 for a double room. Facilities, location, food and services determine accommodation costs.
Average Cost of Hotels & Lodges in Uganda
$50–$100 per night for budget accommodation
$150–$200 per night for mid-range
$300–$2,500 per night for luxury
Best 5 Gorilla Safari Lodges in Uganda
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge — from $760
Gorilla Heights Lodge — from $700
Mahogany Springs — from $240
Gorilla Safari Lodge — from $233
Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge — from $173
How Much Does a Gorilla Safari Cost in 2026?
3 Day Gorilla Tour — from $1,550
2 Days Gorilla Safari — from $1,380
Various tour operators will give you quotes; roughly the cheapest gorilla safari starts at about $1,200 depending on group size. Super-luxury packages cost between $4,000–$6,000 per person. Most tourists prefer the mid-range. Booking during the low season can reduce costs.
A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800 and 75% of this goes toward conserving the surviving gorilla population. The government retains 15% while 10% goes to local communities around the parks. The permit includes park entrance fees, one hour of gorilla watching, advance trackers and ranger fees.
Other Trekking Costs to Consider
Food & Drinks: ~$40 per day (most tour operators include meals)
International Air Ticket: $500–$2,400
Chartered Flight (to trekking area): ~$600
Car Hire: ~$85 per day
East African Tourist Visa: $100 (covers Tanzania, Kenya & Rwanda)
Porter: $20 | Sedan chair: $500
Packing items: insect repellent, sunscreen, etc.
Tips on cutting costs
Don’t travel alone — share costs with a group
Stay in budget lodges
Choose Uganda over Rwanda (cheaper permits)
Avoid chartered flights
Book during the low season
Where can I see Mt Gorillas
You can see gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Mountain gorillas are best viewed in Rwanda and Uganda, while lowland gorillas are found in the Republic of Congo. There are no gorillas in Tanzania, Kenya or South Africa — those destinations are great for other wildlife but not gorilla trekking.
Lowland gorillas are smaller with brownish-gray fur and a distinct brow ridge, whereas mountain gorillas are larger with darker black coats. Mountain gorillas are among the rarest primates in the world, with fewer than 800 surviving in the wild. In contrast, there are more than 100,000 lowland gorillas in the Republic of Congo alone.
Where to go for Gorilla Trekking
Uganda has 2 gorilla trekking areas: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In total there are 18 gorilla groups/families; you can only track one group per day.
Bwindi has 17 gorilla groups, making it the best place to see gorillas in the wild. Bwindi tours also give access to 90 mammal species and 11 primates including the black and white colobus monkey.
Gorilla Trekking Groups
Ruhija: Mukiza, Oruzogo, Bitukura, Kyaguliro
Buhoma: Habinyanja, Katwe, Mubare, Rushegura
Nkuringo: Christmas, Nkuringo, Bushaho
Rushaga: Kutu, Bikingi, Mishaya, Bushigye, Kahungye, Rwigi, Bweza, Nshongi, Mucunguzi
Mgahinga Gorilla Family: Track the Nyakagezi group on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes — Mt. Muhavura (4,127m), Mt. Gahinga (3,474m) and Mt. Sabinyo (3,645m).
Luxury Gorilla Trekking Safari
The most luxurious gorilla tours are in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. A gorilla permit costs $1,500 per person; a 9-day luxury Rwanda safari costs over $15,000 when staying at lodges like Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge or Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. In Uganda, Clouds Lodge, Mahogany Springs and Gorilla Forest Camp take the crown.