Where to see gorillas in Uganda
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — home to a large share of the world's remaining mountain gorillas and many habituated families, reached from four trailhead areas. See our Bwindi guide.
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park — a small park on the Virunga volcanoes, on the borders with Rwanda and DR Congo, with one habituated family.
Gorilla permits
You need a permit for every trek. Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, cost several hundred US dollars per person for foreign visitors, and are limited each day for every gorilla family. Foreign visitors book them through licensed tour operators, which is why we arrange your permit as part of your trip. In the busy months (June–September and December–February) permits sell out early — book as soon as your dates are fixed. You must be at least 15 years old to trek.
What happens on the day
- Early start: you report to the park office in the morning for a briefing from the rangers.
- Groups: visitors are split into small groups — no more than eight — each assigned to one gorilla family.
- The trek: trackers go ahead to find the family. Your walk can take from under an hour to several hours, through steep, dense and often muddy forest.
- One hour with the gorillas: when you reach the family, you spend one hour watching them feed, rest and play.
- Return: walk back to the trailhead and receive your certificate.
The rules
- Keep at least 7 metres away from the gorillas — if they approach you, step back slowly.
- Speak quietly and stay with your group.
- No flash photography, and no eating or drinking near the gorillas.
- Do not trek if you have a cold, flu or other infectious illness — gorillas can catch human diseases.
- Cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze, and wear a mask if asked.
- If a gorilla charges, stay still and look down; follow your guide.
How fit do you need to be?
Reasonably fit. Treks are on steep slopes at altitude, sometimes for several hours. Regular walking before your trip helps a lot. Hire a porter to carry your bag and help you up and down — it makes a big difference and supports the local community. Tell the rangers at the briefing if you need an easier walk; they try to match groups to families.
Tips
- Pack for mud and rain — see the packing list.
- Carry water, snacks and a packed lunch; long treks happen.
- Set your camera to a fast shutter speed and no flash — the forest is dark.
- Take time to simply watch, not just photograph.
Our gorilla trips
Our 4-day Bwindi trek is the quickest way, and our 7-day, 10-day and 14-day trips add chimpanzees and safari. Comparing countries? See Uganda or Rwanda.
