434B9A21-77C5-4335-99F6-514C195E7CCC.jpg
 

  • Gorilla permits must be made at least 6 months in advance.

  • Travel Insurance is always recommended

    • It is best to allow the Tour Operator to handle the permit reservation process.

  • Tour operators can be found in the Bradt-Uganda and Lonely Planet Uganda guides.

  • You should choose an operator that will guide you for the entire trip and customize your itinerary to fit your needs.

  • Additionally, the local tour operators listed below have a credible reputation. List can change without notice.

<Encounter Africa Safaris Ltd>
<Tales Of Africa Safaris>
<Wild Whispers Africa Safaris>
<MuAfriKa Adventures>
<Brovad Tours Uganda>
<Gorilla Safari Consultant>

  • Where are the mountain gorilla found in Uganda?

  • Mountain Gorillas can only be found in the Virunga mountains in the DRC, Rwanda & Uganda.

    • Uganda holds 60% of the total mountain gorillas left in the world. They are located in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

      • It is the most popular destination to track the gorillas in Uganda. The forest is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it’s between 1,190 to 2,607 metres (3,904 to 8,553 ft) above sea level.

  • Gorilla trekking in found in four (4) regions:

    Buhoma — is the most popular place for the tourists, on the northern side of the forest.

    • Flying in and out of Entebbe to Buhoma via the Ishasha airstrop saves you the 10-hour long drive.

    Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo — gives you access to many gorillas’ families. However, located farther out on the south side of the forest.

    • Rushaga - is the furthest away than the other regions. Rushaga is closer to Kigali,Rwanda (5 hrs.) than to Entebbe (11 hrs).

    • Ruhija - compared to the other regions Ruhija has the least number of lodging.

    • Nkuringo - treks are considered more physically challenging and recommended for the most physically fit visitors.

  • How many Gorilla families are found in Uganda?

There are many gorilla families found in Uganda. Only twenty(20) mountain gorilla families are habituated and open to trekking to the tourists. By habituation, we mean the animals have adapted to human presence. This is a process that takes many years.

A typical day of trekking starts at a designated meeting point around 6:30 AM for a short video and gorilla briefing with the Ugandan Wildlife Authority. Thereafter tourists are divided into groups. Groups consist of no more than eight people. Small numbers are easier to manage and do not overwhelm the gorillas. 

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a year-round activity and permits are issued every day. However, most people prefer to stay dry and travel during Uganda’s dry season which is May through early September and December through February. Visitors are much less likely to experience those rains during the monhs mentioned.