National Geographic features Uganda’s Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Uganda is home to half of the population of mountain gorillas with 500 individuals as of 2019. This makes Uganda one of the best places to track gorillas in the world. Gorilla tracking in Uganda happens in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. National Geographic in July 2023 featured Uganda as a destination for affordable gorilla encounters. The price of a gorilla permit in Uganda as of 2024 is at $800 and this makes mountain gorilla tracking affordable in comparison to other destinations like Rwanda where a gorilla permit is at a whooping $1500.

Uganda currently has 21 habituated gorilla families and only 8 people can visit one of these gorilla families per day, a gorilla family typically has about 6 to 20 individuals including their young ones and the family is led by the adult male which is the silver back. The habituated gorilla families include  Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Katwe, Binyindo, Nkuringo, Busheho, Christmas, Nshongi, Bweza, Kahungye, Busingye, Bikingi, Mishaya, Mucunguzi, Kutu, Bitukura, Oruzogo, Kyaguriro and Mukiza.

Why you should add Gorilla tracking to your bucket list in 2024/2025

Being one of the best places in the world to see the mountains gorillas, Uganda is a worthwhile destination to add to your vacation considerations. Spending time face to face with the endangered primate species is an encounter that is one for the books! The hour that you get to spend with them watching them exist in the wild, taking photos and capturing moments leaves you with great memories that you can always look back on.

How to prepare for your gorilla trekking in Uganda

To be on a safe side expect a rather strenuous hike as Bwindi Forest is mountainous so it’s better to prepare beforehand so that you are physically fit for the trek. We also advise that you carry strong hiking shoes as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest consists of slippery and muddy terrain and strong hiking shoes are a requirement as you navigate this mountainous area.Lastly the weather is expected to be cold as mountain gorillas in Uganda live in misty and cloudy forests so prepare for cloudy and chilly weather.

What to pack for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Most tourists visiting Uganda sometimes wonder what they need to pack in order to be well equipped for their gorilla trekking in Uganda adventure. The essentials to pack for the gorilla trek include sun screen to protect your skin from sun exposure, insect repellent use while the trek and at the lodge, a rain jacket or poncho as the weather depending on the season can be unpredictable, a light back pack to carry your packed lunch and drinking water as you head ut for the gorilla trek from your lodge.

You also pack hiking shoes and of course not forgetting your camera to capture memorable photos and extra batteries for the camera.

The Best time to do Gorilla Tracking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is available throughout the year and the gorillas can be visited at any time of the year, one can opt for a 3 Day tour to Bwindi Forest. The trek is easier during the dry season which is between the months of June to August and December to March. This does not mean that the gorillas can only be seen during the dry season. The gorillas can still be seen during the rainy/wet season you just have to prepare for a more slippery trek as it will most likely rain on most days. This means that the gorilla trek during the rainy season can be done with the help of walking sticks, ranger guides and a porter who can be hired at a small fee of $20.

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

Recent Posts

Birding in Uganda : Where to see birds in Uganda

BEARC Trail : Birding Kibale Uganda

Bird Population Monitoring

All Categories

Book Tour Now

+256 782 251326