Magical Moments with the Mountain Gorillas

Uganda is blessed with two national parks where visitors can encounter the endangered mountain gorillas Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park. These parks are located in the southwestern part of the country and together harbor the highest population of mountain gorillas in the world.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four trekking sectors: Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Buhoma. In contrast, Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest national park and home to a single habituated gorilla family. Trekking in these parks is the highlight for most travelers, offering an unforgettable chance to meet these gentle giants, our close relatives that share over 98% of human DNA.

Experiencing Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

Meeting the mountain gorillas in the thick forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The trek allows you to observe their behavior up close and appreciate the deep connection between humans and these great apes.

Gorilla trekking takes place every day in both parks, and to participate, every visitor must have a valid gorilla trekking permit.

The Gorilla Trekking Experience

On the day of trekking, visitors gather at the briefing centers early in the morning. Here, park rangers check permits and explain the rules and regulations. Trekkers carrying excess luggage can hire porters to assist them. After this preparation, groups are formed and armed ranger guides lead the trekkers into the jungle.

From the briefing point, vehicles transport trekkers to designated starting locations. From there, the trekking trails wind deep into the dense forest in search of the gorillas. Along the way, visitors may come across mammals, primates, colorful birds, and unique vegetation.

The search for gorillas usually takes between two to five hours. Once the gorilla family is located, trekkers are allowed to spend one magical hour with them. During this precious time, you can take photographs, ask questions, and learn about their daily routines from the guides.

After the encounter, trekkers exit the forest and receive a trekking certificate, a lasting reminder of the adventure.

Gorilla Habituation: Spending Four Hours with Gorillas

For those who wish to spend more time with the gorillas, gorilla habituation offers an even deeper experience. This special activity is available only in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where one gorilla family is currently undergoing the habituation process.

Unlike standard trekking, habituation allows a maximum of only four participants per trek, and each must hold a gorilla habituation permit. The experience begins with a briefing, followed by a trek into the forest. Locating the semi-habituated gorillas can take between one to four hours.

Once found, visitors spend four unforgettable hours observing the gorillas as they go about their daily lives. During this time, you can ask questions, capture photographs, record videos, and witness their natural behavior in greater depth.

After the extended experience, trekkers exit the forest and rejoin their drivers, passing by other fascinating attractions such as primates, mammals, birds, and streams along the way.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking and Habituation in Uganda

To see gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga, visitors need either a gorilla trekking permit or a gorilla habituation permit.

The price of a gorilla trekking permit is 800 USD for foreign non-residents, 700 USD for foreign residents, 500 USD for visitors from the rest of Africa, and 300,000 UGX for citizens of East African member states. On the other hand, a gorilla habituation permit costs 1500 USD for foreign non-residents, 1000 USD for foreign residents, and 750,000 UGX for East African citizens.

Compared to neighboring Rwanda, Uganda offers more affordable gorilla permits. However, due to high demand, permits often sell out quickly. Therefore, it is advisable to book them at least six months in advance.

Best Time to Visit Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

The best time to trek gorillas is during the dry seasons, which run from June to September and from December to February. During these months, rainfall is minimal, the trails are less muddy, and vegetation is shorter, allowing clearer views of the gorillas and other forest attractions.

Alternatively, trekking is also possible during the wet seasons from March to May and from October to November. Although the trails become slippery, vegetation grows taller, and the access roads can be muddy, these months usually have fewer crowds, creating a more intimate experience.

Getting to Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks

By Air

Travelers who prefer a faster journey can take domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi or Kisoro. Kihihi serves the Buhoma and Ruhija sectors of Bwindi, while Kisoro is ideal for visitors heading to Rushaga, Nkuringo, or Mgahinga. Flying greatly reduces travel time and offers stunning aerial views of Uganda’s landscapes.

By Road

For those who prefer road travel, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure. From Entebbe or Kampala, the drive to Bwindi or Mgahinga can take between nine and twenty hours, depending on the chosen sector. The route passes through towns such as Mpigi, Masaka, Lyantonde, Mbarara, Ntungamo, and Kabale before arriving at the parks.

Alternatively, travelers can choose to begin the journey from Kigali, Rwanda, which offers the shortest driving option. From Kigali, the trip takes just a few hours, with entry into Uganda through the Kyanika or Katuna border points. This route is especially popular for visitors combining Rwanda and Uganda in a single safari.

Conclusion

Spending time with Uganda’s mountain gorillas is one of the most profound wildlife encounters in the world. Whether you embark on a standard trek or take part in a longer habituation experience, the magical moments you share with these gentle giants will remain in your heart forever.