Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda

‘’While on a Safari in Uganda I have always advised most travelers that on my safari journey I have interacted with various primate species but the most exciting of all the primates in Uganda are the Mountain Gorillas in Uganda’’ Senior Tour Consultant Dillard Tours & Travel.

We have endeavored to merge most of our wildlife safari tours with a Gorilla Trekking Safari to enable most traveler witness these beautiful creatures (Mountain Gorillas in Uganda) in their beautiful lush habitat.

Gorillas in Uganda can be tracked in the following locations in Uganda;

Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park; Located in South-western Uganda is home to the endangered Mountain Gorillas situated along the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) border next to the Virunga National Park and on the edge of the Albertine Rift.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park costs 700$ PER ERSON

About Gorillas

Frequently asked Questions

GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA

While on a Safari in Uganda most travelers have interacted with various primate species but the most exciting of all the primates in Uganda are the Gorillas in Uganda.

The Gorillas, in their peaceful habitat the Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda continue to be one of the most increasingly threatened kingdom of primates in Uganda given the loss of their lush habitat from a wide range of factors i.e Poaching, conversion of land for agriculture among the many.

Given the realization of the importance of Tourism in Uganda, numerous customs have been adopted by Uganda Wildlife Authority and other structures to conserve these rarest large mammal species (Gorillas in Uganda).

From Gorilla Trekking expeditions in Uganda to Gorilla Habituation experiences in Uganda many other activities have been created with in the main habitats of these beautiful mammals (Gorillas in Uganda) with the aim of protecting and conserving these gentle giants.

Travelers looking to do a safari in Uganda are advised to always include either a Gorilla trekking or Gorilla Habituation Experience activity to their itinerary.

Below is a guide to travelers who intend to do gorilla trekking in Uganda or involve in a gorilla habituation experience in Uganda;

Frequently asked Questions & Answers about Gorilla trekking in Uganda

What is Gorilla Trekking?

This refers to a guided trek into the thick habitat of the gentle giants (Gorillas in Uganda) either in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park or Mgahinga National Park; that lets you close and personal to the large mammals for a regulated time frame.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda; primarily begins with a briefing from the head guide of the day presented on behalf of Uganda Wildlife Authority.

The briefing mainly hints on the gorilla trekking practices i.e behavior with the gorillas, what to carry while on the gorilla trekking in Uganda, history of the gorillas etc.

After the briefing you will then be allocated a group/family of gorillas that you will be trekking in a particular sector of either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga National Park.

There various sectors with in the different Parks

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

There mainly four sectors in this park namely Buhoma Sector, Ruhija Sector, Rushaga sector and Nkuringo sector in the North, East, South &West respectively.

All the above sectors have different family groups that are all trekked in the search of these mighty gentle giants (Gorillas in Uganda).

After the group/family allocation, you will then begin your gorilla trekking in Uganda

How old do you have to be to see Gorillas in Uganda?

Of course not all ages can trek the Gorillas in Uganda, this is given the nature of the environment that includes the trekking terrain, weather conditions and high hiking altitudes etc.

The recommended minimum age for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is 15 years; as is directed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

However there likelihoods of a child below 15years trekking the gorillas in Uganda, namely;

  1. If the child below 15 years is days/months away to celebrating his 15th birthday and is of sound health and strong enough to carry on with the trek of the Gorillas in Uganda. Although this decision is 100% dependent on the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
  2. If the parents express the willingness of their child’s interest in the gorilla trekking activity in Uganda; this is inform of writing to and requesting Uganda Wildlife Authority to waive the age limit factor and accept a waiver and liability release request from the parents of the child.

Is Gorilla trekking hard in Uganda?

Given the fact that the Gorilla trekking in Uganda involves hiking the impenetrable forests and lush habitat of these gentle giants; it can be quite challenging for all travelers found to be unfit.

The vertical hills that will most likely be muddy and the thick impenetrable vegetation that require a ranger to clear before you can make your way through the forest will qualify the gorilla trekking in Uganda to be hard.

However this should not prompt a traveler interested in doing a gorilla tour in Uganda to miss the opportunity, since most of these travelers are required to book their gorilla expeditions in Uganda early enough; this will help them work on their physical ability & performance for their intended gorilla safari in Uganda.

It is also important for the traveler to note that while on their gorilla trekking Safari in Uganda they are given an option of hiring a porter; who will assist the traveler during this expedition. 

Is Gorilla trekking worth the money?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is worth the money you are required to pay; given the fact that it is considered to be a once in a life experience for any traveler that is planning a Safari in Uganda.

The memories that come with trekking the gorillas ie. The effort, the glance at the magnificent landscapes and the precious moment of being almost 2meters from these beautiful creatures for close to an hour is enough to create a memorable safari experience for all travelers.

And lastly the favorable price of Gorilla permits; the price of trekking the Gorillas in Uganda is 700$, this is way cheaper than for example trekking the Gorillas in Rwanda.

Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda include a Gorilla permit, a fully Safari Customized 4X4 vehicle to get you to the preferred trekking destination, accommodation in the preferred sector etc. All this can easily be arranged with Dillard Tours and Travel

Speak to a consultant now 

When is the best time to see the Gorillas in Uganda?

Trekking to see the Gorillas in Uganda is a memorable experience regardless of the time of year.

However all travelers intending to do a Gorilla Safari in Uganda should note that the dry seasons in Uganda transpire between December to February and also between June and September.

All travelers should also note that it is not a requirement to travel to see the Gorillas in Uganda during the dry season, however trekking the Gorillas in Uganda during the dry season has its advantages.

Trek Gorillas in Uganda

Gorilla Safari Packages

What They Say

CLIENTS REVIEWS

Excellent
Based on 30 reviews
mariavr77
mariavr77
September 6, 2022.
Verified
Maravilloso - Wonderful! Esta es la cuarta vez que viajo con Dillard Tours en Uganda y, como siempre, ha sido una experiencia inolvidable. Una gran organización y conocimiento del país es la mejor combinación para viajar disfrutando y de forma segura! This is the forth time I travel with Dillard Tours in Uganda and, as usual, it has been an unforgettable experience. The best planning and a deep knowledge of the country and its beauty and richness is the best combination for a perfect and safe trip!
Marco M
Marco M
August 30, 2022.
Verified
Unforgettable tour in Murchison Falls Was in Uganda for work and only had two days free, so we had to get a lot organised in a limited time frame... Saad curated a great experience for us. Super trip around Murchison Falls...attentive guide who was great at spotting animals, fun land cruiser with open roof...hope to do more tours with this guys next time I am in Uganda!
Jana
Jana
October 2, 2021.
Verified
10/10 Uganda Safari Tour- Murchison Falls National Park For my first time in Uganda, I was recommended by a friend to book with Dillard Tours and Travel for a safari tour to Murchison Falls. My expectations were more than exceeded. Provided a seamless pick up from Kampala and safe travels to Murchison. Recommended a safe and comfortable accommodations, we were even able to see tons of game from our bedroom window. On our safari tour, we spotted leopards, elephants, giraffes and hippos. They definitely knew where to take us to spot the best animals. After the tour we drove up to the Falls for breathe-taking views. All in all, amazing experience that made me feel safe and comfortable the entire time. 10/10 would recommend and will rebook if ever in UG again!
Oscar
Oscar
October 2, 2021.
Verified
Utrolig safari i Uganda med en fantastisk guide (7-dags safari til Murchison Falls og Kidepo Valley) Dette var min første tur til Uganda, og takket være Dillard Tours and Travels (og vores guide: Saad), var det en uforglemmelig oplevelse. Vi havde booket en 7-dags safari tour med 3 dage i Murchison Falls National Park og 4 dage i Kidepo Valley National Park. Dillard Tours and Travels sikrede et højt serviceniveau, punktlig og effektiv transport, og sørgede for behagelige hoteller og lodges med en høj standard fra start til ende. Alt sammen til en rimelig pris. Vores guide Saad var fantastisk. Han besad en dyb viden og forståelse for Uganda og landets adskillige national parker, og var altid smilende og havde en god humor. Han gjorde altid sit yderste for at sikre serviceniveauet og at vi fik det meste ud af de adskillige naturoplevelser. Saad var derudover altid sjov at snakke med, og havde en masse gode historier at fortelle. Vi blev hentet af Saad i Entebbe lufthavn, og blev kørt direkte til Murchison Falls National Park. Saads kendskab til parken og de lokale rangere sørgede for at vi fik set en masse dyr på vores game drives (bandt andet leoparder, løver, elefanter mm.) Efter 3 dage i Murchison kørte vi til Kidepo Valley National Park, muligvis en af Afrikas smukkeste national-parker. Igen sørgede Saad for at vi fik mest ud af oplevelsen og fik set en masse dyrearter og flotte landskaber. Derudover var prisen meget rimelig. Vi betalte direkte til Saad og til de forskellige hoteller/lodges og ansatte involveret i løbet af vores tur. Dette sikrede at pengene faktisk gik til dem der udbyder servicen (de fleste tour-selskaber i Uganda betaler ofte deres ansatte markant mindre en man håber). Overordnet set en fantastisk oplevelse, som jeg ville anbefale til hver en tid!
Vince
Vince
August 24, 2021.
Verified
10/10 Uganda Safari Tour. Great Value. Comfortable Accommodation. Amazing Guide. I went with my family on a 10-day inclusive tour with Dillard Tours. This was not my first time on safari, but was for my family. I can say without a doubt that Dillard’s is one of, if not the best, option here in UG. From the airport throughout the entire trip, everything was perfectly organized with no hiccups. All of the accommodation throughout the trip was comfortable, and beyond our expectation. The food was great and plentiful at each stop. Of course, the safari, gorilla trekking etc. was phenomenal (but that is a given here in Uganda!) We saw the big 5 and gorillas, at often an arms length. Only wish we had more time. Three things in particular I’d like to note: Saad (our guide) was just awesome. Knew everything about everything, great conservation, and genuinely expressed a desire to ensure we had the best experience possible. These are things that are not always the case on these sort of endeavors. Second, the price was very reasonable, and undercut the competition by far. Third, our payment went directly to Saad and the other employees involved in our trip. (Many of these companies pay employees a fraction of what you’d expect/hope). In all, I HIGHLY recommend Dillard Tours, and Saad. We couldn’t of had a better experience.
Marc G.
Marc G.
October 27, 2019.
Verified
Thank you so much; amazing experience. This was my first time in Uganda, and thanks to Dillard Tours and Travels, I had no choice but to fall in love with the country. I did a safari in Murchison Falls National Park. The landscapes were breathtaking and swarming with wild animals. The organisation was absolutely perfect; our guide was extremely sympathetic, knowledgeable and paid attention to every detail. Perfect.
AlizB
AlizB
October 27, 2019.
Verified
Amazing safari to Murchison Park !! Thank you so much to the Dillard team for this amazing safari to Murchison Park! We were here for business and had only 2 days, but the Dillard team was very helpful and helped us organize the perfect trio from Kampala to Murchison. We had a very good van with a very nice, professional and safe driver who made everything he could to render our trip unforgettable. Thank you so much !
Laura C
Laura C
October 23, 2019.
Verified
Trip of a lifetime I had an amazing safari trip with Dillards! Our driver was polite, professional, organised, very accommodating and just generally great company to be around! We spent most of the trip laughing and being treated to his terrible taste in music (I'll never listen to Lady Gaga or Toto's Africa song without thinking if this trip!). We spent 2 nights in Queen Elizabeth park, 3 in Lake Bunyani and also went to see Uganda's famous mountain gorillas. Our driver always stopped if he spotted any wildlife for us to see along the journey and was really generous with sharing his photos with us of our trip - much better quality than our camera phones! It's not the type of trip I would reccomended doing without a driver. The roads are poor and you get a much better experience with a knowledgeable guide who has contacts and good relationships with hotels and tours. Highly recommend Dillards and am so happy to support a local Uganadan business! Laura
Julia
Julia
August 1, 2019.
Verified
Lake Bunyonyi and Bwindi National Park with Mountain Gorilla Trekking We as clients, my friend and I - both unter 30 years old, had an amazing time on this safari tour. We love budget and eco tourism and could make the most out of it through the help of Dillard Tours and Travel. Our driver and tour guide Saad made sure we are comfortable and can enjoy every minute. Many thanks to Dillard for an unforgettable time.
Marcia
Marcia
July 31, 2019.
Verified
Bwindi Gorillas and Bunyonyi Great service and affordable price... highly recommendable! I went with a friend and we had an amazing time!
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