Meet the imposing mountain Gorillas

The most famous inhabitant of Uganda is of course the mountain gorilla. For many people, meeting the silverback is the main reason to take a trip to Uganda. These gentle giants only live in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Uganda it is possible to visit them in a safe and reasonably affordable way. This can be done in two places: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Many travelers who have ever come face to face with the imposing mountain gorilla describe this as a unique experience that will stay with them for a lifetime. Although the gorillas have long been threatened with extinction, they are now protected by tourism. In the meantime, they face a fairly bright future.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the best known place in the world to go gorilla trekking because it hosts approximately half of the remaining Mountain Gorilla population in Africa.

In this magnificent park there are 4 locations for tracking gorillas and these are Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. The 4 locations have a total of about 18 families as of December 2018 and the tracking permits must be bought before tracking by booking directly through a reputable tour agent like Ujambo Boots Safaris. More so, Permits can be paid for up to two years in advance.

Gorillas highlights

  • Drive through the scenic southwestern mountainous region of Uganda’s countryside and see Africa’s beautiful landscapes and human settlements on steep slopes.
  • Hike through ancient Ugandan villages that have not been so much affected by modern developments and experience African village life.
  • Go trekking Uganda’s famous mountain gorillas and spend precious moments in a gorilla family’s presence in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

NOTE: Only 8 visitors are allowed to view the gorillas for one hour per day, participants must be aged 15 or over. And they will be accompanied by UWA guides while with the Gorillas.

Tracking the gorillas can last from a few hours to a whole day, depending on how far the group has moved since it was last observed nesting up the previous evening.

Please carry a pack of Face-mask and hand sanitizer with you. You’ll be required to have a negative PCR COVID-19 test certificate issued within 72 hours of your arrival in the country, and keep your mask on when with animals and people crowds. You’re are requested to adhere to COVID Operating procedures to keep you safe during your trip.