Destinations / Gorilla Trekking / Uganda
Uganda
The Pearl of Africa
Deep in the ancient rainforest of Bwindi, nearly half of the world's mountain gorillas make their home. Uganda pairs extraordinary gorilla and chimpanzee encounters with tree-climbing lions, the source of the Nile and landscapes of mist-covered hills, crater lakes and savannah.
Primates, Forests & Savannah
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's oldest rainforests, Bwindi shelters around 459 mountain gorillas, many in habituated families that can be visited.
Chimpanzee Encounters
Kibale Forest is one of the best places in Africa to track chimpanzees, along with a remarkable diversity of other primates.
Beyond the Forest
Queen Elizabeth National Park's tree-climbing lions, Murchison Falls and the source of the Nile add classic safari to Uganda's primate experiences.
Unforgettable Experiences
Wild, green and deeply moving.
-
![]()
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Hike through bamboo forest to spend an hour with a habituated gorilla family.
-
![]()
Gorilla Habituation Experience
Spend up to four hours with researchers and a gorilla family being habituated to people.
-
![]()
Chimpanzee Trekking
Follow chimpanzees through Kibale Forest.
-
![]()
Tree-Climbing Lions
Search for lions resting in the fig trees of Queen Elizabeth National Park's Ishasha sector.
-
![]()
Murchison Falls
See the Nile force its way through a narrow gorge.
-
![]()
Community Visits
Meet the Batwa and other communities living near the forest.
-
![]()
Birding
Look for Albertine Rift endemics in Bwindi's forest canopy.
When to visit
Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, though the dry seasons offer the easiest hiking.
-
The dry seasons bring firmer trails and the best trekking conditions. Permits should be secured well in advance.
-
The rains bring muddier trails, lush green landscapes and fewer visitors.
Premier Stays
Discover a collection of forest lodges and secluded retreats, perfectly positioned for unforgettable encounters with Uganda's mountain gorillas.
Forest Lodges
Intimate forest retreats overlooking the lush canopy of Bwindi with easy access to mountain gorilla trekking.
Exclusive Gorilla Retreats
Exceptional luxury retreats set within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with the extraordinary possibility of gorillas passing through the lodge grounds.
Pairs Perfectly with…
Because the best safaris rarely stop at one destination.
-
![]()
Serengeti
Follow the Great Migration across Tanzania's endless golden plains.
-
![]()
Masai Mara
Add Kenya's most celebrated reserve, famed for big cats and river crossings.
-
![]()
Zanzibar
Swap safari for white sand beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters.
-
![]()
Rwanda
Add Volcanoes National Park, golden monkeys and Rwanda's exceptional lodges.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Both offer extraordinary encounters. Bwindi has more habituated gorilla families and offers the longer habituation experience, while Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is quicker to reach from Kigali.
-
Treks can take from two to seven hours on steep, muddy terrain. A moderate level of fitness is helpful, and porters are available to help.
-
Trekkers must be at least 15 years old.
-
Fly from Entebbe to an airstrip near the forest, or drive from Kigali in Rwanda to Bwindi's southern sectors.
-
Yes. US citizens need a visa, which is applied for online before travel. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Uganda.
