Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
Uganda is one of the best destinations in the world for gorilla trekking, offering an opportunity to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. With over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, Uganda provides diverse trekking locations, ranging from dense rainforests to volcanic slopes, giving travelers an immersive and unforgettable wildlife experience.
For those planning a gorilla trekking adventure, Uganda has two world-class national parks where you can see these magnificent primates up close:
1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – The Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Destination
Why Choose Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking?
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is Uganda’s premier gorilla trekking destination and one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa. The park is home to over 459 mountain gorillas, which is nearly half of the world’s remaining population. Bwindi offers a rich and immersive trekking experience as you navigate through its dense, mist-covered jungle, encountering not just gorillas but also other primates, rare birds, and diverse plant life.
Gorilla Trekking Sectors in Bwindi
Bwindi is divided into four trekking sectors, each offering a unique experience and different habituated gorilla families:
Buhoma Sector (Northern Bwindi) – The most famous and accessible sector, known for its established trekking routes, scenic views, and luxury lodges. This is where gorilla trekking tourism first started in Uganda.
Ruhija Sector (Eastern Bwindi) – Known for high-altitude trekking, offering incredible scenic landscapes and a chance to see elephants alongside gorillas.
Rushaga Sector (Southern Bwindi) – The best place for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, where visitors can spend four hours with a gorilla family instead of the standard one-hour trek.
Nkuringo Sector (Southern Bwindi) – Famous for its challenging terrain and breathtaking mountain views, attracting adventurous trekkers.
How Difficult is Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi?
Trekking in Bwindi is moderate to challenging, depending on the location of the gorilla families. The forest is thick with steep slopes and rugged trails, making it a rewarding adventure for those who enjoy nature and exploration. Treks can take between 1 to 6 hours, depending on where the gorillas are on that day.
2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Trekking in the Virunga Mountains
Why Choose Mgahinga for Gorilla Trekking?
While Bwindi gets most of the attention, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers an equally incredible yet less crowded gorilla trekking experience. Located in the southwestern part of Uganda, Mgahinga is part of the Virunga Mountains, which stretch across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The park is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, the only habituated gorilla group in the park.
What Makes Mgahinga Special?
Scenic Volcanoes – Trekking here means exploring the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Virunga Mountains, including Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabyinyo.
Fewer Tourists – Unlike Bwindi, Mgahinga offers a more exclusive and intimate experience, as fewer tourists visit the park.
Golden Monkey Tracking – Mgahinga is also home to endangered golden monkeys, allowing travelers to combine gorilla trekking with golden monkey tracking for a diverse primate experience.
How Difficult is Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga?
Mgahinga’s terrain is mountainous, but the forest is less dense than Bwindi, making trekking relatively easier. Since there is only one gorilla family in the park, visitors may need to hike longer distances to find them, but the open bamboo forests make photography much easier compared to Bwindi’s thick jungle.
Which is the Best Park for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
The best choice depends on your preferences:
If you want more gorilla family options, a denser jungle experience, and a UNESCO-listed site, choose Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
If you prefer a quieter, less crowded experience with stunning volcanic scenery and the chance to see golden monkeys, go for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Both parks offer unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences, and either choice guarantees an encounter with these majestic primates in their natural habitat.
Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry seasons, which occur in:
June to August
December to February
These months offer easier trekking conditions, as the trails are less muddy and slippery, and gorillas tend to stay in lower areas, making them easier to track. However, gorilla trekking is available year-round, and the rainy season (March to May and September to November) comes with fewer tourists and discounted permits.