Uganda Safaris & Gorilla Trekking Tours 2026/2027

Complete Guide to Uganda Safaris & Gorilla Trekking Tours

A typical Uganda safari takes you into the country’s national parks, reserves, and top tourist destinations.

Uganda remains a unique, underexplored destination with striking scenery, distinct vegetation, and abundant wildlife.

Uganda safaris offer big game viewing, mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, birding, mountaineering, and cultural encounters.

Top Uganda Safari Activities – Things to do in Uganda

Uganda safaris center on game viewing and mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga. Gorilla permits cost $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African Community citizens.

Other activities include bird watching, golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, chimpanzee tracking, white water rafting, mountaineering, boat cruises, cultural safaris, hot air balloon tours, and gorilla habituation.

Top Uganda Safari Destinations & Attractions – Things to see in Uganda

Uganda has 10 national parks and several reserves where most wildlife safaris take place.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, in the extreme southwest, is Uganda’s most visited park. Established in 1991 on the Albertine Rift Valley, this tropical rainforest park covers 331 square kilometers of montane and lowland forest.

Bwindi became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Most travelers visit to trek mountain gorillas, but the park also offers bird watching, gorilla habituation, nature walks, Batwa cultural encounters, and cycling.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, in Kisoro, southwestern Uganda, is Uganda’s second gorilla destination and its smallest park at 33.7 square kilometers.

Mgahinga borders Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DR Congo, forming the Virunga Conservation Area. It takes its name from Gahinga Volcano, one of eight volcanoes in the Virunga Massif.

Activities include mountain gorilla trekking, birding, golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking, Batwa encounters, and cave exploration.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park, in northwestern Uganda, became a national park in 1952 and covers 3,840 square kilometers, Uganda’s largest park.

The park takes its name from Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces through an 8-meter gorge, creating the Devil’s Cauldron and a permanent rainbow.

The park hosts 4 of the Big Five, antelope species, over 451 bird species, Rothschild giraffes, warthogs, chimpanzees, and primates in Budongo Forest.

Activities include hot air balloon rides, game drives, bird watching, nature walks, chimpanzee tracking and habituation, a hike to the top of the falls, and a boat cruise to its base.

Murchison Falls is reachable within 4 to 5 hours’ drive from Kampala, with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary along the way.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s second-biggest park, sits in western Uganda and covers 1,978 square kilometers of savanna and crater lakes.

Wildlife includes tree-climbing lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, antelopes, chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, baboons, hippos, crocodiles, and over 620 bird species.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park, in Karamoja Province, features rugged mountains and flat valleys. It hosts 4 of the Big Five and over 475 bird species, with activities including game drives, birding, climbing Mount Morungole, and cultural tours with the Karamojong and IK communities.

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale National Park, in western Uganda, covers 795 square kilometers of rainforest and savanna grassland and is East Africa’s primate capital, with 13 primate species and about 1,500 chimpanzees. Other species include L’Hoest monkeys, baboons, red colobus monkeys, mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, bush babies, pottos, and forest elephants.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park, in western Uganda, is the country’s smallest savanna park at 260 square kilometers. It’s only 3 to 4 hours’ drive from Kampala and holds a large impala population.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park suits climbers and hikers. It holds Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley, East Africa’s third-highest point at 5,109 meters. It has been a UNESCO site since 1994 and covers about 1,000 square kilometers.

Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park, in western Uganda, protects East Africa’s only tract of true lowland tropical forest, covering 220 square kilometers. It suits chimpanzee tracking, nature walks, the Sempaya hot springs, and birding.

Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park, in eastern Uganda, is home to an extinct volcano rising to 4,321 meters, East Africa’s 4th highest mountain. The park covers 1,145 square kilometers and suits volcano climbing.

The Source of the Nile, Jinja

The source of the River Nile, the world’s longest river, is in Jinja, Uganda. Adventure activities here include white water rafting, kayaking, jet boating, and bungee jumping.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, in Nakasongola district, makes a good stop en route to Murchison Falls. It protects rhinos not yet reintroduced to Uganda’s parks.

Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s second-deepest lake, sits in the Kigezi region of southwestern Uganda and has 29 islands. Visitors can go birding, swimming, canoeing, and on community walks.

Other attractions include historical sites, waterfalls such as Aruu Falls, Sipi Falls, Ssezibwa Falls, and Murchison Falls, plus hot springs and mountains.

About Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

Gorillas share over 95% of their DNA with humans, making them our closest relatives. The three notable species are western gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas at Kahuzi-Biega National Park, and mountain gorillas, found only in Africa.

Mountain gorillas live in the Virunga mountain chain, spanning Uganda, DR Congo, and Rwanda. They live in family groups led by a dominant silverback, who protects the family, resolves conflicts, and cares for infants if their mother dies.

Females mentor young gorillas and build nightly nests. Gorillas communicate using over 27 distinct sounds and feed mainly on bamboo shoots, leaves, stems, and fruit.

Gorillas are generally shy, though infants sometimes approach humans out of curiosity.

Describing the Uganda Gorilla Trekking Experience

Gorilla trekking means searching for gorillas on foot with an expert ranger. Travelers with disabilities can join through a special package.

In both Bwindi and Mgahinga, trekking starts with a pre-trekking briefing at 8:00 am, lasting about 30 minutes, where rangers verify documents and explain the rules before assigning each visitor to a gorilla family.

Tracking starts from where rangers last saw the gorillas and can take 1 to 8 hours, followed by an hour observing the family, including mothers with infants and the silverback.

Visitors can take photos but cannot touch the gorillas. After the trek, visitors receive a gorilla trekking certificate before lunch and a return to the lodge.

Top Places to See Gorillas in Uganda

The only places to see gorillas in Uganda are:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi holds half the world’s mountain gorillas and sits in the isolated southwestern part of Uganda, at the edge of the Rift Valley and the Virunga mountain chain.

Its thick tropical forest, covering 321 square kilometers, earned it the name “Impenetrable.” The park became a national park in 1991 and a UNESCO site in 1994, sitting at 1,160 to 2,607 meters altitude with over five rivers.

Bwindi holds over 400 mountain gorillas across its families, about 120 mammal species, over 400 plant species, over 350 bird species, and other primates including baboons and monkeys.

Bwindi has four trekking sectors:

Buhoma sector, in the north, is the most visited, home to the first gorilla family ever tracked. Its 5 gorilla groups (Mubare, Katwe, Habinyanja, Rushegura) offer 40 permits daily. Buhoma also connects to Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha sector, home to tree-climbing lions.

Ruhija sector, in the east, has three families (Kyaguriro, Bitukura, Mukiza, Oruzogo) across just 32 permits daily. Trekking here is strenuous, with scenic views, rolling hills, and cool weather, popular for research due to its quiet forest cover.

Nkuringo sector, in the south, suits fit, younger travelers due to its steep terrain. Its Nkuringo family is among the park’s most peaceful. In June 2020, the sector lost dominant silverback Rafiki to a poacher, later arrested and sentenced. Trekking here began in April 2004.

Rushaga sector, in the south, is the only sector offering both trekking and habituation. Its 5 families (Nshongi, Busingye, Bweza, Kahungye, Mishaya) offer 40 permits daily, on flatter, cooler terrain.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga sits in the Virunga mountain chain in western Uganda, bordering DR Congo. Established in 1991, it protects mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and other endangered species.

Mgahinga has one gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group, tracked by only 8 people daily after the morning briefing, meaning fewer crowds than Bwindi.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Rules

Follow these rules before, during, and after every trek:

• Wash your hands before meeting the gorillas.
• Carry a valid trekking permit.
• Keep noise to a minimum in the jungle.
• Dispose of waste properly. Do not litter in the park.
• Stand 7 to 8 meters away from the gorillas.
• Do not use flash photography.
• Follow the park ranger’s instructions.
• Manage your time well while in the jungle.
• Do not create new paths or imitate the gorillas.
• Avoid direct eye contact with the gorillas, especially silverbacks.

Breaking these rules can result in fines or expulsion from the park.

Cost of Uganda Gorilla Permits

Gorilla permit prices depend on nationality, for trekkers aged 15 and above: $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. Pay directly at UWA headquarters in Kampala or through your tour operator, following the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s current tariff structure.

Permit fees fund conservation, support displaced local communities, and pay park rangers. Buy your permit 3 to 6 months in advance, since permits are limited and sold first-come, first-served. Permits cannot be postponed or refunded if you miss your date or lose your permit.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Packing List

Pack only the essentials to avoid extra charges and inconvenience.

Documents: passport, gorilla trekking permit, visa, and a yellow fever vaccine certificate if required for your country.

Essential items: sturdy hiking boots, hand gloves, a sleeping bag if camping, a hat, a jacket or raincoat, insect repellent, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, stockings, drinking water, a trekking stick (available in the park), a camera, binoculars, and an optional bird or plant guidebook. You can buy some items locally to avoid extra baggage charges.

Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Park gates open at 7:00 am. June to October and December are the best months, with less rain making trekking easier, though the activity runs year-round.

Weather patterns: June to October and December to early March are mostly dry with light rain; late March to May and November bring the wet season. For lower prices and fewer crowds, visit March to May or November.

Top Uganda Safari Lodges – Where to Stay in Uganda Safari Parks

Uganda safari accommodation ranges from budget to luxury. Known options include Serena and Sheraton Hotels in Kampala, Mweya Safari Lodge and Ishasha Wilderness Camp in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Paraa Safari Lodge and Chobe Safari Lodge in Murchison Falls, Primate Lodge and Ndali Lodge in Kibale Forest, and Mihingo Lodge in Lake Mburo.

Around Bwindi and Mgahinga, gorilla trekkers can choose from budget, mid-range, and luxury lodges, homesteads, and camps close to each sector.

Top Uganda Safari & Gorilla Trekking Questions & Answers

• What is a Uganda safari? A trip to explore Uganda’s wildlife, national parks, and natural attractions.
• What activities can I do on a Uganda safari? Game drives, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, and boat cruises.
• Where can I see mountain gorillas in Uganda? Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
• How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda? $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens.
• What is the best time for a Uganda safari? The dry seasons, June to September and December to February.
• Which is the biggest national park in Uganda? Murchison Falls National Park, at 3,840 square kilometers.
• What is special about Queen Elizabeth National Park? Tree-climbing lions, crater lakes, and over 600 bird species.
• Where can I see tree-climbing lions? In the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Where can I see chimpanzees in Uganda? Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest, and Kyambura Gorge.
• Can I go mountain climbing in Uganda? Yes, on the Rwenzori Mountains and Mount Elgon.
• Where can I do white water rafting in Uganda? In Jinja, at the Source of the Nile.
• What are the Big Five animals in Uganda? Lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos.
• Where can I see rhinos in Uganda? At Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
• How difficult is gorilla trekking? Challenging but rewarding, with 1 to 8 hours of hiking.
• What are the rules for gorilla trekking? Keep a 7-meter distance, avoid flash photography, and don’t touch the gorillas.
• How long can I stay with the gorillas? One hour, once you find them.
• Are Uganda safaris safe? Yes, guides and rangers ensure safety throughout.
• Why is Lake Bunyonyi famous? It’s Africa’s second-deepest lake, with 29 islands.
• Do I need a visa to visit Uganda? Yes, most travelers need one, which can be obtained online.

Uganda offers one of the best gorilla trekking experiences in the world, across both Bwindi and Mgahinga, with secure territories and a cool climate.

Book your Uganda safari and gorilla trekking tour today and start planning your 2026/2027 adventure.