Uganda Gorilla Trekking: Everything You Need to Know in 2026

Sitting face-to-face with a silverback mountain gorilla in the misty forests of Uganda is one of the most profound wildlife experiences on Earth. There are only around 1,063 mountain gorillas left in the wild, and tracking them on foot through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a bucket-list experience like no other.

Here's everything you need to plan your gorilla trekking adventure.

• Uganda permit cost: $800 per person (2026 price)
• Rwanda permit cost: $1,500 per person (significantly more expensive)
• Booking: Permits must be booked months in advance through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or an authorised tour operator
• Availability: Only 8 visitors per gorilla family per day — this is strictly enforced

A typical trekking day looks like this:

1. 6:30 AM: Briefing at the park headquarters — safety rules, group assignments
2. 8:00 AM: Trek begins — trackers have been locating the gorilla family since dawn
3. Duration: 1–6 hours of hiking, depending on where the gorillas are
4. The encounter: You get exactly 1 hour with the gorilla family — no exceptions
5. Return: Hike back to the starting point, receive your gorilla trekking certificate

Gorilla trekking requires moderate to good fitness. The terrain is steep, muddy, and often at altitude (1,200–2,600m). You'll be hiking through dense forest with no defined paths.

That said, people of all ages complete the trek successfully — including guests in their 70s. Porters are available (and strongly recommended) to carry your bag and offer a steadying hand.

Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, but the best months are:

• June – September: Dry season. Trails are drier (still muddy), clearer skies for photography
• December – February: Short dry season. Fewer tourists, good conditions
• March – May: Wet season. Harder hiking, but permits are easier to get and the forest is lush

A Kenya + Uganda combo is one of the most rewarding multi-country itineraries in Africa. A typical plan:

• Days 1–5: Kenya safari (Masai Mara + Amboseli)
• Day 6: Fly Nairobi → Entebbe → transfer to Bwindi
• Day 7: Gorilla trekking
• Day 8: Optional second trek or community visit, fly back to Nairobi