Nestled deep in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, small families of the endangered mountain gorilla roam freely. Trekking through the lush foliage in search of these majestic beasts is a highlight of any Ugandan holiday and definitely a once in a lifetime experience.
Best Uganda Tour Operators
These companies offer highly rated trips to Uganda showing you the highlights of the country.
Highlights
- Equator
- Lakes George and Edward
- Kazinga Channel Boat Trip
- Queen Elizabeth II National Park
- Game Drives
- Lake Bunyoni
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Entebbe Wildlife Centre
- Ngamba Island Chimps
Popular Activities in Uganda
- Gorilla Trek
- Whitewater Rafting (Nile River)
- Quad Biking
- Orphanage Visit
- Excursion to Chimpanzee Island
Mountain Gorilla Tours
Mountain Gorilla Treks are an unforgettable part of any trip to Africa. The beautiful forests of southwest Uganda are home to the mountain gorillas, the rarest of the great apes. A trek through the forest to spend time with these magnificent animals is a privilege and an experience that you will never forget.
The viewing of the mountain gorillas is restricted to 6-8 people per day per family. This is to safeguard the families from too much human contact. It is also accepted however that tourism brought in by the gorillas helps to preserve them from poachers as the money generated by these visits contributes to the local economies and protection of the mountain gorillas.
A visit with the mountain gorillas is generally restricted to 45-60 minutes but it is truly an unforgettable experience. Though the regulations state we must remain a distance of 5 metres no one has told the gorillas and it is possible for members of the gorilla family to come very close.
At the moment we estimate this excursion to cost approximately USD$700 (Additional visa costs may be incurred depending on where you see the gorillas). At present, the number of tourists wishing to see the gorillas is greater than the number of permits available. As a result, and in order to guarantee that you have the best chance to visit the gorillas, tour companies usually ask that payment for the permit is made in advance.
Currently the cost of a gorilla trekking permit is US$700. With this amount tour operators will endeavor to obtain a gorilla trekking permit on your behalf. Of course, if we’re not able to acquire a permit for you, then the full amount will be returned to you.