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A&S Safaris

Gorilla Trekking Experience

Experience one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife adventures with A&S Safaris. Trek through the ancient rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with endangered mountain gorillas.

About

Bwindi Impenerable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife destinations. It lies in southwestern Uganda, within the Kigezi region, along the Albertine Rift Valley and near the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park protects over 163 tree species, 200 butterfly species, 360 bird species, and about 100 mammal species, including 10 primate species.

Bwindi is especially famous for its endangered mountain gorillas. More than 19 habituated gorilla families are available for trekking across different park sectors. Each family has unique social behaviours, usually led by a dominant silverback. The park is also a top birding destination, with about 24 bird species endemic to the Albertine Rift region.

In 1994, UNESCO designated Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as a World Heritage Site because of its exceptional biodiversity and conservation importance. Today, the park offers unforgettable experiences, including gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation, bird watching, primate encounters, and forest adventures.

Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla Trekking Experience

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers one of Uganda’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences. The park has four main trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Together, these sectors host more than 18 habituated gorilla families available for trekking.

Your adventure begins early in the morning, usually around 8:00 AM, with a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides. Afterward, you enter the ancient Bwindi forest and begin your search for a habituated gorilla family.

As you trek deeper into the rainforest, your ranger guides stay in close contact with other teams. They monitor gorilla movements and help locate the family you are tracking. The trek can take approximately 2 to 8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location and the terrain.

Once you find the gorillas, the experience becomes truly magical. You can observe their natural behaviors, family interactions, and daily routines from a safe distance. Visitors are generally required to maintain a 7-metre distance, while the actual viewing time is limited to one hour.

Bwindi gorillas remain under continuous monitoring to support their protection and conservation. Therefore, gorilla trekking provides both an exciting encounter and an opportunity to support their long-term survival.

Gorilla Habituation Experience

The Gorilla Habituation Experience offers a unique opportunity to explore the lives of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Unlike standard gorilla trekking, this activity allows you to spend up to four hours observing a gorilla family. You can learn about their behaviour, feeding habits, family interactions, and daily routines.

Currently, the experience takes place in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, in southwestern Uganda. You will join experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority researchers and ranger guides as they observe a gorilla family undergoing habituation. These gorillas are still becoming accustomed to human presence, making the experience especially fascinating.

The adventure begins early in the morning with a briefing from your guides. Afterwards, you venture into Bwindi’s dense tropical rainforest to locate the gorilla family. Your guides explain the appropriate behaviour and safety guidelines throughout the experience.

Once you find the gorillas, you can observe them for up to four hours. This extended encounter offers more time to understand their social structures and natural behaviours. It also provides valuable insight into the conservation work that prepares gorillas for future encounters with visitors.

Gorilla Habituation Permit Costs

The Gorilla Habituation Experience permit costs more than a standard gorilla trekking permit because it allows a longer observation period.

  • Gorilla Habituation Experience: US$1,500 per person.

  • Standard Gorilla Trekking: US$800 per person.

Permit prices can change, so confirm the current rates with the Uganda Wildlife Authority before booking.

Gorilla Habituation Experience vs. Gorilla Trekking

Both activities offer remarkable opportunities to encounter mountain gorillas in Bwindi. However, the main difference lies in the time spent with the gorillas and the nature of the experience.

Standard gorilla trekking allows up to one hour with a habituated gorilla family. In contrast, gorilla habituation offers up to four hours with a family still undergoing the habituation process.

Whichever experience you choose, Bwindi promises a memorable journey into the world of mountain gorillas. You will discover their fascinating behaviours while supporting the conservation of one of Uganda’s most treasured wildlife species.

Why Choose A&S Safaris?

Responsible Tourism

Supporting conservation and empowering local communities.

Experienced Guides

Friendly, professional driver-guides dedicated to making every journey safe and memorable.

Permit Assistance

We assist with securing gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits for a hassle-free experience.

Competitive Pricing

Enjoy transparent pricing with excellent value and no hidden costs.

Gorilla Trekking Highlights

Trek through the ancient forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Spend one unforgettable hour with a habituated gorilla family.

Learn about gorilla conservation from expert guides.

Enjoy breathtaking rainforest scenery and diverse wildlife.

Enhance your journey with an optional Batwa cultural experience.

Meet Gorillas with A&S Safaris

What's Included