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Sit with a gorilla family in the mist of Bwindi

Fewer than 1,100 mountain gorillas remain in the world, and Uganda protects more than half of them. Wander and Wonder Tours takes you into their forest, with local guides who know every trail and every family by name.

One hour that changes how you see the wild

Imagine a silverback settling into the ferns an arm's length away, while a juvenile tumbles through the vines above him.

There is no glass, no fence and no crowd. You walk into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, led by a ranger and trackers who found your gorilla family at first light. When you reach them, the forest goes quiet and you stay for a full hour.

We design every journey for travellers who want it done properly: private vehicles, lodges chosen for their setting, unhurried days and a team you can message at any hour.

A Uganda gorilla permit costs USD 800, compared with USD 1,500 in Rwanda.
Mountain gorilla in Bwindi forest
Silverback gorilla close up in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Why travellers choose Uganda for gorillas

It is the most generous country on earth for this encounter, in numbers, in value and in variety.

More gorillas than anywhere else

Uganda is home to the world's largest single country population of mountain gorillas, spread across more than 20 habituated families in Bwindi and Mgahinga.

The fairest permit price

At USD 800 per person, Uganda offers the most accessible gorilla permit in Africa, which leaves more of your budget for the lodges and guides that shape the trip.

Four sectors, four moods

Buhoma is gentle and classic. Rushaga has the most families. Nkuringo is steep and dramatic. Ruhija is high, cool and full of birds. We match the sector to you.

Small groups, real impact

Only eight visitors may see a family each day. Your permit pays for rangers, anti poaching patrols and the communities living beside the park.

Choose the way you want to meet them

Every safari includes your gorilla permit. Prefer something different? Tell us your dates and budget and we will build it around you. Budget options are available on request.

Classic Bwindi gorilla trek in BuhomaFrom $1,400 per person
3 days, 2 nights. Our most loved

Classic Bwindi Trek, Buhoma

Drive to the northern gate, meet your ranger, then spend your hour with a gorilla family. Finish with a Batwa community walk and a slow forest morning.

Rushaga sector gorilla trekFrom $1,450 per person
3 days, 2 nights. Southern Bwindi

Rushaga Gorilla Trek

Rushaga has the most habituated families in Bwindi, so there is more choice of trek. Add Nkuringo viewpoints, a village walk or an optional Lake Bunyonyi excursion.

Mgahinga gorilla trek and golden monkeysFrom $1,550 per person
3 days, 2 nights. Virunga volcanoes

Mgahinga and Golden Monkeys

Trek with the Nyakagezi family under three volcanoes, then follow playful golden monkeys through the bamboo. A favourite with photographers and couples.

Bwindi gorillas and Lake BunyonyiFrom $1,700 per person
4 days, 3 nights. Ideal for first visits

Bwindi and Lake Bunyonyi

Trek in the morning, paddle a canoe across a calm lake in the afternoon. Time for a Batwa cultural walk, an island visit and an optional village homestay.

Gorillas and Queen Elizabeth wildlife safariFrom $2,200 per person
6 days, 5 nights. Gorillas and savannah

Gorillas and Queen Elizabeth

Tree climbing lions, a Kazinga Channel boat cruise and a gorilla trek in Bwindi, with optional chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge.

Luxury fly in gorilla safariFrom $4,500 per person
4 days, 3 nights. Luxury

Luxury Fly In Gorilla Safari

Skip the long drive with a charter flight from Entebbe to Kihihi. Stay at a lodge such as Bwindi Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp or Clouds Mountain, with a private trek and forest spa.

Gorilla habituation experienceFrom $2,400 per person
3 days, 2 nights. Rushaga

Gorilla Habituation Experience

Spend four hours beside a semi habituated family, walking with the researchers and trackers who are teaching them to trust people. Permit USD 1,500. Book up to 12 months ahead.

Double gorilla trek in BwindiFrom $2,300 per person
4 days, 3 nights. Two permits

Double Gorilla Trek

Two families in two sectors on consecutive days. Made for photographers and anyone who wants a second encounter while the first is still fresh.

Gorilla honeymoon retreatFrom $2,800 per person
5 days, 4 nights. For couples

Gorilla Honeymoon Retreat

A sunset canoe for two, a couples spa treatment, a candlelit forest dinner and a decorated room on arrival, alongside your gorilla trek and a Batwa cultural walk.

Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trekkingFrom $3,800 per person
6 days, 5 nights. Two countries

Uganda and Rwanda Gorillas

Trek in Bwindi, cross into Volcanoes National Park, and visit Dian Fossey's tomb. One East African tourist visa covers both countries. Permits USD 800 and USD 1,500.

Permits sell out before flights doOnly eight visitors see each family per day. June to September fills months ahead, so reach out early and we will hold your preferred dates.

Secure your permit
Gorilla trekking trail in Bwindi

Your trek day, from dawn to dusk

You will breathe the same cool mountain air as a silverback, and he will not mind at all.

First light

Breakfast at your lodge, then a briefing at park headquarters. You are assigned a gorilla family and meet your ranger.

Into the forest

The walk takes one to seven hours, depending on where the family slept. Porters cost USD 15 to 20 on site and are well worth it.

Your hour

Up to eight guests, one full hour, no rush. Watch them feed, groom and play. Most guests of moderate fitness manage it comfortably.

The long exhale

Back at the lodge with muddy boots and a camera full of faces. Minimum age to trek is 15.

What is included, and what is not

Included

  • Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla permit
  • Accommodation at your chosen level, full board
  • Private 4x4 with a professional driver guide
  • Entebbe or Kampala airport transfers
  • All park and activity fees
  • Licensed ranger and trackers on trek day

Not included

  • International flights
  • Uganda eVisa (about USD 50, apply at evisa.go.ug)
  • Travel insurance, strongly recommended
  • Porters, tips and personal spending
  • Yellow fever certificate, needed for entry
  • Alcoholic drinks

Permit prices for 2026

  • Foreign non resident: USD 800
  • Foreign resident: USD 700
  • African citizen: USD 500
  • East African citizen: UGX 300,000
  • Book 6 to 9 months ahead for June to September and December to February

Questions travellers ask us

How much does gorilla trekking cost in Uganda?

The permit is USD 800 for foreign non residents. Our three day safaris, with permit, lodging, transport and meals, start from USD 1,400 per person, and luxury journeys start from USD 4,500. Message us for a tailored quote.

Which sector of Bwindi is best?

Buhoma is the easiest and most established. Rushaga has the most families and sits close to Lake Bunyonyi. Nkuringo is steep and remote. Ruhija is high and wonderful for birding. We will match you by fitness and travel style.

Is the trek physically demanding?

It ranges from gentle to strenuous. Most treks last two to four hours. Boots, walking sticks and a porter make it manageable for most people. The habituation experience is more demanding.

When is the best time to go?

Any time of year works. June to September and December to February are drier. March to May and October to November are greener, quieter and often easier to book.

Can I combine gorillas with chimpanzees?

Yes. Pair Kibale Forest chimpanzee tracking with Bwindi gorillas on one trip. Uganda is the only country where you can see both in the wild on a single journey.

Is Uganda safe for visitors?

Yes. Parks are patrolled by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, and our locally based guides handle logistics. You also get WhatsApp support throughout your trip.

Reserve your safari securely

Once your itinerary is agreed, pay your deposit or balance through WeTravel. Open the link on your computer, or scan the QR code with your phone camera.

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Your gorilla family is waiting

Tell us when you would like to travel and who is coming. We will reply with an itinerary, availability and a clear price.

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