Skip to Content
Mountain gorilla in the forest of Bwindi, Uganda

Sit with a gorilla family in the mist of Bwindi

Fewer than 1,100 mountain gorillas are left in the world, and roughly half of them live in Uganda's cloud forests. We'll take you in to meet them, with local guides who know every trail and every family by name.

Find your safari Chat with us on WhatsApp

One hour that changes how you see the wild

Picture a silverback settling into the ferns an arm's length from you, while a juvenile tumbles through the vines above his head.

There's no glass, no fence and no crowd. You walk into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, behind a ranger and trackers who found your gorilla family at first light. When you reach them the forest goes quiet, and for one full hour the gorillas simply carry on with their day while you get to be part of it.

We're a small Ugandan team, and we plan every trip the way we'd want our own planned: a private vehicle, lodges chosen for their setting, unhurried days, and someone you can message at any hour.

Mountain gorilla in Bwindi forest
Silverback gorilla close up in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Why so many travellers choose Uganda for gorillas

Nowhere else offers this encounter so generously, in numbers, in value and in variety.

More gorillas than anywhere else

Uganda is home to the 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 a person, Uganda has the most accessible gorilla permit in Africa. That 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'll match the sector to you.

Small groups, real impact

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

Gorilla trekking trail in Bwindi

Your trek day, from dawn to dusk

You'll breathe the same cool mountain air as a silverback, and he won't mind one bit.

First light

Breakfast at your lodge, then a briefing at park headquarters. You're matched with a gorilla family and introduced to your ranger.

Into the forest

The walk takes anywhere from 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 and 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. The minimum age to trek is 15.

Choose the way you want to meet them

Every safari includes your gorilla permit. Want something different? Tell us your dates and budget and we'll build the trip 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. Wind down with a Batwa community walk and a slow morning in the forest.

DetailsBook now
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 you get more choice of trek. Add Nkuringo viewpoints, a village walk or a day out to Lake Bunyonyi.

DetailsBook now
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 beneath three volcanoes, then follow playful golden monkeys through the bamboo. Photographers and couples love this one.

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

Bwindi and Lake Bunyonyi

Meet the gorillas in the morning, then paddle a canoe across a calm lake in the afternoon. There's time for a Batwa cultural walk, an island visit and, if you like, a village homestay.

DetailsBook now
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 boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel and a gorilla trek in Bwindi, with chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge if you want it.

DetailsBook now
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 a forest spa.

DetailsBook now
Gorilla habituation experienceFrom $2,750 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 1,800. Book up to 12 months ahead.

DetailsBook now
Double gorilla trek in BwindiFrom $2,650 per person
4 days, 3 nights. Two permits

Double Gorilla Trek

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

DetailsBook now
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 dinner in the forest and a decorated room waiting on arrival, plus your gorilla trek and a Batwa cultural walk.

DetailsBook now
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 are USD 800 and USD 1,500.

DetailsBook now

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

Secure your permitAsk on WhatsApp

What's included, and what's 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

From first message to forest floor

Booking is simple, and you're never on your own. Here is how it works.

  1. Tell us your plans

    Send your dates, group size and budget by WhatsApp or email. Not sure yet? Tell us what you dream of and we'll shape it.

  2. Review your itinerary

    We reply with a tailored itinerary, gorilla permit availability and a clear price. Change anything you like.

  3. Reserve with a deposit

    Secure your permit and lodges through our WeTravel payment link. After that, we handle everything until you meet your gorillas.

Start on WhatsAppEmail our bookings team

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 our 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'll 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, and boots, walking sticks and a porter make it manageable for most people. The habituation experience asks more of you.

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. Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers patrol the parks, and our locally based guides take care of the logistics. You also get WhatsApp support throughout your trip.

Reserve your safari securely

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

Pay with WeTravel
WeTravel payment QR code for Wander and Wonder Tours Scan to pay