Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Permits, Fitness and What to Expect

Mountain gorillas live only in the Virunga volcanoes (shared by Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo) and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Thanks to decades of conservation, their numbers have grown to more than 1,000, and responsible tourism helps pay for their protection.

Permits

Every trekker needs a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, currently USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents. Each habituated family can be visited by a maximum of eight people per day, so permits are limited — we recommend booking at least three to six months ahead, especially for June to September and December to February. For a longer encounter, the gorilla habituation experience allows up to four hours with a family in the process of being habituated.

The trek

Your day starts with a briefing at the park headquarters, where rangers assign groups by fitness. Trackers set out earlier to find the gorillas where they nested the night before. Treks can last from one to six hours through steep, muddy and dense forest. Once you find the family, you spend one hour with them, keeping a distance of at least seven metres and wearing a face mask.

Fitness

You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking uphill for several hours. Hiring a porter (around USD 20) is highly recommended — they carry your bag, help you on slippery slopes and it provides valuable income for local communities.

What to wear

• Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
• Long trousers tucked into socks or gaiters
• Long-sleeved shirt and a light rain jacket
• Gardening gloves for gripping vegetation
• A small backpack with water and snacks

Rules

Minimum age is 15. If you are unwell, you cannot trek, as gorillas are susceptible to human illnesses. No flash photography, and keep your voice low.

Explore our gorilla trekking safaris, including the 5-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari.