How to Plan a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda. Few adventures compare to standing face-to-face with a mountain gorilla in the misty forests of Uganda. Gorilla trekking is often described as life-changing — and it’s one of the ultimate bucket-list experiences in Africa.
But planning a gorilla trekking safari needs careful preparation to ensure everything goes smoothly.

At Kenlink Tours, we specialize in crafting seamless, unforgettable gorilla trekking journeys. Here’s your complete guide on how to plan a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda.

1. Choose the Right Gorilla Trekking Destination

Uganda has two national parks where gorilla trekking is possible:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
  Home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, Bwindi offers multiple sectors for trekking (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo).

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:
  Smaller but equally beautiful, Mgahinga is home to one habituated gorilla family and lies at the base of the Virunga Volcanoes.

Kenlink Tip:
Bwindi offers more trekking options and a greater number of gorilla groups.
Mgahinga, on the other hand, is quieter and perfect for travelers who prefer off-the-beaten-path adventures.

2. Secure Your Gorilla Trekking Permit Early

A gorilla permit is mandatory for trekking in Uganda.
Each day, only a limited number of permits are issued to protect the gorillas and minimize human impact.

• Permit Cost:

  • $800 per person (for foreign non-residents)

  • $700 (for foreign residents)

  • UGX 300,000 (for East African citizens)

• Booking Time:

  • Book at least 6 months in advance, especially for travel during the dry season (June–September and December–February).

Kenlink Tours will handle your gorilla permit reservation as part of your package — saving you the hassle!

3. Decide the Best Time to Visit

The dry seasons are the best times for gorilla trekking:

• June to September

• December to February

During these months:

• Trails are less muddy and easier to hike.

• Visibility is better for photography.

• Weather is more predictable for travel logistics.

Tip:
Permits sell out fast during these months, so start planning early!

4. Get Physically Prepared

Gorilla trekking is moderate to strenuous depending on where the gorillas are located. You may hike for 1–6 hours (or sometimes longer) through steep, uneven terrain.

To prepare:

• Take regular walks, hikes, or gym sessions before your trip.

• Carry a daypack with essentials like water, snacks, rain gear, and a walking stick (provided at the starting point).

• Wear good hiking boots and long-sleeved clothing to protect against scratches and insects.

Kenlink Tip:
We also offer gorilla trekking experiences for senior citizens and travelers with lower mobility — talk to us about flexible options!

5. Pack the Right Gear

Essential items for gorilla trekking include:

• Waterproof hiking boots

• Long pants and long-sleeved shirts

• Lightweight rain jacket

• Gardening gloves (for grabbing branches)

• Hat and sunscreen

• Insect repellent

• A reusable water bottle

• Camera with extra batteries (no flash allowed)

6. Choose the Right Gorilla Trekking Experience

There are two main types of gorilla encounters:

• Standard Gorilla Trekking:
  You spend one magical hour observing a gorilla family once you find them.

• Gorilla Habituation Experience:
  Offered mainly in Bwindi, this special trek lets you spend up to 4 hours with a gorilla group undergoing habituation to human presence.
  (Permit cost: $1,500 per person.)

Kenlink Tours Tip:
If you want a deeper, more immersive experience, habituation is worth every penny!

7. Add More Adventures to Your Safari

Don’t just come for the gorillas — Uganda has so much more to offer!

Popular add-ons include:

• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, or Kidepo Valley National Parks.

• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest.

• Boat safaris on the Nile or Kazinga Channel.

• Cultural experiences with the Batwa people (forest pygmies).

• Relaxing at Lake Bunyonyi after your trek.

Kenlink Tours will help you design a custom safari itinerary that combines gorilla trekking with wildlife, culture, and adventure.

8. Travel with Experts Like Kenlink Tours

Planning a gorilla safari yourself can be overwhelming — but with Kenlink Tours, everything is effortless.
We handle:

• Permits and park entry fees

• Transportation (4×4 safari vehicles)

• Accommodation near trekking starting points

• Expert driver-guides who know Uganda inside out

• Support every step of the way

Our personalized service ensures your safari is safe, stress-free, and tailored exactly to your needs.

9. Be Responsible While Trekking

Mountain gorillas are critically endangered. Protect them by:

• Keeping a distance of 7 meters.

• Not trekking if you are sick.

• Following ranger instructions at all times.

• Never using flash photography.

• Speaking in low voices.

Your respect helps ensure gorillas survive for generations to come.

Ready to Trek with the Giants of the Forest?

✨🐾
There is nothing quite like locking eyes with a wild mountain gorilla — it’s humbling, emotional, and profoundly moving.

At Kenlink Tours, we don’t just organize trips — we create once-in-a-lifetime memories.
Contact us today to start planning your perfect gorilla trekking safari in Uganda!