There are few wildlife experiences on Earth that compare to Gorilla trekking- standing a few meters from a mountain gorilla family in the wild. In Uganda, that experience is not a rare fluke — it’s a well-organized, achievable adventure, and it’s one of the main reasons travelers choose Afritrek Safaris to plan their trip.
Where to Trek
Uganda is home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, most of them in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with a smaller population in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is divided into four trekking sectors — Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo — each offering access to different habituated gorilla families.
What to Expect on Trek Day
Trekking starts early with a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Depending on where the gorilla family has moved, the hike through dense rainforest can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours. Once you find the group, you get exactly one hour with them — watching them feed, play, and interact just meters away.
Permits and Timing
Gorilla permits are limited (only a set number issued per family per day), so booking months in advance is essential, especially for the July–September and December–February dry seasons when trails are easier to navigate. Afritrek Safaris handles permit booking directly, so you never have to worry about missing out on a slot.
Packing Tips
- Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support
- Gardening gloves for gripping vegetation on steep sections
- A rain jacket, even in dry season — the forest makes its own weather
- Long trousers tucked into socks (nettles and safari ants are real)
Why Book With Afritrek Safaris
We handle permits, transport, accommodation, and porter arrangements so all you have to do is show up ready to hike. Our guides know the sectors intimately and match your fitness level to the right trekking group whenever possible.
Ready to plan your gorilla trekking adventure? Contact Afritrek Safaris to check permit availability for your travel dates.
