Gorilla Trekking
An hour with a mountain gorilla family in Bwindi.
Permits are limited, issued per gorilla family per day, and must be secured well in advance. The trek itself begins with a briefing at around 8am, followed by a walk that may last one hour or most of the day depending on where the family has moved overnight. You are then given one hour with them.
What to expect
A briefing, a guided walk with trackers ahead of you, one hour with the gorillas, and the walk back. Porters are available at the trailhead and we recommend hiring one.
Permits and practicalities
Permit numbers are strictly limited and prices are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. We do not publish permit prices here because they change — ask us and we will quote the current official rate at the time of your enquiry.
Who it suits
- Travellers with reasonable fitness
- Couples
- Small private groups
- Anyone for whom this is the centrepiece of the trip
Halal dining on this journey
Trekking days are long and unpredictable, so a packed halal meal travels with you.
Prayer
Fajr is prayed at the lodge before the briefing. Because the trek has no fixed end time, we discuss prayer arrangements with you in advance and your guide will stop where the terrain allows.
Where this happens
Questions
As far as you can. Permits for peak months are commonly taken six to twelve months ahead.
It very likely will at some point — Bwindi is a rainforest. Treks go ahead in rain. Waterproofs, gaiters and a dry bag for your camera make the difference.
There is a minimum age set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. CLIENT: confirm current requirement. Younger children can stay at the lodge with an arranged activity while parents trek.
Ready to plan it?
Tell us your dates and we'll check availability and come back with an itinerary.