Gorilla Trekking Safari from the United States (USA) to Uganda

Ethiopia and Uganda Safari Combo

May 3, 2025

Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in DR. Congo

May 3, 2025

Gorilla Trekking Safari from the United States (USA) to Uganda

Are you a traveler or travel agent based in the United States (USA)—perhaps in cities like New York, Florida, Las Vegas, or Boston—looking to plan a memorable gorilla trekking safari in Uganda? Organizing this incredible journey is simpler than you might think. From the comfort of your home or office, you can arrange everything online—permits, flights, accommodations, and transport—with help from experienced operators like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Whether you’re dreaming of a quick primate adventure or an extended tour combining gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from when and where to go, to how to book and what to expect.

Top Gorilla Trekking Safari Packages You Can Book from the USA

Here are some of the most popular gorilla trekking and primate safari options in Uganda that can be booked in advance from the United States. These tours can be customized based on your interests and time:

How to Book Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari from the USA

Booking your gorilla trekking safari from the United States is straightforward. The most important step is securing your gorilla trekking permit in advance. Here’s how it works:

Choose Your Travel Dates:
Decide when you’d like to visit Uganda.
Contact Trek Africa Expeditions:
Send us an inquiry with your preferred dates. We’ll check the availability of gorilla and chimpanzee permits with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Confirm and Pay:
Once we confirm availability, we’ll send you an invoice. After payment, we’ll secure your permits and send you scanned copies as proof of confirmation.

Pro Tip: Gorilla permits are in high demand and limited to 136 per day. It’s best to book at least 2–3 months in advance to secure your preferred dates.

What is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Like?

Gorilla trekking is a guided hike through dense rainforest in search of habituated mountain gorillas. These gentle giants live in family groups that have become accustomed to humans. Once located, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing their behavior, taking photos, and learning about them from experienced park rangers.

Each trek involves a group of no more than 8 visitors per gorilla family, helping protect the gorillas and ensure a meaningful experience.

What to Expect During Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Similar to gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking involves hiking through the forest to locate habituated chimpanzees. Once you find them, you’ll enjoy a one-hour encounter, where you can observe their playful interactions, hear their vocalizations, and take photos.

Chimpanzee trekking is offered in two sessions daily—morning and afternoon—depending on your itinerary and permit availability.

Best Places to See Gorillas in Uganda

Uganda is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. You can find them in two national parks:

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park:
Known for its diverse gorilla families (23 groups), lush rainforest terrain, and high permit availability.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:
Smaller with one habituated group (Nyakagezi), but equally rewarding with scenic volcanic landscapes.

Both parks offer a 98% chance of encountering gorillas. Bwindi is often preferred due to its higher number of gorilla families and permit availability.

Where to Go for Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Uganda offers several excellent locations for chimpanzee tracking:

Kibale Forest National Park:
The best place for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and 13 other primate species.
Budongo Forest (Murchison Falls NP):
Great for combining chimp tracking with a wildlife safari.
Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth NP):
Offers a scenic, dramatic setting for chimpanzee tracking.
Kalinzu Forest Reserve:
A more off-the-beaten-path alternative with reliable chimp sightings.

How Difficult is Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking can range from a short hike to a strenuous all-day adventure depending on the gorillas’ location that day. Trails are unmarked and can be steep, muddy, and at high altitudes. Trek durations range from 1 to 8 hours or more, so good physical fitness is highly recommended.

Be prepared for changing weather and pack essentials like hiking boots, rain gear, and plenty of water.

Gorilla Trekking Permit Prices in Uganda (2025 – 2026)

Here are the current costs for Uganda gorilla permits:

Foreign Non-Residents: $800 USD per person
Foreign Residents: $700 USD per person
East African Citizens: UGX 300,000 (approx. $70 USD)

Each permit allows for one hour with a gorilla family.

Looking for More Time with the Gorillas?

Uganda also offers a Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi, where you spend up to 4 hours with a semi-habituated group. This immersive experience costs $1,500 USD per person and includes time with researchers and trackers.

How Challenging Is Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda?

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is generally considered moderate and less strenuous than gorilla trekking. Most treks take place on well-maintained forest trails, especially in Kibale Forest, and the terrain is relatively gentle. However, weather conditions in the forest can change quickly—it’s wise to pack a lightweight rain jacket even if the day starts out sunny. While physical fitness is helpful, you don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy this activity.

How Much Does a Chimpanzee Trekking Permit Cost in Uganda?

The cost of chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda varies depending on the location:

Kibale Forest National Park – USD $250 per person (Non-Residents)
Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth NP) – USD $100 per person
Kalinzu Forest – USD $130 per person
Budongo Forest (near Murchison Falls) – USD $230 per person

Trekking sessions are conducted twice daily—one in the morning (8:00 AM) and one in the afternoon (12:00 PM)—year-round.

How Much Is a Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Uganda?

A typical 5-day Uganda safari that includes both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking starts at around USD $1,870 per person, based on two people sharing. This price includes permits, accommodations, transportation, guide services, and park entry fees—but does not include international flights or visa fees. Prices can vary depending on the season, type of accommodation (budget, mid-range, or luxury), and group size.

When Is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry seasons, which occur from June to October and December to March. These months offer drier trails, lower chances of heavy rain, and better visibility for wildlife photography. During the wet months (April, May, and November), trekking becomes more slippery, and vegetation is thicker—however, gorillas tend to stay closer to their usual range because food is abundant, often resulting in shorter treks.

Gorilla trekking is available year-round, and sightings are almost guaranteed with a 99% success rate.

Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Like gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking is best during Uganda’s dry seasons—June to October and December to March. Drier conditions make forest paths easier to navigate, and the lighter vegetation improves your chances of clearly spotting chimpanzees. That said, treks during the rainy seasons (April, May, and November) may be shorter since chimpanzees typically remain nearby due to abundant food sources.

Trekking is possible year-round, with high chances of sightings throughout.

Where to Stay for Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda (from the USA)

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Southern Bwindi (Rushaga & Nkuringo Sectors):

Rushaga: Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Karungi Camp
Nkuringo: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Lake Mutanda Resort

Northern Bwindi (Buhoma & Ruhija Sectors):

Buhoma: Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ride 4 a Woman
Ruhija: Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Broadbill Tented Camp

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Gahinga Lodge, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Lake Chahafi Resort

Kibale Forest National Park (for chimp trekking)

Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House, Isunga Lodge, Kibale Homestay (USD $90–100 pp/night)
Mid-range: Primate Lodge, Turaco Treetops Lodge (USD $150–200 pp/night)
Luxury: Papaya Lake Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge (USD $250–700 pp/night)

Best Routes for Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris in Uganda

By Road:
The most common route is from Entebbe/Kampala via Mbarara and Kabale, continuing to either the northern or southern sector of Bwindi, depending on your booked permit.

For Buhoma or Ruhija, turn off along the Kabale–Kisoro highway at the Uganda Wildlife Authority signposts.
For Nkuringo or Rushaga, branch off at Muko town.
To reach Mgahinga, continue through Kisoro town to the park entrance.

By Air:
Scheduled flights operated by AeroLink Uganda and Air Uganda depart from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield and land at Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips. From there, it’s about 1–2 hours’ drive to the trekking start points.

Your itinerary may start with either gorilla or chimp trekking, depending on permit availability and your route.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Tour from the USA with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we organize unforgettable gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safaris in Uganda for travelers from the United States and beyond. Our dedicated team will assist with everything—from securing your trekking permits and planning your route to booking handpicked accommodations that suit your budget and preferences.

We offer flexible safari packages ranging from budget to luxury, all designed to give you the best possible experience. Our outstanding TripAdvisor reviews reflect our commitment to excellent service, knowledgeable guides, and customer satisfaction. When you book with us, you’re choosing a trusted tour operator with local expertise and a passion for conservation-based travel.