What If I Don’t See Gorillas on My Uganda Trek

What If I Don’t See Gorillas on My Uganda Trek

Planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park? One of the most common questions travelers ask is: “What if I don’t see the gorillas on my trekking day?” Given the cost and effort involved in planning a gorilla trek, it’s completely understandable to be concerned about missing out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Will I Get a Refund or a Second Chance?

Fortunately, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has considered this. In the rare event that you don’t see the mountain gorillas on the day of your trek due to natural factors—such as heavy rain, the gorillas moving deeper into the forest, or other unpredictable wildlife behavior—you may be offered a second trek free of charge on the following day, subject to availability and approval by UWA.

However, it’s worth noting that gorilla sightings in Uganda have a success rate of over 99%, thanks to the well-coordinated tracking system in place.

Why Gorilla Sightings in Uganda Are Almost Guaranteed

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of the most organized and successful wildlife experiences in Africa. Each morning, a team of advanced trackers heads into the forest before visitors to locate where the gorillas nested the previous night. They follow the gorilla groups and stay in radio contact with the guides who accompany tourists. This coordination ensures that the trekking groups are led along the quickest and most direct paths to find the gorillas.

Treks can take anywhere from 30 minutes to five hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family that day. Once you find them, you’ll spend one full hour observing and photographing the gorillas in their natural habitat—a truly unforgettable experience.

What to Expect During Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is not just about gorillas—it’s one of Africa’s most biodiverse rainforests, home to over:

• 120 species of mammals

• 350 species of birds

• 200 types of trees

• Numerous butterflies, reptiles, and other primates

While gorilla trekking is the main highlight, spotting other primates like L’Hoest’s monkeys or even wild chimpanzees adds to the magic of the experience.

Gorilla Trekking Sectors in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi takes place across four main sectors:

• Buhoma (North) – Easily accessible and close to Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Ruhija (Northeast) – Scenic and serene, also near Queen Elizabeth

• Rushaga (South) – Home to the highest number of gorilla families

• Nkuringo (Southwest) – Offers challenging hikes and breathtaking views

Each sector hosts habituated gorilla families, and only 8 permits are issued per family per day, ensuring an intimate and eco-friendly encounter.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Cost?

A gorilla permit in Uganda costs:

• USD 800 per person for Foreign Non-Residents

• USD 700 for Foreign Residents

• UGX 300,000 (approx. USD 80) for East African Citizens

This permit includes one hour of guided interaction with a habituated gorilla family, as well as park entry and ranger support.

A typical 3-day gorilla trekking safari from Kigali (Rwanda) to Bwindi costs around USD 1,290 per person, including transport, accommodation, meals, permits, and guide services.

How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Booking a gorilla trekking experience in Uganda starts with securing a gorilla permit, which is required for anyone planning to trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and should be booked well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

If you’re flying into Entebbe, permits are typically arranged through the UWA headquarters in Kampala. For travelers arriving via Kigali, Rwanda, it’s more convenient to secure permits from the UWA branch office in Kisoro, located just 1–2 hours from Bwindi.

To make the process easier, you can book through Trek Africa Expeditions, one of the leading local operators in Uganda. Once you share your preferred trekking dates via email or WhatsApp, we will:

• Tentatively reserve your permits online

• Send you an invoice for payment

• Immediately purchase your permits upon receipt of payment

• Share scanned copies for your confirmation

This process guarantees that your gorilla trekking permit is secured and confirmed.

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

The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry seasons—from January to February and June to early September. During these months:

• Forest trails are easier to navigate

• Visibility is better due to thinner vegetation

• Rainfall is less frequent, making the experience more comfortable

However, gorilla trekking is available year-round, and each season offers unique experiences in the forest.

What to Pack and Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking involves hiking through thick forest terrain, so dressing appropriately is essential. Here’s what to wear and bring for a successful and comfortable trek:

• Long-sleeved shirt or sweater – It gets chilly in the forest

• Long trousers (2 pairs recommended) – Protects against insects and rough vegetation

• Waterproof hiking boots – Essential for muddy or slippery trails

• Rain jacket or poncho – Bwindi is a rainforest, and showers can occur anytime

• Gardening gloves – Useful for grabbing vines or branches without scratching your hands

• Binoculars – Great for birdwatching and spotting other primates

• Insect repellent – Protects against mosquitoes and other biting insects

• Sunscreen – Helpful during drier months to avoid sunburn

• Hat and sunglasses – Optional, depending on the weather

• Camera and spare batteries – Remember to turn off the flash!

• Neutral-colored clothing – Avoid bright colors that can startle the gorillas, and steer clear of black and blue, which attract tsetse flies

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Accommodation options near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest are available in both the northern and southern sectors of the park. Your choice of lodge will depend on which sector you’re trekking in:

Southern Bwindi (Rushaga and Nkuringo)

• Rushaga: Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Karungi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge

• Nkuringo: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Lake Mutanda Resort

Northern Bwindi (Buhoma and Ruhija)

• Buhoma: Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ride 4 a Woman

• Ruhija: Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Broadbill Tented Camp, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge

All these lodges are conveniently located close to gorilla trekking starting points and offer a range of options from budget to luxury.

Why Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we organize personalized gorilla trekking experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga. Whether you’re coming from Kigali, Rwanda or Entebbe, Uganda, we handle every detail—permits, accommodations, transportation, and expert guiding.

Here’s why travelers love booking with us:

• Quick responses—our professional consultants reply within 20 minutes

• Tailor-made itineraries based on your schedule and interests

• Local knowledge and trustworthy service

• Multilingual, experienced safari guides

• Hassle-free logistics with everything pre-booked in advance

We’re committed to making your gorilla trek smooth, safe, and unforgettable.