Where to Find Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

Many travellers ask where to find  mountain gorillas in Uganda. The best places in Uganda to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. These two parks have the largest population of mountain gorillas in the world, which are closely related to humans, sharing 98% of human DNA. Visitors can access the parks year-round by road, with a journey of 9-10 hours from Kampala, or by air in just 2 hours. The only type of gorilla found in Uganda is the mountain gorilla, exclusive to these parks.

To visit the gorillas, a trekking permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority is required, available for those aged 15 and older. Before trekking, participants receive a briefing about the rules and regulations. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is led by armed rangers, takes 2-7 hours through various trails. The time to find the gorillas depends on their location and the trekkers’ pace. Once found, trekkers can observe the gorillas’ daily activities, learn about their behaviors, and take photos for a limited time.

Where to Find Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the top spot in Uganda for seeing mountain gorillas, housing the world’s largest population of these animals. Established in 1990 to save them from extinction, the park has over 600 mountain gorillas divided into 21 groups. Visitors can find these gorillas in four different sectors of the park.

In the Rushaga sector, there are families like Kutu, Mishaya, and Nshongi. The Nkuringo sector features the Christmas, Bushaho, and Nkuringo families. The Buhoma sector includes families such as Mubare and Habinyanja, while the Ruhija sector is home to families like Mukiza and Oruzogo. No matter which sector you visit, there’s a 99% chance of spotting these gorillas, offering a consistent experience.

Additionally, Bwindi is unique because it offers a mountain gorilla habituation experience, available in the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. The Bushaho and Bikingi families are specially designated for this special experience.

Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla Park is located in southwestern Uganda, in the Kisoro district, covering 33 square kilometers, and is home to some Virunga volcanoes, including Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabyinyo. The park borders Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the DR Congo, making it part of the Virunga conservation area. Mgahinga Park has a small number of mountain gorillas that live in bamboo vegetation and on the slopes of the volcanoes. It has one habituated gorilla family called Nyakagezi, which has 9 members and can be trekked by 8 people per day.

What is the cost of gorilla permits in Uganda

Considering the best places to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi, the Uganda Wildlife Authority sells gorilla trekking permits to persons above 15 years with an interest in visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Non-foreign residents are charged $800, foreign residents $700, and Citizens of East Africa UGX300,000. The cost of gorilla habituation permits in Bwindi Gorilla Park is $1500 for foreign non-residents, $1000 for foreign residents, and UGX750,0000 for East African Citizens.

Gorilla permits in Uganda- Where to Find Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

Globally, Uganda and Rwanda have the highest number of gorilla permits. There are 148 gorilla trekking permits and 8 gorilla habituation permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone. Only 8 gorilla permits are available in Mgahinga National Park because there is only one habituated mountain gorilla family known as the Nyakagezi gorilla family. Travelers are urged to make reservations in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments, especially during the dry season or peak season which is characterized by congestion in various parks, especially in the gorilla parks of Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park.

How to book the gorilla permits for Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park, as they are the only locations with mountain gorillas. To book gorilla permits, you need to email your local tour operator or the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The email should include the national park you want to visit, along with the planned trekking date. They will check for permit availability and send you banking details once it’s confirmed. After payment, you will receive a scanned copy of your permit. It is advised to book 3-4 months in advance to avoid disappointment.

What is the best time to see gorillas in Uganda

Bwindi Gorilla Park and Mgahinga Gorilla Park have two dry seasons and two wet seasons. The dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, are the best times to do gorilla trekking in Uganda, as there is little rainfall, making trekking easier and views better. During the wet season, from March to May and October to November, tourists can enjoy discounts on accommodations, but trekking can be challenging due to slippery trails and thick vegetation. Roads to the park may also be in poor condition during the rainy season.

What to pack for a gorilla safari

A light backpack, a camera, binoculars, a hut, sunscreen, long-sleeved shirts and pants, a rain jacket, a sweater, a pair of gaiters, waterproof hiking shoes, cotton stocks, insect repellents, sanitizer, energy-boosting snacks, and a drinking water bottle are among the essential items to bring for a gorilla safari in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks.

Where to stay on a gorilla safari in Uganda

The two Uganda gorilla parks of Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offer various lodging options for travelers, including luxury, midrange, and budget choices. Where to stay depends on your budget and preference. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, tourists should stay in facilities within their trekking sector to avoid delays at the information offices.

Accommodation in Mgahinga

These include Virunga Campsite, Travellers Rest Hotel, Lake Chahafi Lodge, Gahinga Lodge, Ichumbi Lodge, Mutanda Resort, Lake Mulehe Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Chameleon Hill, Lake Chahafi Lodge Sabinyo Guest House, among others.

Accommodation in Ruhija sector of Bwindi

Lodging choices in Ruhija include Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Broadbill Forest Camp, Uganda Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Cuckoo Land Tented Lodge, Ecomarvels Gorilla Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Bakiga Lodge, Trekkers Tavern, Gift of Nature Lodge, and others.

Accommodation in Buhoma sector of Bwindi

Accommodation facilities in Buhoma include Haven Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Buhoma Rest Camp, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Bwindi Forest Lodge, Bwindi Neck View Lodge, Ride 4 A Woman Guest House, and others.

Accommodation in Nkuringo sector of Bwindi

Accommodations in the Nkuringo sector include Nshongi Camp, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Mutanda Eco Community Centre, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, Virunga Campsite, and Crested Crane Bwindi Hotel, among others.

Accommodation in Rushaga sector of Bwindi

Lodging options in Rushaga include Rusahaga Gorilla Haven, Four Gorillas Lodge, Wagtail Eco Safari Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Jungle Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, and Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, among others.