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Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It takes you deep into the ancient rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. There, mist hangs in the trees, birdsong fills the air and every step brings you closer to an unforgettable moment. To explore all your options, see our gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda.

Expert local trackers who know these forest trails well guide you through thick rainforest in search of one of the world’s most endangered and awe-inspiring animals. Uganda is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. As a result, it is one of the most rewarding and responsible places in Africa for a gorilla trekking safari.

How Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Works

Each trek begins with an early briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Then, you set off in a small group to find a habituated gorilla family. Treks can take from a couple of hours to most of the day, depending on where the gorillas are. Once you find them, you spend one magical hour in their company.

A few rules protect the gorillas and keep you safe:

  • Trekkers must be at least 15 years old.
  • A maximum of eight visitors may visit each habituated family per day.
  • You spend one hour with the gorillas once you find them.
  • You keep a safe distance and do not trek if you are unwell.

Permits are limited, so we recommend booking several months ahead. We quote the current official Uganda Wildlife Authority permit rate when you enquire, so you always get accurate pricing.

If you would like to extend your journey, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park also offers excellent gorilla trekking in a dramatic volcanic setting, often with shorter hikes. To compare the two, read Uganda vs Rwanda gorilla trekking. Wherever you choose, a gorilla trek is more than an adventure. It is a humbling connection with nature and a powerful reminder of why conservation matters.

Top Tours for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

3-day Uganda gorilla trekking safari
From $1100

The 3 day Gorilla trekking safari

Uganda Gorilla Safari Nature, Safari and Culture From $1100 Pricing per person Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime 3-day gorilla trekking adventure

Best Parks for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Overview: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is Uganda’s flagship gorilla trekking destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Therefore, it offers outstanding chances for close encounters with these endangered primates. The misty, ancient rainforest is also rich in wildlife, with over 120 mammal species and more than 350 bird species.

Location: Bwindi lies in south-western Uganda and is divided into four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. You can reach it by road in about 8 to 10 hours from Kampala or Entebbe. Alternatively, domestic flights land at Kihihi or Kisoro.

Activities: The main activity is gorilla trekking, with more than 20 habituated families across the sectors. You can also join the Gorilla Habituation Experience and spend up to four hours with a gorilla family alongside researchers. In addition, Bwindi offers birdwatching, forest hikes and community walks.

Best time to visit: June to September and December to February are the most popular months, because trails are drier. However, gorilla trekking is available all year round.

Culture: The park borders Batwa and Bakiga communities. As a result, you can enjoy cultural visits, traditional performances and guided walks that share indigenous forest knowledge. For a full guide to the park, see our Bwindi Impenetrable National Park safari page.

Planning your trek: Because Bwindi’s four sectors are far apart, it is important to stay close to the sector where your permit is booked. We take care of this for you. We match your permit, lodge and transfers so that you start your trek rested and on time.

Our handpicked gorilla safaris in Uganda and Rwanda take you deep into the forests where mountain gorillas live. For a short trip, our 3-day gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi is a popular choice. Alternatively, our 7-day Uganda safari combines gorillas with chimpanzees and big game.

With expert local guides, thoughtful itineraries and deep respect for conservation, we make your journey safe, smooth and truly memorable. Whether you trek through Uganda’s dense forest or Rwanda’s volcanic slopes, each encounter feels personal and humbling. For a first-hand account, read our story on gorilla trekking in Uganda as a life-changing adventure.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Gorilla safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda

Overview: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is small, but it offers a personal and scenic gorilla trekking experience. It lies within the Virunga Mountains, part of a larger cross-border ecosystem shared with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, which is known for having several silverbacks. Consequently, it offers fascinating insights into gorilla behaviour.

Location: Mgahinga sits in the far south-western corner of Uganda, in Kisoro District. It is about 10 hours by road from Kampala. Alternatively, you can take a short domestic flight to Kisoro.

Activities: Gorilla trekking here usually focuses on the Nyakagezi family. In addition, you can enjoy golden monkey tracking and volcano hikes on Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabinyo and Mount Muhavura. The Batwa Trail, including a visit to Garama Cave, adds a rich cultural dimension.

Best time to visit: As in Bwindi, the drier months of June to September and December to February are the most popular. Even so, you can visit at any time of year.

Culture: The park has deep ties to the Batwa, the forest’s original inhabitants. Through guided experiences, you learn about their hunter-gatherer way of life, spiritual traditions and long relationship with the forest.

Rushaga Sector (Southern Bwindi)

Gorilla Trekking tour in Uganda

Overview: Although it is part of Bwindi, the Rushaga sector has its own identity. It has a high number of habituated gorilla families and is where the Gorilla Habituation Experience is offered. Rushaga lies near Lake Mutanda and the town of Kisoro, and it combines wildlife, culture and convenience. As a result, it is a growing favourite with adventurous travellers.

Location: Rushaga is in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is easy to reach from Kisoro town. It is also close to Rwanda’s Cyanika border post, which helps if you are combining treks in both countries.

Activities: Rushaga offers reliable gorilla trekking thanks to its many habituated families. The Gorilla Habituation Experience lets you join researchers and spend extended time with a gorilla family. Our 4-day gorilla and chimpanzee habituation safari includes this rare experience. In addition, you can enjoy cultural tours, birdwatching and canoeing on nearby Lake Mutanda.

Best time to visit: June to September and December to February are ideal. Rushaga also sees good visits in the shoulder seasons. For more weather advice, read our Uganda climate guide.

Culture: Local communities offer village visits, traditional dance and storytelling. You can also support local crafts, women’s groups and conservation programmes linked to gorilla protection.

Ready to meet the gorillas? Tell us your dates and preferred park, and we will secure your permits and plan the rest. Contact us today to start planning your gorilla trekking safari.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: FAQs

Looking for the best gorilla trekking Safaris in Uganda and Rwanda? Uganda and Rwanda both offer unforgettable treks with habituated mountain gorilla families. Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks provide immersive, multi-hour treks through ancient rainforests, while Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers a shorter, scenic trek in a volcanic setting. With Olive Safari Uganda, you’ll enjoy expert planning, personal touches, and guides who make every moment feel meaningful. We help you choose the best park, lodge, and route—tailored to your interests, pace, and budget.

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Director/Sales & Marketing: Tusiime Cheryl Myra

Cheryl, the eldest daughter of Olive, has embraced the responsibility of carrying forward her mother’s legacy with resilience and determination. After losing her father at the age of six, she was raised by her mother, Olive, with the support of Christer. Olive’s passing in 2017, when Cheryl was just 19, became a defining moment in her journey.

Having been involved in the foundations of Sunset Hotel Entebbe and Olive Safari Uganda from a young age, Cheryl stepped up to manage the businesses alongside Christer. Under his mentorship, she navigated the complexities of entrepreneurship and discovered her passion for tourism.

With a Master’s degree in Business Administration and hands-on leadership, Cheryl has been instrumental in maintaining loyal clientele at Sunset Hotel Entebbe, adapting it to post-COVID standards, and expanding Olive Safari Uganda. As a certified tour guide for Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar, she remains committed to upholding her mother’s vision of exceptional service and unforgettable travel experiences.

Christer Torstensson - Founder & CEO

Founder & CEO: Christer Torstensson

Christer, a Swedish education consultant with over 40 years of experience guiding travelers across Africa, co-founded Olive Safari Uganda with a deep passion for the continent’s wonders. His extensive journeying, particularly through Zimbabwe, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya, enriched his understanding of Africa’s landscapes and cultures. As a consultant, he also contributed to education and development, notably establishing an automotive school in Zimbabwe. His work with the Global Journey program brought him to Uganda, where he collaborated with municipalities and fell in love with the country’s heritage.

During this time, he met Olive, whose exceptional leadership and organizational skills later turned their professional relationship into a personal one. Their shared vision led to the creation of Olive Safari Uganda in the early 2000s, followed later by Sunset Hotel Entebbe. While Christer split his time in Sweden managing the Global Journey program, Olive oversaw daily operations. Today, Olive Safari Uganda embodies Christer’s seasoned expertise as a guide and strategic insight, paired with Olive’s dedication, delivering outstanding safaris that showcase Uganda’s beauty and beyond.

Olive Ayebale.

Founder & CEO: Ayebale Olive

Ayebale Olive, co-founder of Olive Safari Uganda, brought over 20 years of community service experience into the world of tourism. As secretary to Entebbe’s Mayor, she honed her skills in program management and international partnerships, playing a key role in the Global Journey program that linked Uganda and Sweden.

It was through this program that she met Christer—three years after the passing of her first husband, while raising three children. United by a shared passion for travel and discovery, they founded Olive Safari Uganda in the early 2000s. Their commitment to exceptional service quickly set the company apart.

As demand grew, they expanded their vision by establishing Sunset Hotel Entebbe, creating a welcoming space for travelers exploring Uganda. Olive’s legacy lives on, shaping the company’s dedication to authentic and unforgettable safari experiences