The best time to visit Uganda is from June to August and December to February, which are the Dry seasons. Wildlife viewing is at its peak then. Primate walks in the forest are a big part of any safari in Uganda. The habitat of rainforests is, by default, very wet, and you can’t avoid rain completely. However, after heavy rain, the skies often open up to bright sunshine.

This is an exclusive, private safari that allows you to travel at your own pace. This trip is made just for you, exactly as you want it! Our experienced travel consultants, along with our knowledgeable guides, will make sure that your wishes come true. There are numerous advantages to such a trip. First, you can cruise around in a private safari vehicle and have a personal guide. It’s completely up to you what time you leave in the morning and when you come back (taking into account your guide’s advice, of course). Secondly, once you’re in a national park, you can observe specific animals or herds for as long as you like. No one will push you to move along. And lastly, knowing your wishes, your personal guide will give you the right tips, turning your trip into an unforgettable experience in Africa.

At Paradise Adventure Vacations, we’re all about co-creating your perfect journey. When you plan your African adventures with us, you’re not just booking a trip but embarking on a personalized experience. We start by understanding your wishes and preferences and won’t stop until every aspect of your journey aligns perfectly with your vision. Our team works closely with you to ensure your entire trip is tailored to your satisfaction. For added convenience, we offer a selection of our most popular African safari Tours & Holidays as a starting point for your consideration.

Yes, you can see mountain gorillas in Uganda, which is home to about half of the world’s remaining population of these endangered primates. Gorilla trekking is a popular and well-regulated activity conducted in two national parks in the southwestern part of the country.

Where to see gorillas in Uganda:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: This is the most famous and reliable location for gorilla trekking in Uganda, with the largest number of habituated gorilla families. The treks here can be physically demanding, with dense forest and steep, slippery trails.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Part of the larger Virunga Mountains, this park offers gorilla treks in a more open environment dominated by bamboo forest. While it has a smaller population of gorillas, it also offers the chance to see golden monkeys.

How to see gorillas in Uganda
To embark on a gorilla trek, you must obtain a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The process involves the following steps:
Book a permit: Permits grant access to a guided trek to visit one specific gorilla family for one hour. Booking well in advance—at least six months to a year, especially during peak season (June to August and December to February)—is highly recommended.
Arrive for briefing: On the day of your trek, you will arrive at the park headquarters for a briefing by the head ranger. Here, you will be assigned to a group of eight trekkers and a specific gorilla family.

Hike to the gorillas: Accompanied by guides and armed rangers, you will hike into the forest to find the assigned gorilla family. The length of the trek depends on the location of the family and your assigned difficulty level (easy or hard).
Spend one hour: Once you find the gorillas, you will have one hour to observe and photograph them. Maintain a distance of at least 7 meters (about 23 feet) to minimize stress on the animals.
Return from the trek: After your time is up, you will hike back to the starting point. Most tours also offer the option of visiting a local Batwa pygmy community.

Cost of gorilla trekking
The price of a gorilla trekking permit varies by country and type of experience.
Uganda permits: As of July 2024, a standard gorilla permit in Uganda costs $800 for non-residents and allows one hour with a gorilla family.
Habituation experience (Uganda only): A more immersive experience is available in Bwindi, which allows you to spend up to four hours with a gorilla family for $1,500.
Rwanda permits: In comparison, Rwanda’s gorilla permits are significantly more expensive at $1,500 for a one-hour encounter.

Is gorilla trekking worth it?
The price of a gorilla trekking permit is a significant factor, but it’s important to remember what it includes and what it supports.
Supports conservation: The fee covers park entrance and ranger fees, but most importantly, it funds crucial conservation efforts that have helped increase mountain gorilla populations from the brink of extinction.
Unforgettable experience: Coming face-to-face with these majestic primates in their natural habitat is a powerful and intimate wildlife encounter that is considered a highlight of any trip to Uganda.

Helps local communities: A portion of the permit fees goes toward development programs for local communities, providing them with incentives to protect the gorillas and their habitats.