Are there Gorillas in Uganda?

Are there gorillas in Uganda? Gorillas are a few most amazing creatures that attract the majority of safari holidaymakers into Africa and Uganda is, without doubt, one of the most visited gorilla trekking destinations. Does Uganda have gorillas? Yes, Uganda is home to the endangered mountain gorillas- unique apes that only live in the wild, and seeing them involves trekking through Africa’s dense rainforests.

How gorillas are in Uganda?

Uganda hosts an estimated population of about half of the world’s 1063 mountain gorillas that still live in the wild. Visiting Uganda- dubbed the Pearl of Africa is a lifetime opportunity to observe these large apes in their natural habitat making it a distinct African safari destination from the rest.

On gorilla safari in Uganda, tourists visit the 21 habituated gorilla group families that are open for gorilla trekking. This distinguishes Uganda from the rest of the gorilla safari destinations. Mountain gorillas in Africa live in only 3 countries and other than Uganda, the other two include Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Where can I see gorillas in Uganda?

Located in East Africa, Uganda is home to 2 (two) premier mountain gorilla destinations- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park- best referred to as ‘The Place of Darkness’ is home to over 459 mountain gorillas. This is one of the rain-forest parks in Uganda, established in 1991 primarily to host these mysterious apes and it is located in Kabale, southwestern part of the country. Bwindi is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its remarkable biodiversity and a huge profusion of endangered species that thrive in its varied habitats.

Gorillas in Bwindi National Park

In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, there are 4 gorilla trekking sectors- Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. These are important regions to begin trekking to observe mountain gorillas in Bwindi NP and they protect 20 habituated gorilla group families.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is 331sq.km and the gorilla families to consider visiting on gorilla trekking include Habinyanja, Katwe, Rushegura, Mubare, Mukiza, Oruzongo, Kyaguriro, Nshongi, Mucunguzi, Bweza. Others include Busingye, Kahungye, Kutu, Christmas, Nkuringo, Bitukura, Mishaya.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park a 33.7sq.km land area of Uganda safari park lying in the far Southwestern side of the country. Located in Kisoro District, Mgahinga National Park is the smallest of the 10 parks in Uganda and it is one of the best places to visit for observing mountain gorillas in the wild.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park shelters 3 of the 8 Virunga volcanoes- Gahinga, Muhabura, and Sabyinyo volcanoes. Its establishment in 1991 was mainly to inhibit the endangered apes and today, the park has one habituated gorilla family- the Nyakagezi gorilla family.

Cost of gorilla permits in Uganda- 2022

As of 2022, the gorilla permits are available for booking at US Dollars 700 for foreign non-residents. Foreign residents on Uganda gorilla tour Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park pay US Dollars 600 and citizens in East Africa community UGX 250,000. There are gorilla habituation permits in Uganda each issued USD1500 per pax when are foreign non-residents, USD1000 foreign residents, and shs750000 East Africa citizens.

Obtaining any of these Uganda gorilla permits 2022 is easier via ground tour operator/agency. Directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and you can contact the reservation team early about 4 months before visiting Uganda to track gorillas- this is whether directly or indirectly.

Where to stay in Bwindi NP or Mgahinga National Park

Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

On a gorilla tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park, visitors can choose from the budget, mid-range to luxury accommodation facilities. They include Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Lake Kitandara Camp, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Gift of Nature Lodge, Broadbill Camp- these are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Mgahinga NP accommodation choices for visitors to stay on gorilla safaris include Mount Gahinga Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Virunga Hotel, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Kisoro Travelers Lodge, Mucha Hotel, Muhabura Motel.

When is the best time to see mountain gorillas in Uganda?

A safari to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be arranged at any time of the year. Though tourists can visit Uganda for gorilla trekking or see gorillas, the dry season is considered to be the best time. This often occurs from June to September, December to February.

Mountain gorillas survive in an environment (rainforests) where rains should be expected at any time. With this in mind, choosing the gear for your gorilla trekking is key and essentially, have waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, raincoats/jackets/poncho, hats, insect repellent, gardening gloves, camera, trousers, and more.

Getting there

Bwindi & Mgahinga N/Parks exist in the Southwestern part of Uganda and by road, 8-9 hours’ drive from Kampala; 4 hours’ drive Kigali capital of Rwanda. There is also an alternative of flying to Southwestern Uganda, set off from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi airstrip (Kabale) and Kisoro airstrip (Kisoro, near Mgahinga NP).