6 Nights Unforgettable Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

►Introducing Uganda 

Uganda, affectionately known as the "Pearl of Africa," is a captivating country that combines breathtaking natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. Its landscapes are incredibly diverse, ranging from rolling savannahs teeming with wildlife to misty mountain ranges and lush rainforests. 

At the heart of Uganda’s allure lies one of the most profound and unforgettable wildlife experiences on Earth: Gorilla trekking. Nestled in the heart of dense, emerald-green forests, Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat is not only a bucket-list adventure but also a deeply emotional journey. The awe of standing just meters away from a gorilla family—watching them feed, groom, or play—is a moment that lingers long after the trek ends.

► When is the best time to visit Uganda?

• June to September and December to February
  • These months fall within Uganda’s dry seasons, making it the best time to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The trails are less muddy, and the weather is more manageable for trekking. Though it can rain unexpectedly, the dry season provides the most comfortable trekking conditions.
• June to September and December to February
  • Similar to gorilla trekking, the dry months are ideal for safaris in Uganda’s national parks, such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kibale Forest National Park. During these months, animals are easier to spot as they gather around waterholes, and the roads are less muddy for game drives.
• November to April
  •  Uganda is a bird-watcher’s paradise, with over 1,000 species to observe. If you're specifically looking to spot migratory birds, the best time is during the rainy season (from November to April), as many migratory birds from Europe and North Africa are present during this period.

► What do I need to know about travelling to Uganda:

• Visa Requirements:

  • Most visitors need a visa, available on arrival or via e-visa.
  • East African Community countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi) don’t need a visa.

• Currency:

  • Local currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX).
  • US dollars are accepted; carry shillings for small purchases.
  • ATMs are common in major cities.

• Health and Safety:

  • Yellow Fever vaccination is required.
  • Malaria is present; use mosquito repellents and consider antimalarial medication.
  • Drink bottled or filtered water.

• Language:

  • Official language: English.
  • Swahili and regional languages like Luganda and Runyankore are widely spoken.

• Cultural Etiquette:

  • Respect for elders is key.
  • Greet with a handshake or nod in rural areas.
  • Dress modestly at religious sites or villages.

• Electricity:

  • Voltage: 230V, 50Hz; plug type: G (three rectangular pins).
  • Bring a power adapter if needed.

• Time Zone:

  • Uganda follows East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3.

► What are the best things to do in Uganda?

• Chimpanzee trekking: Kibale (Chi - ba - lee) & Kyambura Gorge (Cham - bur - a)
• White water rafting on the Nile River
• Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Murchison’s Falls
• Lake Victoria
• Golden monkey treks
• Mt Sabyinyo (meeting point of the Rwanda, Uganda & DRC border)

If you’re ready to start planning your trip, check out our blog: 'Ultimate guide to trekking with mountain gorillas and chimp'.

Mountain gorillas live in forests at elevations of 2,000 - 4,000m. They have thicker fur than other great apes which helps them to survive in a habitat where temperatures often drop below freezing. There are approximately 1,000 of these fascinating creatures left in the world and Bwindi National Park in Uganda is home to about 400 of them. This 5 day adventure is your chance to trek with one of the most unique animals on the planet.

NOTES:

• Single supplement will be added if you are the only adventurer on this tour or if you are a different gender. 
• Gorilla permits often sell-out up to 1 year in advance so please book extra permits in advance. 

Golden monkeys are easily recognisable primates with a golden-orange patch on their upper flanks and back. They are found in the Virunga volcanic mountains of Central Africa, including four national parks: Mgahinga, in south-west Uganda; Volcanoes, in north-west Rwanda; and Virunga and Kahuzi-Biéga, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Golden monkey trekking is an amazing experience and slightly easier than the gorilla trekking. 

Between 7 April and 15 July 1994, one million Tutsi’s lost their lives in one of the worst genocides in history. Visiting the Rwandan Genocide Memorial is your chance to learn from this tragedy and to pay your respects to those who lost their lives. The visit is an extremely confronting experience and as such it is a free optional activity.

This is a very educational experience that tells the story of an international disaster that could, and should, have been prevented. Rwanda is also an incredible story of survival and hope. The country has come a long way since 1994. It is now a thriving economic hub with a stable government. According to the Australian Government, Rwanda is a safe country to visit and in 2017, The World Economic Forum ranked Rwanda as the 9th safest country in the world.  

Included: Transport to & from Ntarama Genocide Memorial

During the genocide, many Tutsi's hid in churches because they believed they would be safe there. The sad reality is that congregating in these churches made it easier for them to be slaughtered in mass. Ntarama church was one of the most gruesome massacres. Ntarama is about 1 hour from Kigali.

Warning: visiting this church is extremely confronting. Human remains and blood stains are clearly visible during your visit. 

►Tracking primates in the wild 

• Is it safe to trek with gorillas and golden monkeys?
  • Yes, it is safe. You’ll be accompanied by trained guides and armed rangers, and the animals are habituated to human presence. Safety protocols are strictly followed.

• Where does gorilla trekking take place in Uganda?
  • Gorilla trekking in Uganda primarily takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in the southwestern part of the country.
• What is the best time of year to trek with gorillas and golden monkeys?
  • The best times are during the dry seasons:
    • June to September
    • December to February
• How difficult is the trek?
  • The trek can range from moderate to strenuous, depending on the location of the gorilla family and trail conditions. You may hike anywhere from 1 to 6 hours (or more), often over steep and uneven terrain.
• How close can I get to the gorillas and golden monkeys?
  • You will be allowed to observe them from a safe distance of about 7 meters (21 feet). This helps protect both you and the animals from potential illness or stress.
• Is there an age restriction?
  • Yes. The minimum age for:
    • Gorilla trekking is 15 years
    • Golden monkey trekking is 12 years
• What should I wear and bring for the trek?
  • Long-sleeved shirt & trousers (neutral colours)
  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Gardening gloves (for rough vegetation)
  • Reusable water bottle & snacks
  • Daypack and walking stick (provided or available for hire)
  • Camera (no flash photography)
• Are porters available?
  • Yes, local porters are available and highly recommended. They can carry your bag, help you navigate difficult terrain, and support the local economy. 

Africa has a tipping culture that is similar to America and it is appreciated when you tip guides, hotels, restaurants, and other key service providers.

Here are a few notes about tipping:

• Tipping can be in USD or in the local currency. 
• The best way to tip is to roll the money in your hand and shake each persons hand, or present them with an envelope. 
• The best time to tip is at the end of each activity, or at the end of your time with the guide (i.e. tip a safari guide when you say goodbye after X days). 
• Tips recommended below should be split between the group.
• Tips should ideally be handed to each ranger/tracker/guide or deposited into the tip boxes at the headquarters/lodge. 
  • Where practical, we do not recommend giving all of the tips to the head guide, as this usually leads to them keeping most of the tip and the rest of the staff missing out. 

Here is an approximate calculation of tips you might be expected to pay on this tour: 

In the event of an emergency, please contact the following in the order provided:

1. Our Australian office (first instance)
   • WhatsApp: +61 432 822 652
   • Email: [email protected]
2. Our East African office (second instance)
   • WhatsApp
     • Aloyce (Guest Relations | Tanzania): +255 624 009 895
     • Jacob (Guest Relations | Kenya): +254 726 555 776
     • Maria (Logistics Manager | Tanzania): +255 789 314 483
   • Email: [email protected]
3. The Australian Embassy
   • High Commission of Australia in Kenya (for all East African countries)
     • Address: Limuru Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
     • Phone: +254 204 277 100

If you are unable to reach Adventure Out Loud, please contact:

• Uganda 
  • Lake Mutanda Resort 
    • Address: Mukozi Village, Kisoro, Uganda
      Phone: +256 787 971220
• Rwanda 
  • Heaven Boutique Hotel 
    • +250 787 785 595
• Ronald
  • Our trusted driver in Rwanda & Uganda 
    • +256 772 510285

Talk to one of our African experts about adding one or more of the following to your adventure:

SAFARI
GORILLAS	CHIMPS
ZANZIBAR	MAFIA ISLAND
VICTORIA FALLS	CAPE TOWN

We have been exploring Africa since 2008, and can help you with all of Africa's big attractions. Simply call us on +61 432 822 652 or email [email protected]