Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The Pearl of Africa, Uganda, is a country of dense forests, shimmering lakes, volcanoes and dramatic mountain ranges. Uganda is best known for its Mountain gorilla population and is home to half of the world's 700 remaining individuals of this species. Trekking into the forests and spending an hourwith a big Silverback is a once-in-a lifetime wildlife experience.

While in Uganda, take the time to see the chimps, numerous bird species, rare forest elephants as well as the tree climbing lions. Enjoy fascinating interactions with various Ugandan communities and don’t miss out on the Kampala market where curios are dirt cheap.

There are not many luxury lodges in Uganda but most of the camps are comfortable enough. Click here for our pick of the best. Gorilla tracking tours are offered in the forested regions of the Bwindi National Park and the Queen Elizabeth National Park

Ugandan Gorilla Trekking Lodges

Uganda has a large varience in the luxury levels of their hotels. Our personal favourites are eco friendly lodges, in keeping with the conservation efforts, such as Gorilla Forest Camp.

Click here for a full list of our preferred lodges

Queen Elizabeth National Park

This park is set in the rift valley between Lakes Edward and George with the blue Rwenzori mountains to the north and the endless savanna in the east. It is renowned for its chimpanzee tracking, birding and wildlife safaris. Visitors can explore extinct volcanoes; visit the salt lakes; do boat trips on the Kazinga Channel; see flamingos in the crater lakes and see tree-climbing lions in Ishasha in the south.

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale is the best park for chimpanzee tracking. The tropical forest is host to 13 primate species and many chimpanzees, the highest density and diversity in Africa. Besides Chimpanzee tracking, visitors can also go on forest hikes and birding in the Bigodi wetland sanctuary. The local Bakiga people still maintain their cultural tradition which they express with folklore and dance.

Lake Mburo National Park

Although not very big, Lake Mburo National Park is has wide variety of impressive landscapes. It is located near Kampala and the other parks in the western Uganda. Lake Mburo is fringed with acacia and closed canopy Rubanga forest in the southwest and lush hills and wetlands to the east. There are numerous birds and mammal species including the rare Topi. Safari activities include game drives, Forest Walks and Boat trips as well as walks to a natural Salt Lick where game like to congregate.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

The Bwindi Forest protects more than half of the remaining gorilla population and is a World Heritage Site. No wonder it is a famous gorilla tracking destination! The tangled, weaving vegetation is host to many rare bird, mammal and reptile species. Besides seeing the moutain gorillas, visitors can also see chimpanzees, red and blue tailed monekys and colobus monkeys.

When & how best to travel in Uganda

In Uganda you always travel with a driver-guide - trust us, you don't want to brave the roads yourselves! Distances are vast so if your budget allows, you should consider flying at least one leg of your safari. It is especially important to travel outside of the rainy seasons in Uganda as the roads can get pretty bad during heavy rains. Read more in our "when to travel in East Africa" section.