Ugandan Gorilla Tracking & Safaris

Overview

A rare opportunity to experience gorillas in the wild. This will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable trips in your life. Of the few places in the world where gorilla tracking is possible, the best experience is in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. Let the experts at Kilimanjaro Tropical Adventures arrange this life changing experience. This can be paired with Rwenzori mountain climbing or a wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. Contact us for full details and we can work on creating your custom itinerary.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Trekking for gorillas in mountainous rainforest often means hours of hiking on steep, narrow footpaths and walking through dense jungle behind a scout who slashes a path through the foliage with a machete. You need to be at least walking fit – the guides ensure you take plenty of breaks – and properly equipped for a tough environment. We recommend broken-in hiking boots that protect your ankles, double-layered socks plus knee-high gaiters. Please be aware that you will not be allowed to go on a gorilla trek if you have a cold or any other contagious illness since gorillas are highly susceptible to human illnesses.

Bwindi is located 460km from Kampala, approximately a 7.5 hour drive. There are 3 airstrips inside the forest if you would rather fly in by safari plane.

The success rate of finding gorillas on a daily basis is around 90% and such is the positive impact of these conservation-driven treks that the gorilla population is actually increasing. Your guide will go through several regulations required for your safety and the well being of the gorillas.

Yes, the gorillas are definitely the highlight of the tour but there are 11 other species of primate and numerous mammals ranging from forest elephants to giant forest hogs. The bird watching is excellent – there are 23 endemic species among the 350 recorded bird species – while even the most seasoned of nature-lovers will be amazed by the dazzling colors of Bwindi’s 200 butterfly species.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a destination on most Ugandan safari itineraries and combines easily with a Queen Elizabeth National Park safari. There is specialist gorilla trekking accommodation in and next to the forest – talk to us about the best accommodation options for you and we’ll do all we can to make your Bwindi Forest gorilla trek an amazing adventure.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Paired easily with a Rwenzori Mountains climb, Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular and most accessible savanna reserve and is home to elephant, buffalo, leopard, various antelope species and the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha Plains. There is an option of a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel to spot hippo and crocodile. Queen Elizabeth NP is one of the world’s best bird-watching destinations with 600 recorded bird species present. A good pair of binoculars will come in handy. It is only 50km from Rwenzori Mountains, a 1 hour drive. The driving time from Bwindi is 5 - 6 hours and visiting Queen Elizabeth NP is often combined with gorilla tracking. There are airstrips inside the park if you would rather fly into this destination by safari plane from Bwindi or Kampala. It is a 6 - 7 hour drive from Kampala. The park is 1,978 sq km in size and 2 - 3 days is the typical time spent at this destination.