How much does gorilla trekking in Uganda cost?

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800 per person for foreign non-residents. On top of that, expect $250–$700 per day for accommodation, transport, and park fees depending on your budget level. 3–4 day gorilla trek: $2,000–$4,500 per person all-in 7–8 day gorillas + wildlife safari: $4,000–$8,000 per person Uganda permits are significantly cheaper than Rwanda's ($1,500), making Uganda the better-value option for gorilla trekking.

Uganda vs Rwanda: which is better for gorilla trekking?

Both countries offer excellent gorilla encounters with similar success rates. The key differences: Cost: Uganda permits are $800 vs Rwanda's $1,500 Availability: Uganda has ~18 habituated families (160+ daily permits) vs Rwanda's ~12 families (~96 permits) Access: Rwanda's Volcanoes NP is 2–3 hours from Kigali; Bwindi is 8–10 hours from Entebbe (or 1 hour by charter flight) Add-ons: Uganda offers chimp tracking, savannah safaris, and the Nile; Rwanda offers golden monkeys, Nyungwe chimps, and Lake Kivu Most travellers choose Uganda for value and the ability to combine gorillas with a full wildlife safari.

UgandaGorilla Trekking & Safari Tours

Q: How difficult is gorilla trekking?

Moderately challenging. You hike through dense montane forest at altitudes between 1,190 m and 2,607 m for 2–6 hours, depending on the gorilla family's location that day. Trails can be steep and muddy, especially in wet months. Reasonable fitness is recommended, but you don't need to be an athlete. Porters are available for hire ($15–20) and are highly recommended. They carry your daypack and help on steep sections. The one-hour encounter with the gorillas makes every step worthwhile.

Q: What is the best time to visit Uganda for safari?

Uganda is a year-round destination . The dry seasons ( June–August and December–February ) offer the easiest trekking conditions and best wildlife viewing. The wet seasons (March–May, September–November) bring lush green landscapes, excellent birding with migratory species, and fewer crowds. Gorilla trekking operates every day of the year with a 98% success rate regardless of season.

Q: Can you combine gorilla trekking with a wildlife safari?

Yes, most travellers do exactly this. A classic 7–8 day itinerary combines gorilla trekking in Bwindi with game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. Longer trips of 10–12 days can add Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and the Source of the Nile in Jinja for a comprehensive Uganda experience.

Q: Is Uganda or Kenya better for safari?

They offer very different experiences . Kenya's Masai Mara is famous for the Great Migration river crossings and classic savannah big-game viewing. Uganda's standout is gorilla trekking (something Kenya can't offer), plus chimpanzee tracking, tree-climbing lions, and the Nile. Choose Kenya for wide-open plains and the Great Migration. Choose Uganda for primates, diverse landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower park fees. Many travellers do both on separate trips.

Q: How far in advance should I book gorilla permits?

Book at least 3–6 months ahead , especially for the peak dry seasons (June–August, December–February). Permits are limited to 8 people per gorilla family per day. Bwindi has 17 habituated families offering 152–184 daily permits, but popular sectors like Buhoma fill up fast. We secure permits as part of our itinerary planning. Tell us your dates and we handle the booking.

Trek with mountain gorillas in Bwindi, track chimps in Kibale, and spot tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth. Planned by local experts, executed by hand-picked operators.

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Uganda Safari Itineraries

Browse Uganda routes designed by GetSafariTours, from gorilla-focused weekenders to comprehensive wildlife circuits. We design the itinerary first, then match it with the local operator best suited to that route and travel style.

Gorilla Trekking

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Primates & Wildlife

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Lush green landscape of Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Discover Uganda

Why Safari in Uganda?

Winston Churchill called it “the Pearl of Africa” in 1908, and the name stuck. With over 20% of its land dedicated to wildlife reserves, Uganda offers Africa's most diverse primate experiences alongside classic savannah safaris, dramatic waterfalls, and some of the continent's best birding (over 1,000 species).

Half the World's Mountain Gorillas

Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to roughly half of all remaining mountain gorillas, around 459 of the estimated 1,063 left in the wild.

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Gorilla Permits at Half the Price

Uganda gorilla trekking permits cost $800, compared to $1,500 in neighbouring Rwanda. Same encounter, nearly half the cost.

13 Primate Species

From chimpanzees in Kibale Forest to golden monkeys in Mgahinga, Uganda has one of the highest primate diversities of any country on Earth.

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Tree-Climbing Lions

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of only two places in Africa where lions regularly climb and rest in fig trees, a behaviour scientists still can't fully explain.

Source of the Nile

Jinja sits at the point where the White Nile flows out of Lake Victoria. Combine your safari with white-water rafting or a boat trip to the source.

Fewer Crowds

Uganda receives a fraction of the safari visitors that Kenya and Tanzania do, meaning more intimate wildlife encounters and uncrowded game drives.

The Experience

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking is Uganda's signature wildlife experience. You hike through dense montane forest with armed rangers and trackers until you reach a habituated gorilla family, then spend one hour observing silverbacks, mothers, and juveniles at close range.

Permit Cost

$800 / person

Group Size

Max 8 trekkers per gorilla family

Duration

2–6 hour hike + 1 hour with gorillas

Fitness Level

Moderate to challenging (1,190–2,607 m altitude)

Success Rate

98% (gorillas are tracked daily by rangers)

Best Months

Jun–Aug & Dec–Feb (drier trails)

Where to Trek

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

17 Habituated Families

UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to roughly half of all remaining mountain gorillas. Four trekking sectors (Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo) spread demand and offer different terrain experiences.

Sectors: Buhoma (4), Rushaga (9), Ruhija (4), Nkuringo (3)
Daily permits: 152–184 across all sectors
Getting there: 8–10 hr drive from Entebbe, or 1 hr charter flight to Kihihi

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

1 Habituated Family

Smaller and quieter than Bwindi, sitting on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes. The resident Nyakagezi family sometimes crosses into Rwanda or Congo, so availability varies. Also home to endangered golden monkeys.

Family: Nyakagezi (the family occasionally crosses borders)
Daily permits: ~8
Getting there: 9–10 hr drive from Entebbe, or charter flight to Kisoro

The Safari Circuit

Uganda's Top National Parks

Most Uganda itineraries combine gorilla trekking in the southwest with savannah game drives and primate tracking. These four parks form the core of what we recommend for first-time visitors.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Home of the Mountain Gorillas

A UNESCO World Heritage Site sheltering roughly half of all remaining mountain gorillas. The ancient montane forest spans 321 km² across four trekking sectors and supports over 350 bird species, making it one of Africa's most biodiverse areas.

Wildlife Sightings

Mountain Gorilla: ~Half of All Wild
L'Hoest's Monkey: Common
Black-and-white Colobus: Common
Forest Elephant: Rare
Giant Forest Hog: Occasional
African Golden Cat: Rare
Chameleon (14 species): Common

Park Fees: $40/day + $800 gorilla permit

Entebbe to Bwindi: 8–10 hours drive, or 1 hr charter flight to Kihihi.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Tree-Climbing Lions & Boat Safaris

Uganda's most popular savannah park, famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector and the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, a 2-hour safari by water past hippos, elephants, buffalo, and hundreds of waterbirds.

Wildlife Sightings

Tree-climbing Lion: Ishasha Sector
Elephant: Common
Buffalo: Very Common
Hippo: Very Common
Leopard: Occasional
Chimpanzee (Kyambura Gorge): Occasional
Shoebill: Rare

Park Fees: $40/day

Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth: 5–6 hours drive.

Kibale Forest National Park

Primate Capital of the World

The densest concentration of primates in Africa, with 13 species including habituated chimpanzees. Home to over 1,450 chimps, Kibale offers morning chimp tracking walks and full-day habituation experiences alongside 375+ bird species.

Wildlife Sightings

Chimpanzee: 1,450+ Individuals
Red Colobus: Common
Grey-cheeked Mangabey: Common
L'Hoest's Monkey: Common
Blue Monkey: Common
Olive Baboon: Very Common
Red-tailed Monkey: Common

Park Fees: $40/day + $200 chimp tracking permit

Entebbe to Kibale: 5–6 hours drive.

Murchison Falls National Park

Where the Nile Explodes

Uganda's largest national park (3,840 km²). The Nile forces through a 7-metre gap to create the spectacular Murchison Falls. The park offers classic savannah game drives on the north bank and a boat cruise to the base of the falls with guaranteed hippo, croc, and elephant sightings.

Wildlife Sightings

Rothschild's Giraffe: Endangered
Elephant: Common
Lion: Common
Hippo: Very Common
Nile Crocodile: Very Common
Shoebill: Rare
Hartebeest: Common

Park Fees: $40/day

Entebbe to Murchison Falls: 4–5 hours drive.

Beyond the Parks

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The only place in Uganda to see rhinos. Located between Entebbe and Murchison Falls, Ziwa is home to reintroduced southern white rhinos, a common stop on northern circuit itineraries.

Jinja & Source of the Nile

Where the White Nile flows out of Lake Victoria. A popular add-on for white-water rafting, bungee jumping, or a peaceful boat trip to the source, about 2 hours east of Entebbe.

Plan Your Trip

Best Time for a Uganda Safari

Uganda is a year-round destination. Gorilla trekking operates every day. Dry seasons offer easier trails; green seasons offer lower prices and superb birding.

Dry season safari in Uganda with clear skies over savannah

The primary dry season and Uganda's peak safari months. Trails in Bwindi are at their driest, savannah parks have excellent wildlife concentrations near water sources, and daytime temperatures sit at a comfortable 25–27 °C.

What to Expect

Driest trails in Bwindi. Easier hiking and better photography conditions
Peak wildlife viewing. Animals concentrate at water sources in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls
Clear skies. Ideal for the Kazinga Channel boat cruise and scenic drives

Tradeoffs

Highest demand. Gorilla permits sell out 3–6 months ahead
Premium pricing. Lodges charge peak-season rates

Verdict: The best overall window for a Uganda safari, especially if gorilla trekking is your priority. Book permits early.

Choose Your Duration

How Many Days for a Uganda Safari?

Unlike Tanzania's compact Northern Circuit, Uganda's highlights are spread across the country. Shorter trips focus on Bwindi; longer trips add savannah parks, chimps, and the Nile.

3–4 Days

Gorilla Express

Gorilla trekking as a standalone trip or add-on to another East Africa safari

How Much Does a Uganda Safari Cost?

Daily costs excluding the gorilla permit. The $800 permit is a one-time fixed cost added on top of your daily rate.

Budget

Basic lodges, shared transport

$250/day

Mid-Range

Quality lodges, private 4x4

$450/day

Luxury

Premium lodges, fly-in transfers

$800/day

Example Total Trip Costs

Per person, including gorilla permit, park fees, accommodation, transport, and meals.

3–4 Day Gorilla Trek

$2k–$4.5k

Budget to mid-range

7–8 Day Classic

$4k–$8k

Mid-range to luxury

10–12 Day Ultimate

$6k–$15k

Mid-range to luxury

Browse our Uganda itineraries with pricing →

What Drives the Price

Gorilla Permits Are the Biggest Single Cost

At $800 per person, the gorilla trekking permit is a fixed cost regardless of your budget tier. For a 7-day trip, the permit alone accounts for 15–45% of total spend. Chimp tracking in Kibale adds another $200.

Accommodation Drives the Daily Rate

The biggest variable is where you sleep. Budget guesthouses near Bwindi start around $80–150/night, while luxury gorilla lodges run $500–1,000+/night with all-inclusive service.

Internal Flights Save Time but Add Cost

Charter flights from Entebbe to Bwindi (Kihihi airstrip) cost $200–400 per person each way but save 8+ hours of driving. Worth it on shorter itineraries where road time eats into safari days.

Tipping & Extras

Budget for porter hire during gorilla treks ($15–20, highly recommended), guide tips ($20–30/day per group), and the Uganda e-visa ($50 for most nationalities).

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What Travellers Say

Verified reviews from travellers who booked with GetSafariTours.

Guylaine G

April 2026

We went on safari with Churchill safaris in September, 2014. All took place according to our expectations. Our guide Joseph was very competent and attentive to all our requests. The accommodations were in accordance with our needs and the food was delicious. Game drives in the different parks were the best for us. I recommend Churchill safaris to whom wants to go on safari with moderate price and without constraints.

Review for Churchill Safaris

bobolouie

April 2026

Our driver Charles was excellent in regards to his driving skills, punctuality, friendliness, and knowledge about the area. We did the gorilla trek and everything was efficiently organized by Churchill, including the lunches we took on the hike. Would absolutely use again for another tour

Review for Churchill Safaris

Mark H

April 2026

We were a family of 5 who took a 10 day safari in Uganda with Churchill Tours. Our guide Morris was wonderful - very knowledgeable, helpful and seemed to be very well known and liked by everybody at the places we visited. He had an amazing knowledge of the wide variety of places we visited including how to find elusive lions in the national parks. He was also a very safe driver. The only down side was the quality of the vehicle which was old - the air-conditioning died on the first day - and it was the dry season. The office was also very helpful and responsive during planning of the trip.

Review for Churchill Safaris

Kim P

April 2026

I booked on the 13 day Rwanda/Uganda trip in July this year. It was probably one of the best tours I have ever done.

My guide Isaac was professional, knowledgeable, thoughtful and informative. An all round lovely guy, great company with an infectious giggle ! We were a team :)

In fact I called him my lucky charm as all my experiences were outstanding. I did the Chimpanzee tracking, as well as Gorilla Trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda. Each time I know Isaac was working away quietly in the background to make sure my experience was the best possible. Isaac was also an excellent animal and bird spotter !

Isaac made some of the long driving days so very interesting, talking about the history and politics of Uganda as well as describing and explaining the way of life for all the hardworking Ugandans we saw as we travelled.

The whole time I was in Uganda I felt safe and welcome.The itinerary was well thought out and interesting. All accommodation was great, food wholesome , healthy and tasty with plenty of water supplied for the long hot dusty drives.

I was lucky enough to meet the whole team at Churchill on my return to Kampala. All were warm and welcoming and I was especially pleased to be able to personally thank the long suffering Brenda for her endless patience and prompt responses when I was going through the booking and planning stage. I know I wasn't easy but Brenda never showed any sign of frustration which she must have been because I would have been with me ! Thank you to all the team for a wonderful trip and for your patience Brenda.

Lastly, they must be great as they were voted I think number 11 in the top 100 African tour companies and No 2 in Uganda - well done and well deserved !!

Review for Churchill Safaris

nadinelb

April 2026

From Ziwa Rhini Santuary to : Murchison Falls N.P., Kibale Forest N.P., Bigodi Swamp, Queen Elizabeth N.P., Ishasha sector, Bwindi N.P and Lake Mburo...
This trip was very well planned by Churchill Safaris with our amazing guide, Emmy. All these places had their magic. The accomodations were very nice. We had a Land Rover: very convenient in certain areas...I booked this trip from home (Montréal) and the Company was very professional all along. I would highly recommend Churchill Safaris.

Review for Churchill Safaris

E B

April 2026

We used Churchill for our trip to Uganda and were very happy we did. We emailed several safari companies, but Ether was the first to respond. She was very quick with answers and was able to create a safari to our specifications. She made our travels go smoothly and was able to make changes once we were already in country. We ended up changing lodges and staying an extra day without any problem. I found Churchill, and Ether, to run a first rate safari company and found them to be very honest.
Our guide was Morris, he was awesome. He was very knowledgable about the plants and animals in country. He drove well and allowed us to stop whenever we wanted. We had good conversation on the long drives and he explained what we were seeing on the roadsides. We had a great time with Morris and would recommend him to anyone traveling to Uganda. Churchill was one of the best safari companies we have used while traveling in Africa.

Review for Churchill Safaris

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Uganda safaris and gorilla trekking.

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800 per person for foreign non-residents. On top of that, expect $250–$700 per day for accommodation, transport, and park fees depending on your budget level.

3–4 day gorilla trek: $2,000–$4,500 per person all-in
7–8 day gorillas + wildlife safari: $4,000–$8,000 per person

Uganda permits are significantly cheaper than Rwanda's ($1,500), making Uganda the better-value option for gorilla trekking.

Yes. Uganda's gorilla trekking regions (Bwindi and Mgahinga) are safe and well-regulated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Trekkers are accompanied by armed rangers and experienced trackers at all times. The habituated gorilla families are accustomed to human visitors. They are observed daily by rangers even when no tourists are present.

Moderately challenging. You hike through dense montane forest at altitudes between 1,190 m and 2,607 m for 2–6 hours, depending on the gorilla family's location that day. Trails can be steep and muddy, especially in wet months.

Reasonable fitness is recommended, but you don't need to be an athlete. Porters are available for hire ($15–20) and are highly recommended. They carry your daypack and help on steep sections. The one-hour encounter with the gorillas makes every step worthwhile.

Both countries offer excellent gorilla encounters with similar success rates. The key differences:

Cost: Uganda permits are $800 vs Rwanda's $1,500
Availability: Uganda has ~18 habituated families (160+ daily permits) vs Rwanda's ~12 families (~96 permits)
Access: Rwanda's Volcanoes NP is 2–3 hours from Kigali; Bwindi is 8–10 hours from Entebbe (or 1 hour by charter flight)
Add-ons: Uganda offers chimp tracking, savannah safaris, and the Nile; Rwanda offers golden monkeys, Nyungwe chimps, and Lake Kivu

Most travellers choose Uganda for value and the ability to combine gorillas with a full wildlife safari.

Uganda is a year-round destination. The dry seasons (June–August and December–February) offer the easiest trekking conditions and best wildlife viewing. The wet seasons (March–May, September–November) bring lush green landscapes, excellent birding with migratory species, and fewer crowds.

Gorilla trekking operates every day of the year with a 98% success rate regardless of season.

Yes, most travellers do exactly this. A classic 7–8 day itinerary combines gorilla trekking in Bwindi with game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest.

Longer trips of 10–12 days can add Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and the Source of the Nile in Jinja for a comprehensive Uganda experience.

They offer very different experiences. Kenya's Masai Mara is famous for the Great Migration river crossings and classic savannah big-game viewing. Uganda's standout is gorilla trekking (something Kenya can't offer), plus chimpanzee tracking, tree-climbing lions, and the Nile.

Choose Kenya for wide-open plains and the Great Migration. Choose Uganda for primates, diverse landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower park fees. Many travellers do both on separate trips.

Book at least 3–6 months ahead, especially for the peak dry seasons (June–August, December–February). Permits are limited to 8 people per gorilla family per day. Bwindi has 17 habituated families offering 152–184 daily permits, but popular sectors like Buhoma fill up fast.

We secure permits as part of our itinerary planning. Tell us your dates and we handle the booking.

Parks & Experiences	3–4 Days	7–8 Days	10–12 Days
Bwindi (gorilla trekking)
Queen Elizabeth NP
Kibale Forest (chimp tracking)
Lake Bunyonyi (scenic stop)	Optional	Optional
Murchison Falls NP
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Jinja / Source of the Nile			Optional