In total there are only around 786 mountain gorillas remaining in the world. Around half of them live in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. Because these animals are extremely endangered, travelers often find that there are a lot of hoops to jump through in order to catch a peek at a mountain gorilla. However, it is worth it as these animals can't survive in captivity and tend to be much different than the gorillas you may have seen in the zoo. If you want to see Uganda's gorillas, keep this information in mind.

When To Go

The best times to see mountain gorillas in Uganda is June through September and December to February. You can technically see them year round, but some months are fairly rainy which can make for an unpleasant visit.

What You Need

In order to go on a mountain gorilla trek in Uganda, you will need a permit. Permit prices tend to vary. They typically range from $450-$600. While you can purchase these permits on your own, many travelers who aren't familiar with the area will make a booking to see a gorilla family that's far away from where they are staying. The area is fairly remote and it's best to work with a tour company who can help you on your quest to see Uganda's gorillas. In order to get a gorilla permit, you will need to know your travel dates and be prepared to pay for your permit so that the tour company can obtain it for you. It will also be required that you send them a copy of your passport so that they can register your permit. If you choose to purchase your permit yourself, you will have a more difficult time. Most individuals can only buy two gorilla permits each month, three months before they actually intend to travel to see them.

About The Trek

There are some things to keep in mind when you see the gorillas. You will most likely need to visit the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Its massive canopy makes it fairly dark which is great for mountain gorillas. The forest also has an altitude of anywhere from 1,160 meters to 2,607 meters. The weather can be wet and cold, especially at the higher altitudes. This means that you should wear an extra layer of clothing. There may also be some climbing involved so wear shoes that are meant for rough terrain. Many are surprised when they see a mountain gorilla. These gorillas can grow as large as 6 feet tall and weigh as much as 500 pounds. Despite their size, they are fairly gentle and don't pose a threat to humans.

Tour Options

As mentioned previously, there are tour operators that offer mountain gorilla sightseeing as primary focuses of their trips.  These are highly recommended because they make the acquisition of gorilla permits much easier.  Below is a list of only some of our recommended tours with Gorilla sightseeing in Uganda. If you are interested in one of these tours or seeing more of our available tours of the area, feel free to contact us for some more information.