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Mountain gorillas can only survive in the wild, so trekking into their native forests is your only chance to catch a peek.
Sitting in silence on the ground of a Ugandan forest for 60 minutes might be one of life’s greatest privileges. There are fewer than 900 mountain gorillas in existence, and gorilla trekking provides a rare opportunity to observe the everyday interactions of these gentle, mysterious primates.
Mountain gorillas only live in the dense vegetation of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and along the dormant volcanic Virunga mountain range that stretches across Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In 1981, environmentalists estimated there were only 254 mountain gorillas left in the world, but the small population is rising slowly thanks to intense international conservation efforts. Since these critically endangered creatures can’t survive in captivity, the only way to see them is by trekking up to their natural habitat: misty cloud forests that can reach altitudes of 14,763 feet.
There are two gorilla trekking spots in Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Gorillas don’t pay mind to political borders, so populations across the Virungas are relatively fluid. Uganda has an edge, however, since Bwindi alone is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (also called “The Place of Darkness” due to its dense treetops) is an ancient, montane and lowland forest spanning 128 square miles. The region was named a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its incredible biodiversity and the large number of endangered species that call it home.
Habitat destruction is the main threat to mountain gorillas. Communities around the parks are heavily populated, and residents have traditionally used land around national park boundaries for farming or logging.
Since tourism is now Uganda’s most lucrative industry, and the majority of tourists come to see the mountain gorillas, trekkers are encouraged to seek out ways to give back to the communities they visit. One popular option is to hire a porter, who is always a local resident and occasionally a reformed poacher. The landscape within the parks is unpredictable and difficult; porters help guide trekkers through river crossings and up steep, muddy inclines. Another option is to participate in community-led cultural initiatives. In Bwindi village, the Bwindi Bar trains disenfranchised young adults in hospitality through rigorous classes and work experience.
There are strict regulations in place to make sure the gorillas stay healthy and wild, starting with the gorilla trekking permit process. Daily viewings of each gorilla group are extremely limited.
Most trekking in Uganda takes place in Bwindi, where there are multiple starting points and several gorilla families to track. Visits are led by park rangers and groups of eight are allowed to observe the gorillas for one hour, in silence and at a safe distance.
One look at southwestern Uganda’s green terraced hills and rolling volcanic slopes and it’s clear this area of the country is incredible. Gorilla trekking in Uganda promises to be the adventure of a lifetime.
Reaching the gorillas requires navigating uphill and downhill through tangles of vines, thorns, and roots. The appropriately named Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is only accessible by foot. There are no paths, no signs, no directions—and more often than not, no clearings (which is why the park rangers carry machetes). The good news? The reward seems that much better after all the hard work.
Uganda is a primate-lover’s dream. In addition to mountain gorillas, Mgahinga is home to another endangered species: the golden monkey. These furry, comical monkeys live high up in bamboo forests. Tracking golden monkeys is very similar to tracking gorillas.
Home to almost half the world’s surviving mountain gorillas, the World Heritage–listed Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of East Africa’s most famous national parks. Set over 331 sq km of improbably steep mountain rainforest, the park is home to an estimated 340 gorillas: undoubtedly Uganda’s biggest tourist drawcard.
As well as its famous primates, the park contains 120 other species of mammal – more than any of Uganda’s other national parks – though sightings are less common due to the dense forest. Lucky visitors might see forest elephants, 11 species of primate (including chimpanzees and L’Hoest’s monkeys), duikers, bushbucks, African golden cats and the rare giant forest hog, as well as a host of bird and insect species. For birdwatchers it’s one of the most exciting destinations in the country, with over 350 species, including 23 of the 24 endemic to the Albertine Rift and several endangered species, such as the African green broadbill. With a good guide, sighting daily totals of more than 150 species is possible. On the greener side of the aisle, Bwindi harbours eight endemic plants.
Return airfare Entebbe/Kihihi/Entebbe
1 night accommodation @
2 night’s accommodation @ Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
All meals included at Mahogany Springs Lodge (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Services of local guides in Entebbe and Kihihi
Transportation by private vehicle throughout in Entebbe and Kihihi
National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary fees
Meet and Greet service upon arrival into Entebbe
All porterage at airports and hotels
Gorilla Trek Permits currently @ USD 800.00 per person
Afternoon – Arrive Entebbe (Uganda)
Arriving into Entebbe, meet your guide and travel to your accommodation. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at your leisure.
Overnight: Protea Hotel by Marriott, Entebbe
Morning – travel to Kihihi and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Check-out after breakfast this morning and travel to the airstrip for your flight to Kihihi.
Aerolink Uganda A8117
10:15 Depart Entebbe
11:25 Arrive Kihihi
(duration: 1hr 10minutes)
NOTE: Our flight is likely to be a private charter hence alternative late morning flight.
Arriving into Kihihi, meet your lodge staff and travel via private vehicle to your hotel, located on the edge of the Impenetrable Forest National Park, Bwindi (the drive is approximately 1 hour).
Afternoon and evening – at leisure
Arriving at the lodge, check-in with the reminder of the afternoon at leisure. Enjoy a delicious dinner this evening at the lodge, followed by a nightcap alongside an open fireplace.
Overnight: Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Buffet breakfast to be served at the lodge.
Morning – Gorilla Trek
After an early breakfast and briefing with your guides, set off in search of the mountain gorillas. Your trek through the mountain forest will depend on the location of the gorilla family. Your tracker and guide will also enlighten you on the other fauna and flora present in the rainforest. Trekking in the high altitude, humidity, steep terrain and dense vegetation requires a reasonable level of fitness.
Return to your lodge for a late lunch and spend the remainder of your day at leisure at your lodge.
Late Afternoon – at leisure
After a great day tracking your gorilla family, the reminder of the day and evening is at your leisure.
Dinner this evening is at your lodge, continue to an open fireplace for an evening nightcap.
Overnight: Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Morning – Depart Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park to Kihihi and Entebbe
This morning is at your leisure prior to late morning check-out and travel to the airstrip for your flight to Entebbe (the drive is approximately 1 hour).
Aerolink Uganda A8122
14:30 Depart Kihihi
16:15 Arrive Entebbe
(duration: 1hrs 45mins)
NOTE: Our flight is likely to be a private charter hence alternative late morning/early afternoon flight departure.
Arriving into Entebbe, transfer to Entebbe International Terminal for your onward International or Domestic flight
End of itinerary!
This luxurious 4 star resort hotel is ideally located on the glistening shores of Lake Victoria and a convenient 1 kilometre from the Entebbe airport.
Protea Hotel Entebbe offers a wide variety of services and amenities including a restaurant that offers an exciting and truly inviting a la carte menu seven days of the week. Specialties include Tilapia and Nile Perch, while guests can also relax on the terrace and bar. It’s a hotel that complements your travel style. With elegant furnishings and a warm, inviting feel, the hotel’s decor and rooms create a luxurious atmosphere. The outside terrace, with its own special ambience and superb lake views is the perfect place to take it all in.
Accommodation boasting uninterrupted views of Lake Victoria.
Warm, inviting, modern décor
86 spacious and well-furnished rooms and suites with en suite bathrooms
Amenities include complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, satellite TV and electronic safes
Deluxe rooms and suites include private balconies with breathtaking lake views
12 Executive suites and 2 Junior suites with lounge/work area
Room service features our superb cuisine
Tides restaurant offers an a la carte menu seven days a week.
Daily specials 'with a difference' are also a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike. The perfect place to kick off a decadent evening out or simply just to relax and enjoy the sunset.
Mahogany Springs Lodge is the perfect base for your gorilla trekking adventure, offering privacy and optimal comfort in a spectacular setting.
Perched on top of the Munyanga River, overlooking Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mahogany Springs consists of 12 Luxury Suites, surrounded by beautiful gardens and panoramic views of the verdant valley.
Mahogany Springs has been welcoming guests to Uganda for 11 years. Our whole team is one big family, well known for its hospitality and excellent guest service.
The lodge is managed by the experienced and attentive General Manager, Subedi, and his Assistant Manager team consisting of world-class barman, Abraham, and hospitality expert Fred. Together with their entire team they ensure that every guest leaves Mahogany Springs with a memory of a lifetime.
The main lodge building at Mahogany Springs is perched on a hillside, offering spectacular views of Bwindi from its panoramic terrace. Take a seat on the terrace or in our spacious restaurant and enjoy a variety of internationally inspired food and drinks. Private dining is also available by the river or on your own balcony. The bar is fully stocked with a fantastic range of wines, beers, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks, so there’s something for everyone.
Pull up a stool or relax in our newly refurbished living room – it’s the perfect place to read a book with a coffee or flick through your gorilla trekking photos.
In the evening, why not relax on one of our extra comfy sofas, by the fire, enjoying a well-earned glass of wine. If you want to relax in the privacy of your own room, why not book a massage with our expert masseuse who will soothe those aching muscles.
Within the main building, there is also a gift shop selling a range of locally made crafts, clothing and Ugandan souvenirs for you or your loved ones. If you want to purchase any items in advance, please visit our shop and they will be waiting for you in room upon check-in.
