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Welcome to Uganda, the best place in Africa to see gorillas up close! Uganda gorilla tours & safari adventures take you to the remote southwestern region in the misty mornings, where you can visit the incredible mountain gorillas. The rural landscape boasts world-class forest lodges that offer idyllic settings, giving you priceless moments with the enchanting gorilla families. With two national parks available for gorilla trekking, five visitor centers, and over half of the last endangered mountain gorilla population, Uganda is the best destination for your once-in-a-lifetime experience with Africa's gorillas. Let our local specialists help you plan your gorilla tour.
Tailor-made Uganda Gorilla Tours
If you're an animal lover or avid safari-goer, you simply can't miss the unmatched up-close encounters with Africa's gorillas on these treks. To help you plan your expedition, we've compiled a list of our best gorilla safaris in Africa. Take a look!
Short but sweet Gorilla Expedition, Fly to Bwindi.
5 Days | From US $2,426
Includes
Permits, Accommodation, Meals, Transport.
Classic Safari with Primates of Uganda's Rainforests
8 Days | From US $3,865
Includes
Permits, Accommodation, Meals, Transport.
Explore Uganda's Wilderness, See Gorillas, Chimps, And Wildlife on This tour
12 Days | From US $5,518
Includes
Permits, Accommodation, Meals, Transport.
Trek Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Road Trip Across The Country
5 Days
Gorilla Trekking & Nature Walking Trails - Bwindi by Air
6 Days
Trekking Gorillas & Golden Monkeys in Southwestern Uganda - Kisoro by Air
7 Days
walking off-the-beaten-track in southwestern Uganda
8 Days
See Gorillas in Bwindi and Wildlife Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
9 Days
Safari Honeymoon at the Nile and trek Gorillas, Chimps in Uganda
10 Days
Explore Uganda's Rich birdlife and see gorillas and more wildlife on this tour
11 Days
A tour to Adventure into Uganda's Top National Parks, Watching Wildlife & Trekking Primates
16 Days
Bird-Watching Across Uganda, Wildlife Viewing & Primates Trekking Safari
20 Days
Gorillas and Serengeti Safari, Uganda & Tanzania
10 Days
Bwindi and Masai Mara Safari Adventure
10 Days
All-inclusive Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
12 Days
Customer Reviews
By Karen - USA | Age: 50-65 | Experience: 2-5 safaris
Very knowledgeable and dependable.
Rating:
We just returned from Rwanda and Uganda. Nkuringo made all our arrangements. They had our guide, Patrick, waiting for at the airport. He stayed with us for our whole trip until he dropped us off at the airport in Uganda. He was always on time, knowledgeable and fun. He was totally fluent in English. We booked 2 other times but had to cancel due to the pandemic. The company worked with us on all the re-bookings. The excursions were good. We especially liked the boat tour in Queen Elizabeth National Park. We were able to see elephants, rhinos etc at at the lake's shore. We also really liked the Gorrilla and Chimpanzee tracking tours. The guides at the park are very good. I would say to avoid the Dian Fossy hike in Rwanda. The hike was rigorous and muddy. Most of the way we were in mud up to our knees. Thank goodness for the porters. Her camp and grave were anti climatic. It was not worth the effort. However, we signed up for this tour and were told is was rigorous. We recommend Nkuringo Safaris Uganda (esp. Patrick).
By Ashley Anderson - AU | Age: 50-65 | Experience: 2-5 safaris
The BEST Experience Ever!
Rating:
Nkuringo Safaris took such great care of us in Uganda, from transporting us to the airport for our light aircraft flight to Kisoro to our entire stay at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge to our return in Entebbe. They communicated with us throughout the entire trip and all of the staff and crew were very friendly and hospitable. Getting to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat was the bes t experience ever, and we were provided with hand carved walking sticks with our names on them, which was such a nice touch! It's not a trip I will be able to do all the time but I hope to be back one day and I would definitely book with Nkuringo Safaris again in the future.
By Rui Arco - PT | Age: 50-65 | Experience: 2-5 safaris
Extremely professional, knowledgeable and great value service.
Rating:
We had previously travelled in Uganda, with Nkuringo Walking Safaris, which is part of Nkuringo Safaris, and we had a great and unique experience. Nkuringo Lodge is great and is located in one of the most amazing and beautiful places in Africa. Due to our previous experience, we contacted Nkuringo Safaris to do a short trip to Rwanda (Lake Kivu and Nyungwe National Park) and DRC (Kahuzi-Biega Nati onal Park), for 10 nights and it was the right decision. Our driver/guide Julius in Rwanda was extremely professional and always taking care of us, and our driver/guide in DRC, Martin, was an asset, extremely professional and experienced, and took really good care of us. The accomodation was great value, well chosen - Paradise Malahide in Lake Kivu, to be close to a fishing village and be able to witness the movement of the fisherman, the market and the singing, also close to one of the trails which is part of the Congo-Nile trail; Orchids Safari Club in Bukavu, DRC, a charming, safe and absolutely lovely hotel; Nyungwe Top View Hotel, with great views, great staff and lovely accomodation. The food was always delicious, all personnel was very professional and friendly. For DRC, the visa was arranged prior to our arrival and finalized while crossing the border, quite stress free.
Overall, a great experience, great value for money and for sure, the right decision to have chosen Nkuringo Safaris Uganda! We definetely recommend it!
By Laura - GB | Age: 50-65 | Experience: First safari
Incredible experience thanks to Nkuringo Safaris!
Rating:
We were in Uganda early Dec 2022 and had a fabulous time. Our trip was fully organized by a travel agency in France, Luxethika, and a travel agency in Uganda, Nkuringo Safaris with limited input from us except that we wanted to see the mountain gorillas. Once we landed we were immediately taken care of by the team at Nkuringo and we could not have dreamt of better. Our trip was tailored perfectly to our wishes with the perfect balance between adventure and rest. Uganda is a beautiful country and offers so much much than the gorillas that represent already an experience of a lifetime. We had completely underestimated the variety and richness of what the country has to offer in terms of fauna, flora, landscapes, services, gorgeous hotels and cuisine. Absolutely everyone we met during our trip was of utmost kindness and attention. We felt safe and cared for at anytime whether it be in hotels or during walks or safaris with rangers. But our experience wouldn’t have been the same without our guide at Nkuringo: Jack. Jack was truly amazing and more than a guide, he has become a friend. In addition to being the kindest and most knowledgeable person (it was impressive the amount of bird species he knew!), he always went the extra mile so we could have the best experience in every activity we would be doing (and even managed to find TVs so we could watch the worldcup!). As a result, we were able to be alone with my husband (and the rangers of course) with the gorillas. Throughout our trip we traveled through Uganda and Jack was always teaching us something specific about the area we were visiting. Uganda is a beautiful country indeed but Jack made our trip absolutely unforgettable. We now have to come back to visit the northern part of the country!
The Gorilla Safari Experience
In Uganda, visitors on tour can experience gorillas in two different ways. The first is the regular gorilla trekking, which allows visitors to spend an hour with a fully human-habituated troop. Alternatively, visitors can opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which allows them to spend at least four hours with a semi-habituated (wild) group accompanied by researchers and rangers. Both gorilla expeditions are truly immersive.
The great apes of tropical Africa are undeniably fascinating. Their sheer size is impressive and captivating, even to someone who may be tired or overwhelmed. Watching mountain gorillas is a truly emotional experience.
The combination of immense strength and gentle nature, along with strong social bonds, connection to the environment, vulnerability, and struggle for survival, leaves visitors feeling humbled. It's amazing to see how similar these basic primates are to humans, both in appearance and behavior.
In fact, the DNA difference between humans and gorillas is only about 1.6%. In the past, we didn't fully appreciate the fascinating lives of these great apes, and popular media only fueled fear and misunderstanding. Now, more and more people are seeking an authentic experience in the tropical forests of East-Central Africa, on unforgetable gorilla expeditions, rather than settling for a behind-the-cage exhibition at the zoo.
Tourists can now experience unforgettable moments with Africa's giant primates by booking tours to see gorillas in East Africa's Uganda, Rwanda, or DRC. This is made possible by the success of the gorilla conservation program, which is supported by gorilla tourism and sustainable community programs.
Tours to see gorillas in Uganda start from any of UWA's five visitor centers or park management quarters in the early misty-morning hours. Since the national parks are far from the International Airport (about 310 mi/500 km), you must spend a night near the park entrance to join the early morning forest experience. Fortunately, several idyllic safari lodges surround the visitor centers.
Where To See Gorillas in Uganda
Uganda offers exceptional opportunities to see gorillas in their natural habitat, with renowned locations, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, providing unforgettable gorilla trekking tours.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi is a 25,000-year-old oasis of 331 square kilometres (128 sq mi) pristine rainforest with a vibrant ecosystem. It has 19 gorilla groups available for tourism in four sections (Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Ruhija Sectors) spread over the park's four corners. Visitors can access the park by domestic flights from Entebbe or by a 10-hour scenic drive.

Mgahinga National Park
Mgahinga National Park is on Uganda's side of the Virunga Mountains, shared with Rwanda and DRC. The 33.9-square-kilometer (13.1 sq mi) park conserving the slopes of Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo dormant volcanoes, is Uganda's smallest reserve. Apart from trekking gorillas, the park offers golden monkey tracking, hiking, and birding adventures.
Gorilla Tours Planning & Logistics
Making Reservations
Unlike big-city tours and overland adventures, planning a gorilla tour in Uganda requires Destination Management Company to buffer you against the local logistical dilemmas.
Our local gorilla safari specialists will book your trekking permits, organize your transfers between places, and recommend the best accommodations from our selection of properties we have visited and trust to host our type of customer.
Working with us ensures that you get the best recommendation on when to travel for the gorilla expedition, what to pack, and how to shape your expectation of traveling in remote African country for the first time.
Where To Stay
Forest resorts in these destinations are pristine, often with dramatic views of jungle canopies and rugged landscapes, transporting guests to idyllic enchantments excellent for tours to see gorillas in Africa.
Our selection of great safari lodges for gorilla trekking includes meals with accommodation, often all meals during your stay.
Usually, you have to book into a hotel near the airport, spend a night and dedicate the next day to traveling across to gorilla country. You'll spend a minimum of two nights in Bwindi, allowing you to save an entire day for the gorilla trekking experience.
Typical Travel Costs
The costs of a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda are basic and knowing where your money will be spent will help you comfortably plan your trip.
- Gorilla Trekking Permit (Foreigners - $700, Resident foreigners $600)
- Gorilla Habituation Permit ($1500)
- Transport & Transfer Costs ($240 – $350 per day)
- Domestic Flights ($500 - $700 pp return)
- Accommodation & Meals ($170 – $1500 per night, full board)
- Logistical Support Fees (relative)
The best accommodation for gorilla trekking
Conservation & Community
How gorilla tourism sustains local communities
When you book gorilla trekking tours in Uganda, you contribute directly to the species' survival and sustain poor communities around conservation areas with alternative livelihoods.
Please contact our office at info@nkuringosafaris.com for information about our programs that support communities around gorilla habitats.
Much of the mountain gorilla habitats overlap with impoverished, remote communities. People depended on the rainforests long before conservation as an essential source of fuel and food.
Their historical lands are now closed off, and they would be justified to consider gorillas a threat to their living. One of the most crucial factors for effective conservation is helping poor communities benefit from conservation programs.
The Uganda Government, through its conservation bodies, gives back twenty percent (20%) of every gorilla permit fee to the surrounding communities to develop infrastructure and create alternative livelihoods.
Despite considerable limitations, gorilla conservation through the tourism model has largely been successful for years.
Revenues from selling gorilla tracking permits have powerfully impacted their long-term outlook.
Ugandan locals are employed directly in the gorilla tours as guides, rangers, porters, service providers at lodges, souvenir artists, and many other employments around your successful encounter with the gorillas.
Tours in Uganda (and Rwanda) are highly developed and professionally organized.
Frequently Asked Questions.

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Ready to visit gorillas?
As local specialists, we work closely with you to plan a personalized gorilla tour that promises exceptional experiences. We understand that traveling to unfamiliar places and dealing with complex logistics can be overwhelming. So, we offer guidance to help you plan your wildlife vacation trip based on your preferences and needs.