Updated
Solo travellers go gorilla trekking in Uganda all the time, and it works well: on trek day you join a group of up to eight other visitors anyway, so you are never alone in the forest. The main differences are cost — a private vehicle and some lodge rooms cost the same for one person as for two — and planning, which is easiest through a reputable operator, either on a private trip or by joining a small group departure.
Here is how to plan a solo gorilla trip, keep costs down and travel safely and comfortably.
Private trip or group departure?
| Private solo trip | Small group departure | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Higher: you pay the whole vehicle and driver-guide | Lower: vehicle and guide shared |
| Dates | Your choice | Fixed departure dates |
| Pace and route | Fully flexible | Set itinerary |
| Company | Your driver-guide and lodge guests | Other travellers throughout |
| Best for | Specific dates, photographers, flexible plans | Budget-conscious and sociable travellers |
Costs for solo travellers
The gorilla permit is the same for everyone: US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. Where solo travellers pay more is everything shared. A 4×4 with a driver-guide costs roughly US$150–250 a day whether one or four people are in it, and many lodges charge a single supplement, so a solo private trip can cost 30–60% more per person than the same trip for a couple.
Group departures, budget lodges that charge per room rather than per person, and flying to Bwindi on a short trip instead of hiring a vehicle for days are the main ways to save. See Uganda gorilla safari costs and gorilla trekking on a budget.
Booking a permit as a solo traveller
Solo travellers actually have an advantage when booking: finding one permit on a given date is much easier than finding six or eight. Even in busy months, a single permit can often be found at shorter notice than for a group, especially in Rushaga, which has the most families. Book the permit first, then build the rest of the trip around it. See how gorilla permits work.
On the trek and at the lodge
At the 07:30 briefing, you join a group of up to eight visitors from different backgrounds, and the shared experience of the trek often leads to new friendships over dinner. A porter, for around US$15–20 plus a tip, is especially valuable when you are travelling alone, as there is nobody else to hold your bag or camera on steep sections. Lodges near Bwindi are sociable, with communal dining and fireside evenings, so solo travellers rarely feel isolated. Your driver-guide also becomes a companion and source of local knowledge throughout the trip.
Safety for solo travellers
Gorilla trekking is tightly organised, with ranger guides and armed escorts on every trek, and most solo travellers on organised trips feel safe. The main risks are the same as for any visitor: road travel, petty crime in Kampala and health.
Travel with a licensed operator and an experienced driver, avoid road travel after dark, keep valuables out of sight in the city, and share your itinerary with someone at home. Check your government’s travel advice before booking. Women travelling alone will find specific advice in solo female travel in Uganda, and wider guidance in our Uganda safety guide.
A good solo itinerary
A 3-day fly-in trip from Entebbe is the simplest solo option, avoiding long drives and the cost of a vehicle for many days. With more time, a 7-day trip combining Kibale’s chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi gives the best value from a vehicle hire, or joins a scheduled group. Flying into Kigali and visiting southern Bwindi or Mgahinga is another efficient choice. See the 3-day fly-in itinerary and our solo gorilla safari.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. You trek with a ranger-led group of up to eight visitors, so even solo travellers are part of a group in the forest.
The permit costs the same, but vehicles and some lodge rooms cost more per person. Group departures reduce the difference.
Partly, by bus to Kabale or Kisoro, but you need private transport to the trailhead for the 07:30 briefing. Arrange it through your lodge.
Most solo travellers find it sociable: you trek with a small group, eat with other guests at lodges and spend time with your driver-guide.
