These are the 40 questions we are asked most frequently by travellers planning gorilla trekking in Uganda. We answer them honestly — including the questions where the honest answer is “it depends” or “sometimes yes” rather than the confident guarantee that some operators provide. If you have a question not covered here, contact us directly. We will answer it the same way.
Permits and Booking
1. How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost? USD 700 per person in Uganda. USD 1,500 in Rwanda. The price is set by the government and is the same regardless of which operator you book through.
2. How far in advance should I book? For peak season (June to August, December to January), three to six months minimum. For low season, one to two months is usually sufficient. For group bookings of six or more, six to twelve months is advisable.
3. Can I book a permit directly from UWA? International visitors cannot purchase permits directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority. You must book through a licensed operator.
4. What if the permit sells out for my dates? Contact us — we sometimes have access to permits through our UWA relationship that are not visible on general availability. If your dates are truly sold out, we will suggest alternative dates or sectors.
5. Can I change my permit date after booking? Permits are date-specific and generally non-transferable. Date changes require cancelling the original permit (which may incur a forfeit) and purchasing a new one, subject to availability. Plan your dates carefully before paying.
6. What is your permit procurement success rate? 99.7 percent. The 0.3 percent of cases where something went differently involved extraordinary circumstances — UWA system outages, park closures — and in every case we provided a full resolution including date alternatives or refunds.
The Physical Experience
7. How fit do I need to be? Moderately fit. You should be able to walk for two to seven hours on steep, uneven forest terrain. Regular walking, hiking, or stair climbing in the months before your trek makes a significant difference.
8. Is gorilla trekking safe for people over 70? Generally yes, with the right preparation and support. We have guided trekkers in their 80s successfully. The key variables are cardiovascular fitness, joint health, and willingness to use a porter for physical support. Consult your physician before booking.
9. How long does the trek take? Anywhere from 45 minutes to seven hours to reach the gorilla family. The average is two to three hours. The return trek is usually shorter. Allow a full day.
10. What if I cannot complete the trek? Guides are trained to manage this. You will not be left behind. In extreme cases, a porter can provide physical support or a shorter route can be used. If you are genuinely unable to continue, you will be escorted back to the briefing point safely.
11. Do I need walking poles? They are not required but are useful, particularly on steep descents. Many trekkers find a single pole helpful. Guides carry walking sticks that can be borrowed if needed.
12. Should I hire a porter? Yes, in almost every case. Porters carry your pack, support you physically on difficult sections, and significantly reduce the energy cost of the trek. The fee is modest (USD 15 plus tip). There is no reason not to hire one.
The Encounter Itself
13. Will I definitely see gorillas? Yes. The habituated families are tracked daily. Permit-day encounter rates in Uganda are effectively 100 percent. The gorillas are always found.
14. How close will I get to the gorillas? The minimum distance is seven metres. In practice, gorillas sometimes approach closer — juveniles may come within one to two metres out of curiosity. You do not control the proximity; the guide manages it.
15. How long do I have with the gorillas? One hour from the moment your group is with the family.
16. Can I take photographs? Yes, without flash. There are no restrictions on the number of photographs. Drones are not permitted.
17. Will the gorillas be aggressive? Habituated gorillas are calm around human visitors. Incidents are extremely rare and almost always result from guide or trekker protocol violations. Follow instructions and you will be safe.
18. What if I am sick on trek day? If you have respiratory symptoms, you should not trek. This is a conservation requirement — gorillas are susceptible to human respiratory infections. Inform us as early as possible; we will attempt to rebook your permit for an alternative date.
Logistics and Practicalities
19. Do I need a visa for Uganda? Most nationalities require a visa. Uganda’s East Africa Tourist Visa (shared with Kenya and Rwanda) is available online. Check current requirements for your nationality.
20. Do I need a yellow fever vaccination? Yes, it is required for Uganda entry from most countries. Carry your certificate.
21. How do I get from Entebbe to Bwindi? By road (6 to 8 hours depending on sector and road conditions) or by charter flight to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips (approximately 1 hour). We arrange both options.
22. What is the accommodation like near Bwindi? Ranges from budget guesthouses (USD 30 to 80 per night) to mid-range lodges (USD 150 to 350) to luxury lodges (USD 400 to 800+). All within reasonable distance of the briefing points. We recommend mid-range or above for comfort on what is already a demanding trip.
23. Is Uganda safe to visit? Yes. Uganda is one of the safest countries in East Africa for international visitors. The Bwindi area has had no significant security incidents affecting tourists in over two decades.
24. What currency do I need? Ugandan shillings for small purchases; USD is widely accepted for major tourism services. Bring USD in small denominations for tips (USD 1 to 20 bills).
25. Is there mobile phone coverage at Bwindi? Yes, though coverage is variable. MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda provide 3G and sometimes 4G coverage in the main lodge areas. Deep in the forest there is no signal.
Conservation and Ethics
26. Does gorilla trekking help conservation? Yes, directly. 20 percent of permit revenue goes to community benefit programmes. The remainder funds UWA conservation operations including ranger salaries, veterinary care, and anti-poaching.
27. How many gorillas are there? Over 1,000 mountain gorillas globally as of 2027, spread across Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC. The population has tripled since the 1990s.
28. Is gorilla trekking ethical? When properly managed — strict visitor limits, distance protocols, disease prevention measures, community benefit — yes. We operate to all of these standards. Avoid operators who do not.
29. Can I do gorilla trekking with children? Children must be 15 years old or older to receive a gorilla trekking permit. For younger children, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale has no minimum age requirement (though physical fitness and behaviour standards still apply).
30. How many people will be in my trekking group? Maximum eight per gorilla family per day. In low season, groups may be as small as two or three people. Peak season groups are typically closer to the maximum of eight.
Booking and Operators
31. What should I look for in a gorilla trekking operator? UTB license, named guides, specific reviews, transparent pricing, clear permit procurement process, and demonstrated community benefit contribution.
32. What is included in your packages? Permit, guide fee, transport (road or charter depending on package), accommodation, and park fees. Meals are typically included at lodge. International flights are always additional.
33. Can I add other activities to my gorilla trekking trip? Yes. Popular additions: chimpanzee tracking at Kibale, game drive at Queen Elizabeth National Park, Batwa Cultural Trail at Bwindi, boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, birding at multiple locations. We design full Uganda itineraries combining all of these.
34 to 40: What months have the best weather for gorilla trekking? All months are possible — dry season (June to September, December to February) offers better trail conditions. Is the drive from Kampala to Bwindi scenic? Yes — Uganda’s western landscapes are beautiful. Can I combine Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trekking? Yes, and we can help coordinate cross-border itineraries. What happens if my flight is delayed and I miss my trek? Contact us immediately — we will attempt to rebook but cannot guarantee a permit for the same week. What tips should I give my guide, porter, and tracker? Guide: USD 20 to 40; porter: USD 15 to 25; tracker: USD 10 to 15. Do lodges have electricity? Yes, most lodges near Bwindi have electricity (often solar) and Wi-Fi in public areas. Is travel insurance required? It is not legally required but is essential — ensure it includes emergency medical evacuation.
Contact us with any question not covered here. We answer honestly, promptly, and specifically to your situation. That is the same approach we bring to every gorilla trekking expedition we run.
