Uganda Gorillas: Where to See Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

Where to See Gorillas in Uganda

Uganda is one of the world’s top destinations to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. If you are planning a gorilla adventure, this page focuses specifically on where to see gorillas in Uganda, while our complete gorilla trekking guide to Uganda covers permits, costs, preparation, and travel logistics in detail. Uganda is home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. Mountain gorillas in Uganda belong to the subspecies Gorilla beringei beringei. They are one of the world’s most endangered great apes and a major conservation success story, with population numbers slowly increasing due to strict protection and responsible tourism.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Uganda’s Primary Gorilla Trekking Destination

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is Uganda’s most famous gorilla trekking destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park hosts the largest number of habituated gorilla families in the country, giving visitors excellent chances of encountering mountain gorillas in the wild. The park is covered by dense, misty rainforest and is divided into several trekking sectors:

• Buhoma Sector – the most accessible area with well-established gorilla groups.
• Ruhija Sector – higher altitude trails, cooler temperatures, and fewer visitors.
• Nkuringo Sector – steeper terrain with dramatic views and challenging hikes.
• Rushaga Sector – one of the most popular sectors with many habituated families.

Gorilla treks begin early in the morning after a ranger briefing at the park headquarters. Each group is accompanied by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers and experienced trackers, ensuring visitor safety and respectful wildlife viewing. Because Bwindi protects such a large portion of the global mountain gorilla population, it is widely regarded as the best place in Africa to see gorillas in their natural habitat. Most first-time visitors choose Bwindi as part of a longer itinerary outlined in our guide on how to prepare for gorilla trekking in Uganda .

Additional Activities Around Bwindi

Beyond gorilla trekking, Bwindi offers excellent birdwatching with more than 300 bird species, guided forest walks, and cultural visits with the Batwa community. Many travelers also combine Bwindi with a wildlife safari in nearby Queen Elizabeth National Park .

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: A Quieter Gorilla Destination

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is smaller and less visited than Bwindi, but it offers a unique gorilla trekking experience in a dramatic volcanic landscape. The park lies along the Virunga Mountains on the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although Mgahinga has fewer habituated gorilla families, trekking here is often less crowded and highly rewarding. The park is also known for golden monkey tracking and scenic volcano hikes.

Bwindi vs Mgahinga: Which Gorilla Trek Should You Choose?

Feature	Bwindi Impenetrable	Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Number of Gorilla Families	Many habituated groups	Few habituated groups
Landscape	Dense rainforest	Volcanic and open forest
Trekking Difficulty	Moderate to challenging	Moderate
Other Activities	Birding, cultural walks	Golden monkeys, volcano hikes

Both parks offer authentic gorilla encounters, but Bwindi’s size and variety of trekking sectors make it the most popular choice, especially for first-time visitors.

Practical Tips for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

• Gorilla permits: Permits are mandatory and often sell out. For foreign non-residents, a permit costs approximately USD 800 per person.
• Best time to visit: The dry seasons from June to September and December to February offer better trekking conditions. You can find a full seasonal breakdown in our best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking guide .
• Trekking difficulty: Trails can be muddy and steep, depending on the gorilla group’s location.
• Porters and guides: Hiring a porter is recommended and directly supports local communities.

Why See Gorillas in Uganda?

Uganda offers some of the highest chances to see mountain gorillas in the wild, thanks to its large gorilla population and well-managed trekking programs. For many travelers, encountering gorillas face to face is a deeply moving experience and a powerful reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation. Many travelers combine gorilla trekking with classic wildlife safaris or tailor-made itineraries. If you are looking for professionally guided experiences, explore our Uganda safari and gorilla trekking tour packages designed by a local operator.