Is the Uganda safari safe?
Is the road to visit gorillas in Uganda safe? The road to visit gorillas in Uganda is considered very safe, making it ideal for tourists wishing to go on Uganda gorilla safaris. Visitors can reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park using good road networks. Visitors coming from Entebbe or Kampala in Uganda or from Kigali in Rwanda can easily drive to these famous parks since all the roads are safe and in good condition.
The main roads leading to gorilla trekking destinations are fully tarmacked, making the journey smooth. From the main highway, visitors will usually take a marram road that leads to different sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The major sectors where gorilla trekking takes place include the Buhoma and Ruhija sectors, which are located in the northern part of the park. The other sectors where gorilla trekking takes place are Rushaga and Nkuringo, which are located in the southern part of the park.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to only one habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group. Besides the mountain gorillas, the park has other tourist attractions such as golden monkey trekking, the Sabyinyo Volcano hike and the Batwa trail, although gorilla tracking is the main tourist activity in the park.
How to get to Bwindi Forest for Gorilla Trekking
To get to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla safaris, tourists can use a variety of means depending on their preferred mode of transport and the sector of Bwindi they want to visit.
Road Transport to Bwindi Forest:
The most popular way of accessing Bwindi for gorilla trekking is by road transport. The distance from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi takes about 8 to 9 hours, depending on traffic and the route taken. Tourists usually take the main road from Entebbe or Kampala southwestwards. Those going to the northern sectors of Bwindi, including Ruhija and Buhoma, will turn off along the Kabale-Kisoro Road, where signs from the Uganda Wildlife Authority will direct tourists to the respective trekking sectors. Those going to the southern sectors of Bwindi, including Rushaga and Nkuringo, will turn off at Muko along the same road and then follow the signs to the trekking points. This road offers tourists convenient access to Bwindi for Uganda gorilla safaris and other ecotourism adventures.
Air Travel to Bwindi Forest:
Alternatively, visitors can opt for air travel to save time. There are regular and charter flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield (Kampala) to Kisoro Airstrip, catering for the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo. You can also catch a flight to Kihihi Airstrip for the northern sectors (Ruhija and Buhoma). Bwindi is also accessible via domestic flights on airlines such as Aero Link and Fly Uganda, which provide a direct and easy route to Bwindi Forest. Link up with your tour operator at the airstrip upon landing to be transferred to your lodge, and begin your adventure with Gorilla Safaris Uganda immediately.
How to get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for Gorilla Trekking
To get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking, travellers have road transit and flight transit options. The park is a 9–10-hour drive from Kampala by road; you can choose a private taxi, or you can also join a safari organised through Kabale or Kisoro Road.
Alternatively, you can take a flight to Kisoro Airstrip or Kabale Airstrip from Entebbe or Kigali, followed by a brief road trip to the park. But especially for those pressed for time, air travel provides a faster and more comfortable alternative. Once in the park, hiking trails to gorillas are easily reached with guides and park transportation.
Is it safe for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a very safe and organised activity, making it one of the key tourist attractions in Uganda. The Ugandan government and the relevant authorities ensure that all gorilla safaris are safe and secure. The activity takes place in protected areas such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which border DR Congo and Rwanda, respectively.
When it comes to concerns about wildlife or security risks on the minds of some tourists, it’s worth knowing that both national parks are heavily guarded by tourism police and park rangers. During the trek, tourists are escorted by two-armed rangers carrying AK-47s who are trained in wild animal or security confrontations.
Incidentally, travel safety to gorilla trekking areas can be affected by weather and road conditions. The landscape in Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga is steep and rugged, and paths are not signposted, which can make navigation difficult. Trekking times vary from two to eight hours, or even more, for a full day; this depends on how far the gorillas have gone. Visitors should be in good physical condition to participate in the vigorous hikes at altitude and be in the best shape possible to do so for their own safety while experiencing the adventure.
How much is gorilla trekking in Uganda?
The costs of gorilla trekking in Uganda differ depending on the visitor’s resident status. For foreign non-residents, it costs $800 per person per trek. Foreign residents are charged $700. The rest of Africa’s citizens are charged $500, and East African citizens are charged 300,000 UGX
A gorilla permit in Uganda allows one to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience, not just to watch but also to spend time with, play with, and connect with the mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which are two of the best gorilla safari and wildlife tour destinations in the world. Please be advised that these prices are effective until 30th June 2026 and are meant for tourists intending to go to Uganda for gorilla safaris in this period.
What to bring for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
While gorilla trekking, you will need to come along with a pair of walking shoes or boots that are comfortable and durable. In general, when it is raining, it is very muddy. There are upward stretches that can be rather steep and exhausting. It is also suggested to wear a long-sleeved cotton shirt and lightweight long pants for protection against underbrush, stinging nettle and biting ants.
Other essential items you may need to carry include insect repellent, a torch, wet wipes, a water bottle, a camera, comfortable walking shoes, gardening gloves for gorilla tracking, sandals, a hat, sunscreen, a rain jacket and binoculars, among others.
What is the best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda?
The best time for Uganda gorilla trekking is in the dry season, from around January to February or from around June to August. These are generally dry months of the year, making the national park visit more convenient and enjoyable.
In addition, the vegetation is thinner, and the gorillas are more visible, making the experience on Uganda gorilla safaris even more memorable. Travelling in this period also provides better opportunities for successful encounters and a more pleasurable experience with the famous gorilla trekking styles in Uganda.
Where to stay during Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Visitors opting to embark on a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park shouldn’t worry about where to sleep. The park offers a variety of accommodation facilities ranging from budget to mid-range to luxury lodges. Some of the accommodations here include Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ride 4 a Woman, Eco Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Broadbill Tented Camp, among others.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Visitors opting to embark on a gorilla trekking safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park shouldn’t worry about where to sleep. The park offers a variety of accommodation facilities ranging from budget to mid-range to luxury lodges. Some of the accommodation here includes Mount Gahinga Lodge, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Golden Monkey Guesthouse and Mutanda Eco Community Centre, among others.
