Gorilla Trekking Experience, Uganda

Unleash your spirit of adventure with a trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park! Discover the beauty of this rainforest and witness mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Capture breathtaking moments and create lifelong memories as you encounter gorillas up close. Immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of the park, from its vibrant birdlife to its diverse wildlife.

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where nature’s wonders await!

Nestled in the south-western corner of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a living testament to Africa’s rich biodiversity. Not only is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it’s also one of only three places on Earth where you can trek to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This lush rainforest, teeming with life, is home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, making it an unparalleled destination for gorilla trekking enthusiasts.

A Bwindi gorilla trekking adventure is a life-changing experience, offering an intimate encounter with these gentle giants amidst a backdrop of vibrant flora and fauna. The park’s rugged terrain, mist-shrouded valleys, and diverse wildlife create an unforgettable setting for this unique wildlife encounter.

Topics and activities of the Gorilla Trekking Experience

The Bwindi gorilla trekking adventure begins early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. Participants are assigned to a specific gorilla family and receive essential instructions from experienced guides and park rangers.

The trek itself is an exhilarating journey into the misty jungle of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Depending on the location of the assigned gorilla family, the trek can last anywhere from one to eight hours. It involves navigating dense vegetation, steep slopes, and muddy trails. While the terrain can be challenging, the anticipation of encountering the gorillas provides strong motivation throughout the trek.

As trekkers venture deeper into the forest, their senses awaken to the sounds of birdsong, rustling foliage, and distant animal calls. Guides share fascinating insights about the local flora and fauna, enriching the experience with educational context. The moment of encountering a gorilla family is truly magical. Trekkers have up to one hour to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. They witness social interactions, playful behaviours, and the gentle nature of the gorillas as they go about their daily lives. This encounter offers a humbling and unforgettable experience.

Participants are reminded to maintain a respectful distance of 10 meters (32 feet), wear facemasks, and closely follow the guide’s instructions. While photos and videos can be taken, the focus is encouraged to remain on fully immersing oneself in the encounter. After spending time with the gorillas, trekkers retrace their steps through the forest, carrying memories that will last a lifetime. The physical demands of the trek are richly rewarded by the emotional connection forged with these incredible creatures.

Start your adventure!

Arrival and orientation in Uganda

After breakfast, you’ll set off on a road trip to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Upon arrival, a local team will welcome you and transfer you to your lodge, where you can relax and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.

The next morning, you’ll walk with your guide to the nearby visitor centre for a briefing by the chief game ranger. Then begins your exciting gorilla trekking adventure deep in the jungle, as you search for your assigned gorilla family.

You’ll spend a magical hour observing these incredible creatures before returning to your lodge.

Accommodation and board in Uganda

For all program placements, accommodation and daily meals are provided at the travellers base, ranging from private apartments to hotel-style rooms.

Participants are advised to bring a flashlight, as power outages may occur frequently. Accommodation is shared with other travellers and is considered more than adequate by local standards. Some rooms are self-contained with private bathrooms, while others share facilities. This arrangement aims to offer a comfortable environment, sometimes including extra amenities to help you feel more at home.

Explorer are expected to maintain a good standard of cleanliness, both in their living spaces and personal hygiene. Daily showers and regular washing of clothing are strongly recommended.

Leisure time during your trip

Uganda is a large and extremely diverse country in terms of both culture and nature. For three days, you can undertake a safari that ushers you into the vast Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, visit the Murchison Falls National Park for Uganda Wildlife Tour, or the famous Queen Elizabeth National Park for Uganda Bird Watching, or the Kibale National Park for Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking.

They also offer a range of mountain climbing trips, from Mt Ruwenzori, to Mt Elgon, to Mt Mgahinga! The adventures will provide you with a break from your project, a chance to see your host country from a different perspective, and time to live out a few dreams, maybe.

When you book your trip to explore Uganda with us, you will be supporting our social causes, e.g., providing access to safe, clean water for the local communities at the places you will be visiting. By prioritising the well-being of the host community and environment, Justice Tourism Foundation helps create a more equitable and sustainable future for both travellers and those they visit.

If you are interested in booking a safari, please speak with your in-country operator before arriving in Uganda, and they will be able to make recommendations and help organise the safari for you.

Reserve your gorilla trekking spot today!

The region of Western & Southwestern Uganda

Uganda offers a rich and authentic cultural experience that gives visitors a true sense of Africa, making it one of the continent’s most exciting safari destinations.

Justice Tourism Foundation provides engaging and immersive travel experiences that go far beyond typical tourist activities, enabling visitors to explore Uganda alongside local communities in an authentic, sustainable, and responsible manner.

With deep knowledge of the destinations they explore, the foundation encourages integrated travel opportunities that directly support local people. They also collaborate with initiatives focused on protecting communities, preserving cultures, and safeguarding the environment.

The tours offered by Justice Tourism Foundation are carefully designed to bring travelers closer to wildlife while connecting them with local conservationists, researchers, communities, and wildlife rangers. These efforts focus on protecting endangered species, restoring degraded and deforested forests, revitalising biodiversity, and promoting sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.