Uganda, known as the “Pearl of Africa”, offers a unique and unforgettable experience: the encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas. These impressive primates, which inhabit dense tropical forests, are one of the most endangered species on the planet. We invite you to experience this extraordinary adventure through our Gorilla trek.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Trekking for see the mountain gorillas is an experience that combines excitement, effort and reward. The hike takes place in the Bwindi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its biodiversity and dense impenetrable forest. Guided by expert rangers, visitors enter the jungle in search of these fascinating creatures. The duration of the trek may vary, but the effort is worth it when you finally have the first sighting of a family of gorillas.
Where can you see mountain gorillas?
On the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, there are (or were) four places for mountain gorilla observation. These are the last natural spaces where these primates live in freedom.
Parc National des Virunga (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Virunga National Park in Congo was our star destination in the early 1990s. However, war and instability made travel to former Zaire inadvisable. At present, we are not sure whether gorillas still remain in this area1.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)
Uganda offers two great places to see mountain gorillas. The first is the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in the southwest of the country, near the border with the Congo. This park is known for its dense jungle and is home to about half of the world's mountain gorilla population.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda)
Uganda’s second site is the popular Mgahinga Gorilla Sanctuary in the Virunga Mountains, offering a unique opportunity to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Parc National des Volcans (Rwanda)
On the Rwandan side of the Virunga Mountains lies Volcanoes National Park, our favourite spot. It is impressive both for its breathtaking scenery, with volcanoes rising above 4,000 metres amid dense rainforest, and for the ease of finding gorilla families. The famous primatologist Dian Fossey worked here for years.
Encounter with mountain gorillas
On the day assigned, before heading to the offices of the National Park, the guide informs about the necessary equipment for the walk. Upon arrival, the Rangers indicate how to act when encountering the assigned gorilla family. Once the gorillas are located, visitors have an hour to observe them in their natural habitat. During this time, you can see their interactions, games and everyday behaviors. It is essential to follow the established rules: do not make sudden movements, do not make noise and avoid direct eye contact with the dominant male.
Sometimes the gorillas decide the minimum distance!
The groups are on the move. We know their general area, but must enter the forest to find their exact location. Once they are spotted, we have one hour to observe and photograph them before returning by the shortest route.
The excursion lasts four to six hours, and the terrain can be rugged. Trails cross dense tropical mountain forest, sometimes requiring a path to be cleared with machetes. You walk in small groups led by rangers.
What is the best time to see gorillas in Uganda?
Uganda can be visited year-round. However, some periods are better than others if your aim is to trek to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
The best time for gorilla trekking is the dry season.
The best time to visit southern Uganda for a gorilla trek is during the dry seasons, from December to February and mid-June to early September. Less rain and more accessible trails make walking through Bwindi National Park’s dense forest easier.
When is the rainy season in Uganda?
It is best to avoid April, Uganda’s wettest month. Heavy rain makes trails slippery and trekking more difficult. It can also reduce the chances of seeing gorillas, as they tend to take shelter in denser forest.
Uganda has two main rainy seasons: March to May and September to November. Rain is more frequent and heavier, especially in April, the wettest month. Downpours are often intense but brief, sometimes with thunder. Rain can make some areas harder to reach, but also turns the landscape greener and lusher. Daytime temperatures reach 28°C, while nights can fall to 16°C. The mountainous gorilla parks can be colder.
Conservation and Sustainability
Visiting mountain gorillas is both a personal experience and a contribution to their conservation. Tourism revenue helps fund conservation work and support local communities. Viajes Tuareg is committed to making responsible and sustainable trips, ensuring that future generations can also enjoy these unique encounters.
Organised trips to see mountain gorillas
Can you imagine being face to face with a majestic mountain gorilla in its natural habitat? Our itineraries are designed to offer you much more than just a tour: it is a total immersion in the natural and cultural richness of Uganda, the so-called “Pearl of Africa”.
This circular route explores the country's iconic landscapes, from the source of the Nile to the Mountains of the Moon. The highlight is trekking in Bwindi Forest to observe mountain gorillas at close range. We also explore wildlife-rich parks such as Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Kibale, with jungle walks, safaris, boat trips and cultural encounters with local communities.
Gorilla Trekking
This circular itinerary begins at the sources of the Nile and explores Mount Elgon. We then head northwest to Murchison Falls before turning south through Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Park, finishing in Bwindi Forest with the thrilling experience of see the mountain gorillas. Walks, boat trips on the Nile, village visits and vehicle safaris fill each day with exciting activities.
Uganda✔️ Departures 5 AUG | 3 Oct 2026
✔️ Price from 3850€
✔️ Fortnightly departures 2026
✔️ Price from 3115€
