Discover the "True African Wilderness" with Sarania Adventure Safaris

Mountain gorilla trekking is one of the top bucket list travel adventures for visitors to East Africa. Since the time of Dian Fossey in the 1980s, close encounters with mountain gorillas have been ranked as the best wildlife experience and a dream come true for primate enthusiasts. These endangered primates survive only in two locations worldwide. The only places to see mountain gorillas are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and the Virunga Conservation Area, which comprises Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. The three national parks together shelter over 500 mountain gorillas, while the other half of the world’s total gorilla population lives in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in southwestern Uganda. In both countries, each gorilla family is visited by a group of eight people at a time, and the allowed time with gorillas is strictly one hour, starting from the moment travelers meet them.

Gorilla Safaris in Uganda 

As mentioned earlier, Uganda is one of the three countries where mountain gorilla trekking occurs. The Pearl of Africa is home to the highest population of gorillas in the world, making it a prime destination for gorilla safaris. A Uganda safari without gorillas is undeniably incomplete. Twenty-one gorilla families have been habituated in Uganda, 20 of which reside in Bwindi Forest while one gorilla family can be found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The gorilla groups available for trekking in Uganda include the Mubare Gorilla Family, Habinyanja Gorilla Family, Nkuringo Gorilla Family, Bweza Gorilla Family, Oruzogo Family, Businye Family, Kutu Family, Mishaya Family, Rwigi Family, Christmas Family, Posh Family, Rushegura Family, Muyambi Family, Bushaho Family, Binkyingi Family, and Nyakagyezi Family. Gorilla safaris in Uganda also offer the more adventurous gorilla habituation experience, allowing travelers to spend four hours with the gorillas. Each gorilla permit in Uganda costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. Conversely, a gorilla habituation permit costs $1,500, but it’s worth it. All gorilla permits in Uganda are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and you can book directly with them or with us at Sarania Adventure Safaris Limited.