Is there a minimum age for gorilla trekking in 2026?

The minimum age remains strictly 15 years old. This is enforced by checking passports at the briefing. The rule exists because children are more likely to carry childhood diseases like mumps or chickenpox and may not have the emotional discipline to stay still if a gorilla approaches them.

What happens if my group does not find the gorillas?

Success rates are over 99% due to pre-tracking teams. If the group cannot reach them for safety reasons, the Uganda Wildlife Authority typically offers a 50% refund or a second trek the following day if permits are available.

Can I trek gorillas if I have limited mobility?

Yes, gorilla trekking is accessible for everyone. Travelers with physical disabilities can hire a sedan chair or stretcher. A team of porters will carry you into the forest and back out for a service fee of $300 to $500.

What is the difference between trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?

The primary difference is cost. A permit in Rwanda costs $1,500, while Uganda is $800. Rwanda’s terrain is generally less dense, while Uganda’s Bwindi offers a true 'impenetrable' forest experience with higher biodiversity.

How much should I pack for the trek?

Pack light but smart. Essentials include waterproof hiking boots with good grip, long trousers to protect against stinging nettles, gardening gloves, and a light rain jacket regardless of the season.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Guide 2026: Cost, Permits & Best Time

You are here because you want to sit with the Silverbacks. You want to know if it is worth the money, if you are fit enough to climb the ridges, and how to book your permit before they sell out. This is not a travel brochure. This is a field guide for the 2026 trekking season. We cut through the noise to give you the exact costs, the muddy reality of the hike, and how to secure your spot in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Gorilla-Trekking-in-Uganda — Gorilla-Trekking

Quick Log: The 2026 Essentials

Permit Price: $800 USD (Foreign Non-Residents).
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Success Rate: 99% chance of seeing gorillas.
Fitness Level: Moderate to High (Sector dependent).
Minimum Age: 15 Years Old.

Part 1: The Cost of Gorilla Trekking in 2026

Most websites hide the total price. We believe in total transparency. The permit is just the entry ticket; here is the real breakdown of what you will spend per person.

Item	Cost (USD)	Notes
Gorilla Permit (Non-Resident)	$800	Fixed price by UWA (2024–2026 Tariff). Includes park entry and rangers.
Gorilla Permit (Resident)	$700	Must show a valid work permit/residency card.
EAC Citizen Permit	UGX 300,000	For citizens of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan.

Uganda Gorilla Permit Cost 2025/2026 - Official $800 Price & Booking — Mountain Gorilla

The “Field” Costs (Highly Recommended)

Item	Cost (USD)	Why you need it
Porter	$20	A porter carries your bag and pulls you up slippery slopes. This supports the local community directly.
Ranger Tip	$15 – $20	Tipping the tracking team is customary after a successful trek.
Porter Tip	$5 – $10	If they helped you navigate the mud, show appreciation.

Total “Field Cash” Needed: Carry at least $50 in small bills (USD printed after 2015 or Ugandan Shillings) for tips and porters on the day of the trek.

Note on “Cheap” Permits: There are no discounted permits in the rainy season for 2026. The price is fixed at $800 year-round. If an operator offers you a $500 permit, it is a scam or an old listing.

Part 2: Choosing Your Sector (The Difficulty Matrix)

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four distinct administrative sectors. You cannot simply show up and choose one on the day of your trek. Your permit is issued for a specific sector, and you must book your accommodation near that sector to avoid a 3:00 AM wake-up call.

1. Buhoma Sector (North)

Buhoma is located in the northern part of the park. It is the lowest in altitude and generally offers the most manageable terrain. While it is still a forest hike, the slopes are less aggressive than the southern regions. Buhoma is the best choice for older travelers or those who want to stay in high-end luxury lodges. Because it was the first sector opened for tourism, the gorilla families here, such as the Rushegura and Habinyanja groups, are very well-habituated.

2. Nkuringo Sector (South)

Nkuringo is located in the southwest. This is the most physically demanding sector in Uganda. The trailhead sits on a high ridge, and the trek usually begins with a steep descent into a valley before climbing back up. The reward for this effort is the view. On a clear day, you can see the entire chain of the Virunga Volcanoes. This sector is perfect for fit hikers who want a challenge and a more rugged, raw experience.

3. Rushaga Sector (South)

Rushaga is in the southern part of the park and currently has the highest number of habituated gorilla families. This makes it the most flexible sector for last-minute permit availability. It is also the only location where you can participate in the Gorilla Habituation Experience, where you spend four hours with a family instead of one. The terrain is moderate to difficult, characterized by dense undergrowth and steep ridges.

4. Ruhija Sector (East)

Ruhija is the eastern sector. It is the highest in elevation and can be quite cold, especially in the mornings. The forest here is more open than in Rushaga, which bird watchers appreciate. The trekking difficulty is moderate, but the high altitude means you might feel short of breath more quickly than in Buhoma.

What About Mgahinga?

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is different. It is not part of Bwindi. It has only one habituated family (Nyakagezi).

Pros: Open bamboo forests make photography easier (less dark brush). You can add Golden Monkey trekking here.
Cons: Only one family means fewer permits (8 per day total). Book months in advance.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Uganda — Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Park

Part 3: The Trekking Experience

The day begins early with breakfast at your lodge, usually around 6:30 AM. You will then be driven to the park headquarters for the 7:00 AM briefing. During this time, the rangers check your passport details against your permit. You will be assigned to a group of eight people. This is the maximum number of visitors allowed to see a single gorilla family per day.

After the briefing, you will meet your lead guide. They will give you a brief history of the gorilla family you are tracking. You will then drive to the trailhead. Once you enter the forest, the experience becomes unpredictable. You are not walking on a paved path. You are following a tracker who uses a machete to clear through vines and ferns. The hike can last anywhere from 45 minutes to six hours. The trackers stay with the gorillas from the moment they wake up until they nest at night, so they communicate with your guide via radio to lead you to their exact location.

When you find the gorillas, the lead guide will ask you to leave your bags and walking sticks with the porters about 50 meters away. You will approach the family with only your camera and your senses. You will have exactly sixty minutes in their presence. During this hour, you might see the Silverback protecting his troop, mothers grooming their infants, or juveniles playing in the trees. The rangers will constantly remind you to keep a distance of seven meters. If a gorilla moves toward you, stay calm and follow the guide’s instructions to step back. After the hour is up, you hike back out of the forest, receive your trekking certificate at the headquarters, and return to your lodge.

Part 4: When to Go (Weather & Logistics)

Uganda is on the equator, so it is warm, but Bwindi is a rainforest. It rains every day, even in the “dry” season.

Best Times (Dry Season):

June to August: Dry ground, easier hiking. Peak demand (book 6 months ahead).
December to February: Excellent visibility. Good for birding.

Wet Seasons:

March to May & September to November:
The Reality: The trails are slippery. The mud is deep. However, the park is quiet, and lodges may offer lower room rates (but permits remain $800).

Part 5: 2026 Itinerary Options

You cannot fly to Uganda just for 4 hours of trekking. Here is how to structure your trip.

Option A: The Express Trek (3 Days)

Route: Fly into Kigali (Rwanda) -> Drive 4 hours to Bwindi (Rushaga/Nkuringo) -> Trek -> Drive back.
Why: Saves you the 9-hour drive from Entebbe.
Cost: Lowest transport cost.

Option B: The Fly-In Safari (3 Days)

Route: Entebbe to Flight to Kihihi Airstrip (1 hour) to Transfer to Buhoma -> Trek -> Fly back.
Why: Comfort and speed. Great for seniors or those with limited time.
Cost: High (Domestic flights cost ~$280 one way).

Option C: The Primate Combo (5-7 Days)

Route: Kibale Forest (Chimps) to Queen Elizabeth NP (Lions/Safari) -> Bwindi (Gorillas).
Why: You see the “Big Big 5” (Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffalo, Rhinos) plus the Primates.

NOTE: View our full range of Gorilla Trekking Packages for 2026-2027.”

Part 6: The Packing List

Gardening Gloves: The forest is full of thorns. You will grab branches for support. Your hands will get cut without gloves.
Gaiters: These seal the gap between your boots and pants. They stop safari ants from crawling up your legs.
Long Socks: Tuck your trousers into your socks. It looks silly, but it works against insects.
Waterproof Hiking Boots: Sneakers will get stuck in the mud. You need ankle support.
Light Rain Jacket: It will rain.
Packed Lunch: Your lodge will provide this. The trek can go past lunchtime.

Part 7: Is it Safe?

Armed Escort: Every trekking group is flanked by armed rangers (front and back). They are trained to handle wild elephants and buffalo.
Habituation: The gorilla families you visit are “habituated.” This means they have spent 2+ years getting used to human presence. They will not charge unless provoked.
Political Stability: Bwindi is heavily patrolled by the Ugandan military and tourism police. It is a secure zone.

FAQ

Q: Can I trek if I am 14 years old?

No. The Uganda Wildlife Authority is strict. You must be 15 years or older. There are no exceptions. This is for the safety of the child and the health of the gorillas.

Q: What happens if I don’t see the gorillas?

It is very rare. Rangers track the gorillas from the night before. If you trek all day and do not see them (which happens 1% of the time), UWA typically offers a 50% refund or a free trek the next day.

Q: Do I need to be an athlete?

No, but you need functional fitness. If you can walk up a steep hill for 30 minutes without collapsing, you can do the Buhoma sector. If you are unfit, hire a sedan chair (porters carry you) for $300-$500.

Q: Can I take photos?

Yes, but no flash. Flash scares the animals and can cause a charge. Turn off your automatic flash before you get close.

Q: How far in advance should I book?

For June, July, August, and December 2026, book at least 5-6 months in advance. Permits are limited to 8 people per family per day. They sell out fast.

Q: Can I touch the gorillas?

Never. We share 98% of our DNA with them. A simple human flu can kill a gorilla. You must stay 7 meters away and wear a mask during the encounter.

Begin the Planning of Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Journey Today.