Gorillas are large, powerful primates belonging to the family Hominidae. They are divided into two species: the Eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei) and the Western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla). Uganda is home to the endangered mountain gorillas (a subspecies of Eastern gorilla), which are found in two national parks:

  1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Located in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is renowned for its population of mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei). It is home to approximately half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and offers incredible opportunities for gorilla trekking experiences.
  2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Situated in the Virunga Mountains on the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another destination where you can find mountain gorillas. The park is home to one habituated gorilla family called the Nyakagezi group.

Mountain gorillas are the largest living primates, characterized by their massive size, muscular bodies, and thick fur. They have longer hair compared to other gorilla species, which helps them cope with the cooler temperatures of their mountainous habitat.

Apart from mountain gorillas, there are three other gorilla species:

  1. Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla): Found in the lowland rainforests of Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Angola, and the Central African Republic.
  2. Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli): This gorilla species is the most endangered and is restricted to the rainforests of Nigeria and Cameroon.
  3. Grauer’s Gorilla, also known as Eastern Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri): These gorillas inhabit the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

When it comes to gorilla safaris, the primary destinations in Uganda are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These parks offer the opportunity to track and observe the critically endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda involve guided hikes through the forests, led by experienced park rangers and guides. These treks can vary in duration and difficulty, depending on the location of the gorilla families. It’s an incredible and intimate experience to spend time observing these gentle giants up close, learning about their behavior and conservation efforts to protect them.

To participate in gorilla safaris in Uganda, you will need to obtain a gorilla permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). These permits are limited in number to ensure the conservation of the gorillas and their habitats. It is advisable to book your permits in advance, as they can sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons.

Gorilla safaris offer a unique and unforgettable wildlife encounter, allowing you to appreciate the beauty and importance of these magnificent creatures while contributing to their conservation.