Uganda is a captivating safari destination offering unique blend of diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife and rich cultural experiences, it is filled with breathtaking landscapes of Rwenzori mountains, rich wildlife diversity of array of wildlife including the big five, gorilla trekking experiences where you come face to face with the majestic creature.

With over 1,000 birds, Uganda is birder’s paradise, cultural richness with local communities such as Batwa and Karamojong, primate encounters, boat safaris and off the beaten path adventures filled with fun and memories.

One of the iconic activities to do while in Uganda is gorilla trekking, this involves encountering with the endangered mountain gorillas within their natural habitat. This is a one life time experience drawing adventures and wildlife enthusiast from around the globe.

Gorilla Trekking is a rare and privileged opportunity to share moments with these gentle giants in their natural environment fostering a deep connection with nature as well as contributing to the ongoing conservation of these incredible primates.

Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga gorilla national park are the two notable national parks where you get to experience this awesome experience.

Bwindi impenetrable national park is a UNESCO heritage site located in southwestern Uganda renowned for its exceptional bio diversity and most notable as a sanctuary for endangered gorillas. It is home to almost half of the remaining world’s remaining gorillas and providing exceptional gorilla trekking experiences. In Bwindi, you are sure that you will see these primates since they are divided into various gorilla families within designated gorilla sectors.

Gorilla trekking starts early in the morning with a pre trek briefing session where you are told on the do’s and don’ts during the activity. You are then divided into groups of eight and assigned a gorilla family to trek. An experienced guide leads you through thickets in search of these gorillas taking about 2 to 3 hours within the jungle. Once you encounter these primates, you are given one hour to be in their presence as you observe and learn about different ways of how they do their daily activities of feeding and staying with one another.

You are allowed to take a few snaps without flashlights to keep for memories.

Mgahinga gorilla national park is located in southwestern Uganda found on the border with Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

It is characterized with stunning and lush volcanic landscapes dominated by dormant volcanoes of Muhabura, Sabyinyo and Gahinga at the backdrop.

Similar to Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga is home to Nyakagezi gorilla family and visitors come to this place majorly for gorilla trekking. You can as well engage in golden monkey trekking since its home to a variety of these primates.

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga national park is a captivating and iconic adventure that provides a unique opportunity to encounter gorillas within their natural habitat.

Gorilla trekking begins in the morning at the foothills of Virunga amidst the three dormant volcanoes of Gahinga, Sabyinyo and Muhabura. The park is home to one habituated gorilla family which makes the experience more intimate, less crowded and exclusive compared to larger parks.

Tourists are accompanied by experienced guides through the jungle in search of the gorillas amidst challenging terrain ranging between 2 to 3 hours offering insights into the park’s flora and fauna.

Once you get to encounter the gorilla group, trekkers are allowed one hour to be in their presence as you observe and take a few snaps of the gorillas giving you an up-close experience providing a profound connection with these remarkable creatures.

In Mgahinga, you get to experience a peaceful sound of the gorillas creating a unique and immersive atmosphere during the whole encounter.

Other activities to do while in Uganda.

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale national park
• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth national park
• Boat safaris on Kazinga channel.
• Visiting the source of River Nile in Jinja.
• Cultural encounters in Kidepo Valley National Park
• Island exploration on lake Bunyonyi
• Visiting Sipi falls on the slopes of Mount. Elgon.
• Visiting the orphaned chimps at Ngamba island sanctuary
• Rhino tracking in Ziwa rhino sanctuary
• Visiting the powerful waterfalls in Murchison falls national park
• Hiking mountain Rwenzori in mount Rwenzori national park
• Horseback riding in lake Mburo national park
• Birding at Mabamba swamp and Semuliki national park
• Hot spring visits at Semliki national park.

Best time to do safari in Uganda

The best time to do safaris in Uganda depends on what one is interested in doing; –

Gorilla trekking is best done during the dry months of June, August, December and February.

Bird watching is best done in wetter months of March, May, September and November.

Landscape photography is best done in wet season months of March, May, September and November.

If you are interested in a quieter experience with few visitors around, consider visiting Uganda during the months of November, March, May and September.