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Deep in the emerald forests of East Africa’s Albertine Rift, our closest relatives slip silently through the foliage like ghostly guardians of biodiversity. Uganda is one of the best places in the world for primate trekking, offering life-changing encounters with mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Why Should You Go on This Experience?
Encounter Mountain Gorillas
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Here, you can go trekking into the dense forest, which is only explorable on foot. Experienced guides will lead you to gorilla families led by dominant silverbacks, where you can watch youngsters play while their older siblings wrestle for dominance.
Track Wild Chimpanzees
Kibale National Park has the highest density of chimpanzees in Africa, making it arguably the best place on the continent to see our closest living relatives in the flesh. Unlike their larger relatives, chimpanzees can be rowdy and noisy, offering travellers a very different kind of primate experience.
Explore Ancient Rainforests
Trek through lush, mist-covered forests teeming with wildlife. In these ancient habitats, hundreds of species of birds thrive alongside elusive wildlife like leopards and over a dozen species of primates.
Support Conservation Efforts
Every primate trekking permit booked helps to protect Uganda’s great apes while also supporting the local communities that watch over them. It’s not just about the bucket-list experience – your visit will have a lasting positive impact.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences
Coming face-to-face with a silverback gorilla is an unforgettable wildlife moment. In the words of Sir David Attenborough: “There is more meaning and mutual understanding in exchanging a glance with a gorilla than any other animal I know.”
Best Destinations for Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
This lush, misty rainforest is home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it one of the best places to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Observing these gentle giants as they interact, play, and feed is a truly unforgettable experience – and the reason that many people travel to Uganda, in the first place.
Kibale National Park
Few places can compare to the diversity and abundance of primate species that makes Kibale National Park such a magical destination. Here, among the criss-crossing branches of evergreen forests, 13 species of primates coexist in relative harmony, ranging from immense mountain gorillas to rare Ugandan red colobuses.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
On the northeastern slopes of the mighty Virunga Mountains, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park protects a small but critical population of mountain gorillas. It’s also home to the golden monkey, an endangered species that can only be found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Five Tips for Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking
1. Book Permits in Advance
Speak to our safari experts about booking your primate trekking permits well in advance to secure the best dates.
2. Be Physically Prepared
Trekking can be strenuous, especially in the rugged and untamed wilderness of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
3. Wear Proper Gear
Hiking boots, rain gear, and gloves are essential, while long sleeves and long pants will protect you from nasty stinging nettles and thorns.
4. Follow Your Guide’s Instructions
Maintain a safe distance and avoid direct eye contact with gorillas. When gorillas move, it’s important to stay out of their way, and your guide will make sure you don’t inconvenience the primates.
5. Take Time to Enjoy the Moment
Put down the camera and appreciate the experience. Time seems to move quickly when you’re experiencing something this profound, and it would be a tragedy to miss the moment while you’re snapping away.
