Descend into one of Africa's oldest rainforests and stand quietly, breathing the same misty air as a family of mountain gorillas. It is the rarest wildlife encounter on earth — and Uganda protects nearly half of the world's remaining population.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of Africa's oldest ecosystems — 25,000 years of unbroken canopy, a living cathedral of ferns, orchids and ancient hardwoods. It is home to more than 400 mountain gorillas, roughly half of the world's remaining population.
After a briefing at dawn, your ranger guides lead you into the forest to find a habituated gorilla family. Once you're with them, the clock begins: one silent, sacred hour with silverbacks, mothers and infants moving through their world as if you were simply another part of it.
Every permit funds ranger patrols, community projects and conservation of the forest itself. Group sizes are limited to eight guests per family, and Trek Wild Uganda pairs each trek with lodges and porters chosen from surrounding villages.
One hour, three metres, no barriers — the most personal wildlife moment on the planet.
Only eight guests per gorilla family, guided by expert rangers from the community.
Optional local porters carry your pack — meaningful support for surrounding villages.
Trek through 25,000-year-old forest alive with birds, orchids and forest elephants.
Every permit directly funds anti-poaching patrols and gorilla healthcare.
Sleep in intimate forest lodges built and staffed by neighbouring communities.
A scenic drive south through the equator, tea estates and terraced hills to your forest lodge on the edge of Bwindi.
An early briefing at the park headquarters, then a guided trek to a habituated gorilla family for your unforgettable hour.
Spend the morning with the Batwa forest people, or hike to a waterfall through banana plantations before a slow evening at the lodge.
Pause at Uganda's most beautiful lake for lunch on the water before continuing north or on to Rwanda.
June to September and December to February — the dry seasons — bring firmer trails and easier trekking. Gorilla trekking is possible year-round; the wet months of March–May and October–November mean fewer travellers and lush, cinematic light.
Fly into Entebbe International Airport. Bwindi is a scenic 8–9 hour drive south, or a 1-hour scheduled flight to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips followed by a 1–2 hour transfer to your lodge.
A Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla permit costs USD 800 per person and includes one hour with a habituated gorilla family, ranger guides and park entry. Trek Wild Uganda secures permits on your behalf as part of every itinerary.
The dry seasons of June to September and December to February offer firmer trails and easier trekking. Gorilla trekking runs year-round, and the wet-season months of March–May and October–November mean fewer travellers and beautifully lush forest.
Treks range from 1 to 8 hours through steep, muddy rainforest. Fitness helps, but local porters carry your pack and rangers match each guest to a gorilla family suited to their ability.
Yes. Bwindi and Mgahinga are two of Africa's safest, best-managed national parks. Every trek is led by armed Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, and Trek Wild Uganda handles logistics, transfers and lodges throughout.
Groups are limited to a maximum of eight guests per gorilla family, with strict distancing rules to protect the gorillas from disease and stress.
Tell us how you like to travel. We'll design a journey that feels entirely yours.
