Last minute gorilla trekking in Uganda is possible with us regardless of the high demand  of gorilla permits especially in peak tourist seasons. A gorilla permit is a document issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to a visitor who wishes to track and spend time with the endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda. The Uganda Wildlife Authority issues the gorilla permits on a first come, first served basis.

Mountain gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both in southwestern Uganda. There are around 23 gorilla groups in Uganda’s gorilla destinations. Visitors can track and spend an hour with them, even during last minute gorilla trekking. Bwindi has 23 of these habituated gorilla groups while Mgahinga has only one. Only 8 permits per day are offered for every habituated gorilla group.

Best time to book for a last-minute gorilla trekking in Uganda?

The peak season is regarded as the best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda. But the competition you will face to reserve a gorilla permit for this time is unrelenting. Therefore, your best option is to go for gorilla trekking in the low season. Alternatively, you should contact a reputable tour operator like us for a gorilla permit whose owner wishes to resell it. You might as well consider your gorilla trekking in Mgahinga since it is less preferred than Bwindi.

How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda?

Gorilla permits are offered for $800 per person and are only for a single gorilla trekking adventure. Your purchased gorilla permit will cover the cost of guides, park entrance and contribution toward conservation projects. It is mandatory to purchase your gorilla permit through a licenced tour operator like us. The rate for purchasing a gorilla permit may change over time. Therefore, you will need to stay informed through licenced tour operators like us.

How a last-minute gorilla trekking in Uganda is done?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is the same in either Bwindi or Mgahinga. On the day of trekking, you must be at the trailhead at around 7:00 am. Briefing is done and the park authority will provide the required information for responsible gorilla trekking of your habituated gorilla group. In a group of 8 other visitors, the experienced park guide and armed ranger will safely accompany you into the verdant forest to locate the gorilla group.

Chances of locating the gorilla group is higher than you think since they are tracked based on where they spent the previous night. After you see them, you will watch and photograph them for an hour. You will then hike back to the trailhead. A certificate for successful completion of your gorilla trek will be awarded to you. The adventure overall will take at least 3 hours to even 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family as well as your walking speed.

How to travel for last minute gorilla trekking in Uganda?

The modes of transport are still by either road or air transport. By road from Kampala/Entebbe, the distance traversed is between 500 to 520 kilometers, taking 9-11 hours. Comfort and convenience are key for the scenic drive to Mgahinga and Bwindi. Your best option is using a hired car from us and being driven by a knowledgeable guide. 4-wheel drive safari land cruisers are available for hiring. Saloon cars, minivans, buses and drones are other options we offer.

To reach the gorilla trekking destinations much faster, air transport is available from Entebbe Airport to Kihihi Airstrip or Kisoro Airstrip. Aircrafts are operated by AeroLink Uganda, the journey take 1 hour and 15 minutes or a little less than 2 hours. Booking a scheduled flight for a last-minute gorilla trekking in Uganda can also be done with us.  We also offer pick ups and drop offs. Our representatives will meet you at the airstrip to help you complete your transfer.

Can I combine my last-minute gorilla trekking in Uganda with another activity?

Of course you can! Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are forested ecosystems. They contain other habitats such as savannah, rivers, streams and volcanoes. Plenty of wildlife reside in these habitats. The wildlife offers birding and wildlife viewing experiences. The Batwa people live adjacent to these forests and are available for cultural encounters. Forest walks, mountain hiking and golden monkey treks are also available.

Other outstanding destinations to explore in Uganda include national parks like Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, Lake Mburo, Semuliki and Kidepo Valley. You will enjoy game drives, boat cruises, chimpanzee treks, lion tracking experiences and sport fishing etc. To combine all these activities with a last-minute gorilla trek, you will need a good tour package. You can choose from the list of our tour packages. Alternatively, we can design a tailored one with you.