If you’re dreaming of seeing mountain gorillas in the wild, you have three options: Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Here’s why Uganda stands out as the best choice.
Uganda is home to over half of the world's mountain gorillas, with more than 20 habituated families available for tracking. This means:
You're more likely to get a permit on your preferred dates.
With so many gorilla families, there are more options.
More families lead to smaller groups and more personal encounters.
From easy walks to challenging hikes, there's something for every fitness level.
UGANDA
Rwanda
DRC (Significant Safety Concerns)
Uganda offers the same fantastic experience as Rwanda for less money. For travelers on a budget or planning several treks, Uganda is the clear choice.
And here’s the bonus: for $1,500 (the price of one trek in Rwanda), you can do TWO treks in Uganda or upgrade to the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which provides up to four hours with a newly habituated family—one of the most intimate wildlife encounters anywhere in the world.
Uganda’s gorilla tourism is closely tied to local communities. From hiring porters to staying in locally owned lodges, your visit directly helps the people living near Bwindi. When you travel with Mi Bella Mondo through our partnership with the Bwindi Foundation for Future Generations, you’re supporting:
While Rwanda offers luxury and convenience (it’s only 2-3 hours from Kigali), Uganda offers adventure and authenticity. Beyond gorilla trekking, you can:
If you want the best chance of seeing gorillas, the most affordable permits, authentic East African experiences, and the chance to make a real impact on conservation and communities, Uganda is the place to go!
This goes beyond just checking gorillas off your bucket list.