gorilla safaris in Uganda

A gorilla safaris in Uganda is one of the most enriching memories you can reward yourself on an African Safari. There’s something undoubtedly fascinating about our giant cousins, the magnificent mountain gorillas of Sub-Saharan Africa. Of course it’s partially down to their sheer size — you can’t fail to be impressed by a creature that colossal. But there’s something deeper, more endearing.

The combination of awesome strength with profound gentleness; the depth of their social bonds; their harmony with their environment; their vulnerability.

Perhaps our fascination comes from us seeing in them what we wish we saw in ourselves? We share up to 99% of our genetic material with gorillas but for years most encounters were, sadly, as a slapstick caricature in a cheap horror movie.

But now people are travelling in ever greater numbers to the mountains of Rwanda, Uganda and (to a much lesser degree) the Democratic Republic of Congo to see the mountain gorilla, Gorilla beringei beringei, in its natural environment. A gorilla safari in Uganda or Rwanda is considered a bucket-list item when you travel to these small East African countries.

“There is more meaning and mutual understanding in exchanging a glance with a gorilla than with any other animal I know… So it seems really very unfair that man should have chosen the gorilla to symbolise everything that is aggressive and violent, when that is the one thing that the gorilla is not — and that we are.” — Sir David Attenborough, Life On Earth (1979)

That encounter was possible thanks to Dian Fossey’s 10 years’ work gaining the trust of the gorillas, learning their behaviours and battling poachers. And of course the rapid progress made by the Rwandan and Ugandan authorities, who have recognised the importance of gorilla conservation and the role that well-regulated tourism can play in protecting the species, and as a vital source of revenue.

gorilla safaris in UgandaMiss Fossey, with notebook and binoculars, keeps arms folded—a gorilla gesture of submission—to show she means no harm. PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBERT M. CAMPBELL

The industry is far from perfect, and conservation has come at a cost for the Batwa, the forest’s human inhabitants. But, thanks in part to the gorilla tourism industry, the collapse of the mountain gorilla population has, for now, been halted. With numbers now exceeding 1000 mountain gorillas in the wild from the recent 2018 gorilla population report.

But seeing mountain gorillas in the wild isn’t easy. It’s a demanding, physical experience; it’s highly regulated, with permits and tightly- enforced rules and regulations; and it can be expensive!

The one thing gorilla safaris in Uganda can assure you, is that your hour with the gorillas will be one of the most magical moments of your life on. Remember to put your camera down, at least for a few minutes, and just watch, listen and breathe in the scents of the forest. Your photos and videos are important souvenirs, but just being there is the real treat. Enjoy.

Must read: Uganda Gorilla trekking — the real experience

Tailored Gorilla Safaris in Uganda

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo, Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda

Book our bespoke gorilla safaris into the African jungle forests of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. We offer a wide range of gorilla safari packages to Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park. Depending on your interests, time and budget, a gorilla safari in Uganda can be combined with visits to other tourist destinations within Uganda with other tour activities like Chimpanzee tracking, Chimpanzee habituation Experience, wildlife viewing, bird watching, mountain climbing, white water rafting and community tours among others. We can also take you to Rwanda gorilla trekking or combine Rwanda and Uganda gorilla tours which involve flying into Rwanda and trekking gorillas in Uganda. Our gorilla trips range from three day Uganda gorilla tour to as many as 21 Days with gorilla safaris, wildlife safari and community tourism.
Gorilla Safari Uganda Luxury Holiday
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  • Uganda
Gorilla Safari Uganda Luxury Holiday
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Uganda Primates Jungle Safari
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  • Gorillas
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Tailored Safari 8 DAYS
Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzee & Wild Adventure Safari
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Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzee & Wild Adventure Safari
Tailored Safari 9 DAYS
Birding In Uganda Safari
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Birding In Uganda Safari
Tailored Safari 7 DAYS

Classic Africa Safari In Uganda - Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Game
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  • Uganda
Classic Africa Safari In Uganda
Tailored Safari 11 DAYS
Uganda Culture Experience Tour
  • Culture
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Uganda Culture Experience Tour
Tailored Safari 13 DAYS
Highlights Of East Africa Safari
  • Uganda
  • Tanzania
Highlights Of East Africa Safari
Tailored Safari 14 DAYS
Uganda Bird Watching Tour
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  • Uganda
Ultimate Uganda Safari Holiday
Tailored Safari 14 DAYS

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