Gorilla Trekking.
Looking for the ultimate gorilla tracking experience?
Nkuruba Tours specializes in unforgettable gorilla safaris across Uganda’s most iconic wildlife destinations. We lead you through the misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where you’ll come face-to-face with the rare and endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Why Choose Nkuruba Tours for Your Uganda Gorilla Safari?
We ensure you have a smooth and thrilling experience. Our tailored tours take you to the four trailheads of Bwindi and Mgahinga, where you’ll embark on an exhilarating trek that can last from 3 to 8 hours. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a first-timer, we offer support with porters and customized trekking routes to match your fitness level.
The Ultimate Gorilla Encounter After a briefing at 8 AM, you’ll begin your trek into Uganda’s lush jungles, filled with anticipation of your first sighting. Once you encounter the gorillas, you’ll spend one hour observing these majestic creatures up close—an experience that will stay with you forever. Capture the moment (without flash) and take in the beauty of these peaceful giants as they roam freely in the wild.
About Uganda’s Mountain Gorillas
Uganda is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. With less than 1,200 individuals left, seeing these magnificent creatures is a rare and life-changing experience. These gentle giants, led by powerful silverbacks, reside in the dense forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga, high in the Virunga Mountains.
Gorilla Habituation Experience.
Looking for an extraordinary wildlife adventure?
The Gorilla Habituation Experience offers an exclusive, immersive opportunity to spend 4 hours with semi-habituated mountain gorillas three times longer than the standard gorilla tracking; this experience offers exceptional value and a rare chance to connect deeply with these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
Unlike regular tracking, where gorillas are fully habituated, the Gorilla Habituation Experience allows you to observe gorillas that are still adapting to human presence. This process, which began with Dian Fossey’s ground-breaking research in 1966, is gradual and requires years of effort from rangers, veterinarians, and researchers to ensure safe interactions.
Since 2014, Uganda Wildlife Authority has opened this unique experience to visitors at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s Rushaga sector. Here, you’ll track and spend time with a semi-habituated group, gaining insight into their behaviour and interactions while guided by experienced experts.
Gorilla Permits
Gorilla trekking is one of Uganda’s most sought-after experiences, especially during July and August, when permits sell out quickly. To secure your spot, it is highly recommended to book your permits in advance.
Uganda offers incredible travel experiences year-round, whether you visit during the bustling high season or take advantage of the perks of traveling in the low season.
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Book your Gorilla Habituation Experience with Nkuruba Tours and discover the true essence of these magnificent apes!
Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda.
Chimpanzee trekking is one of Uganda’s most exhilarating wildlife experiences, offering you the chance to step into the wild and observe our closest relatives in their natural habitat. Led by Uganda Wildlife Authority Interpretive Rangers, you’ll join a small group (maximum of 8) on a trek through Uganda’s lush forests to encounter chimpanzees in the wild.
The Tracking Experience
During a typical chimpanzee trek, which lasts about three hours, you will spend up to one hour with the chimpanzees. The trek offers a unique opportunity to observe their social structures, intelligence, and fascinating behaviours from a safe distance of 5–8 meters. Expect to witness chimpanzees interact, play, and care for each other, creating a profound connection with our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
For a deeper, more immersive experience, consider the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience. This half-day adventure takes you into the forest alongside researchers and rangers working to habituate wild chimpanzee groups. The experience is physically demanding but incredibly rewarding, as you’ll witness chimpanzees in a less habituated state, making the encounter more unpredictable and authentic.
Where to Go Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda.
Uganda offers several prime locations for chimpanzee trekking:
Kibale National Park
Known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale is home to approximately 1,500 chimpanzees. It is the most popular and accessible destination for chimpanzee trekking, with a 90% chance of sightings. Trekking departures are at 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM, and the park is easily reachable from Kampala or Entebbe. Kibale is also renowned for its chimpanzee habituation experiences, where you can spend an entire day with the chimps.
Budongo Forest Reserve, Murchison Falls National Park
Located in the southern part of Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest is an excellent location for chimpanzee trekking, with a 80% chance of sightings. The quieter, more intimate setting offers a personal experience with fewer visitors. A classic chimp trek lasts around three hours, and a full-day habituation experience is also available for those seeking a more extended encounter with the chimps.
Kyambura Gorge, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Known as the “Valley of the Apes,” Kyambura Gorge is a hidden gem for chimpanzee trekking, located in the eastern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The gorge’s dense forest offers a secluded habitat for chimpanzees, and with the guidance of an expert Uganda Wildlife Authority guide, you’ll embark on a fascinating trek in this unique landscape. This is a lesser-known but equally rewarding chimpanzee trekking destination.
Bugoma Forest, an off the bitten track experience. Bugoma Forest, located in the western region of Uganda between Hoima and Kagadi districts, is a critical biodiversity hotspot and one of the most important habitats for chimpanzees in East Africa. This tropical forest spans approximately 410 square kilometres and is part of the Albertine Rift Valley ecosystem. Bugoma Forest is home to an estimated 500+ chimpanzees, making it one of the largest chimpanzee populations outside Uganda’s national parks. Bugoma’s chimpanzees are semi-habituated, which means they are slowly being accustomed to human presence ideal for low-impact, community-based tourism. This also provides excellent opportunities for ethical chimp tracking experiences that contribute to conservation.
Chimpanzee permits- same as gorillas are limited and in high demand, especially during the peak seasons of June to September and December to February. The months of July and August are particularly busy, with permits often selling out well in advance. To secure your permit, we advise to book with us at least 3 to 6 months ahead through the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
