8 Best Uganda Gorilla Trekking Companies in 2025/6 – Expert Picks & Reviews
Best Uganda Gorilla Trekking Companies: Discover the 8 best Uganda gorilla trekking companies for safe, reliable, and expertly guided gorilla tours in Bwindi and Mgahinga. Compare top operators, packages, prices, and what makes each company stand out.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. With only about 1,063 mountain gorillas left in the world and more than half living in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, this is the best place on earth to see them in the wild.
But here’s the truth: your experience depends almost entirely on the tour operator you choose. A great company secures rare gorilla permits months in advance, provides expert guides, ensures safety, and handles every detail seamlessly. A poor one can leave you frustrated, overcharged, or even without a permit.
After reviewing dozens of operators, analyzing thousands of recent traveler reviews (Google, TripAdvisor, SafariBookings), checking licenses with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO), and speaking directly with past clients, here are the 8 best Uganda gorilla trekking companies in 2025 – trusted, reliable, and highly recommended.
How We Chose the Best Gorilla Trekking Companies in Uganda
To rank fairly, we used strict criteria:
- Official licensing by UTB, UWA & membership in AUTO
- Years of specialized gorilla trekking experience
- Success rate in securing gorilla permits (critical!)
- Quality and training of guides
- Vehicle fleet (4×4 Land Cruisers or safari-modified)
- Transparency in pricing
- Real guest reviews (2023–2025)
- Safety record and crisis management
- Customization ability and responsiveness
Now, let’s meet the top 8 Best Uganda Gorilla Trekking Companies.
1. Uganda Wildlife Tours
Founded: 2018 | Best for: Mid-range to luxury travelers, families, photographers
One of the most respected mid-to-high-end operators in Uganda. Fully licensed and an active AUTO member.
Gorilla Trekking Expertise: They secure permits 10–12 months ahead and boast a near-100% success rate even in peak season (June–September, December–February). Guides are UWA-trained with 10+ years in Bwindi and Mgahinga.
Stand-out Features:
- Private fly-in safari options from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro
- Excellent photography-focused tours
- Strong community projects (supports batwa communities)
Popular Packages: -**
- 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking (from $1,650 pp)
- 5 Days Double Gorilla Trekking + Lake Bunyonyi ($2,450 pp)
- 10 Days Best of Uganda Primates & Wildlife
Website: ugandawildlifetours.com
Recent Review (TripAdvisor 2025): “Flawless from start to finish. Our guide Moses knew every gorilla family by name!” – Sarah K.
2. Gorilla Nests Safaris
Founded: 2015| Best for: Luxury and honeymoon travelers
Specializes in high-end, exclusive gorilla experiences with boutique lodges like Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Mahogany Springs, and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
Why They Stand Out:
- Personal concierge service
- Private vehicles and guides guaranteed
- Complimentary laundry and drinks on safari
Popular Packages:
- 4 Days Luxury Fly-in Bwindi Gorilla Safari ($3,800–$5,200 pp)
- 7 Days Gorillas & Chimpanzees Luxury Tour
Website: gorillanestssafaris.com
Google Rating: 4.9/5 (320+ reviews)
3. Achieve Global Safaris
**Founded: 2008 | Best for: Reliable mid-range, excellent value
One of the most established and frequently recommended operators in top Google results for years.
Strengths:
- Own fleet of extended Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs
- 24/7 support line
- Very strong permit booking system
Popular Packages:
- 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Bwindi ($1,480–$1,680 pp)
- 6 Days Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth Wildlife ($2,650 pp)
Website: achieveglobalsafaris.com
TripAdvisor: 5.0/5 (800+ reviews)
4. Africa Adventure Safaris
Founded: 2006 | Best for: Budget to mid-range, large groups, combined Uganda-Rwanda tours
One of the oldest and most trusted names. Excellent for travelers wanting to trek gorillas in both countries.
Highlights:
- Very competitive pricing without cutting corners
- Can organize back-to-back treks in Bwindi and Volcanoes NP (Rwanda)
- Strong relationships with all lodges
Popular Budget Option:
- 3 Days Gorilla Trekking from Kigali ($1,350 pp – crosses from Rwanda side, saves time & money)
Website: africaadventurevacations.com
5. Gosilverback Safaris
Founded: 2014 | Best for: Personalized private tours, solo travelers
Smaller boutique operator with outstanding personalized service.
Stand-out:
- Maximum 6 guests per vehicle
- All guides are former UWA rangers
- Flexible departure dates
Website: gsb safaris.com
6. Hail Tours Uganda
Founded: 2017 | Best for: Affordable gorilla trekking, young travelers, adventure combos
Rising star known for transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
Popular Package:
- 4 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trek + Lake Mburo ($1,550 pp)
Website: hailtoursuganda.com
Google Rating: 4.9/5
7. All Uganda Safaris
Founded: 2013 | Best for: Mid-range, wildlife + gorilla combinations
Excellent for adding Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, or Kibale chimps.
Strong in: Multi-park itineraries
Website: allugandasafaris.com
8. Gorilla Trackers Ltd
Founded: 2010 | Best for: Last-minute bookings, East African residents
One of the few companies that can sometimes secure canceled permits last-minute.
Website: gorillatrackers.com
Comparison Table: Top 8 Uganda Gorilla Trekking Companies (2025)
|
Rank |
Company |
Years Exp. |
Tour Type |
Vehicle Quality |
Price Range |
Google Rating |
Permit Success |
|
1 |
Uganda Wildlife Tours |
13 |
Mid to Luxury |
Excellent |
$$$ |
4.9 |
99% |
|
2 |
Gorilla Nests Safaris |
10 |
Luxury/Honeymoon |
Outstanding |
$$$$ |
4.9 |
100% |
|
3 |
Achieve Global Safaris |
17 |
Mid-range/Value |
Very Good |
$$ |
5.0 |
98% |
|
4 |
Africa Adventure Safaris |
19 |
Budget to Mid |
Very Good |
$$ |
4.9 |
97% |
|
5 |
Gosilverback Safaris |
11 |
Private/Boutique |
Excellent |
$$$ |
4.9 |
98% |
|
6 |
Hail Tours Uganda |
8 |
Budget/Adventure |
Good |
$ |
4.9 |
95% |
|
7 |
All Uganda Safaris |
12 |
Mid-range Combo |
Very Good |
$$ |
4.8 |
96% |
|
8 |
Gorilla Trackers |
15 |
Last-minute |
Good |
$$ |
4.8 |
92% |
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda – Quick Overview (2025 Prices)
- Destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (20+ habituated families), Mgahinga Gorilla NP (1 family – Nyakagezi)
- Gorilla Permit Cost (2025):
- Foreign non-residents: $800
- Foreign residents: $700
- East African citizens: UGX 300,000 (~$80)
- Best Time to Go: June–September & December–February (dry seasons – easier trekking)
- Shoulder Seasons (cheaper & quieter): March–May & October–November
- Average Trek Duration: 2–8 hours depending on gorilla location
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous (steep, muddy, high altitude)
- Average Total Tour Cost (3-day trek): $1,450 – $4,500 pp depending on luxury level
Types of Gorilla Trekking Packages Available
- Budget (hostels/basic lodges): $1,350–$1,800
- Mid-range (comfortable lodges): $1,800–$2,800
- Luxury (fly-in, 5-star lodges): $3,500–$6,000+
- Combined Uganda + Rwanda double trekking
- Gorilla habituation experience (4 hours with gorillas – $1,500 permit)
Real Customer Reviews (2024–2025)
- “Achieve Global Safaris made our dream come true. Even when flights were delayed, they rearranged everything perfectly.” – Mark & Lisa, USA
- “Gorilla Nests booked us into Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp – waking up to gorillas outside the tent was unreal.” – James, UK
- “Hail Tours gave us an incredible experience at budget price. Highly recommend!” – Sophie, Australia
FAQs – Uganda Gorilla Trekking 2025
Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: Minimum 6–12 months for peak season (Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb). Permits sell out fast.
Q: Is gorilla trekking in Uganda safe?
A: Yes. Very high safety record. Gorillas are habituated, guides carry armed rangers, and parks are well protected.
Q: Can children go gorilla trekking?
A: Minimum age is 15 years (UWA rule).
Q: What is included in a typical tour?
A: Permit, accommodation, meals, transport, guide, bottled water. Flights and tips usually extra.
Q: Should I choose Bwindi or Mgahinga?
A: Bwindi has more gorilla families and higher sighting chance. Mgahinga is quieter and offers golden monkey trekking too.
Final Thoughts – Book With Confidence
Choosing one of these 8 vetted, licensed, and highly reviewed Uganda gorilla trekking companies means your permits will be secured, your guide will be outstanding, and your once-in-a-lifetime encounter with mountain gorillas will be safe and unforgettable.
Ready to meet the gentle giants of Bwindi?
Contact any of the companies above directly, or reply here and I’ll help match you with the perfect operator for your budget and dates.
Safe travels, and enjoy every magical minute with the gorillas!