At Eshande Safaris, we offer comprehensive wildlife experiences across Uganda, from dense rainforests to sweeping savannahs. Every adventure is designed for safety, comfort, and maximum wildlife encounters, guided by professional, knowledgeable safari guides.
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure into the misty rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, home to rare and endangered mountain gorillas.
Why Gorilla Trekking?
With fewer than 1,000 mountain gorillas remaining in the wild, trekking them is both an unforgettable wildlife experience and a vital conservation effort. Visits support local communities and park initiatives.
Trekking Locations & Sectors
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Divided into four trekking sectors:
Nkuringo Sector – Quiet forest trails and smaller gorilla families for intimate encounters.
Buhoma Sector – The most popular and accessible sector, with habituated gorilla families.
Rushaga Sector – Moderately challenging treks with rewarding wildlife sightings.
Ruhija Sector – Remote and physically demanding, offering spectacular scenery and fewer crowds.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Trekking mainly through the Volcano Sector, home to smaller gorilla families and rare golden monkeys, with dramatic volcanic slopes.
Age Limit
Minimum age: 15 years.
Children aged 15–17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Children under 15 are not permitted.
Trekking Duration & Difficulty
Treks typically last 2 to 6 hours, depending on gorilla location.
Terrain is steep and muddy; moderate fitness is recommended.
Booking
Early booking is important to secure gorilla permits and preferred trekking dates.
What’s Included
Gorilla permits
Professional guides and trackers
4x4 transport to trekking points
Pre-trek briefing and safety instructions
Support staff for equipment
What to Bring
Hiking boots, long sleeves & pants, rain jacket
Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
Water and light snacks
Tips
Spend only 1 hour with the gorillas
Maintain a 7-meter distance
Avoid loud noises, sudden movements, and direct eye contact
Do not trek if you are sick
Track chimpanzees in Uganda’s richest forests for an intimate wildlife experience.
Locations & Highlights
Kibale Forest National Park – The “Primate Capital of the World”, with over 1,500 chimpanzees.
Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth National Park) – The “Valley of Apes”, where chimpanzees coexist with hippos and other wildlife.
Budongo Forest (Murchison Falls National Park) – One of East Africa’s largest mahogany forests, home to ~700 chimpanzees.
Age Limit
Minimum age: 12 years; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Trekking Duration & Difficulty
Typically 2–5 hours, depending on chimp location.
Forest trails are uneven; moderate fitness recommended.
Booking
Early booking is important to secure chimpanzee permits.
What’s Included
Chimpanzee permits
Expert guides
4x4 transport
Pre-trek briefing
What to Bring
Hiking boots, long sleeves & pants, rain jacket
Water, snacks, insect repellent, hat
Tips
Maintain a safe distance from chimpanzees
Move quietly and avoid sudden movements
Do not trek if unwell
Experience Uganda’s diverse wildlife on guided game drives in all 10 national parks.
Highlights by Park
Murchison Falls – World’s Most Powerful Waterfall: Lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, and crocodiles.
Queen Elizabeth – Tree-Climbing Lions: Ishasha lions, elephants, hippos, and antelopes.
Kidepo Valley – Untouched Northern Wilderness: Cheetahs, zebras, ostriches, and buffalo herds.
Lake Mburo – Zebra Capital: Zebras, impalas, giraffes, elands, and leopards on night drives.
Kibale – Primate & Forest Wildlife: Bushbucks, monkeys, and forest elephants.
Semuliki – Tropical Lowland Forest: Pygmy hippos, forest buffalo, rare birds, and primates.
Bwindi – Gorilla Kingdom: Forest elephants, duikers, and bush pigs along forest trails.
Mgahinga – Volcanic Wildlife: Golden monkeys, bushbucks, and buffaloes.
Rwenzori – Mountains of the Moon: Forest elephants, bushbucks, and primates.
Mount Elgon – Hidden Caldera: Elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, caves, and waterfalls.
Age Limit
Suitable for all ages; children must be supervised.
Booking
Early booking is important to secure permits and vehicle availability.
What’s Included
Park entry permits
4x4 safari vehicle
Experienced driver-guide
Bottled water
Tips
Keep windows up in areas with aggressive animals
Carry binoculars and a camera for wildlife photography
Bring light snacks and water for longer drives
Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda’s only place to see rhinos in the wild.
Trekking Details
Guided walking tours lasting 2–3 hours
Suitable for all fitness levels
Age Limit
Suitable for all ages; children under 12 must be accompanied by adults
Booking
Early booking is important to reserve space for walking safaris.
What’s Included
Entry fees
Professional guides and rangers
Safety briefing
Tips
Maintain a safe distance from rhinos
Do not feed or touch the rhinos
Wear sturdy shoes for walking in uneven terrain
Uganda hosts over 1,070 bird species, making it ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Locations & Highlights
Mabamba Swamp – Rare shoebill stork
Bwindi & Mgahinga – Turacos, sunbirds, and Albertine Rift endemics
Queen Elizabeth & Lake Mburo – Waterbirds and raptors
Age Limit
Suitable for all ages; children must be supervised
Booking
Early booking is important to secure permits and guide availability.
What’s Included
Expert birding guides
4x4 transport
Park entry permits
What to Bring
Binoculars, camera, field guide
Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, and water
Tips
Move quietly to avoid disturbing birds
Avoid using flash photography near nests
Bring a notebook to record sightings