After COVID Gorilla Tracking Safaris in Uganda
Post-COVID Gorilla Tracking Uganda. Gorilla tracking in Uganda has returned stronger and safer after the COVID-19 pandemic. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) reopened parks with enhanced safety protocols, ensuring that travelers enjoy responsible adventures with minimal risk. If you’ve been dreaming of meeting the mountain gorillas face-to-face, this is a perfect time to plan your visit.
Renewed Interest in Gorilla Trekking
Travelers now seek open spaces, nature-based experiences, and meaningful encounters. Gorilla trekking in Uganda checks all these boxes. The forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park provide a healthy, outdoor environment where small trekking groups make the experience intimate and personalized. Tourism numbers are steadily climbing, but they remain low enough to offer exclusivity and calm.
Health and Safety Measures in Place
The Uganda Wildlife Authority has implemented several post-COVID safety guidelines. Visitors must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours. Temperature checks and hand sanitation happen at all park entry points. Trekking groups stay limited to eight people to reduce pressure on the gorillas and maintain physical distancing. Rangers wear masks, and visitors must do the same when near gorillas.
These measures protect both humans and gorillas. Since gorillas share about 98% of human DNA, they remain vulnerable to respiratory infections—including COVID-19. Following these protocols ensures that trekking supports conservation without compromising health.
The Trekking Experience Remains Magical
Post-pandemic gorilla tracking has not lost its magic. In fact, many travelers describe it as even more moving. Less crowding has made encounters more peaceful. Rangers now take extra time to educate visitors on gorilla behavior, forest conservation, and responsible tourism. The trek through the rainforest still varies in duration and difficulty, depending on where the gorillas moved. But every trek ends with an unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants up close.
Booking Permits After COVID
The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda remains at $800 per person (as of 2025). UWA now encourages travelers to book through registered tour operators to avoid fraud and ensure compliance with all post-COVID travel rules. Some lodges near Bwindi and Mgahinga offer packages that include permits, transportation, and accommodation.
Book early. Although tourism is bouncing back, gorilla permits are still limited and sell out fast during peak months (June to September and December to February).
Best Time to Visit
Uganda offers year-round gorilla trekking, but the dry seasons remain ideal—between June and September and December to February. Trails stay drier and easier to hike, and chances of clear views increase. After COVID, tour operators and lodges have become more flexible with rescheduling in case of health concerns or changes in travel restrictions.
Lodges and Local Communities Are Thriving Again
Many eco-lodges around Bwindi and Mgahinga took the downtime during COVID to upgrade their services. Staff training, sustainability improvements, and better hygiene standards have all become a priority. Local communities that depend on gorilla tourism have also welcomed visitors back with renewed hospitality. Cultural visits, traditional dance performances, and handicraft markets now operate again with more care and pride.
Travel Tips
Travelers should carry vaccination certificates, personal hand sanitizers, face masks, and travel insurance. Choose operators who follow ethical and sustainable travel guidelines. Support lodges and activities that give back to conservation and local development.
Plan Your Safari With Us
Gorilla tracking safaris in Uganda offer more than just wildlife viewing—they connect you with nature, culture, and purpose. After COVID, the experience feels deeper, safer, and more responsible. Let us help you plan a gorilla safari that respects health, nature, and your travel dreams.
