Gorilla Trekking from Dar-es-Salaam: Your Gateway to Uganda’s Mountain Gorillas
If you’re based in or traveling through Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, and dreaming of gorilla trekking, you have exciting options. While Tanzania is famous for safaris in Serengeti and Ngorongoro, nearby Uganda offers some of the world’s best mountain gorilla experiences. With the right planning, you can combine East Africa’s diverse wildlife adventures, starting from Dar-es-Salaam to Uganda’s misty forests.
Why Choose Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are among the few places where you can trek to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The experience is intimate and unforgettable, offering close encounters with these majestic creatures.
Uganda’s gorilla trekking permits cost around $800 per person (set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority), and treks are carefully regulated to protect the gorillas and their environment.
How to Get from Dar-es-Salaam to Uganda for Gorilla Trekking
By Air
The quickest way is to fly from Dar-es-Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport to Entebbe International Airport near Kampala, Uganda’s capital. Several airlines operate connecting flights, usually with one stopover in Nairobi or Addis Ababa.
From Entebbe or Kampala, you can take a domestic flight to Kisoro (closest to Mgahinga Gorilla Park) or Kisoro/Bwindi region or arrange road transfers to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
By Road
Though adventurous, the overland journey covers roughly 1,400 kilometers and can take up to 24 hours or more. This option suits travelers who prefer a road trip across East Africa, possibly with stopovers in Tanzania, Rwanda, or Kenya. It requires careful planning and reliable transport.
Planning Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure
- Book permits early: Gorilla permits are limited and can sell out months in advance. Plan and secure yours through trusted operators.
- Prepare physically: Trekking can be strenuous due to Uganda’s mountainous terrain and tropical climate. Good fitness helps.
- Pack appropriately: Hiking boots, rain gear, insect repellent, layered clothing, and a good camera are essential.
- Hire experienced guides: Local guides ensure safety and enrich your experience with knowledge about gorilla behavior and forest ecology.
Combining Gorilla Trekking with Other East African Adventures
Many travelers combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with Tanzania’s classic safaris in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Lake Manyara. You can design a multi-country itinerary that showcases the best of East Africa’s wildlife and landscapes.
With efficient flights and local tour operators, transitions between Tanzania and Uganda have become easier than ever.
Booking Your Gorilla Trekking Tour from Dar-es-Salaam
VisitRwandaGorilla.com offers tailored gorilla trekking packages that can start from Dar-es-Salaam. We coordinate your flights, transfers, permits, accommodation, and guided treks, making your journey seamless.
Contact us with your travel dates and preferences. We provide a custom itinerary combining gorilla trekking with other safari or cultural experiences across East Africa.
