Why We Love Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

There are wildlife encounters, and then there’s gorilla trekking in Uganda – an experience so profound it rewires your soul. At Voyage Balquees, we’ve led thousands of travelers into the misty forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga, and each time we emerge more enchanted than before. Today, we’re sharing Why We Love Gorilla Trekking in Uganda – the magic, the memories, and the moments that keep us (and our guests) returning year after year.
From the first glimpse of a silverback through the jungle foliage to the echoing hoots that fill the forest at dawn, here are the reasons Why We Love Gorilla Trekking in Uganda more than any other safari experience on Earth.
1. The Unmatched Intimacy of Wild Encounters
Eye-to-Eye with Our Closest Relatives
Unlike vehicle-based safaris, gorilla trekking brings you:
5-7 meters from wild gorillas
60 full minutes of undisturbed observation
Raw, unfiltered behavior – from playful juveniles to dignified silverbacks
Our Favorite Moment: Watching a mother gently groom her baby while making soft humming sounds – a scene unchanged for millennia.
The “First Contact” Feeling
Every trek brings that heart-pounding moment when your guide whispers: “They’re here.” The rustling leaves part, and suddenly you’re sharing space with a 400-pound silverback. This primal connection is central to Why We Love Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.
2. The Enchanted Forests Themselves
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site where:
Sunlight filters through 25,000-year-old trees
Over 120 mammal species share the gorillas’ home
The air hums with birdsong (350+ species recorded)
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Where volcanoes meet virgin forests:
Dramatic backdrop of the Virunga peaks
Rare golden monkeys dart through bamboo
Easier treks with equally magical encounters
These living cathedrals remind us Why We Love Gorilla Trekking in Uganda – every step feels like walking through nature’s masterpiece.
3. The Thrill of the Trek
More Than Just a Walk
Gorilla trekking is an adventure featuring:
Muddy trails that test your balance
Steep inclines at 2,500m altitude
Jungle sounds guiding your path
The sweet exhaustion when you finally spot them
Pro Tip: The physical challenge makes the reward even sweeter – like nature’s own pilgrimage.
Four Types of Magic Moments
The Distant Call – Hearing gorillas before seeing them
The Silverback Stare – When the patriarch acknowledges you
The Family Scene – Juveniles tumbling like furry acrobats
The Goodbye – That bittersweet moment when your hour ends
4. The People Behind the Experience
World-Class Guides
Our Ugandan trackers:
Know individual gorillas by name and personality
Share fascinating behavioral insights
Have literally grown up beside these forests
Local Communities
The Batwa people’s ancient connection to the forest adds cultural depth to understanding Why We Love Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.
5. The Conservation Success Story
Seeing Uganda’s gorilla populations grow (from 400 in 2011 to 459 today) proves responsible tourism works. Your visit directly supports:
Anti-poaching patrols
Veterinary care
Community development projects
This virtuous circle is perhaps the most beautiful reason Why We Love Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.
6. The Unexpected Perks
Birding Bonanza
Spot rare species like:
The Great Blue Turaco
African Green Broadbill
23 endemic Albertine Rift species
Cultural Encounters
Batwa pygmy forest experiences
Local coffee ceremonies
Traditional “kikomando” meals after treks
Our Guests Say It Best
“I expected wildlife – I didn’t expect to feel like I’d come home.” – Sarah K., Australia
“Three years later, I still think about that silverback’s gaze weekly.” – Michael T., USA
“Booked for the gorillas, fell in love with Uganda.” – The Patel Family, UK
How to Experience This Love Affair Yourself
Now that we’ve shared Why We Love Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, here’s how to start your own romance:
Choose Your Season
Dry months (Jun-Aug, Dec-Feb) for easier trekking
Green season (Mar-May) for fewer crowds
Pick Your Park
Bwindi for highest gorilla density
Mgahinga for volcano views
Book Early
Permits sell out 6-9 months aheadPrepare Properly
Break in hiking boots
Practice walking with poles
Bring binoculars & waterproof gear
The Love Continues…
After 15 years of organizing treks, we still get goosebumps every time we enter gorilla territory. That childlike wonder never fades – and neither does our commitment to sharing this life-changing experience.
Ready to fall in love? Our team lives and breathes these forests, and we can’t wait to introduce you to your first gorilla family.