Gorilla Trekking for Solo Travelers in Uganda & Rwanda – A Complete Guide

Gorilla trekking for solo travelers – Gorilla trekking is not only for groups or families. Solo travelers can also enjoy a great experience. Going on a gorilla safari alone means you will pay all the costs by yourself since there is no one to share the expenses.

Before starting your journey, the first step is to book a gorilla permit. All bookings should be made through a licensed tour operator or directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Solo travelers are advised to book their permits at least 3 to 6 months in advance to secure a spot. This is important because permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

As a solo traveler, you will not trek alone. On the trekking day, you will be picked up from your lodge and taken to the park headquarters. There, you will join other travelers for a briefing.

You will be assigned to a specific gorilla family, together with seven other people, since only eight visitors are allowed per group.

After the briefing, the group will be guided through the forest along marked paths to find the gorillas.

Trekking usually takes between 2 to 6 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located. Once found, visitors are allowed to spend one hour with the gorillas.

During this time, you can observe them, take photos, and learn about their behavior.

Gorilla trekking as a solo traveler has some benefits. It gives you more freedom, a deeper focus on the wildlife, and a chance to meet new people.

It can also be a good personal experience, especially during the hike.

A gorilla permit in Bwindi costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens.

The best time for solo travelers to visit Bwindi is during the dry season, from June to September and December to February.

During this time, the trails are dry and easier to walk, and the vegetation is not too thick, which helps with visibility.

Solo travelers should pack items such as insect repellent, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, binoculars, a camera, a hat, sunscreen, gardening gloves, and other basic gear.

Traveling alone for gorilla trekking gives you a quiet and meaningful connection with nature, making it a very rewarding experience.

If you'd like to customize a tour and add more days or destinations below, contact us directly through our main contact page by clicking the button below.