How to combine the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon with a gorilla trek in Bwindi or Mgahinga.

Diplo just flew to Uganda between Coachella sets to go see the gorillas. The man, who in addition to being a world-class DJ runs a global running club with tens of thousands of members, took time off his busy schedule to stand in an ancient forest staring at a silverback. If that's not a sign, we don't know what is.

Uganda is home to over half of the world's mountain gorillas, living in two national parks in the country's southwest: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This isn't a zoo. It's you, on foot, in ancient "impenetrable" (you'll understand why it's called that) forest, coming face to face with an animal that shares 98% of your DNA and has zero interest in your split times.

You've already signed up for a race that starts on the Equator inside a national park (if not registration is open here). Clearly you're not the type to do things by halves. So while you're here, go south and see the gorillas. It is genuinely one of the most extraordinary experiences on earth, and Uganda has more of them than anywhere else in the world.

The logistics, because this needs planning.

Bwindi and Mgahinga are in southwestern Uganda, roughly a six-to-seven hour drive from Kasese, or accessible by a short charter flight. The smart move is to run the marathon on 22 August, recover for a day or two, then head south. Or flip it — trek first, then race on tired legs like a true masochist.

Either way, here's what you need to know:

You must book through a licensed tour operator. This is not a suggestion or a nice-to-have — it is a requirement. You cannot simply turn up at Bwindi and ask to see the gorillas. A reputable operator handles your permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority (and transport, accommodation, and logistics if you ask nicely).

Book early. Seriously. Permits are limited to a set number of people per habituated gorilla family per day. There are around 11 habituated families in Bwindi and one in Mgahinga, which sounds like a lot until you realise that August is peak trekking season and those slots go fast. Permits for 2026 are already on sale. The earlier you book, the more choice you have over which sector you visit.

What it costs. A permit is USD $800 for foreign non-residents, USD $700 for foreign residents, and USD $500 for citizens from the rest of Africa. East African citizens pay UGX 300,000.

What to expect on the day. Treks can take anywhere from one hour to most of the day depending on where the gorillas have decided to be — they don't follow a schedule. Wear long sleeves, bring water, and don't underestimate the terrain. You get one hour with the family once found. Most people describe it as one of the most extraordinary experiences of their lives. Most people are not wrong.

Uganda delivered you a World Athletics Label marathon under the Mountains of the Moon. It's also offering you mountain gorillas a few hours down the road. The only mistake you can make is going home without doing both.

All photos: Ty Dolloway