mountain gorilla trekking tours uganda

2 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari

• 2 Days Mgahinga Gorilla Safari
• 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour
• 4 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorillas
• 7 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari
• 12 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife
• 15 Days Explore Uganda & Rwanda
• 4 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari
• 6 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Wildlife
• 5 Days Uganda Gorillas & Chimps Safari
• 5 Days Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari
• 7 Days Uganda Gorillas, Wildlife & Chimps Safari
• 8 Days Gorilla Trek Africa
• 8 Days Uganda Explorer’s Safari
• 10 Days Gorillas, Chimps and Game Safari
• 12 Days Uganda Wildlife & Primates Safari
• 14 Days Uganda Safari Adventure
• 15 Days Best of Uganda Safari

1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek

• 2 Days Gorilla Trekking
• 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour
• 4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour
• 4 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkeys
• 5 Days Gorillas & Akagera Wildlife
• 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari
• 5 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Chimps Safari
• 7 Days Gorillas, Wildlife & Chimps Safari
• 10 Days Gorillas & Big Game Safari
• Lowland Gorilla Safaris

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Mgahinga National Park

Volcanoes National Park

Mountain Gorillas

• Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

Safari Lodges

• Safari Packing List
• Why Choose Us
• Social Responsibility
• Testimonials

Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo

99% sightings guaranteed on all our gorilla trekking tours in uganda, rwanda and congo. for over 10 years, so far we have had no failure to see the gorillas on even single gorilla treks.

Welcome to Go Gorilla Trekking, a local tour operator based in Africa offering the best gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda , Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo . Experience the magic of gorilla trekking in the tropical rain forests of Bwindi and the Virunga Mountains on one of our carefully planned gorilla tours that are offered all year round. At Go Gorilla Trekking, we run gorilla watching trips differently! Guided by ecotourism guidelines and sustainable tourism practice s, we create magical trips to see the spectacular mountain gorillas in their natural habitat within various countries in Africa.

Travel with us to the remote side of Africa and enjoy gorilla tracking in different national parks; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo. All our tours are conducted in comfortable 4X4 safari vehicles and are guided by professional and experienced local safari guides . On all tours, clients stay at the best select comfortable lodges (whether you choose budget or high end) that will bring you back to nature! Get started with planning your next gorilla safari in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa or Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills.

Last Minute Gorilla Treks for 2024 and Early Bird Offers for 2025

We offer unbeatable price offers on gorilla trekking safaris in Africa. This is due to that since we are a local company, we offer great value safaris at fair prices with no overhead costs to travelers. Here are our best last minute deals for 2024 and early bird offers for 2025. Need a custom trip? Feel free to call +256 772 072909 or email us to start planning your safari!

Top Uganda Gorilla Treks

Uganda is the perfect destination for those looking to gorilla treks and wildlife safaris. Indeed Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has become the adventure capital for gorilla trekking in Africa. Here are some of the best gorilla tours carefully crafted to include other adventures such as game viewing, chimpanzee tracking etc.

2 Days Mgahinga Gorillas

3 Days Gorilla Habituation

• 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari

4 Days Double Gorilla Trek

4 Days Uganda Gorillas & Mburo

5 Days Gorillas & Chimps

7 Days Uganda Safari

10 Days Great Apes & Game

Rwanda Gorilla Treks

We run several gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills. These trips start from Kigali and range from day trips to longer safaris that feature multiple gorilla visits in the gorillaland. Here are some of the top safari offers;

2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek

3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek

This trip to the Volcanoes combines gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking.

4 Days Gorillas & Golden Monkeys

5 Days Gorillas & Wildlife Safari

5 Days Gorillas & Chimps Trek

Fly-in Safaris

At Go Gorilla Trekking, we have made it possible to reach the destinations where gorilla watching is done by organizing flying safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga National Park. Save time and explore more in less time. Our trips are safe, affordable and will make your next vacation even better! See more for less on one of our flying safaris below;

4 Days Uganda Gorillas & Chimps

6 Days Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife

See the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest, chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park on this 6 Days Uganda Tour.

5 Days Bwindi Gorillas & Ishasha Region

3 Days Bwindi Fly In Safari

Travel by air to the famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. You will fly to either Kihihi in the north or Kisoro in Southern Bwindi. Read More

4 Days Uganda Fly In Safari

Go gorilla trekking twice on this 4 Days (3 Nights) Fly-In safari. You will track the mountain gorillas in two different sectors in Bwindi Forest. Read More

6 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari

This 6 Days Uganda Safari highlights visits to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi to see gorillas, chimpanzees and wild game. Read More

Get Started with Planning your Trip

Looking for a custom holiday in Africa? All gorilla tours featured on our website can be tailor made to suit group or individual interests. Would you like to include any other adventure activity in your trip itinerary?

Book for 2024 & 2025 Gorilla Tours with Confidence

We are working on wherever we can to offer as much flexibility and support to travelers as possible. We have attained more flexible policies to make travel easier such as flexibility in changing travel dates, reduced deposits to confirm trips and flexibility on rescheduling the gorilla permits. Book your next gorilla trek in advance and secure your spot for 2024 and 2025.

Request for a Trip Quote

We would love to hear from you. Fill in the brief form below to get a free quote or advice for your gorilla trek. You can email us directly via [email protected] or reach us on WhatsApp via +256772072909.

Your message (optional)

Top Gorilla Trips from Kigali

Planning to fly to Kigali of Rwanda? We have several trips departing from Kigali, the Capital of Rwanda. Here are the top sellers from Kigali going through Rwanda, Uganda or DR Congo.

• 1 Day Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park
• 2 Day Mgahinga Gorilla Safari
• 2 Day Bwindi Gorilla Safari
• 2 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek
• 4 Days Bwindi Gorillas & Lake Bunyonyi

Top Gorilla Treks from Kampala

Would you like to start your trip from Kampala or Entebbe? We have several gorilla tours that start from Kampala or Entebbe leading you through the gorilla empire of Uganda, Rwanda and Eastern DR Congo.

• 3 Day Bwindi Gorilla Trek
• 4 Day Bwindi Gorilla Trek
• 4 Days Bwindi Gorillas + Kibale Chimpanzees
• 5 Days Bwindi Gorillas, Wildlife & Chimpanzees
• 7 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife

We are Go Gorilla Trekking, a local safari company operating from both Uganda and Rwanda. We invite you for an amazing encounter on a gorilla trek in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We are an outdoor adventure travel company specializing in organizing gorilla safaris in Uganda , Rwanda and Congo . With over 9 years experience in organizing gorilla safaris in Africa, we create the best gorilla trekking expeditions into the tropical rain forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga Region at unbeatable prices!

All our gorilla tours are planned by a team of professional and proficient staff with vast experience in creating interesting and memorable tours. Planning for a trip to see the mountain gorillas in the wild or would you like to track the lowland gorillas in Central Africa? Booking a trip with us will be an outdoor experience like no other one you have ever had! Read more about us and our ethos.

Promotional Safaris

We are now pleased to announce last minute gorilla trips and discounted gorilla safaris . Save by checking our early bird safari offers by booking with us today! Check out the available deals on Uganda safaris from Experience Africa, our sister company and request for availability of any of our tours by contacting us on +256 772 072909 or via contact form .

USEFUL INFO

• PLAN YOUR SAFARI
• TOP DESTINATIONS

Safari Parking List

Ugandans and Rwandans appreciate those who dress modestly. Uganda and Rwanda are warm in the plains but often cold in the hills and mountains where gorilla trekking is done.

A variety of camps and lodges are available when staying in Uganda and Rwanda while in DR Congo and Central Africa accommodation choices are limited.

Best Time to See Gorillas

Whether you are planning to go gorilla tracking in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo, here is all the information you need to know about the times to see gorillas in Africa.

It is so called because the dense undergrowth, vines and other vegetation make it almost impenetrable. The world known Bwindi Impenetrable Park is a mysterious and awesome destination not to miss.

The Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla bengei) are the most awe-inspiring animals to be found in Africa. Unfortunately, man has not been merciful to them.

The Parc National des Volcans (PNV) is part of the Virunga Conservation Area and covers more than 125 sq km and was Dian Fossey’s base a long time ago.

Looking for a day tour to the gorillas in Africa? We offer several day trips to the gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. At Go Gorilla Trekking, we offer different ways to experience both mountain & lowland gorilla watching in Africa. Read More Details

Lowland Gorilla Tours

Lowland gorillas are habitually very difficult to habituate compared to mountain gorillas, however, the DR Congo and the Central African Republic offer the only chance to track one of the two habituated lowland gorilla groups in the world!. Read More Details

The mountain gorillas spend most of their time in the hagenia woodlands and bamboo forests. During the rainIg season when new bamboo shoots are growing, the gorillas spend more time foraging in the bamboo forests (base altitude). Read More Details

Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Plan and book your 2024 – 2025 uganda gorilla trekking tours now.

Thank You by stopping by Go Gorilla Trekking. We are the leading adventure travel company organizing gorilla watching tours in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. We have the best gorilla trekking tours to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. We make your trip planning easy and within a few email exchanges, we will book you on a gorilla trek in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo.

Our Gorilla Tour Offers

We create the best tailor made gorilla safari packages in combination with other adventures in the region such as chimpanzee tracking, game viewing, cultural tours etc. Our safari packages range from 2 day gorilla treks that are convenient for travelers with less time yet would like to see the gorillas to several weeks of adventure in national parks and game reserves. See our packages below of contact us with your special needs.

Our team has a wealth of information to take you through the safari planning process and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Uganda Gorilla Treks Starting from Entebbe & Kampala

Would you like to start your trip in Entebbe and end it in Kigali? Are you already in Kampala? We have perfect locations to start your trip. Despite the long distance on a road trip to the gorilla land, there is a lot to see and do along the way. We run several trips that start from Entebbe or Kampala. With multiple pickup locations, we can tailor your trip to suit your needs.

3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Tour

A 3 days gorilla safari in Bwindi Forest that is combined with the experience to meet the Batwa People in their ancient forest.

3 Days Mgahinga Gorillas

Have a date with the gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the Ugandan part of the Virunga. Stay 2 nights at historical lodges.

4 Days Double Gorilla Trek

The finest gorilla trek ever! Track the gorillas twice in Uganda’s parks; Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Habituation

Spend 4 hours with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Rushaga Sector in the southern part of Bwindi.

4 Days Uganda Gorillas & Lake Bunyonyi

Meet the mountain gorillas on a thrilling hike in the forest and relax to the sounds of birds at Lake Bunyonyi, the Switzerland of Africa.

5 Days Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife

A perfect 5 Days (4 nights) gorilla safari in Bwindi Forest combined with a class wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Uganda Gorilla Treks Starting from Kigali

Flying to Kigali Airport? We have several trips that start from Kigali. From a 2 Days Gorilla Trek in Bwindi to longer safaris that combine expeditions in different destinations. Here are the most popular trips;

2 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking

A 2 days gorilla trek from Kigali, Rwanda. Go gorilla tracking in Rushaga or Nkuringo of Southern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

2 Days Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking

A 2 days gorilla trek to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the Ugandan part of the Virunga Mountains. The trip starts and ends in Kigali, Rwanda.

4 Days Gorillas in Uganda & Rwanda

Visit the mountain gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda. This trip starts from Kigali and leads you to PNV and Bwindi Forest.

We are Go Gorilla Trekking, an adventure travel company based in Uganda. We specialize in organizing gorilla trekking tours in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. We have over 10 years of experience in organizing guided safaris in the region and we are highly rated for our amazing service.

We strive to offer our guests the best service and an unforgettable nature experience – we want you to feel as a part of our team.

Get in Touch

Our team of safari experts are ready to help you with any questions about your planning your next trip. Call us now to talk to us on +256772072909

Please use the form below to send us an email and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Your Message

Combined Gorilla Trekking Expeditions

We also offer gorilla trekking expeditions that extend into Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We have perfectly combined gorilla treks into other destinations; Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda as well as Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park of Congo.

4 Days Virunga Gorillas & Nyiragongo

5 Days Africa Gorilla Trek

7 Days Gorilla Safari (3 Treks)

Why Travel With Us

We create unique travel itineraries that take you off the beaten path! These itineraries are also tested to make sure that our visitors get the best value out of our gorilla tours.

Our gorilla safaris are guided in comfortable vehicles that can maneuver over the rough roads in the national parks and remote areas.

All our trips are guided by friendly tour guides. In order for you to get the best possible whale watching experience, all of our guides local guides with first-hand knowledge about the great apes. Most of our guides are graduates.

Plan a Gorilla Trek with Us

Would you like to plan a gorilla tour  with us? We are here to help. Just send us an email and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

• Over 25 years’ experience
• Affordable and unforgettable tours and excursions
• All our tours are available in Budget, Comfortable, Medium & Luxury versions
• Gorilla permit guaranteed
• Travelling in small groups (4-12 persons)
• Individual tailor-made safaris possible
• Drive around in the best 4WD Toyota Land Cruisers
• English speaking Ugandan drivers and guides
• Kampala based office with an international staff
• Group tours single friendly

Gorilla permits

Book early bird tours.

Please book your tours at least 3 to 6 months in advance. Gorilla permits have limited availability, especially in the high and peak seasons (January, February, June, July, August, September and December)

Note: We have many spaces left for the 5 days Gorilla and Chimps Tour starting on 7th January 2025 and 12 days Uganda Ultimate starting on 30th December 2024 for those who are looking for confirmed trips to join

Gorilla Tours News

Will the rothschild’s giraffe survive.

When it comes to rare mammal species in Uganda, almost immediately the mountain gorilla is mentioned. But in Uganda, with its abundant flora and fauna, lives an even rarer mammal: the Rothschild’s giraffe (also called Uganda giraffe or Baringo giraffe).

16 Days The Pearl of Africa

7 Days One Amazing African Week

5 Days Gorillas & Chimps

3 Days Gorilla Special

3 Days Kibale NP

3 Days Murchison Falls NP

3 Days Queen Elizabeth NP

2 Days Lake Mburo NP

Individual trips/Tailor-made Tours

African Gorilla Tours - Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda & Beyond

Book Gorilla Trekking Safaris, Tours & Trips

Searching for authentic African gorilla tours and trips to see gorillas in the wild? Gorilla trekking in Uganda & Rwanda offers the best gorilla trekking tours. Home to over half of the world's mountain gorillas, offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Key locations include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - the best place to see mountain gorillas in the wild, Volcanoes National Park - the best luxury gorilla safari destination and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park - a unique place to visit mountain gorillas.

Each year, so many tourists travel to see gorillas in Africa. Treks, often in small groups, provide close encounters with gorillas while contributing to conservation efforts. The best times to visit are during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. This is when gorilla watching is at its best. Trekking supports local communities and sustainable tourism. Combining Uganda treks with experiences in Rwanda or Congo enhances the adventure.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda (best mountain gorilla tours) is truly an unforgettable experience and should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Hopwever, the gorilla safari company you use determines the outcome of your gorilla watching holidays. Our company (one of the best gorilla trekking company) has for years, specialized in organizing some of the best lowland and mountain gorilla trips in Africa.

Most travelers actually combine it with Uganda safaris , Rwanda safaris , Kenya Safaris and Tanzania Safaris .

It even gets better when you combine your Magical Gorilla Adventure tours with Rwanda gorilla trekking or Congo gorilla trekking experiences.

Check out our Bwindi gorilla treks , Volcanoes gorilla treks , luxury gorilla holidays , budget gorilla holidays and tours from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest .

See our top gorilla tours and safaris below to start planning your intrepid gorilla trek off the right foot.

Top Uganda Gorilla Tour Packages 2024/2025

Want trips to see mountain gorillas in the wild? Book top Uganda gorilla tours in Africa with our gorilla trekking safari tour packages below.

15-Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda, Chimps, Wildlife & Leisure Safari Tour

Book this all-round Gorilla Trekking Uganda, Chimps, Wildlife & Leisure Safari Tour to explore top attractions.

10-Day Best of Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Safari

Spend an amazing ten days in Uganda with this affordable Best of Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Safari Tour.

7-Day Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Wildlife Safari Tour

Spend a week in Uganda with this Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Wildlife Safari Tour to Bwindi Forest & other parks.

5 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour & Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari

This Uganda Gorilla Tour & Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari takes you to two of the most popular Uganda safari parks.

4-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Uganda & Lake Bunyonyi Tour

Book this amazing Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Uganda & Lake Bunyonyi Tour for a gorillas & relaxation experience.

4-Day Double Gorilla Trekking in Uganda (2 Gorilla Treks)

Book an amazing Double Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Tour to trek two different mountain gorilla families in Bwindi Forest.

3-Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda from Entebbe/Kampala

This Gorilla Trekking Uganda from Entebbe/Kampala Tour Package is one of the most popular tour packages.

3-Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda from Kigali in Rwanda

This Gorilla Trekking Uganda from Kigali in Rwanda Tour Package cuts the transfer distance to Bwindi Forest.

Top Rwanda Gorilla Tour Packages 2024/2025

Want to go trekking with gorillas in Rwanda? Book our top Rwanda gorilla tours and safaris below at highly discounted costs and prices.

12 Days Grand Rwanda Safari – Primates, Culture & Wildlife

Have a wonderful experience in Rwanda during this 12 Days Grand Rwanda Safari where you will visit the main National…

10 Days Best of Rwanda Primates & Big Five Safari Tour

The 10 Days best of Rwanda safari covers plenty of distinct experiences, from Kigali city tours, primate tracking to big…

7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari, Chimpanzee Trek & Wildlife Tour

7 days Rwanda Safari. Looking for the best packages that highlight all the three national parks of Rwanda with extremely…

6 Days Akagera Wildlife & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Nyungwe

The 6 Days Akagera & Nyungwe NP safari offers a remarkable combination of savanna game sightings and primate tracking. The…

5 Days Rwanda Primates Safari to Volcanoes & Nyungwe Forest

Combine two of Rwanda’s only three national parks, Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park with three exciting primates…

4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari, Fossey & Golden Monkeys Tour

4 days Rwanda gorillas and Dian Fossey safari. Want more than just gorilla experience in Rwanda? This 4 days gorilla…

3-Day Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Discover the thrills of mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda with this affordable 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda. This short…

2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari in Volcanoes National Park

2 days gorilla tour in Rwanda. This 2 days Rwanda gorilla safari will reward you a memorable visit to Rwanda’s…

Start Your Gorilla Adventure Today!

Meet the mountain gorillas with our expertly guided gorilla treks in Uganda and Africa. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Africa's wilderness and come face-to-face with these magnificent creatures. Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey!

15-Day Gorilla Trekking & Wildebeest Migration Safari

Gorilla travel becomes more popular each day. Uganda’s lush and dense rain-forests are home to mountain gorillas, apparently the best ape species to encounter in Africa . Gorilla trekking in Uganda is the primary face of the tourism industry, and offers tourists a lifetime chance to come face to face with gorillas in their natural habitat. Uganda gorilla safaris are the best when it comes to African gorilla tours. The best gorilla tours are experienced in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The Uganda gorilla safari trek itself is amazing. You traverse trails through dense vegetation, with very good views of the landscape; knowing when you finally meet the gorillas, you’ll actually help them grow in numbers as majority of your gorilla permit fees is channeled towards conservation of these gentle giants. This is what makes holidays to see mountain gorillas in Africa possible.

National Geographic Gorilla Trekking Video

As you plan for the best gorilla trekking in Africa, the National Geographic gorilla trekking video below depicts what your adventure will be like, when on your holidays to see gorillas in Africa.

About Uganda Gorilla Safaris: The African Gorilla Trekking Capital

Uganda, commonly referred to as the “Pearl of Africa” is one of the most visited East African countries when it comes to tourism. The country has an incredible biodiversity and natural beauty.

Mountain gorillas are the primary face of the Uganda Tourism Industry; with over half the remaining population residing in two protected gorilla parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, earning it the “gorilla trekking capital” name. These are the same parks you’ll visit on Uganda gorilla tours.

The Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi and Mgahinga

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not only the most famous gorilla trekking Uganda destination but also the best destination for trekking gorillas in the world.

The park shelters around 459 mountain gorillas, nearly half the remaining population of mountain gorillas in the world.

Perched in the extreme southwestern corner of Uganda (In the Virunga Conservation Area), Mgahinga shares its borders with DR Congo and Rwanda. It is another Uganda gorilla trekking destination but the less popular one.

Mgahinga is home to only one habituated mountain gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group. This family is composed of 2 adult females, 2 infants, 2 blackbacks, a toddler, and three silverbacks, with Mark as the dominating silverback, assisted by the others.

This family in particular is also good for silverback gorilla trekking.

The experience in Mgahinga National Park is similar to the Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking experience.

Gorilla Trek Africa: The Actual Experience of Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Africa

Gorilla trekking in Uganda begins with briefing at the park headquarters of your respective sector/region. This is also where the mountain gorilla allocation process takes place. Trekkers are split into small groups of 8, with each being assigned with a distinct gorilla family to visit.

The duration of the trek varies according to the gorilla family you are going to trek. Vulnerable or physically disabled trekkers are assigned to the nearest and easiest groups whereas fully healthy trekkers take on the challenging treks. A Uganda gorilla trek many be as short as 30 minutes and might last up to 7 hours.

When with the gorillas in the wild, you are allowed to spend one hour around them. Use this time to photograph them or film them while maintaining a minimum distance of seven to eight meters. Gorillas are wild animals and getting too close to them might be a risk on your side.

This magical hour is one to remember. You’ll watch the gorillas play, feed, climb trees and interact with each other. When your time is up, you’ll trek back to the starting point, pick your gorilla trekking certificates and finish up your trek.

Gorilla Conservation and Sustainable Tourism

Gorilla trekking Uganda safaris don’t solely benefit tourists, but also boosts gorilla conservation efforts. The revenue generated from booking gorilla permits is used to conserve these creatures, support the local communities around the park and also pay the rangers and wardens who protect these gorillas.

This sustainable tourism model creates more employment opportunities, protects gorilla habitats and boosts local development. Moreover, gorilla trekking contributes to the worldwide collective effort to save mountain gorillas from extinction.

When you purchase a gorilla permit and visit gorillas in the wild, you create a very deep connection with the primates and commits you to their preservation.

Please note that it is through Dian Fossey’s effort that gorilla trekking safaris were made possible. This is why we recommend a Dian Fossey hike in Rwanda. The Dian Fossey trek takes you to Karisoke Research Center, a home where Fossey lived till her demise.

When to Go Trekking with Gorillas in Uganda

Mountain gorillas in Uganda can be visited and trekked throughout the year, although some months are more convenient than others. The dry seasons start from June to September and from December to February, while the wet seasons occur from mid-March to the end of May and from October to November.

The best times for visiting mountain gorillas are during the dry seasons of June to September and December to February. During these periods, it is mostly sunny throughout the day, and the vegetation is not as dense, making it easier to spot mountain gorillas.

In the dry season, the roads to the park are easily accessible, and the trekking trails are in good condition, providing a memorable gorilla trekking experience. Tourists who plan to visit gorillas during this peak season should make an effort to obtain their permits in advance before arriving in the country.

Wrapping it up

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an amazing tour adventure that combines a mountain gorilla encounter with an exceptional scenery viewing experience. It’s an experience that can’t easily be forgotten; and shows great reward for nature and wildlife conservation.

If you’re looking for the best gorilla trips and adventures with mountain gorillas that contributes to a conservation cause, African gorilla trekking in Uganda is an experience you shouldn’t miss.

Experience the best gorilla safari Africa has to offer with our customized safari holidays designed just for you.

Comprehensive Guide for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda & Africa

Uganda’s Mountain gorillas inhabit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park .

Between these two parks, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park stands out as the best choice for mountain gorilla safari holidays.

Mountain gorillas share an astonishingly close genetic similarity to humans, second only to Chimpanzees .

This similarity extends to their behavior and traits.

Mountain gorillas , like humans, are identified by their unique nose prints, display intelligence comparable to humans, and exhibit similar behaviors.

They can even appear to express emotions like laughter and anger.

In instances where mountain gorillas charge at humans, displaying a sign of remorse can often calm them down and prevent them from attacking.

Therefore, when you trek gorillas, you are observing a species of apes that share many commonalities with us in terms of behavior.

There is a wealth of knowledge to be gained about mountain gorillas, particularly through a unique opportunity exclusively available to clients planning gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

This extraordinary opportunity is known as the Gorilla Habituation Experience (GHEX) .

When you book the best gorilla safari for habituation, you will have the remarkable chance to spend an extended four hours with gorillas, as opposed to the standard one-hour visit.

Moreover, you will gain deeper insights into these gorillas and the process of habituating them before they are made available for public trekking.

Mountain gorillas undergo several stages of emotional control as part of their habituation process, ensuring that they are less likely to pose a threat to clients.

This initial step is a crucial one undertaken by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to prepare these gorillas for safe exposure to humans.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – The best place for gorilla trekking trips

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in the southwestern part of Uganda, covering an area of 331 square kilometers.

It is home to over 348 recorded bird species – one of the best destinations for Uganda birding safaris , 220 butterfly species, 120 mammal species, 10 fern species, 163 tree species, and over 1000 species of flowering plants.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is conducted in its four sectors: Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Buhoma. Rushaga and Buhoma sectors are the best when it comes to gorilla trekking for seniors.

Each sector boasts its own mountain gorilla families and unique terrain.

The Nkuringo sector, situated in the western part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, is home to gorilla families such as the Nkuringo Gorilla Family, Bushaho Gorilla Family, and Christmas Gorilla Family.

Prominent accommodation options in this sector include Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge and Gorilla Heights Lodge.

It’s worth noting that visitors can stay in the Rushaga sector and trek gorillas in the Nkuringo sector, and vice versa.

The Rushaga sector of Bwindi, located in the southern part of the park, boasts the highest number of habituated Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gorillas among all sectors.

This region is in close proximity to Rwanda and is an ideal starting point for Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking tours, with just a four-hour drive from Kigali.

Similarly, visitors can choose to stay in the Rushaga sector and embark on gorilla treks in the Nkuringo sector, and vice versa.

In the eastern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies the Ruhija sector of Bwindi forest, home to several habituated gorilla groups, including the Oruzogo Gorilla Family, Kyaguriro Gorilla Family, and Bitukura Gorilla Family, among others.

Ruhija offers the most accessible  Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gorilla trekking encounters in Uganda.

The Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park was the first region in the park to welcome tourists and is home to the oldest gorilla family in Bwindi.

Situated in the northwestern part of the park, it offers a the best Bwindi national park gorilla trekking encounters.

The Four Trailheads of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Referred to as the best gorilla park in the world, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a great place to trek mountain gorillas.

The park itself is isolated from the others in the Virunga Conservation Area, such as Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Virunga National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four sectors , with the Buhoma Sector (Northern Region) being the oldest. These sectors include:

• Buhoma Sector of Bwindi (best gorilla tour bwindi has to offer and good for gorilla flying safaris)
• Ruhija Sector of Bwindi (best for the most accessible gorilla safari tours in Uganda)
• Rushaga Sector of Bwindi (best sector for bwindi impenetrable forest gorilla trekking experiences and also good for gorilla flying safaris)
• Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi (best for a scenic gorilla safari trek)

Gorilla trips in Uganda began in the Buhoma Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the late nineties.

This is the same sector where the horrific Bwindi Massacre took place.

Besides being the first and oldest, Buhoma has established itself as one of the best and busiest sectors for gorilla trekking bwindi impenetrable forest has to offer.

To the east is the Ruhija Sector, which is apparently the most accessible sector of all.

The Ruhija sector/region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is not far from the tarmacked road.

This is why many clients prefer trekking here.

It is very easy to combine gorilla treks in Ruhija with visits to other Uganda national parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park , Lake Mburo National Park , and Kibale Forest National Park , among others.

To the south is the Rushaga sector, which accounts for the highest population of mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Many clients prefer trekking here because of the good scenery, challenging gorilla treks, and the convenience of starting your gorilla trekking safari from Kigali in Rwanda .

To the east is the Nkuringo Sector, which offers the best views of the Virunga Mountains in DRC Congo.

Nkuringo is the least visited among the other sectors because it doesn’t have as many gorilla families.

Trekking in this sector is very enjoyable and scenic.

Nkuringo is perfect for clients who want to trek mountain gorillas from isolated places.

Popular Bwindi gorilla trekking safaris

As you plan your bwindi gorilla trek in Uganda; the best country to see gorillas in the world, below are some of the common short gorilla watching tours that you can opt for.

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the extreme southern part of Uganda, is the country’s smallest national park, covering an area of 33.7 square kilometers.

It borders Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in Congo and is not often mentioned among the best places to see mountain gorillas in the wild.

Mgahinga National Park derives its name from Mount Gahinga, which means “piles of stones,” named by the locals due to the small piles of stones gathered in heaps from their farmlands.

The park was first designated as a game sanctuary in 1930 and later established as a national park in 1991.

Mgahinga National Park is also home to three of the Virunga Volcano Mountains : Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Gahinga.

The Virunga ranges are known for harboring Virunga, Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park gorillas, with the other half found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

Mgahinga has only one gorilla family – The Nyakagezi Gorilla Family.

The group was found roaming in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda but has since settled on the Ugandan side since 2012.

One of the most interesting things about the Nyakagezi mountain gorilla family is that the old silverback, Bugingo, still lives in the group.

This is not a usual case among gorillas because once another silverback takes over leadership, the defeated one is banished to the forest alone or seeks refuge with other gorilla families.

Go gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to see this amazing gorilla family.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Video by Wode Maya

Gorilla Permit Costs: How much should you expect to pay for gorilla trekking?

So what is a gorilla permit? A permit is loosely defined as an authorization document/card for mountain gorilla tracking.

Every client who wishes to engage in gorilla treks has to first purchase a gorilla permit before they are granted access to the gorillas.

These documents are purchased from Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters in Kampala.

You can purchase gorilla permits through a tours and travel operator agency like us.

Please note that we are simply facilitators in this process, and all the governing body rules and regulations regarding gorilla permits stand in place.

Gorilla permits cost $800 in Uganda .

Uganda has a gorilla habituation experience that entitles clients to four hours around gorillas instead of the normal one.

Gorilla habituation permits cost $1500 each.

However, these are just ordinary prices for gorilla trips. Gorilla photography and Gorilla filming have separate prices.

Clients are not allowed to carry heavy photography or filming equipment to the forests/jungles/mountains under the ordinary gorilla permit prices.

They’ll have to pay the respective filming and photography charges irrespective of the destination that they are in.

How difficult is the trek itself?

Gorilla trekking is one of the most sought-after tourist activities, albeit the most expensive one in Africa.

It is challenging to determine the level of difficulty or ease associated with gorilla trekking in a particular country or national park.

The ease or difficulty of the trek largely depends on the gorilla family’s location you intend to track, with some families being relatively easier to locate compared to others residing in higher elevations.

The weather in gorilla national parks can be unpredictable at times, making the trek arduous if it rains during gorilla trekking .

This journey entails traversing tough terrain and dense jungles, necessitating the use of long-sleeved clothing to shield against biting insects and carrying raincoats in case of rainfall during the trek.

Mountain gorillas inhabit higher elevations that demand a certain level of physical fitness to conquer.

If you are not in good physical condition, you might become very tired and slow down the pace for other hikers.

It is advisable to engage in physical exercises before the actual trekking date.

Additionally, mountain gorilla trekking becomes more challenging when it rains because the trekking trails become exceedingly muddy and slippery, making it difficult to track the gorillas.

The best option is to visit gorillas during the dry season , which typically occurs from June to September and December to February.

Comparing Rwanda vs Uganda gorilla trekking experiences

Comparisons are always drawn between Rwanda and Uganda .

Gorilla tracking in Uganda is awesome and most preferred because of the affordable gorilla permit prices, multiple trekking destinations, various sectors; Buhoma Sector, Ruhija Sector, Rushaga Sector, and Nkuringo Sector, various accommodation facilities ranging from budget to luxury, and several other advantages.

Mountain gorillas in Uganda are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is very popular and turns out to be the most visited because of the multiple gorilla families it has. It is the best place for tourists who prefer silverback gorilla safaris in particular.

The gorilla permits Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga use in Uganda cost USD 800 each irrespective of the month you are visiting (low, high, and peak seasons).

Rwanda is a luxury gorilla trekking destination. The lux gorilla safaris here give you a real 5-star feel.

With only one location; Volcanoes National Park , Rwanda gorilla permits are apparently the most expensive of all the gorilla destinations in Africa.

Each gorilla permit in Rwanda costs USD 1500 and USD 1050 in the low season when visiting the other Rwandan national parks as well.

Rwanda also has discounts for delegates who visit Kigali for conferences and other M.I.C.E activities.

If you need a luxurious gorilla tour experience with less driving time, Rwanda is an ideal destination for you.

Volcanoes National Park is just 2 hours away from Kigali, a main point of entry for the majority of travelers who visit Rwanda .

DR Congo gorilla permits cost the least at USD 400 each. Unlike Uganda and Rwanda, Congo has two species of gorillas available for trekking; Mountain Gorillas and Lowland Gorillas.

Congo’s Mountain Gorillas are found in Virunga National Park in Goma whereas Lowland Gorillas are located in Kahuzi-Biega National Park in Bukavu.

The lowland gorilla tours experience is unique, recommended for budget gorilla trekking, affordable gorilla trekking and cheap gorilla trekking experiences and less stressing as involves no hiking. This also applies to when you book a Virunga gorilla trek.

However, lowland gorilla safari holidays remain less popular compared to the best mountain gorilla safari encounters in Uganda and Rwanda.

In fact, one of the ways of reducing the overall cost of gorilla hike is by opting for lowland gorilla trekking tours as the permits are cheaper. This budget gorilla safari hack has been consistent as permit prices for DR Congo remain at $400 each. It remains the best way to reduce your gorilla trekking cost.

This partly explains why the gorilla trekking Congo price is way much lower than the rest.

Mountain gorillas are mainly found in mountainous areas, and clients have to hike up mountains to meet gorillas in their natural habitat.

This isn’t the case with lowland gorillas as they are found in lowlands.

You do not need any hiking to see lowland gorillas in their natural habitat, which is definitely a less tiring gorilla safaris adventure experience.

gorilla trekking DRC tours usually begin and end in Rwanda.

Minimum Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking Tours in Uganda?

So many people go to see gorillas in Uganda, and everyone has a different story to tell. This is what actually makes it fun.

You can never predict what your experience will be like.

You could spend longer or shorter to reach the gorillas or actually trek in rain or hot sunshine irrespective of the month you plan to visit gorillas.

Gorilla tracking is loved by many, and we admit it is an awesome activity.

However, it can be dangerous sometimes as it involves meeting wild gorillas.

Much as these gorillas are habituated and made friendly to humans, they still remain wild gorillas as they roam in the wild.

It is easy to cross the line and annoy them if you do not follow the set rules and guidelines.

Because of this, not all age groups are allowed access to gorilla trek.

An adult is likely to consent to set rules and regulations, which is exactly the opposite with kids who are so playful in nature.

Besides, the actual trek is tiresome as well, and much as the group moves at the pace of the slowest person, the last thing the rangers want is a member of the group giving up early and causing a delay to the rest.

Because of this, the set minimum age limit for gorilla tracking in Uganda is 15 years of age.

Authorities assume at this age, a child is old enough to adhere to set rules and guidelines and hike in the forest without or with fewer disturbances.

A child younger than 15 years of age cannot trek gorillas.

However, in Uganda, you stand a chance.

A child between the ages of 11 on-wards may trek gorillas on condition that the parents sign an indemnity form claiming responsibility for any unexpected occurrences that might arise from the trek should your child break any of the rules or rather fail to make it to the gorillas.

If your child gets tired along the way, you will have to pay approximately $420 for sedan seat services so that they are carried up to the gorillas and back.

Essential gorilla trekking requirements & packing list for Uganda

Below are some of the essential gorilla trekking requirements and equipment that you will need to fulfill before you meet the gorillas:

• Gorilla permits : The most important requirement for trekking gorillas is a gorilla trekking permit. Each permit entitles you to one gorilla encounter. Clients who wish to trek gorillas multiple times should acquire additional permits depending on the total number of encounters they wish to have. Uganda gorilla trekking permits are purchased from Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kampala. Trekking permits are sold on a first-come-first-serve basis; hence, clients are advised to make their bookings several months in advance to avoid missing out.
• Good health : Another important requirement for Uganda gorilla trekking is a sound and healthy body. Considering their closeness to humans, mountain gorillas are susceptible to infectious diseases, and their immunity is not strong enough to fight diseases. This can lead to the demise of many members of a gorilla family. Clients with infectious diseases like cough, influenza, or any other airborne diseases will not be permitted to join other travelers in the trek to cut out the risk of gorilla infection. Taking flu shots and ensuring your health is very vital to your preparation process, and you should take this seriously to avoid any disappointments.
• Gorilla trekking gear & equipment : To make your trek even easier and much more comfortable, you need the necessary gorilla trekking gear and the right clothing before you embark on your journey into the forest or mountains to search for mountain gorillas. Some of the gear you need includes cameras for recording, a walking stick, sunglasses, insect repellents, energy snacks, and many more.
• First aid kit : Most importantly, carry a small first aid kit since there is no hospital in the jungle. Having one keeps you safe in case of any minor injuries during your trek.
• Proper clothing : As for clothing, long trousers, long-sleeved tops, rain jackets, hats, and long hiking boots are highly recommended.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Cost: What You Need to Know

The total gorilla trekking cost depends on several factors, including the choice of accommodation, the country from which you are trekking gorillas, the Uganda tours and travel company you are using, the number of trekking iterations you want, the duration of your trip, the type of safari vehicle used, any special requests for mountain gorilla trekking, and the actual type of experience you want (whether gorilla habituation or gorilla tracking), among other factors.

The most important gorilla trekking cost of all is the gorilla trekking permit cost, as this is what unlocks everything.

Without the availability of a gorilla trekking permit, it is very hard to determine which accommodation you will stay in and plan the other aspects of the trip.

So, while you make further plans and research regarding the total gorilla trekking cost , you should highly prioritize the gorilla trekking permit fees.

Regarding accommodation, budget lodges cost less, mid-range lodges have average prices, whereas luxury lodges are more expensive.

As for trekking iterations, each gorilla trek requires a gorilla permit.

So, assuming you plan to trek gorillas four times, you’ll need four separate permits for that.

In terms of the duration of the trip, the longer your trip, the more expensive it becomes because each day in the itinerary calls for expenses such as meals, accommodation, transportation fees, guiding fees, and activity fees (if any).

Regarding transportation, land cruisers are charged at a higher rate than normal safari vans.

If you intend to use a land cruiser (whether short or extended), you’ll notice a sudden increase in the total price of your safari.

Discover the Gorilla Families of Uganda

Over the years, the population of mountain gorillas has steadily increased, a significant sign that the conservation efforts in place are actually paying off.

Mountain gorillas live in families headed by a Silverback, an alpha-male gorilla that dictates the day-to-day activities of the group, protects them, and reserves the right to mate with the females in the group.

If any other male member of the group wants to mate with a female, he either has to challenge the leading Silverback to a battle and overthrow him or go and start his own family with other females.

The habituated mountain gorilla groups in Uganda include Nshongi, Rushegura, Nkuringo, Habinyanja, Mubare, Oruzogo, Bitukura, Mishaya, Busingye, Kahungye, Nyakagezi, Christmas, Katwe, and Bikingi Families.

Some Silverbacks are aggressive, others are humble, some think that snatching females from other groups makes them powerful, others are cowards, and so on.

Depending on which family you are allocated to during your mountain gorilla trekking encounter, make sure to carry out more research about the exact group that you are trekking.

Is gorilla trekking worth it?

Trekking gorillas is apparently one of the most expensive tours and travel activities that you can engage in, but the question is, is gorilla trekking really worth it ?

The honest answer to this question is YES!

If lowland and mountain gorilla trekking wasn’t worth it, there wouldn’t be so many gorilla permits available per day.

Uganda is one of the busiest, if not the busiest gorilla safari countries.

Gorilla permits get sold out in advance, hence a clear indicator that trekking gorillas in any of the Ugandan gorilla parks is actually more than worth it.

If the activity wasn’t worth it, very few clients would engage in it.

A gorilla permit costs $800 here in Uganda, making it affordable enough for clients who want to engage in mountain gorilla safari tours.

This permit entitles you to one encounter, inclusive of a full hour around gorillas.

If you’d like to spend longer around mountain gorillas, you’d have to opt for the gorilla habituation experience, whose permit goes for $1500 each.

A gorilla habituation experience allows you up to four full hours around mountain gorillas, learning how they are habituated and made available for public visits.

This activity only takes place in the Rushaga Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and nowhere else in the world.

Lastly, what makes treks worth it is the fact that you contribute to the conservation of these rare apes when you purchase a permit(s).

When booking your trip, do not look at it as giving the government a lot of money for the trek but rather as giving back to the gorillas and the communities around them.

Over 80% of permit fees go back to the conservation of mountain gorillas and helping them multiply in numbers, considering the fact that they nearly went extinct at one point in time.

Gorilla Trekking Clothing: What to wear on a gorilla trek?

Dressing right for your gorilla encounter won’t only save you from insect bites but also pricks from the jungle.

All trekking sectors are in the wild.

You get to hike through tiny trails as you make your way to the exact location of the allocated mountain gorilla family.

If your clothing is not right, trekking might turn out to be a nightmare for you.

Imagine you forgot your garden gloves and happened to grab a plant that pricked you? That wouldn’t be nice.

Clothing should be one of your strongest considerations for gorilla treks.

So what is the appropriate clothing that clients should carry for their Africa gorilla safari holiday experience?

I would say wearing long pants (preferably khaki or jeans), leather hiking boots (should be long), long-sleeved shirts (protects you from insect bites and unnecessary pricks), a rain jacket in case of downpour, a cap and sunglasses in case of excessive sunshine, and garden gloves to protect your palm when you touch rough surfaces.

You should also carry a backpack with you where you’ll put your energy snacks, drinks, cameras, a first aid kit, and a few other necessary trekking gears.

Regarding your dressing, you should endeavor to wear light clothes as it makes you feel lighter, which is good for long hikes.

Heavy clothing can cause extra weight on you and lead to early fatigue. Ensure your dressing is light but essential for the trek.

Crucial Gorilla Travel Tips for Trekking Gorillas in Uganda & Rwanda

There are so many mountain gorilla travel tips out there that you should definitely read and follow.

Some of them will be read to you prior to your experience, during the morning pre-briefing meeting at the park headquarters . Some of the most essential tips are as follows:

• Get your gorilla permit before you arrive (we always have them ready).
• Be prepared for any weather by packing all the necessary clothing, just in case the weather changes for the better or worse.
• Take food, water, energy snacks, and energy drinks with you to the forest so that you are prepared enough for hunger because hiking is energy-consuming.
• Waterproof your cameras and filming equipment to protect them from damage in case of heavy downpour.
• Deactivate the flash from your cameras as it frightens gorillas and might cause them to charge at you or worse, injure you.
• Take on the necessary training and physical challenges for several months prior to your actual trek.
• Travel in the dry season.
• Take all the necessary shots to protect you from contracting infectious diseases, as they can be transmitted to gorillas.
• Respect the gorilla’s space by maintaining an eight-meter distance because they can get quite dangerous when annoyed or can easily contract infectious diseases from humans.
• Ensure your health is sound, as hiking can be tiresome at times, and just in case you have any health issues, endeavor to communicate this to your operator several months prior to your gorilla encounter.
• Clients with severe health conditions are usually carried on sedan seats or bamboo stretchers all the way up to the gorillas and back to the starting point of the trek. This will save you from any unnecessary occurrences arising from your health conditions, if any.

What are the accommodation options?

When booking accommodation for your gorilla trek, you have to stay close to the park and sector from which you are tracking gorillas.

Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla safari lodges are divided into the four sectors of Bwindi. In the Buhoma sector, options like Engagi Lodge are highly recommended.

Semi-luxury lodges like Mahogany Springs Lodge and Buhoma Lodge are good choices for clients seeking an upper mid-range facility.

Bwindi Volcanoes Lodge and Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (commonly known as Buhoma gorilla camp – best for Buhoma gorilla trekking experiences) are the best options in this sector.

The Ruhija Sector (popular for Ruhija gorilla trekking experiences) has facilities like Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge , Bakiga Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort and Broadbill Forest Camp , among a few more.

The Rushaga Sector (popular for Rushaga gorilla trekking experiences) offers quite a few accommodation options. Lodges like Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp Bwindi and Gorilla Closeup Lodge are good budget gorilla trekking choices.

Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (the best mid-range gorilla safari lodge Rushaga has to offer), Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four/4 gorillas lodge and Gorilla Valley Lodge are the best mid-range options, while Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is the top luxury option.

Another mention for luxury travelers is Chameleon Hill Lodge.

Most clients who trek gorillas in the Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi prefer to stay in the Rushaga Sector (about 30-40 minutes away).

The two best luxury lodges in this sector are Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge and Gorilla Heights Lodge.

Accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the less popular destination for tracking gorillas. The experience here is similar to Volcanoes gorilla trekking.

It is home to only one mountain gorilla family, and for this reason, there are not so many accommodation options here.

However, its proximity to the Rushaga & Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Mutanda , Kisoro, and Lake Chahafi makes it accessible from gorilla safari lodges within these areas.

Good luxury gorilla safari lodge options are Mount Gahinga Lodge and Mutanda Lake Resort.

Mid-range options include Travelers Rest Hotel, Ichumbi Hotels, Mutanda Lake Resort, and Lake Chahafi Resort.

The best budget-friendly gorilla safaris accommodation option here is Mucha Lodge.

Gorilla Trekking FAQs

Why is gorilla trekking in uganda popular.

Uganda's lush rainforests are home to mountain gorillas, making it a prime destination for gorilla trekking.

What is the best park for gorilla trekking in Uganda?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the best destination for trekking gorillas in Uganda.

How does gorilla trekking benefit conservation?

A significant portion of gorilla permit fees goes towards the conservation of mountain gorillas.

What is the primary face of Uganda's tourism industry?

Gorilla trekking is the primary face of Uganda's tourism industry.

What can tourists expect during a gorilla trek in Uganda?

Tourists traverse dense vegetation, enjoy scenic views, and spend one hour observing gorillas in their natural habitat.

How many mountain gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

Bwindi shelters around 459 mountain gorillas.

What other activities can tourists enjoy in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

Besides gorilla trekking, tourists can enjoy bird watching, butterfly spotting, and exploring the diverse flora.

What is the National Geographic Gorilla Trekking Video?

It depicts the adventure of gorilla trekking, showcasing what tourists can expect during their trek.

Why is Uganda referred to as the “Pearl of Africa”?

Uganda has incredible biodiversity and natural beauty, making it a highly visited East African country.

What is unique about the Nyakagezi gorilla family in Mgahinga National Park?

The Nyakagezi family includes multiple silverbacks and is known for roaming between Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda.

How are gorilla trekking groups organized?

Trekkers are split into small groups of 8 and assigned to a distinct gorilla family.

What is the duration of a typical gorilla trek?

A gorilla trek can last from 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family.

How close can tourists get to the gorillas during a trek?

Tourists must maintain a minimum distance of seven to eight meters from the gorillas.

How does gorilla trekking contribute to local communities?

Revenue from gorilla permits supports local communities, providing employment and development opportunities.

When is the best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking?

The best times are during the dry seasons of June to September and December to February.

What should tourists wear for gorilla trekking?

Long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, hiking boots, rain jackets, hats, and sunglasses are recommended.

What should tourists bring for gorilla trekking?

Cameras, walking sticks, insect repellent, energy snacks, and a first aid kit.

How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Uganda?

A gorilla trekking permit costs $800, while a gorilla habituation permit costs $1500.

What is the Gorilla Habituation Experience?

It allows tourists to spend four hours with gorillas, learning about their habituation process.

Can children participate in gorilla trekking?

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15, but children aged 11 and above may participate with parental consent and an indemnity form.

What are the key sectors for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

The key sectors are Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Buhoma.

What is the significance of the Buhoma sector in Bwindi?

Buhoma was the first sector to welcome tourists and has the oldest gorilla family in Bwindi.

What accommodation options are available in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

Options range from budget lodges to luxury lodges, with notable ones including Mahogany Springs Lodge and Buhoma Lodge.

What is the main difference between mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas?

Mountain gorillas live in higher elevations and require hiking to see, while lowland gorillas inhabit lowlands and do not require hiking.

What is the cost of gorilla permits in Rwanda?

Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500.

What are the best times for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

The best times are the dry seasons from June to September and December to February.

What makes Rwanda a luxury gorilla trekking destination?

Rwanda offers luxurious safari experiences with high-end accommodations and services.

How can tourists reduce the cost of gorilla trekking?

Opting for lowland gorilla trekking tours in Congo, where permits are cheaper, is a cost-effective option.

What safety precautions should tourists take during gorilla trekking?

Maintain a safe distance from gorillas, avoid sudden movements, and follow the guide's instructions.

How can tourists obtain gorilla trekking permits?

Permits can be purchased from the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters in Kampala or through a tour operator.

Top African Tour Destinations

Explore African safari destinations in style by choosing your ideal gorilla safari tour and wildlife safari packages below .

Commonly referred to as the number one primate trekking destination in the world, Uganda is an amazing place to see mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and wildlife. Uganda boasts with 10 national parks and countless species of wildlife all over the country. When it comes to hospitality, Uganda is one of the most welcoming countries in the world for travelers. Uganda is a home away from home. About Uganda

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Kibale Forest National Park
• Lake Mburo National Park
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Kidepo Valley National Park
• Rwenzori Mountains National Park
• Semuliki Valley National Park
• Mount Elgon National Park
• Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale
• Lake Mutanda in Kisoro
• Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls
• Kyambura Gorge (Valley of Apes)
• Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Popular Safari & Tour Holiday Types

Select from our range of gorilla safari tours and other African tour categories and hobbies to plan your African tours with greater precision.

Wildlife Safaris

Group Safaris

Birding Safaris

Latest travel news

Tourism industries are so dynamic! Reading news and updates keeps you updated.

Top 100 Places to Visit in Rwanda

Top 100 Places to Visit in Uganda

Uganda Wildlife Authority Increases Gorilla Permit Fees from $700 to $800

Explore authentic safaris & tours.

Africa is a gem with lots of unique and awesome travel experiences that you will definitely love. Commonly termed as the best primate trekking continent in the world, Africa has so much more to offer in terms of wildlife, adrenaline activities, mountain climbing adventures, and honeymoons among other experiences.

How we work

To offer a more rewarding way to travel, we do stuff the right way; right from the planning process.

We pay attention

We will spend time and pay attention to your expectations, then propose an experience that you might like.

We complement

Next we will discuss our selected options, point out the best safaris for you and make awesome recommendations.

We hold your booking

We will tentatively hold your booking and make reservations while we talk through the safari details or make changes.

Speak to an expert to start planning your African safari holiday...

Give a call to one of our specialists or arrange a video meeting/session for awesome ideas and safari advice.

Official Address: Namasuba Kikajjo – Uganda     |      Phone: +256 (0)392159498     |     Email: [email protected]

• Gabon Safaris
• 4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
• 7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari
• 7 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking
• 7 Days Congo gorilla Trekking
• 20 Days Rwanda Congo Uganda Safari
• 1 Day Bwindi Gorilla Tour
• 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari
• 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari
• 4 Days Gorillas & lake Bunyonyi Safari
• 5 Days Gorillas & Wildlife Safari
• 5 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari
• 7 Days Gorillas & Wildlife Safari
• 12 Days Gorillas & Rwenzori Trekking
• 1 Day Rwanda gorilla safari
• 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari
• 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
• 4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari
• 7 Days Rwanda Safari
• 8 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari
• 3 Days Eastern Lowland Gorilla Tour
• 4 Days Gorillas & Nyiragongo Trek
• 5 Days Gorilla Safari Congo
• 7 Days Gorillas & Nyiragongo Trek
• 8 Days Congo Gorilla Tour
• 9 Days Congo Gorilla Safari
• Gorilla Trekking Guide
• Special Offers
• Odzala National Park
• Loango National park
• Kahuzi Biega National Park
• Virunga National Park
• Volcanoes National Park
• Mgahinga National Park
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Safari Guide
• Booking Terms

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda, Uganda & Congo

Primate Safari Experiences offers a once in lifetime opportunity to track the mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Get started with planning a gorilla trekking safari in Africa to meet the endangered gorillas in their natural habitat. Our trips focus on meeting our closest living relatives ; both mountain gorillas & Lowland gorillas in their natural homes.

There are as few as 1000 mountain gorillas. The two populations of mountain gorillas live within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga Mountains that spread through Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park , Virunga National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park . We also organise trips to the popular Kahuzi Biega National Park , the only place where you can meet the eastern lowland gorillas in the wild.

At Primate Safari Experiences ,we do offer; tailor made itineraries that meet your wish list, travel bookings for accommodation, Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits and car hire bookings. Also we offer mountain hiking services into the volcanoes, where you enjoy the most captivating, memorable moments of your life.

We are a local tour operator specialized in organizing primate watching safaris in East and Central Africa. Our safaris are tailored to include gorilla treks, chimpanzee safaris, golden monkey tracking, and other primates tours. Most of our trips can be tailored to include classic wildlife safaris, mountaineering, and cultural experiences within the destinations visited to maximize enjoyment of your African safari!

Where will you go for Gorilla Safaris in Africa?

Uganda is the only country to grant you a fulfilling Gorilla Safari experience, with about 2/3 of the surviving Mountain Gorillas on earth living in Uganda.

Seeing gorillas in Rwanda is a must do for all types of travelers like business travelers on tight time schedule and visitors planning to use public means

Gorilla Trekking tailors gorilla Safaris & experiences in the DR Congo to explore both the mountain and Eastern lowland gorillas in the wilderness on Exclusive trips.

Western lowland gorillas are available for primate safari experiences a local company that offers gorilla trekking experiences in the wilderness of Africa.

Gorilla Safaris in Africa

Gorillas are endemic to the African continent and the three most popular destinations for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. We offer unique gorilla trekking expeditions in Africa. Our trips feature normal mountain gorilla trekking (of viewing the great apes for up to one hour) and gorilla habituation experiences (viewing the gorillas for up to four hours) in selected national parks.

Would you like to see the western lowland gorillas? We have launched gorilla trekking in Gabon in Central Africa and Odzala National Park in the Republic of Congo.

Get started with planning a once-in-a-lifetime adventure into the tropical rain forests of famous national parks that protect the primates in Uganda, DR Congo, and Rwanda. Contact our team via [email protected]. When you book your gorilla safari with us, your are benefiting from the years of experience from real primate watching safari specialsists who have personally experienced these experiences in the pearl of Africa countless times. We therefore know the right lodges for the right budget and experience, the right cars to suit the terrain, the efficient and cost reputable craft shopping areas. We therefore call on you to book with us today and benefit from this wealth of advice and experience.

Tailor Made Safaris

We do offer customized gorilla habituation tours to Kahuzi Biega & Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on an exclusive luxury Safari to enjoy the watching of the gorillas in the wild for 4 hours while on a luxury gorilla safari with experienced team of Primate Safari Experiences. Let the team help you plan your gorilla trekking and create memories that will last forever!

We GUARANTEE 99% you will see gorillas in the wild on your gorilla safaris in either Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic republic of Congo!! Get started with planning and booking your next gorilla trek with Primate Safari Experiences (PSE).

20 Days Gorilla Safari

This Trip goes to Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. If Possible, you can track Gorillas in all the destinations.

HOT DEALS FOR GORILLA TREKKING

RWANDA UGANDA 11 DAYS

RWANDA CONGO 8 DAYS

Other popular gorilla safari packages, 5 days rwanda primates.

A 5 Days (4 Nights) Rwanda Safari takes you to Volcanoes & Nyungwe forest to track both the mountain gorillas & chimpanzees.

3 DAYS BWINDI GORILLAS

This 3 Days (2 Nights) Uganda Gorilla Trek is the shortest possible safari to see Uganda’s Bwindi Gorillas starting in Kampala or Entebbe.

5 DAYS GORILLAS & CHIMPS

A 5 Days Uganda Primate Safari takes you to both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Kibale National Park to meet the great apes.

3 DAYS CONGO LOWLAND GORILLAS

A 3 Days (2 Nights) Gorilla Safari to Kahuzi Biega National park, the only place to see Eastern lowland gorillas in their natural habitat.

5 DAYS GABON GORILLA SAFARI

A 5 Days (4 Nights) Gabon trip that features western lowland gorilla trekking and mandrills tracking in Lope National Park.

4 DAYS BWINDI GORILLAS

A 4 Days Uganda Safari to featuring two gorilla treks in different gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Rwanda Gorilla Tours

1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek Safari

This trip starts very early in the morning from your Lodge so you get to the Volcanoes National Park in time for gorilla tracking.

2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek Safari

This Itinerary include gorilla tracking only, this package is mostly done by visitors on short holidays, business and Conference visitors.

3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour

This trip covers Gorilla and golden monkey tracking and Ibyi’wachu cultural village. Gorillas and golden monkeys are endangered.

7 Days Rwanda Wildlife & Gorillas

Enjoy the wildlife and the boat cruise in Akagera National park, Volcano hiking, Gorilla tracking in Volcano National park.

Uganda Gorilla Tours

3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari

3 days Uganda gorilla safari takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for mountain gorilla tracking starts and ends in Kampala.

4 Days Uganda Gorilla Trek Safari

This 4 days tour to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Lake Bunyonyi starts and ends in Uganda’s capital of Kampala.

7 Days Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife

This trip takes you to Kibale Forest for chimps, Queen Elizabeth National park for wildlife and Bwindi Forest for mountain gorillas as well.

12 Days Gorillas & Rwenzori Trekking

Start with a gorilla trek in Bwindi forest before continuing to Queen Elizabeth NP for wildlife and end it with a Rwenzori hiking adventure.

Congo Gorilla Tours

3 days eastern lowland gorillas.

3 Days ultimate Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi biega national park located in eastern democratic republic of Congo for an ultimate watching of the eastern lowland gorillas.

4 Days Gorillas & Nyiragongo Trek

Book this 4 Days Congo gorilla trekking & climbing Nyiragongo volcano in Virunga National Park with a local experienced tour company.

5 Days Congo Gorilla Trekking Safari

Looking for 5 Days gorilla trekking safari in Congo to explore the mountain gorillas & eastern lowland gorillas? This is the perfect trip to book in Kahuzi Biega.

8 Days Rwanda Congo Gorilla Trekking

Looking for 8 days Congo gorilla safari adventure ending in Rwanda Kigali. Includes magic mountain gorillas & Eastern lowland gorilla trekking.

Places You Must Visit

This is undeniably one of the outstanding reasons why Uganda receives a wealth of tourists from different parts of the World.

Most tourists know Kahuzi Beiga for the Eastern Lowland Gorillas, but it is home to other Species enchant Wildlife enthusiasts.

Apart from Mountain Gorillas, Volcanoes is home to Golden monkey primates, vervets, baboons and unique forest bird species.

The lush habitats shelter a diverse range of Wildlife species including buffaloes, hippos, leopards, gorillas, elephants and more.

The oldest Game Park in Congo and lies on 7800 Sqkm of land famous for mountain gorillas, burning volcanoes and golden monkeys.

Odzala is a bucketlist worthy haven for the Western Lowland Gorilla and an array of excellent wildlife while in the Congo.

How would you like to Explore Africa?

LUXURY SAFARIS

GROUP SAFARIS

Gorilla Trekking – Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking?

The best time  to visit the mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda is during the dry season. The dry season runs from December to March and June to October . During the dry season the trails are drier making gorilla trekking easier. Within the dry season, the mountain gorillas tend to stay at the lower altitudes, making it easier track and find the apes in their natural habitat. If you’re unable to visit during the dry season, don’t worry gorilla treks are possible year-round, and each season offers its own unique advantages.

How Safe is Gorilla Trekking?

Mountain Gorillas in the wild are not considered dangerous, as long as they feel comfortable and relaxed. Although powerful and strong, mountain gorillas have a gentle and shy nature. The mountain gorillas in Uganda & Rwanda, which travelers get to visit, have also become used to the presence of humans. The gorilla habituation process takes close to two years and the habituated gorilla family in particular are considered secure to be around.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you don’t have to be careful and adhere to certain regulations. You must obey all instructions given by your guide. Your Bwindi Guides have a strong knowledge of the gorillas, and will direct you as to where it’s secure to stand or sit.

Is Uganda or Rwanda Better for Gorilla Trekking?

The two most popular destinations for gorilla trekking are Uganda and Rwanda. Both countries host mountain gorillas and the opportunity to see them is equal. Uganda and Rwanda are best the countries for gorilla trekking in Africa because both countries inhabit similar rugged terrain and have similar habitats. Individual mountain gorilla groups vary in their accessibility and that is why it is important to be physically fit.

The regulations and quality of local guides and rangers is similar in Rwanda and Uganda but there are as many factors to consider in picking your location between one of these countries.

Am I Guaranteed to See the Mountain Gorillas?

The chances to meet the mountain gorillas on a guided trek are over 95%. One of the reasons why the chances of seeing mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda is high is that both countries have several gorilla families that are well-habituated and used to the presence of humans. As such, they will not run away in the presence of humans.

Uganda and Rwanda have invested in training their trackers and ranger guides who are in charge of locating these gorillas in the forests and guiding you to where they will be on the day of trekking. It is also important to note that in Uganda and Rwanda, the speed at which tourists move depends on the slowest person in the group. This means that even if you are slow or relatively unfit, the ranger guides will bear with you until you reach the gorillas.

Stories & Resources

Important things to consider for Gorilla Trekking

Best time to go gorilla trekking in Africa - Gorilla Safaris The best time to trek gorillas in Africa is during the dry seasons, which vary slightly depending on the country. In Uganda and Rwanda, the optimal times are from June to September and December to February. These periods offer the most favorable weather conditions, Read More » Important things to consider for Gorilla Trekking

Where to see Gorillas in Africa

Where to see Gorillas in Africa - Gorilla Trekking. Planning a gorilla trekking experience in Africa but worried where to go gorilla trekking or the best places to see the gorillas in the wild while on an Africa Safari. The team of gorilla Trekking that has been tailoring gorilla safaris to Uganda, Rwanda and democratic Read More » Where to see Gorillas in Africa

Group Tours Vs Private Tours in Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is renowned for its mountain gorilla trekking experiences. When considering group tours versus private tours in Bwindi, there are several factors to take into account, including cost, flexibility, personalized experience, and social dynamics. Here are some details to help you compare the two options: Group Tours Group tours to…  Read More » Group Tours Vs Private Tours in Bwindi

Discounted Gorilla Permits

Get Updated news about Gorilla Trekking Permits in African Countries of Rwanda, Uganda, DR Congo & Gabon.   In Uganda, Uganda Wildlife authority has released discounted gorilla permits for travelers visiting gorillas in December to march next year .  

Search for Gorilla Trekking Safaris

3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari

10 Days Best of Uganda Safari

3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Kigali

15 Days Grand Uganda Safari

Gorilla tours in uganda, rwanda & congo trekking with gorilla holidays.

Are you looking to experience Gorilla trekking tours in Uganda & Rwanda? - We offer great journeys to the “Gorilla kingdom”, the home of mountain Gorillas in Africa for an intimate experience with the giant, yet so humble primates. Trekking or Gorilla tracking, it really does not matter what you call it but getting up close and personal with the Mountain Gorillas - standing just 6 meters away from its might, is just an awe moment. Gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo is a bucket list adventure and one that lasts a lifetime for many that have experienced it. Mountain Gorillas are highly endangered species; endangered due to habitat loss, diseases, and poaching for different reasons. Previously, it was estimated that only 880 gorillas existed in the entire world.

These numbers have gradually increased from the most recent Gorilla census in 2018 and the world Mountain Gorilla population now stands at a litle over 1,063 members of which, 459 are found in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. These great apes are found in the Virunga mountain ranges shared among Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC (Congo) as well as Uganda's Bwindi impenetrable forest national park which is known to possess more than half of the entire world's population of mountain Gorillas, making it a prime destination for Uganda Gorilla Tours and Gorilla trekking safaris alike

Gorilla Trekking Safaris & Tours in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo

3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

3 Days Murchison Falls Safari – Big Game, Primates & Birds

5 Days Uganda Gorillas & Chimpanzee Tracking

5 Days Virunga Gorillas & Nyiragongo Hike

8 Days Gorilla Trekking and African Big 5 Safari

10 Days Rwanda Safari Tour

11 days classic uganda safari, gorilla trekking uganda vs rwanda vs congo.

There is a bit of a debate about where to go for Gorilla trekking and many ask whether to go trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. What isn't debatable however is the clear fact that mountain Gorillas are only found in the Virunga mountains - shared between Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo and comprised of Mgahinga National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park as well as Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park which is famously known to possess more than half of the entire world's mountain Gorilla population.

The decision of where to go trekking with these peaceful giants in their natural habitat comes down to a number of factors including time, budget, and supporting logistics. Rwanda Gorilla trekking is considered to be easier because the gorillas are usually seen after just a few hours of trekking but the altitude is higher so you still need to be relatively fit and considering that Volcanoes is a mountainous park, it is ascending from the start. The terrain and clearing however is more open which allows for better gorilla watching and photography when you find them.

Mgahinga National Park on the Ugandan side of the mountain has only one habituated gorilla family that visitors can see - the Nyakagezi group and thus not many people prefer it. Uganda Gorilla trekking primarily takes place at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park with up to 20 habituated gorilla families to date. Being a dense tropical rainforest, it can rain at any time in Bwindi even in the dry months and there are no trails so the trek can be more challenging and when the gorillas are feeding in the bushy areas, it might be a bit difficult to take clear pictures and your gorilla watching experience might be slightly impacted.

Gorilla trekking in Congo takes place at Virunga National Park which is Africa's oldest national park with unmatched biodiversity but safety is a challenge because of the recent and constant instabilities in Eastern Congo which scares away many tourists. Congo Gorilla trekking is usually combined with a visit to Mt. Nyiragongo - an active Volcano with the world's largest lava lake. Trekking in Congo and visiting Nyiragongo is a massive, overwhelming experience but safety is still a big concern and the activities are usually on and off because there are many uncertainties which makes planning a trip to Congo difficult - but we always do our best to advise and help you plan.

Logistically, Rwanda is a clean and safe country with high-end facilities and a good road network so it mainly targets high-end tourists because a Gorilla permit costs $1,500 compared to $800 in Uganda and $400 for Congo. When it comes down to price, Uganda is an absolute winner because the country is safe with diverse, moderately priced facilities and a good road network but the distances between points are longer so you spend more time in the vehicle.

Because of the instability in Congo, the challenges are many and it is very advisable to stay in Gisenyi on the Rwandan side of the border and only crossover to take part in the activities. Mountain gorilla trekking is an incredible, life-changing experience so it will really not matter much where you do it; you will still be contributing to their survival and you will live with the experience your entire life! Let us help you plan.

Best Time of year; when to go Gorilla trekking?

Having made a choice of where to go for Gorilla trekking in Africa, this is probably the first thing that comes to mind when planning the next steps. Thanks to its pleasant temperatures, Uganda is a year-round destination - same for Rwanda and Congo. But, of course, peak and low seasons can make a world of a difference when taking crowds and budget into consideration. Generally speaking, December/January through to February, and from June through to mid-September are peak tourist seasons thanks to the drier climate. However, if you're looking to go on a budget safari, then consider traveling during the wetter time of the year. The most rain falls in October-November and April-May, and you might see quite a drop in the cost of going on a safari in Uganda and Rwanda, but this doesn't mean that you won't be able to enjoy it. Low season means fewer crowds and more wildlife viewing.

At Gorilla Holidays Uganda, it is our ultimate pleasure to welcome you to Africa and assist you to achieve your dream Gorilla safari in Uganda, Rwanda Gorilla trekking, or Gorilla tours in Congo. A visit to the gentle giants in each of these places is an adventure of a lifetime and goes a long way in ensuring their survival. The money you pay for the Gorilla permit goes into their conservation and having the locals as porters and selling their produce to the Safari lodges and tourists uplifts their livelihoods and motivates them to protect the gorillas instead of poaching. We offer 3 Day Gorilla Safaris to Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo as well as combined Gorilla tours including game parks for wildlife tours, walking safaris, cultural tours, and adventure trips.

Gorilla Trekking Uganda - Highly Recommended on TripAdvisor

Gorilla Trekking Blogs - Park information & African Gorilla trekking Tips

Uganda Oil Exploration Vs Wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park.

The Nile River divides the 3,893 square kilometers that make up the Murchison Falls National Park. The river’s southern banks …

Volcano Climbing in Uganda – Major Volcanoes in Uganda

Volcano climbing in Uganda is an exhilarating adventure that offers stunning views and unique experiences. While Uganda is best known …

Is Rwanda Safe for Tourists?

Is Rwanda a Safe Country for Tourists? Rwanda is generally considered safe for tourists. The country has made significant strides …

Uganda Gorilla Families in Bwindi & Mgahinga. (The Habituated Gorilla Groups).

Are you curious about the gorilla families in Uganda? Or are you curious about which Ugandan gorilla family is the …

Accommodation in Kibale Forest National Park (hotels and lodges).

Are you looking for accommodation in Kibale National Park and the nearby areas? The top safari hotels in Uganda’s Kibale …

What is the closest airport to see mountain gorillas in Africa?

About the closest airport to see mountain gorillas in Africa – fly-in safaris to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable …

Gorilla Trekking Uganda, Rwanda & Congo Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1: What is Mountain Gorilla trekking? Gorilla trekking is a 2-6 hour hiking experience in pursuit of habituated mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Distinguished for being the biggest primate species on earth, it is a subspecies of the eastern gorilla. Mountain gorillas and humans share 98% common DNA.

They live in groups/families, each with 4-32 members on average. As an adaption to their habitats where temperatures drop below freezing, mountain gorillas have thicker fur compared to other great apes. Today, there are less than 1,300 left on Earth. This follows a series of threats that have shrunk their populations immensely over the years; especially hunting, decades of wars, diseases, and habitat destruction.

2: Where do mountain gorillas live? These gentle giants are found in only four tropical rainforests in the whole world, all of which are at an elevation of 8,000 to 13,000 feet above sea level. Three of these are found in the Great Virunga Massifs, a range of extinct volcanoes that lie at the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda respectively. These are Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and Virunga National Park respectively. The remaining live in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a 331 km2 jungle located on the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley in South Western Uganda.

3: What is the cost of gorilla trekking? While gorilla trekking in Uganda costs $800 for foreign non-residents and $700 for foreign residents, in Rwanda it is $1,500 for foreign non-residents and $500 for African residents. The pricing of these gorilla permits is largely influenced by the fact that Rwanda primarily targets upmarket clients and thus positions itself as a premium destination.

This in turn necessitates using a rate that is more appealing to this segment. Please note that the mentioned rates of permits in Uganda and Rwanda are particularly for gorilla permits, park entry, conservation fees, and ranger guides. The total cost of the adventure further depends on the type of accommodation, transportation mode, and additional activities of interest. Though gorilla tracking in Congo is much cheaper, going for $400, very few tourists visit it due to the political insecurity in the country. Please note that all activities in Virunga and Nyiragongo are still indefinitely suspended and you can only visit the Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

4: How easy or difficult is gorilla trekking? Gorilla trekking unfolds in high-altitude montane parks where landscapes slightly vary, therefore offering fairly different experiences. While some parts of the climb have rugged terrains, others have relatively gentler terrain.

In some parts, the trails are en-route marshy/boggy stretches, while in others it is en-route thick bushes that have to be cleared to make a way through. Long story short, just as there are easy options for people who wish to have a laid-back hustle-free experience, there are also options for those who wish to have a tough climbing challenge.

Our team of passionate travel consultants is more than happy to help you with further planning accordingly. Should you require caretakers who can give you extra support while in the forest, there are lots of porters for hire at the starting point of the activity. For a fee of $15-20, they will carry your day-pack and assist you in difficult areas throughout the day.

5: When should one book Uganda and Rwanda gorilla permits? Due to the overwhelming demand that both Uganda and Rwanda are currently getting for gorilla permits, it is advisable to book them in advance, at least two months before the trekking date. The gorilla permits are very competitive especially in the high season June to September and December to February, the background to this being that only 96 visitors can visit the gorillas in Volcanoes per day, and only 176 can visit the ones in Bwindi and Mgahinga.

Lifetime Gorilla Tour Experiences!

Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo offer the most convenient, budget and luxury gorilla trekking experiences. Mountain gorillas are found in Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Virunga National Park. Want to vist gorillas in Africa? Send us an inquiry below.

Exceptional Uganda Gorilla Adventure Trips

Uganda Gorilla safaris | Gorilla trekking Tours & Trips in Uganda & Rwanda

Discover Uganda’s most iconic destinations with us today!

Are you planning a gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda? Nata Gorilla adventures is a Uganda safari company specializing in delivering unforgettable memories by carefully curating experiences that take you to mesmerizing destinations immersing yourself into enticing experiences, making it an adventure of a lifetime.

Nata Adventures has been crafting exciting adventures for the past 8 years, we have been arranging gorilla trekking adventures and other general Wildlife safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. We can arrange silverback gorilla safaris, chimpanzee trekking adventures, nature walks, cultural visits, sightseeing (wildlife watching) safaris, birding tours and game viewing to Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo.

We are dedicated to arranging adventures that match all budgets. Whether you are planning a budget gorilla tours or mid-budget or even luxury gorilla safaris.

No matter the budget, we will take you mountain gorilla trekking to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla park or to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National park or even to Congo’s Virunga National Park, and if you are planning a lowland gorilla adventure, we can arrange a Kahuzi Biega gorilla safari for you as well.

Much as many people think you can only come to Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo for gorillas, there is more wildlife, beautiful sceneries, mountains, lakes and cultures to experience in these countries beyond the usual gorillas. In terms of biodiversity, it’s pretty easy to spot all the African Big 5 games in both Uganda and Rwanda.

Top Selling Gorilla trekking safaris

3 Days Congo Gorilla Trekking Safari

Discover unique experiences tailored to personal preferences, immersing yourself in the lush forest to encounter the giant Silverback gorillas, African Big 5 and more.

Unforgettable

Immerse yourself in the lush jungles of Uganda and embark on a life-changing encounter to witness majestic gorillas in their natural habitat.

We shall design for you a unique adventure, ensuring every moment of your trip is personalized to your preferences.

Sustainable

When you book with us, you make a positive impact on local communities and you support in gorilla trekking continuity.

GORILLA & WILDLIFE SAFARIS

Your uganda & rwanda safari experts.

During a well planned Uganda Safari or Gorilla trekking adventure , you shall learn that this adorable country – the pearl of Africa is a hidden treasure with a wealth of unique and exciting travel opportunities that you will undoubtedly enjoy.

Uganda, known as the world’s greatest monkey trekking country, has a lot to offer in terms of wildlife viewing, gorilla trekking,  primate encounters , cultural safaris, adrenaline adventures, mountain climbing, and honeymoon safaris, to name a few.

Looking for a specific style of holiday?

Why choose us for your uganda gorilla safaris, memories unforgettable.

This is beyond a safari. We are crafting experiences that you shall live with till your very last day. We pay attention to all details, ensuring your stay in Uganda is unforgettable.

Guaranteed Gorilla & Chimp permits

Nata Adventures can acquire your tracking permit all year (something, not all tour operators can claim) and we are known for acquiring them swiftly on our gorilla safaris in Uganda.

Sustainable Safaris

Uganda’s premier tour providers for sustainable, environmentally friendly, and ethical gorilla trekking. We promote ecotourism as a way to help people whose livelihoods are reliant on wildlife ecotourism.

Scheduled & Private Adventures

Our tour groups are never larger than six persons, allowing us to provide a high-quality and authentic experience to everyone of our guests.

AFRICAN BIG 5 SIGHTSEEING

African big 5, gorillas and wildlife safaris, mountain & low land gorilla safaris, cultural encounters, cultural encounters, mountain climbing adventures, this is the heading, honeymoon and holiday tours, primate and birding safaris.

Unforgettable. Authentic Uganda adventures.

The incredible weather, beautiful sceneries in both Uganda and Rwanda plus the friendliest welcoming people are some of the core reasons for you to arrange a visit to Uganda or Rwanda.  

Choosing a Gorilla adventure trip to Uganda or Rwanda is definitely your best way to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

When you tailor your luxury gorilla trekking experience to Rwanda/Uganda with us, we pay keen attention to your expectations and aspirations in order to offer a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Africa’s pearl.

Much as it’s exciting to go game watching through the awesome game drives in the African savannah parks, an African safari is definitely incomplete without a silverback gorilla tour to Uganda, Rwanda or Congo.

When you book a silverback Gorilla safari with us, you shall go hiking through dense rain forest to observe the gentle giant apes – the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Silverback gorilla trekking in Uganda or a gorilla habituation experience is a special and once in a lifetime experiences – You will be having a close encounter with creatures that look and behave more like human beings.

Suggested Uganda Gorilla Safari Tours

Uganda – also referred to as the Pearl of Africa lies on the equator, east of Tanzania and Kenya and west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uganda also borders a few other countries like Rwanda and South Sudan. It’s worth noting that their incredible African pearl is land-locked.

Size wise, Uganda is smaller than the United Kingdom but boasts a spectacular array of beautiful sceneries – from snow-capped mountains and savannah to lush swampland and gorilla-inhibiting impenetrable forests. Many of these are considered UNESCO world heritage centers.

Its remote, unspoiled parks team with wildlife such as the known Africa big game species including buffaloes, leopard, lion, elephant and rhino as well as primates and over a thousand species of birds. Some of these species can only be found here in Uganda.

Rwanda gorilla safaris

Volcanoes National park situated in the northwestern Rwanda is the country’s safari highlight and the only gorilla trekking destination. The park is park is part of the greater Virunga Massive which also extends into DR Congo and Uganda, known for inhabiting the endangered mountain gorillas.

Volcanoes national park has 12 habituated and available gorilla trekking families. These gorilla families always have at least one but not more than 2 silverbacks responsible for heading the families. Out of the approximately 1100 mountain gorillas remaining, the total number of mountain gorillas in the park is estimated to be about 350 animals.

Some of the most common Rwanda gorilla families mostly visited by guests include; The Susa, Amahoro, Hirwa family, Sabyinyo, Karisimbi, Kwitonda, among others.

In order to ensure sustainability and continuity, in Rwanda only 8 travelers may visit a single gorilla family per day. Visitors are allowed to spend only up to hour in the presence of gorillas.

Also further to limit the number of people travelling there to see gorillas, Rwanda’s gorilla permit is sold at $1,500 per person and cannot be purchased upon arrival. You need to get in touch with Nata adventures team to have this secured on your behalf.

Compared to Uganda, many visitors planning gorilla trekking prefer Rwanda as the most ideal destination for gorilla trekking safaris given the fact that the Volcanoes is easily accessible in about 3hours only from Kigali, the highly developed and safer infrastructures in Rwanda also promotes gorilla trekking in Rwanda more than Uganda and Congo.

Gorilla safaris in Uganda

When it comes to gorilla trekking, Uganda is definitely your best bet. Uganda boast more than half of the total world’s mountain gorilla population and as opposed to Rwanda, Uganda has two gorilla trekking parks of Bwindi Impenetrable National park in the southwest protects the highest number of mountain gorillas in the world and Mgahinga Gorilla park , also very accessible from Rwanda.

Bwindi alone has over 20 habituated gorilla families available and accessible for gorilla tracking every day.

There are four gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable national park, namely; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo each of them offering distinct gorilla trekking experiences especially because of their different topography, location and accessibility.

Some travelers always think they could miss out on seeing gorillas however, with the developed trails and mechanisms (where a a team of Uganda wildlife trackers go to the bush in search of the gorilla locations prior to your tracking) and also given the impressive number of mountain gorillas in Bwindi there is approximately 100% chance of meeting your allocated gorilla family.

Out of the over 20 gorilla families in Bwindi, some of the most common ones that are regularly visited by trekkers in include the Rushegura, Mubare, Bitukura, Habinyanja, Kyaguriro, Oruzongo, Nshongi, Mishaya, Nkuringo, among others.

In Uganda, the gorilla permit is sold at $800 per person per day for foreign nonresidents, $700 for foreign residents in East Africa and Uganda Shillings 250,000 for East African residents and if you are planning a gorilla Uganda gorilla safari, we strongly recommend you booking your permits at least 4 months to the gorilla trekking date. This is because many other travelers are interested in the same permits yet there is a limited number of permits sold be day.

Gorilla safaris in Congo

Compared to Uganda and Rwanda, Gorilla trekking in Congo is least, some of the main reasons making Congo the least when it comes to Gorilla trekking is the insecurity in the areas around gorilla trekking parks.

Congo’s government is however putting several mechanisms to stabilize the economy before major gorilla parks like Virunga can be opened.

In addition to Congo’s mountain gorillas in Virunga national park, visitors to DR Congo can also go tracking the eastern lowland gorilla in Kahuzi-Biega national park.

Out of the three East African gorilla countries, Congo is the only destination for Low land gorillas. You cannot find the lowland gorillas in Uganda neither can you find them in Rwanda – it’s just in Congo.

Out of curiosity, many travellers want to go Gorilla trekking in Congo especially after sightseeing the mountain gorillas in either Uganda or Rwanda. Some choose both mountain and lowland gorilla trekking in Congo to compare the trekking experience.

Given the fact that you can find both mountain and low-land gorilla subspecies in Congo in close proximity, Congo is arguably considered the gorilla trekking destination to look out for especially since gorilla permit’s price in Congo is the cheapest compared to Uganda and Rwanda at $400 per person.

Currently there are just 8 habituated gorilla groups in Virunga national park that available for trekking. These include; the Munyaga, Mapuwa Rugendo, Nyakamwe Lulengo, Bageni, Humba, and Kabirizi gorilla family meanwhile, Kahuzi-Biega national park has got 9 groups of eastern lowland gorillas although 5 of these are habituated and available for trekking. These include Mpungwe gorilla family, Chimanuka, Bonnani, Mugahuka, and Nganwa.

Best season for gorilla safaris

Much as gorilla trekking both in Uganda or Rwanda can be done any time of the year, the dry season months of June to September and December to February is the best time to trek mountain gorillas.

As you may know, gorillas live at high altitudes in montane rainforests which can be very difficult to trek in rain season due to muddy and wet nature of the park. Also given the fact that these parks are located in remote areas, the roads maybe unpassable.

During dry seasons, the bush is a little clearer and gorillas also tend to roam freely in their habitat making it a little easier to find unlike in the wet season when they confine themselves at one place. Just so you know, they also don’t like moving in wet and muddy places.

Because Uganda, Rwanda and Congo (the only gorilla trekking countries) are located around the equator, the climate conditions here also supports general wildlife sightseeing throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Uganda and Rwanda specifically is during the drier seasons (January, February, March, June, July, August and September).

During these dry season months, the park roads are free of mud, the savannah forest is also clearer and the animals gather at specific waterholes to drink making it easy to spot them.

It’s however important to know that during the drier months, many travelers also want to go gorilla trekking and because of this, many accommodation service providers shall hike fees, there is usually a huge crowd yet, the tour price gets cheaper during the other months. So, if you want to save some money, we recommend the months of September and between January and March.

Besides saving s few bucks, the wet season (March to May and September to October) has its advantages especially if you are considering Gorilla Tours. There are fewer visitors in the park making for a more personal and private safari especially for wildlife photographers, researchers and those doing sport fishing in Uganda.

Gorilla trekking permits

A gorilla permit or gorilla pass is a special card that grants a specific traveler to visit a gorilla trekking park and have 60 minutes (1hour) in the presence of the endangered mountain gorillas in any of the 3 countries.

Gorilla trekking permits are park specific – meaning you cannot visit Bwindi with a Mgahinga gorilla permit. Also, you may only visit a specific gorilla trekking sector with a given gorilla permit. Its only valid for a specific day and after that, you may not use it again.

Gorilla permits can be bought online through a trusted tour agent or directly from the issuing authority. In Uganda, you may purchase it through a reliable and accredited company from Uganda Wildlife Authority, in Rwanda it’s Rwanda Tourism Board that sells it.

It is highly advisable that those intending to trek gorillas book their gorilla permits at least 5 months in advance to avoid missing out due to the fact that there is limited availability. The number of gorilla trekking permits issued per day for a specific gorilla family is limited in order to limited to 8 trackers per gorilla group.

The price of a gorilla permit is different in all the 3 countries. Uganda, sells gorilla trekking permits per person per day at USD 800, while Rwanda sells at USD 1500 and Democratic Republic of Congo sells gorilla trekking permits at USD 450.

Gorilla habituation experience

In contrast to the normal gorilla trekking that grants you access to one hour in the presence of mountain gorillas, gorilla habituation experience is a unique opportunity that give you access to the gentle giants as you learn, observe and interact closely with them for up to 4 hours.

Gorilla habituation is very instrumental in facilitating gorilla tourism. It’s through gorilla habituation experience that gorillas become acquainted with human presence. In this way, they cannot attach humans, they begin becoming familiar with them.

After successfully influencing their behavior, these groups are officially open to tourism and maybe visited/trekked by visitors. The gorilla habituation experience may only be done in Rushaga in The Bwindi Impenetrable Park.  The habituation process lasts for 4 hours per day and the habituation permit is $1,500 per person.

Comparing gorilla safaris in Rwanda, Uganda & DR Congo

Mountain gorillas maybe found only in three countries of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda and much as these countries are bordering each other, there is a uniqueness in tracking from a specific country much as there is an arguable similarity in trekking from them all.

In terms of the cost, Rwanda is the most expensive of all the 3 countries. The gorilla trekking permit which allows guests to enter the gorilla park and spend onehour in the presence of gorillas is sold at $1,500 per person in Rwanda, sold at $800 per person in Uganda for foreign nonresidents, $700 for foreign residents and Uganda Shillings 250,000 to East African residents whereas in DR Congo it is sold at $450 per person.

In terms of accessibility, Rwanda’s gorilla trekking destinationof Volcanoe sis much preferred, it only takes about 3 hours to drive from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes National park in the northwest of the country and much as Bwindi mayalso be accessed for about 4hours through Kigali, driving from Entebbe which is Uganda’s entry point may take about 10 hours to drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the southwest.

For DR Congo, it’s a 4 hours’ drive from Kigali International Airport to the eastern town of Goma; and a 2 hours’ drive from Goma International Park to Virunga National Park due to the bumpy nature of the road.

As you can see, to go to most gorilla trekking destinations, the easiest way is to pass from Kigali. This one of the reasons why Rwanda gorilla trekking is much more developed irrespective of the high cost of gorilla permit here.

When it comes to safety during your gorilla trek, Uganda and Rwanda are great options as compared to Congo that has a bit of instability. Furthermore, if you want to extend your safari to sightsee other wildlife or culture, you want to consider visiting Uganda as you will see the source of the world’s longest river, River Nile, the world’s most powerful, Africa’s largest lake (Lake Victoria), African big 5 animals and many other exciting attractions.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national Park

The mist-shrouded Bwindi National Park is regarded as one of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet, considered a UNESCO heritage center, Bwindi is home to the rare wildlife species including the rare forest elephant, duiker antelope, giant forest hog and eleven kinds of primates, you’ll also find over 200 species of butterfly here.

Much as many visitors to this wonderful park come to visit more than half of the world’s largest population of the endangered Mountain Gorillas, Bwindi is also the land of the Batwa Pygmies who are the oldest inhabitants of the Great Lakes region. They still live their lives in the most ancient way.

The Batwa pygmies who are hunter-gatherers, whose existence was first recorded over 4000 years ago, have a barely unchanged, deep culture and history they will share when you visit. A Batwa cultural experience before a gorilla trek is a unique experience to learn more about them It’s also a way to support the conservation of their community and way of life.

Bwindi National park alone is home to over half of the world’s mountain gorilla population of this endangered giant ape. Though living in the wild, through habituation experiences, mountain gorillas have become accustomed to the sight of humans and can no longer harm humans.

Our guides have trekked this process develop and will explain the complicated etiquette of meeting a giant silverback. An opportunity afforded only to a select few, just eight visitors are allowed to view a group each day.

There are twenty habituated mountain gorilla families open to tourism. They incude the following; Mubare, Habinyanja and Rushegura in Buhoma, the Bitukura and Oruzogho families in Ruhija, the famous Nkuringo, Mishaya, Nshongi and Kahugye in Bwindi South.

Is Gorilla Trekking Ethical?

Shortest answer is, Gorilla trekking is ethical. It’s important to know that mountain gorillas cannot survive in zoos also given the fact that these adorable gorillas have been habituated, you the guests are prepared with the dos and don’ts before and after the gorilla trek, it’s as ethical as you could expect.

Ethical gorilla trekking contributes to the conservation of gorillas and their habitats and collected fees from permits fund conservation initiatives and support anti-poaching efforts – they pay for park rangers, guides and fund awareness campaigns highlighting gorilla conservation’s importance. This ensures sustainability.

All gorilla trekking national parks in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo employ an array of guidelines for trekking tours, including limiting the number of daily to ensure that continuity is ensured, everyone must maintain a safe viewing distance and keeping the environment as clean as possible. Furthermore, strict health protocols like avoiding visitors with flu-like or cold symptoms from tracking.  The well-being of the gorillas is of utmost priority.

Gorilla trekking is also very beneficial to the local communities – sustainable tourism in gorilla-inhabited communities offers employment opportunities for locals and helps create avenues to support locals and improve local infrastructure. Other than having local guides from the community, the trekkers also need accommodation, potters and sometimes crafts. Sometimes, visitors need to hire tracking equipment – the local can easily get some money by hiring them out to the visitors hence generating revenue. All of this helps promote sustainable livelihoods for locals.

From the sensitization during gorilla trekking briefing and the vast opportunities it creates for the local community, they are less likely to harm the primates if they understand the benefit of gorilla trekking to their communities. Some of the top gorilla trekking itineraries at Nata Adventures include; 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari package and 5 days Uganda and Chimp trekking safari.

Check out our 2024/25 Uganda Gorilla tours and Rwanda Gorilla safari packages for an unforgettable memories of a lifetime.

Why consider a gorilla safari?

It’’s no longer a suprose that gorilla trekking is an exciting adventure unrivaled compared to normal wildlife sightseeing. A gorilla safari in either Uganda or Rwanda is a great opportunity to interface with the endangered mountain gorillas that share close to 98% of their Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) with humans.

The magical moment spent in the presence of these great apes as you observe them relate, play and mate can only be described as a once in a lifetime experience.

Planning a gorilla trekking safari is the only way you will see these adorable mountain gorillas since the Mountain gorillas cannot survive in captivity areas such as zoos

Will I Definitely See Gorillas?

Because they are so closely monitored, and either researchers or trekkers are in touch with them every day, guides know more or less where the different families are, and you probably have a 99% chance of seeing them. Of course, there are no guarantees with wild animals and an overnight thunderstorm or an unexpected encounter with a predator may cause a troop to move unexpectedly in a completely different direction, but it’s likely that scouts will pick up their trail again soon. It is very seldom that travelers don’t find the apes during a gorilla trekking expedition.

When you do find a gorilla family, your ranger will ask you to leave everything but your camera. He will then take you close enough to observe the gorillas intimately without threatening them. There are no fences between you; only mutual respect. The gorillas are habituated to human observers and go about their natural business – foraging, grooming and napping – without fear. Indeed, the youngsters are often curious about humans and have a very playful attitude that tests the patience of their teenage gorilla babysitters. The placid nature of the gorilla family is wonderful to see, but remember that your presence is shrewdly observed by the patriarch of the family: the massive silverback male. We recommend that you spend part of the time taking photos, but at least 20 minutes just observing – you’ll come away with a far greater sense of having experienced a group of gorillas in their natural habitat.

Can I Touch Them?

No, absolutely not. Although we completely understand the instinct to want to reach out and cuddle an adorable baby. First, because they’re wild animals and thus very strong and unpredictable, you could be severely injured. Second, gorilla populations are already under severe threat from logging, poaching and human encroachment on their environment, plus they are highly susceptible to human diseases. Not only can you not interact with them, but you will have to keep a distance of at least seven meters (22 feet) at all time and, in some instances, wear a face mask. If you are ill, you will not be allowed to go on a gorilla trek, so ensure you are in excellent health before you travel and take precautions not to pick up a bug on the flight over.

Remember, once you find the gorillas, you are only allowed an hour with them so as not to cause them distress. This passes by in a flash, so don’t spend all your time behind a lens: put the camera down after a few minutes and just watch them, grateful that you have the rare privilege of seeing these beasts in the wild.

Do I Have to Use a Porter?

We strongly encourage you to use a porter if you are offered their services during your gorilla trek, even if you feel you are fit enough to cope with the terrain, altitude, humidity and your daypack. For a nominal amount of money – around USD20 – you will be providing a livelihood to several inhabitants of a nearby village.

Porters are very often former poachers. Without work and the ability to earn a living within gorilla conservation, many will be forced to return to finding and capturing or killing gorillas for bush meat or the illegal wildlife-trafficking trade. The incentives offered by poaching syndicates can be very lucrative for impoverished villagers with few other ways of earning a living. It’s better to graciously accept their help and pay the fee – which will amount to a couple of coffees back home – and help ensure the continued conservation of gorillas.

Remember, every legally employed person in Africa supports seven to nine other people. There can be no successful conservation without involving people as much as possible – so the more porters you can get on board, the better!

My top tip for gorilla trekking is to make use of porters. They carry your bags, give you a push or a helping hand when the hiking gets tricky, plus you’re employing someone from the local community and encouraging them to protect the gorillas. They’re definitely worth their weight in gold. – Bonita Cronje, Africa Safari Expert

How Fit Do I Have to Be?

With any strenuous activity, the fitter you are, the better. But this doesn’t mean that you need to be able to complete a triathlon or bench press three times your body weight to go gorilla trekking.

Trekkers will be divided into groups of similar age and fitness levels, and the oldest and least fit people will generally be allocated the gorilla family that is nearest the starting point. Don’t worry: you won’t be split up from family members or friends but – obeying the golden rule of hiking – the fastest walkers will have to slow down to the pace of the slowest so that the group stays together safely.

The fittest or youngest people will be chosen to find the group furthest away. Your guides are very experienced in assessing how the group is coping and will stop when necessary for a break, to drink water, admire a view or even have a snack. Packed lunches contain water and perhaps energy-rich items like roasted cashews or peanuts, bananas, apples, chocolate bars, muffins, small sandwiches or bread rolls, and local treats like ‘rolled eggs’ – a kind of omelet eaten cold.

It’s always easiest to trek in the dry season. In the wet season, the mud can make trails slippery and the trek tougher. Primates may also seek refuge from the rain in nests or trees, making them harder to find and see. Take lightweight binoculars along to really bring their antics and expressions into focus.

Also, not all gorilla families will be lolling around, munching leaves and basking in the sunshine – some will be on the move. And they’re a lot better adapted to moving through their rainforest home than we are, so you’ll need to be able to keep up!

Much of how strenuous the trek is depending on a combination of the terrain, vegetation and weather. I trekked in September in Rwanda and in November – the rainy season – in Uganda. The heat and humidity were worse in Uganda because it was later in the year. I did the “difficult” trek in Uganda and didn’t think it was too bad, just a steep and muddy climb back up after we saw the gorillas. In Rwanda, I did the “most strenuous” trek; it was a steeper climb than in Uganda. We did four hours of uphill climbing until we found them. I thought this was much tougher than Uganda because there were lots of thicket, few paths and a lot of walking through the forest, while Uganda was more in the open. I really enjoyed both treks and didn’t think they were too hard. One trekker battled with the altitude in Rwanda but, other than that, everyone managed with no problems at all. – Anja Naude, Africa Safari Expert

How difficult is gorilla trekking?

Whether trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, the gorilla trekking excursion can be physically demanding. The mountain woods have muddy floors and thick and misty vegetation with no trails; you must prepare your physical and mental states before you go.

However, you can hire local porters to carry your daypacks and pull your hands when you need help. Also, take a walking stick to support your legs. The lead guides always take the pace of the slowest person in the group. Altitude sickness shouldn’t be a worry if you spend at least a day acclimatizing at the lodge before the hike into the wooded mountains. Carry enough water to drink, stay hydrated, and avoid altitude headaches.

Age shouldn’t be a problem; we’ve taken 70-year-olds to see gorillas for over a decade and haven’t had a bad incidence. Local porters are well equipped and experienced to help anyone through the gorilla trekking experience.

Generally, visit the gym weeks before you come and prepare to stay on your feet for at least five hours in a strange environment. Book an extra day at the lodge to help you acclimate to the altitude and come with a flexible mindset. Remember to bring a pair of lightweight waterproof hiking shoes.

With common sense and a reasonable fitness level, your gorilla trekking tour will be memorable for all the right reasons.

Why is the gorilla trekking tour so expensive?

Seeing mountain gorillas in either Rwanda or Uganda is a costly undertaking. The combined cost of a gorilla trekking tour, including permits, transport, accommodation, and meals, can bring overall trip costs to more than $5,000 per person. So why is a gorilla tour that darn expensive?

Firstly, mountain gorillas are an endangered species with some of the most expensive security and most successful sustainable program to keep them alive in their natural environment. Between keeping them alive and finding funds to keep doing it, authorities must control access to their habitats to a manageable number of tourists. Notwithstanding, gorillas share up to 98% of human DNA, making them vulnerable to dangerous human pathogens. The entire conservation program and gorilla tourism is a delicate endeavor requiring huge funds to keep it going.

A significant percentage of gorilla permit sales go into gorilla conservation programs and managing their habitats. More is channeled into primates monitoring and research, ranger services, and developing poor communities surrounding the gorilla sanctuaries.

Substantially, the cost of a gorilla trekking tour is relatively inexpensive. It’s worth the value, considering its importance in contributing to the survival of the endangered primates.

Can Children Go Gorilla Trekking?

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo is 15 years. This restriction is in place due to several important factors.

Children may find it challenging to remain calm if a gorilla mock charges during a trekking expedition. While wild mountain gorillas rarely charge, it can happen if they perceive anyone in the trekking group as a threat. However, an experienced and calm tracker can often deter a charging gorilla. Unfortunately, a child may become terrified, scream, or be inclined to run when faced with the intimidating bark of a 180-kilogram (397-pound) silverback. In such situations, a charging gorilla will typically give chase to a running tourist.

Children also pose health risks during gorilla trekking, as their developing immune systems make them more susceptible to contagious diseases like flu. Since these diseases can be transmitted to gorillas, the consequences can be severe and potentially fatal.

Additionally, children’s limited stamina could make it arduous for them to complete the entire trek. This is particularly relevant in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where gorilla trekking involves traversing steep mountain slopes and demanding terrain. The activity requires a certain level of fitness and determination, which mature travelers are more likely to possess. Adults are generally better prepared to handle challenges like muddy trails, insects, thick forests and steep inclines.

There are strict regulations set for gorilla trekking. These rules are designed to protect the gorillas, the trackers and guides, as well as trekking tourists. They include maintaining a minimum distance of seven meters (22 feet), following instructions from park guides, speaking in low tones, avoiding direct eye contact with gorillas, and never attempting to touch them. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to ensure the well-being of the primates and the safety of trekking groups.

If you are travelling with youngsters, we recommend booking your stay at a lodge that offers childminding services, special programs for kids, or even safe and child-friendly forest walks.

Latest Blog & News

Be the first to know. Read in-depth and accurate Uganda gorilla trekking updates, tips an duseful information carefully crafted by expert locals.

• August 15, 2024

• August 13, 2024

• May 9, 2024

Not just a safari to Africa, It's an experience of a lifetime.

100% Excellent Reviews on Tripadvisor 100% Excellent reviews on Safaribookings

6+ years of experience

Unforgettable experiences guarantee.

Uganda Gorilla Tours & Wildlife Safaris

Well,  gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in two destinations namely Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National park s. You can therefore trek in any one of the two parks or visit both parks for double gorilla trekking experience. Bwindi Forest shared between Kabale and Rubanda districts is the prime gorilla tour destination in the Pearl of Africa. The gorila park is home to half of the world’s total gorilla population and its  bisected into  four sectors which are Buhoma in the North, Ruhija in the east, Nkuringo and Rushaga regions in the south. Each gorilla region contains different gorilla families which behave differently.  Altogether, Bwindi Forest Park shelters 21 gorilla families shared among the four regions. The habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi Forest include Mubare , Habinyanja, Nkuringo, Bweza, Kyabuliro, Oruzogo, Busingye, Kutu, Mishaya, Nshongi, Katwe, Christmas, Rushegura, Muyambi, Bitukura, Mukiza, Mucunguzi, Mishaya and Bikyingi .  Regarding Mgahinga, the park is home to Nyakagyezi gorilla family which consists of roughly 16 members.

Rwanda gorilla tour

Africa Adventure Safaris also offer you customized Rwanda  gorilla safaris  to Volcanoes National park . The bamboo forest park is second to Bwindi Forest in sheltering the high number of mountain gorillas. Volcanoes Park contains 10 habituated gorilla families namely Hirwa, Karisimbi, Agahsya, Ugenda, Amahoro, Pablo, Sabyinyo, Susa A, Umubano and  Agashya gorilla group.  Rwanda is the best place for luxury and short time gorilla tours!

Congo Gorilla Tour

Apparently, Congo is closed for tourism! This means that no anyongoing Congo gorilla safaris to Virunga National park home to over 200 mountain gorillas. The closure of the park is due to civil conflicts and rebel threats which put the life of travelers at a high risk. Safaris to hike Nyiragongo Volcano are also on halt till security is restored in the park. However, you can visit Congo to trek the endangered eastern lowland gorilla in Kahuzi Biega National park

Sample Gorilla Tours & Safaris

1Day Uganda Gorilla Trek Bwindi

5 Days Gorillas & Chimp Trekking

4 Days Uganda Birding Trip

7 Days Uganda Wildlfe Safari

3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Tour

4 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari

17 Days Uganda & Zanzibar Safari

2023 Top Travel Experiences

Check our list of  2023 top travel experiences to do in Uganda, Rwanda , the  Democratic Republic of Congo and across Africa. The fact that Rwanda and Uganda have been featured among the top destinations to visit in 2023 by CNN, we bring you the top things you MUST do in these two countries.  These include

Classic Game Safaris in Uganda

3 Days Murchison Falls Park Tour

4 Days Uganda Game Safari

5 Days Queen Elizabeth &Semliki Game Safari

Where to go for a gorilla tour, Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo?

The east and central region of Africa is hugely blessed when it comes to rare wildlife species. Mountain gorillas cannot be found anywhere else apart from this corner of the world. They are found in these 3 neighbouring countries and living within close proximity in the Virunga Mountains which straddle their borders. Each of the 3 countries has got a good share of the population of these rare great apes. In terms of their numbers, Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park protects the biggest population of mountain gorillas with about 500 of them living within the park. Rwanda’s volcanoes national park protects about 360 mountain gorillas while DR Congo’s Virunga national park has about 250 animals. Basing on numbers, it would right to confirm that visitors to Bwindi have almost 100% chance of meeting these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Bwindi has also got the highest number of habituated gorilla groups (20) which are visited every day by trekkers. In terms of cost, each country charges differently for those who want to see gorillas. Rwanda sells her gorilla permit at $1,500 per person, Uganda sells the same at $700 while in DR Congo it is sold at $400. With those figures, price sensitive travellers may opt for either Uganda or DR Congo for their gorilla safaris. However, away from the cost, Rwanda has the shortest driving distance (2hrs) from the airport to the gorilla trekking destination. The country also boasts a better infrastructure in terms of good roads and high standard accommodation facilities. However, the volatile security situation in the eastern DR Congo around Virunga national park makes it hard to visit the gorillas in the area. Apart from those few differences, the gorilla trekking experience is the same in all the 3 countries and meeting these endangered species face-to-face regardless of the destination, you derive the same satisfaction.

Why go for a gorilla tour?

Gorilla trekking is a unique encounter and unlike other wildlife safari experiences that are common in most parts of the continent, gorilla trekking exclusively takes place in one region. Gorillas share 98% of the human DNA and this is clearly noticed upon meeting them in the wild. Visitors have observed the human-like behaviour of gorillas through their activity in the jungle and the way they relate one each other. Like humans, gorillas live in well organised social groups or families which are headed by alpha males known as silverbacks. This is evident to tourists who are assigned to trek a specific gorilla family on their trip. Many travellers who have taken on the encounter have described gorilla trekking as one of the best wildlife experience in the world in their reviews.

What is the best season for a gorilla tour?

The dry period from June to September and December to February is the best season to visit mountain gorillas. These apes live in montane rainforest which can be so hard to navigate in the wet season. Secondly gorillas tend to roam freely in the forests hence easy to find unlike in wet season when they confine at a specific area.

Frequently Asked Questions on Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Tours

How difficult is gorilla trekking in rwanda.

For a mountain gorilla trek in Rwanda, anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can ably enjoy this activity. Usually the challenges are posed by the tricky terrain and high humidity levels. The jungle canopy traps and thickness can also become quite challenging. However the guides always clear the thick vegetation with machetes to create path ways. However, gorilla families such as Sabyinyo, Agashya, Kwitonda, and Hirwa are less challenging for most visitors. Tracking a gorilla group in Rwanda can take visitors between 2 – 5 hours depending on the location of the gorilla groups.

Is Uganda or Rwanda better for gorilla trekking?

Uganda has more habituated gorilla families, 22 in number, compared to Rwanda’s 18 groups available for tracking on a particular day hence enhancing chances of gorilla permits availability in Uganda. However Rwanda is a smaller country in terms of its geographical area compared to Uganda where drive distances tend to be longer; and as such for travelers with less time, Rwanda becomes a better option.

How Much does it cost to see gorillas?

The cheapest a person can do a gorilla safari in Rwanda for a day trip is USD 1,700 (per person); a 2 days at USD 1900 per person; a 3 day gorilla trip at USD 2000 to USD 5000 (luxury package). Included in a gorilla tour package are: – a gorilla permit, private safari truck / vehicle, English / French / German speaking guide, accommodation and meals.

Is gorilla trekking worth the money?

Yes, gorilla trekking has proved the best wildlife experience according to TripAdvisor Reviews by most travelers to Africa. It is worth the effort, time and money spent. Encountering the mountain gorillas in the wild face-to-face is the most breathtaking experience any wildlife enthusiast would dream to experience.

What is gorilla tracking like?

Gorilla tracking requires physically fit travelers as it involves hiking through thick vegetation and steep terrain in some areas of the park. A gorilla trek in Uganda can last 1 hour to 6 hours, depending on the movement of mountain gorillas in the wild searching for their food. The gorilla tracking experience in both Uganda and Rwanda are similar.

Is gorilla watching safe in Uganda?

YES, gorilla trekking is Uganda is safe. The safest parts of Uganda are Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks. Uganda Wildlife Authority at all times maintains her park rangers highly motivated, vigilant, well equiped and trained to keep gorilla trekking safe and secure.

What is gorilla habituation experience?

Gorilla Habituation Experience (GHE) is the gradual exposure of a wild gorilla family to human presence. Researchers begin with a study of a gorilla specie, treat sicknesses and protect them from encroachers in view of conservation tourism. Currently there are two gorilla families subjected to habituation:- Bukyingi and Bushaho, all in Rushaga Sector- southern Bwindi. For a successful habituation process, each group has so far spent 3 to 5 years under the management of an expert research team, conservations and game rangers. Each day game rangers spend some time with the gorillas by gradually getting closer to them. This process will continue until the gorillas are very comfortable with the human presence thus eventually opening them to visitation by tourists. So, Gorilla Habituation Experience brings tourists to these gorillas under study and eventually turn them into friendly primates. A tourist who participates in Gorilla habituation Experience is perceived as one who fully supports conservation since funds generated in this activity are utilized in supporting the survival of these primates. The Gorilla Habituation Experience enable a tourist to spend a day in the presence of the gorillas and thus participates in all activities related to the gorillas which culminates into an incredible wildlife experience.

How much does it cost to track gorillas in Uganda?

A gorilla permit in Uganda costs USD 700; for foreign nonresidents a gorilla permit costs USD 600; and Gorilla Habituation Experience costs USD 1500. The rest of the safari package is determined by any other activities and lodges a traveler would wish customized in his or her package.

What is the best month to visit Uganda?

The dry season June to August, and December to February offer better gorilla and chimpanzee trekking conditions. Game drives and viewing are also good during this period. However the rest of the months are also fine though with inconveniences posed by heavy rains. During this low season gorilla and chimpanzee permits tend to be subsidized so are the safari lodges.

What do you need for gorilla trekking?

Anyone tracking chimpanzees or mountain gorillas should wear sturdy clothing i.e. long sleeved shirts and trousers for protection against nettles. You need gardening gloves or protective leather gloves and a pair of gaiters / light walking boots.

Are the gorillas dangerous?

Generally, gorillas are powerful yet gentle and friendly animals. But they can attack and injure people who provoke them. The Silverback can react loud roars, thumping its chest and charge towards the person that has provoked him. Despite being gentle and calm, gorillas are wild animals that can prove dangerous if mishandled or threatened. Gorilla attacks on humans are extremely rare but can only be motivated by a defensive instinct.

Which place is best to see gorillas in Africa?

Mountain gorillas live in green volcanic Virunga Conservation area that includes Volcanoes national park of Rwanda, Virunga National Park – DR Congo, Mgahinga and Bwindi national parks in Uganda; whereas lowland gorillas live in the forests of central and western Africa in Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Central African Republic and DR Congo.

How do i book a gorilla safari?

To book a gorilla tour one has to pay for a gorilla permit which is simply a document that allows you spend an hour with gorillas in the wild. This document can be obtained through a registered tour company such as Africa Adventure Safaris (www.ugandagorillatour.com) or through Uganda Wildlife (UWA) in case of Uganda; or through www.rwandagorillassafari.com or Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in case of Rwanda.

What is gorilla trekking experience?

Gorilla trekking experience involves going on a guided hike through dense rainforest to spend time with a specific gorilla group in its natural environment. Encountering these calm and awesome creatures is a life-changing experience. Gorilla Trekking Experience begins with a guided walk through the dense rainforest in search of gorillas. An encounter with a family of gorillas is the ultimate goal of this hike. Tourists are allowed to stay in the presence of gorillas for an hour. Normally 7 meters are allowed for any guest getting closer to any gorilla group. However due to Covid 19 pandemic the distance has been increased to 10 meters. Gorillas can easily contract all human diseases since their DNA in relation to humans is about 96%.

• +256 392 176327
• +256 702 805580
• [email protected]

Uganda Gorilla Tours: Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters in Africa

Uganda gorilla tours are immersive experiences that take you trekking to see gorillas deep into the lush rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, two of the world's prime habitats for endangered mountain gorillas. Uganda is one of the safest African countries for tourists, no doubt about that!

These guided gorilla trekking safaris offer an unparalleled opportunity to observe Africa's primates in their natural environment. Led by experienced guides and trackers, you'll embark on treks through dense vegetation, following trails that lead to gorilla families.

During your encounter, you'll witness the intricate social dynamics of gorilla families , observe their playful interactions, and marvel at their sheer size and strength. Expert guides will share fascinating insights into gorilla behavior, ecology, and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect these gentle giants.

Beyond gorilla trekking, Uganda gorilla tours often encompass a wider range of wildlife adventures. You can extend your journey to include chimpanzee tracking , game drives in savannas teeming with diverse wildlife, and exceptional birdwatching opportunities.

Each Uganda gorilla tour is thoughtfully designed to be both educational and thrilling, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature, support conservation, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Some of the key features of Uganda gorilla tours include:

• Guided Gorilla Trekking: Experienced local guides and trackers lead you through the lush rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, navigating challenging terrain and using their expertise to locate gorilla families.
• Unforgettable Gorilla Encounters: Spend precious moments observing and photographing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, witnessing their social interactions, playful behaviors, and gentle nature.
• Conservation Focussed: Many Uganda gorilla tour operators actively contribute to conservation efforts, supporting local initiatives that protect these endangered primates and their fragile ecosystems.
• Combined Wildlife Adventures: Extend your Uganda gorilla safari to include thrilling chimpanzee trekking experiences, game drives through savannas teeming with diverse wildlife, and exceptional birdwatching opportunities in some of Africa's most biodiverse regions.
• Expertly Guided Experiences: Benefit from the knowledge and passion of our expert guides and trackers, who share valuable insights into gorilla behavior, ecology, and the ongoing efforts to conserve these great apes of Africa.

Tailor-made Uganda Gorilla Tours

Ready to take the reins and plan your own, personalized Uganda gorilla adventure? Explore our carefully curated collection of tourist gorilla safaris in Africa, each designed to cater to your unique interests and preferences.

Trip Inquiry Form

About your trip.

When do you want to travel?

Month* —Please choose an option— January February March April May June July August September October November December

Year* 2024 2025 2026 2027

For how long (days)?*

How many people are traveling?*

Your inquiry.*

Important Personal Information

Our privacy policy includes a promise that we will keep your personal details private and not share them with any third party. We Intend to keep that promise.

Short but sweet Gorilla Expedition, Fly to Bwindi.

5 Days | From US $2,426

Includes Permits, Accommodation, Meals, Transport.

Classic Safari with Primates of Uganda's Rainforests

8 Days | From US $3,865

Explore Uganda's Wilderness, See Gorillas, Chimps, And Wildlife on This tour

12 Days | From US $5,518  

Trek Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Road Trip Across The Country

Gorilla Trekking Safari & Nature Walking Trails - Bwindi by Air

Trekking Gorillas & Golden Monkeys in Southwestern Uganda - Kisoro by Air

walking off-the-beaten-track in southwestern Uganda

See Gorillas in Bwindi and Wildlife Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Safari Honeymoon at the Nile and trek Gorillas, Chimps in Uganda

Explore Uganda's Rich birdlife and see gorillas and more wildlife on this tour

A tour to Adventure into Uganda's Top National Parks, Watching Wildlife & Trekking Primates

Bird-Watching Across Uganda, Wildlife Viewing & Primates Trekking Safari

Gorillas and Serengeti Safari, Uganda & Tanzania

Bwindi and Masai Mara Safari Adventure

All-inclusive Gorilla & Wildlife Safari

How much is a uganda gorilla tour.

Your investment in an unforgettable Uganda gorilla tour will vary depending on several factors, but the gorilla permit is a significant expense.

As of July 2024, Uganda's gorilla permits are priced at $800 USD per person, making it a more affordable option compared to Rwanda's permits, which are notably higher at $1,500 USD.

In addition to the permit, it's important to budget for accommodation, meals, and transportation, which can average around $150 USD per day for a budget-friendly experience, $300 USD for a mid-range stay , or $500+ USD for a luxurious gorilla safari .

Dig deeper and compare, if you must, with general costs of other safari experiences in africa , find out ' how much an African safari costs '.

Average Gorilla Trekking Safari Costs in Uganda

Prices are subject to change. Travelers should confirm with the tour operator or the UWA for the most accurate information. Contacting Nkuringo Safaris Directly is the best way to confirm the current and most accurate pricing for your specific travel dates and preferences is to contact Nkuringo Safaris directly. They will have the most up-to-date information on permit costs, accommodation rates, and any additional fees.

Also note that these are just averages, and the actual cost of your gorilla trekking trip in Uganda may vary depending on your specific choices.

Here are some additional tips for reducing the cost of your gorilla trekking trip in Uganda:

• Travel during the rainy season (March-May and November-December) when prices are lower .
• Consider staying in a guesthouse or hostel instead of a lodge . And mention this when inquiring with your tour planner.
• Hire a shared driver or guide instead of a private one. Go for small group safari packages .
• Pack your own energy snacks to avoid having to buy them at the lodge.
• Have your tips in small bills and drop your service tips in the general hotel tip box.

By following these tips, you can save money on your gorilla trekking trip in Uganda. [ Read   What is The Average Cost of Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda? to get a detailed picture of pricing.]

Watch Video

This immersive video transports you into Uganda's gorilla jungles at the base of the Virunga Mountains in  Bwindi Impenetrable Forest , a verdant sanctuary where mist-shrouded trails wind through ancient trees and the calls of primates echo through the dense foliage. Follow intrepid trekkers as they navigate the challenging terrain, forging a path through the jungle in search of wild but habituated gorilla families. Feel the anticipation build as they finally come face-to-face with a mountain gorilla family, witnessing their gentle nature, playful interactions, and profound intelligence. Experience the raw emotion and sheer wonder of this once-in-a-lifetime Uganda gorilla tour.

Essential Uganda Gorilla Safari Information

1. uganda gorilla permit.

Going on a gorilla tour in Uganda requires obtaining a government-issued trekking permit, which is an essential pass to see gorillas in their natural habitat . Securing your permit through a reputable tour operator like Nkuringo Safaris ensures a seamless experience and supports responsible tourism practices.

Gorilla Permit Pricing:

• International Tourists: $800 per person
• Foreign Residents (with Work Permit): $700 per person

Why Choose Nkuringo Safaris for Your Gorilla Permit:

• Guaranteed Permits: We secure your permit in advance, ensuring you don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity.
• Expert Guidance: Our knowledgeable team will guide you through the permit application process and answer any questions you may have.
• Responsible Tourism: We prioritize sustainable practices and support local communities, contributing to the conservation of gorillas and their habitat.
• Hassle-Free Experience: We handle all the logistics, allowing you to focus on enjoying your gorilla trekking adventure.

Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. [ Click to learn more about the gorilla permit and secure yours today!]

2. Best Time for Uganda Gorilla Tours

While gorilla tours in Uganda are available year-round, the dry seasons offer the best primate trekking conditions and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.

Peak Seasons (Dry Seasons):

• June - September: Experience pleasant weather, clear skies, and easier trekking trails during these months. Wildlife viewing is also excellent as animals congregate around water sources.
• December - February: Enjoy another dry season with comfortable temperatures and less rainfall. This is a popular time for gorilla trekking safaris, so book your tour well in advance.

Off-Peak Season (Wet Season):

• March-May & October - November: While these months experience more rainfall, the lush landscapes are stunning, and gorilla trekking is still possible. Take advantage of lower prices and fewer crowds during the off-peak season.

Want to know the best month for your gorilla tour? [Click for our month-by-month guide on when to go gorilla trekking in Uganda. ]

No matter when you choose to embark on your Uganda gorilla adventure, our expert guides and personalized itineraries will ensure an unforgettable experience.

3. Safety and Security

Your safety and security are paramount during your Uganda gorilla tour. Rest assured, gorilla trekking in Uganda is widely recognized as a safe and well-regulated activity, thanks to the stringent measures implemented by the Ugandan Wildlife Authority (UWA) and dedicated conservation organizations.

To ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for both visitors and gorillas, it's essential to adhere to the established rules and guidelines. Your experienced guide will provide a comprehensive briefing at the trekking center, covering everything from proper trekking etiquette to health precautions.

Key Safety Guidelines:

• Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep a respectful distance of at least 7 meters (21 feet) from the habituated gorilla family  at all times .
• Avoid Direct Eye Contact: Refrain from making direct eye contact with gorillas, as it can be perceived as a threat.
• Follow Your Guide's Instructions: Listen attentively to your guide's instructions and follow them closely throughout the trek.
• Stay Together as a Group: Do not wander off from your group or attempt to approach gorillas on your own .
• Cover Your Mouth and Nose: You must wear a face mask (surgical) in case you need to cough or sneeze, to prevent the spread of germs.
• Stay Calm and Quiet: Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle the gorillas.
• Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and litter to help preserve the pristine environment.

By following these guidelines and respecting the gorillas' space, you can contribute to a safe and unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Uganda .

Want to know more about staying safe during your gorilla trek? [Click to read our comprehensive safety guidelines .]

4. What to Pack for Your Uganda Gorilla Tour

Preparing for your Uganda gorilla tour involves packing thoughtfully to ensure you're comfortable and well-equipped for your African rainforest adventure. Here's a guide to the essentials:

• Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics: Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics like nylon or polyester to stay cool and dry in the humid climate.
• Neutral Colors: Choose earth-toned clothing like greens, browns, and khakis to blend in with the natural environment and avoid disturbing the gorillas.
• Long Sleeves and Pants: Protect yourself from insect bites, scratches, and stinging nettles with long-sleeved shirts and pants. Convertible pants are a versatile option.
• Warm Layers: Evenings and early mornings can be chilly, so pack a fleece jacket or sweater for added warmth.
• Sturdy Hiking Boots: Invest in waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support to tackle the rugged terrain of the African rainforest.
• Hiking Socks: Pack several pairs of moisture-wicking socks to prevent blisters and keep your feet comfortable.
• Insect Repellent: Choose a DEET-based repellent to deter mosquitoes and other biting insects.
• Rain Jacket: Pack a lightweight, waterproof rain jacket to stay dry in case of showers.
• Backpack: A small backpack is essential for carrying water, snacks, a camera, and other essentials.
• Camera: Capture your unforgettable moments with a camera or smartphone.

Pack light if you book a fly-in safari . Standard Uganda bush-flight luggage restriction is typically 15 kilograms (33 pounds) per person. This includes both checked and carry-on luggage.

Want a complete packing list for your gorilla adventure? [Here's our comprehensive guide on what to pack for your Uganda gorilla tour.]

How to Reach The Gorilla Destinations in Uganda.

Uganda gorilla tours are made effortless with various convenient travel options to reach gorilla country from Entebbe International Airport or Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. Whether you prefer a scenic road trip or a quick domestic flight, you can get to the gorilla sanctuary with ease. Here are ways to get to gorilla trekking centers in Uganda:

• Via Kisoro/Kabale: This route takes you through picturesque landscapes, covering approximately 550 km (342 miles) with a 9-10 hour drive to reach any of the four gorilla trekking sectors.
• Lake Mburo Stopover: Break up your journey with a night at Lake Mburo National Park (3-4 hours from Entebbe), where you can enjoy African gorilla safaris and boat trips before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (5-6 hours).
• Road Conditions: Rest assured that 80% of the journey is on well-maintained paved roads, with the final stretch (approximately 2 hours) on a dirt road.
• Kigali to Bwindi/Mgahinga: For a shorter and smoother journey, consider flying into Kigali , Rwanda . From there, it's a scenic 3-4 hour drive to Bwindi or Mgahinga, with a straightforward border crossing. Your driver will assist with the $50 visa process, ensuring a seamless transition for your African gorilla tour.
• Domestic Flights: Two airstrips, Kisoro Airport (south) and Kihihi Airport (north), are conveniently located 1.5-2 hours from the park entrances, offering a convenient option for your Uganda gorilla tour Uganda. Scheduled and chartered flights from Entebbe take approximately one hour.
• Regional Connections: Entebbe International Airport offers connections to other exciting destinations in East Africa, making it easy to combine your gorilla safari with other adventures.

Seamless Transfers:  Your chosen lodge can arrange comfortable transfers from the airport or your arrival point directly to your accommodation , ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your gorilla trekking experience in Uganda.

Visa Requirements: Obtaining a visa for your Uganda gorilla tour is simple and straightforward. Apply online beforehand for a hassle-free process and ensure a smooth arrival. The cost is $50 for a single-entry tourist visa. Remember to carry your Yellow Fever vaccination card and a valid passport, as these are essential requirements for entry into Uganda. 

Top Accommodations for Your Uganda Gorilla Tour

Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge : This luxurious retreat is nestled in Nkuringo/Rushaga sectors, offering stunning views, prime gorilla trekking access, and cozy fireplaces in each cottage.

From $230 pp (single, full board).

Gorilla Forest Camp: Immerse yourself in the Buhoma sector's lush rainforest at this luxury safari camp, boasting spacious canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms and private decks overlooking the forest.

From $315 pp (sharing, full board).

Mahogany Springs Lodge : Buhoma's premier luxury lodge, renowned for its spacious suites with private verandas, exquisite spa, and a restaurant serving delectable African-inspired cuisine.

From $300 pp.

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge : Experience the epitome of luxury at this high-end lodge in Nkuringo sector, featuring private stone cottages with panoramic views, a cozy library, and a fire pit for evening gatherings.

From $490 pp.

Buhoma Lodge : Discover the charm of Buhoma sector at this comfortable mid-range lodge, offering a range of accommodations, including family cottages, and a vibrant bar with a pool table.

From $380 pp.

Bwindi Lodge : Nestled amidst Bwindi's lush greenery, these luxury bandas offer a tranquil escape, featuring private terraces with stunning forest views and an on-site massage service.

From $480 pp.

Mutanda Lake Resort : Overlooking the picturesque Lake Mutanda, this mid-range lodge in Rushaga or Nkuringo sector provides a peaceful haven with a range of activities, including guided nature walks and boat trips.

From $155 pp (single, full board).

Chameleon Hill Lodge : Experience the vibrant colors and unique charm of this mid-range lodge in Nkuringo/Rushaga sectors, known for its individually designed cottages, beautiful gardens, and commitment to sustainable tourism.

From $125 pp (sharing, full board).

Buhoma Community Haven Lodge : Go on a gorilla adventure with a budget-friendly stay at this community-owned lodge in Buhoma sector, offering simple yet comfortable rooms, delicious home-cooked meals, and a chance to interact with local residents.

From $216 pp (single, full board).

Uganda Gorilla Safari Reviews: Real Experiences, Real Emotions

"Knowledgeable and Dependable" - Karen, USA ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Nkuringo Safaris exceeded our expectations in Rwanda and Uganda. Our guide, Patrick, was a gem – punctual, knowledgeable, and always ready to share a laugh. We loved the boat tour in Queen Elizabeth National Park, witnessing elephants and rhinos up close. The gorilla and chimpanzee trekking tours were truly unforgettable!

"The BEST Experience Ever!" - Ashley Anderson, AU ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Nkuringo Safaris took care of every detail, making our Uganda gorilla tour seamless and enjoyable. From the personalized walking sticks to the friendly staff, every moment felt special. Seeing the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat was an absolute dream come true.

"Extremely Professional, Knowledgeable, and Great Value" - Rui Arco, PT ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We've traveled with Nkuringo Safaris before, and their expertise and attention to detail are unparalleled. Our trip to Rwanda and DRC was exceptional, thanks to our knowledgeable guides, Julius and Martin. The accommodation choices were perfect, and the food was delicious. Highly recommended!

"Incredible Experience Thanks to Nkuringo Safaris!" - Laura, GB ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Our trip to Uganda in December 2022 was beyond amazing. Nkuringo Safaris tailored our itinerary to perfection, ensuring a balance of adventure and relaxation. Our guide, Jack, was exceptional, sharing his knowledge of the diverse wildlife and going above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable.

"Amazing Gorillas & Exceptional Service" - Anonymous, US ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Nkuringo Safaris made our gorilla trekking dreams come true! The guides were knowledgeable and passionate, the lodges were comfortable, and the entire experience was truly magical.

"A Trip of a Lifetime" - Odette, CA ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Our Uganda gorilla safari with Nkuringo Safaris exceeded all expectations. The gorillas were awe-inspiring, the scenery breathtaking, and the service impeccable. We highly recommend them for an unforgettable adventure.

"Outstanding Gorilla Trek and Wildlife Safari" - Finnegan, UK ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the moment we arrived in Uganda, Nkuringo Safaris took care of everything. The gorilla trek was a highlight, and the game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park were spectacular. We couldn't have asked for a better experience.

"Beyond Expectations" - Elowen, AU ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Nkuringo Safaris went above and beyond to ensure our trip was perfect. The staff was friendly, the accommodations were excellent, and the itinerary was packed with amazing activities. Highly recommend!

"Truly Magical Gorilla Encounter" - Thalia, US ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Our gorilla trekking experience with Nkuringo Safaris was truly magical. The guides were knowledgeable and passionate, the lodges were comfortable, and the entire experience was well-organized and unforgettable.

"Unforgettable Gorilla Trek in Bwindi" - Seraphina, US ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Our gorilla trekking experience with Nkuringo Safaris was truly unforgettable. The guides were knowledgeable and passionate, ensuring a safe and informative trek through the lush Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Witnessing the gentle giants in their natural habitat was a dream come true, a moment we'll cherish forever.

Ready to discover the magic of Uganda for yourself? You could get lost in reading more inspiring reviews or jumpstart the explorer's instincts in you and start planning your gorilla adventure!

How to See Silverback Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda

Use these tips and list of recommended tour operators to plan a trip to see the famed silverback gorillas in uganda or rwanda..

• Copy Link copied

There are only about 1,000 mountain gorillas, like this one, left in the wild.

Photo by Shutterstock

If you talk to someone who has been fortunate enough to visit the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda, you’ll be treated to an enthusiastic, if not rhapsodical, explainer on why the experience is both magical and moving.

To be sure, trekking through emerald rain forests searching for one of humankind’s closest relatives is nothing short of spectacular. It’s also rare.

Today, only about 1,000 mountain gorillas are left, making the species critically endangered. The sole way to see them ( there are none in zoos ) is by trekking in certain East African national parks (Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda). That trek also needs to be with a certified guide for your protection and the protection of the gorillas. From costs and permits to tour providers who can organize it all, here is how to plan a gorilla trekking trip.

How much does it cost?

The price for a full tour, including permits, guides, lodging, and additional add-ons can vary wildly, but expect to spend per person around $1,000 on the low end and $15,000 on the high end for a gorilla trek. Prices can vary depending on if which country you’re trekking in—permits are $700 per person in Uganda but $1,500 per person in Rwanda—your accommodation type, the tour provider you select, and whether there are other excursions planned for the tour (like additional treks or safaris).

The permit price helps the countries with protection and conservation efforts—particularly important, considering the mountain gorillas are critically endangered. Generally speaking, 15 percent of the money collected from gorilla permits goes to the government, 10 percent to the local communities, and 75 percent to gorilla conservation.

Most operators include the price of the permit in the overall tour, but be sure to double-check with your company. At the very least, your tour should include lodging and meals.

What is likely not included is the tip for the guide and the porter (should you choose to use one). For guides, $25 per traveler is recommended. For porters (someone who carries your backpack and helps provide an extra hand when crossing trickier parts of the forest, like going up muddy hills or over large fallen trees), the going rate is a minimum of $15. Even if you’re fit and aren’t carrying much, most guiding companies recommend getting a porter. Although $15 may not seem like much to you, the sum is hugely important to them. It also helps the locals benefit from ecotourism, which in turn shows them the value of protecting the gorillas. Some of the porters are actually former poachers who have come to realize that there’s greater value in conservation.

Sometimes trekkers will follow gorillas as they move through the forest and other times, they can sit and watch them relax.

Photo by Bailey Berg

When is the best time to see the gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda?

While it can be argued that there is no bad time to come face-to-face with these incredible animals, certain months are better than others—specifically during the dry seasons of December through February and June through August. Heavy rains throughout the rest of the year can make trekking trails, which can have steep slopes, muddy and slippery. Those are not ideal conditions for an all-day outdoor excursion. That being said, it’s easier to get permits during the low season.

If you’re planning to travel during peak season (June–August), it’s good to book as far in advance as possible, as there are only eight permits permitted each day for each habituated gorilla family (meaning they’re used to seeing humans). There are a total of 104 daily permits in Uganda and 80 in Rwanda.

How long are gorilla treks?

No two gorilla treks are the same. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 hours to find a family in the rain forest, and once there, visitors are allowed one hour with the gorillas.

What is the difference between gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda?

While both Rwanda and Uganda offer fabulous gorilla treks, there are a few small differences to consider when deciding which country to visit.

One of the big draws of going to Rwanda is how close Volcanoes National Park is to Kigali International Airport—it’s about a two-hour drive. If you’re short on time, it may be the better option. In Uganda, it’s about nine hours from Entebbe International Airport to either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It is also possible to fly into Kigali and cross the border by land into Uganda—Mgahinga National Park is just on the other side of the border, about four hours away.

Gorilla families

In Rwanda, you can only see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, where there are currently 10 habituated gorilla families , ranging from 11 to 33 members. The gorillas here are the descendents of those Dian Fossey first studied (specifically the Susa family, which is also the largest group and one of the hardest to track). In Uganda, it’s possible to see gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where there are 12 families ranging from 9 to 26 members, and Mgahinga National Park, where there is only one family of nine gorillas (though it does have the highest percentage of silverbacks per family, with four). Because there are more families in Bwindi, it’s usually easier to get permits for there.

Trekking and difficulty

As for the actual trekking, Rwanda is considered less steep and slippery than in Uganda, but it is at a higher elevation, which can be challenging.

Additional experiences

As of February 2022, guests can visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund before or after their trek to get a better understanding of the great apes. The campus includes three main buildings—a research center, education center, and a gallery where visitors can learn about the gorillas and Dian Fossey—plus housing for 30 visiting students and researchers.

What to expect on a gorilla trek

Even if you’re trekking during the dry season, remember that it is a rain forest and there’s still a possibility of a downpour. Expect the trails to be fairly muddy. It’s a good idea to wear hiking boots with ankle support and knee-high gaiters or rainboots (the latter is what all the guides wear) to keep your socks dry and your feet more or less blister free. Also be sure to pack a raincoat.

On the day of your gorilla trek, you and everyone else with a permit will meet at a staging area. Here you’ll be put into groups and assigned a family to trek to. If you have mobility issues, now is the time to let the guides know—they typically try to appoint the most fit with the gorilla families that are the most challenging to reach, while those who may need to move at a slower pace are assigned to families easier to find. This is also when you’ll be briefed on safety measures.

From here you’ll go to the park entrance, where you’ll be able to hire a porter.

Trekking for gorillas often means hours of hiking through dense forest on steep, narrow paths, always behind your guide. Earlier in the day, groups of trackers set out to find the various families. During your trek, the guide will be in constant communication with the trackers to assess where they gorillas may be heading and determine the best spot to try to meet them.

Once your group finds your gorilla family, you have one hour to spend with them. During that time, you may observe them looking for and eating food, playing, sleeping, or grooming each other. While the gorillas are gentle, it’s important to keep a safe distance and follow the instructions of your guide. You’re allowed to take as many photos as you wish, as long as you don’t use flash. We recommend setting your camera aside for at least part of the encounter—this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that goes by all too fast, so try to be present. After your hour is up, you’ll hike back out.

A gorilla photographed munching on vegetation during a trek.

Best gorilla trekking tours

Here are a few companies we recommend if you’re considering booking a trip.

Volcanoes Safaris

Departure dates year-round from $3,975. [email protected], volcanoessafaris.com .

For 25 years, Volcanoes Safaris has led great ape (mountain gorilla and chimpanzee) ecotours from four of its lodges in Rwanda and Uganda. It’s something the company is passionate about—one of its properties, Virunga Lodge in Rwanda , even has a permanent exhibition honoring the primatologist Dian Fossey.

Guests can opt to participate in a four-day trip that focuses on one park and one lodge, or they can do a 6-, 7-, 8-, or 10-day circuit of Volcanoes Safaris lodges to see multiple parks and primate families.

Cox & Kings

Departures are year-round from £5,650 (US$7,086). coxandkings.co.uk .

While the mountain gorillas may be the marquee animal, they’re not the only wildlife encounter you’ll have on Cox & Kings’ nine-night “ Primates of Uganda” safari.

Beyond doing a one-day trek to commune with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, guests also can see monkeys and chimpanzees at Kibale National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park (as well as forest elephants, tree-climbing lions, gazelles, hippos, and buffalo). Clients can opt to do a private tour or join a group.

G Adventures

Departures are offered from June to March (no departures in April and May), starting from $4,479. gadventures.com .

Combining some of the most iconic experiences in East Africa, G Adventures’ 12-day Masai Mara & Gorilla Adventure starts with a safari drive in the famous Masai Mara National Reserve to look for the Big Five. From there, it’s off to Kibale National Park for chimps and then Queen Elizabeth National Park to spot primates, warthogs, elephants, and more. The tour wraps with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Intrepid Travel

Regular departures June–October, plus select dates in February and April. Prices from $3,922. Intrepidtravel.com .

Intrepid’s six-day Premium Uganda & Rwanda has the Goldilocks seal of approval for those who want something that’s not too short and not too long. And, unlike many other tours, guests have the option to add a second day of trekking to see another gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Intrepid also offers longer tours that incorporate time with the mountain gorillas, including Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda (9 days), Premium Uganda, Rwanda & Kenya (13 days), and Gorillas & East Africa Safari (18 days), among others.

Departures year-round, starting at $2,950. go2africa.com .

This Africa-based tour operator offers everything from 5-day hikes that focus on the mountain gorillas of one park to epic 15-day journeys that combine some of East Africa’s most dizzying wildlife experiences (like gorilla trekking, viewing the Great Wildebeest Migration, and scanning the horizon for Africa’s Big Five at Ngorongoro Crater).

Go2Africa has also partnered with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to develop four new experiences aimed at giving travelers a richer, more immersive gorilla trekking encounter. The experiences include getting a behind-the-scenes tour of the facilities, trekking with a researcher, getting a private master class on gorilla conservation, and picking the brains of Fossey Fund staff during a private cocktail hour. They are booked by Go2Africa and the funds go back to the Fund as donations to support children’s outreach programs.

Extraordinary Journeys

Customized departures are available year-round. Prices vary. 212-226-7331, extraordinaryjourneys.com .

Safari specialists at this luxury travel company can craft unique itineraries for those who would prefer to only travel with friends and family. They are able to build itineraries in Rwanda or Uganda (or both), as well as other African nations like Botswana, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, and beyond.

Abercrombie & Kent

Departures for small group tours available from August through October (private tours offered year-round), prices starting at $10,995. abercrombiekent.com .

This luxury tour operator’s Uganda: Gorillas and Beyond 2022 tour starts with a cruise up the Nile River to look for water birds, hippos, and crocodiles. From there, it’s off to Kibale National Park to spend time with its famous chimpanzees, followed by two days of game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where Uganda kobs, Cape buffalo, elephants, and lions make frequent appearances in camera viewfinders. Finally, to cap off the extraordinary 11-day trip: trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Abercrombie & Kent also offers the option to have private, customized itineraries for clients who would prefer not to travel with others.

National Geographic Expeditions

Departures in February, June, August, September, and December in 2023. Rates for a double occupancy room are $16,495. nationalgeographic.com .

National Geographic Expeditions is known for featuring truly immersive experiences, and its Great Apes of Uganda and Rwanda is no exception. Over the course of 11 days, guests will travel with National Geographic–funded primatologist to see gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys, as well as meet the scientists at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

>>Next: These Visionaries Are Helping to Protect the Planet for Tomorrow’s Travelers

Explore Gorilla Trekking in Uganda - Best Uganda Gorilla Safaris & Tours

Lets us expertly tailor your amazing Uganda gorilla safari trip and you explore memorable gorilla trekking in Uganda. Tap into our 13 years experience in planning customised expertly guided Uganda gorilla safaris & tours to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Forest & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park .

Uganda Gorilla Safari Packages Offering Ultimate Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park & Mgahinga

Uganda gorilla safaris taking you gorilla trekking in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable & Mgahinga Gorilla parks are always a popular interest of most travelers undertaking African Uganda safaris.

A Uganda gorilla trekking adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime experience allowing you to go trekking with gorillas and see these gentle giants - (Mountain Gorillas) in their charming natural habitat.

There are about 1,063 Mountain Gorillas in the world and Uganda holds half of this population as it has about 459 individuals. The highest number is in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Other Gorillas are in other national parks of Mgahinga National Park, Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This makes Uganda the best destination for seeing wild Mountain Gorillas in Africa and you can see them in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Uganda Gorilla tours mostly feature Bwindi National Park which offers the best Mountain Gorilla viewing experences since it has the highest number of habituated Mountain Gorillas in Uganda & Africa at large.

During your gorilla safaris in Uganda, there are various classes of Uganda gorilla safari lodges - accommodation where you can stay. These range from budget, midrange, and luxury, and welcome every traveler.

On top of gorilla tracking in Uganda, your Uganda gorilla safari tour can feature amazing game viewing safaris in top Uganda safari parks. Using the single East African tourist visa, you can also trek gorillas in Rwanda and tour Kenya for a comprehensive African safari experience.

Whether you want a short Uganda Rwanda gorilla trek on a mini brake or long Uganda gorilla trip fused with wildlife and culture, we have you sorted.

Contact Our Team Expert Gorilla Safari Planners For Nothing But A Life Time Uganda Gorilla Safari Experience Tha Will Offer You The Ultimate Africa Gorilla Safari Memories!!

Top Uganda Tour Activity

Go Gorilla trekking in Uganda on our tailor-made Uganda gorilla safaris and enjoy the best gorilla tours in Africa.

Uganda Safari Tours

Short uganda safaris, uganda wildlife safaris, rwanda gorilla trekking, short rwanda safaris, uganda rwanda safaris, luxury gorilla trekking, budget gorilla trekking, top 18 uganda gorilla safari tours.

Below are some of the Popular Uganda Gorilla Safaris or Best Uganda Gorilla Tours for you to take as is or customise to suit your Uganda safari interests.

3-Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda Bwindi & Lake Bunyonyi Tour

3-Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda Tour to Bwindi Forest

4-Day Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Wildlife Safari Tour

4-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Lake Mburo Safari

4-Day Double Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Bwindi Forest

5-Day Silverback Gorilla Trekking Uganda & Wildlife Tour

5-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Chimps & Wildlife Tour

5-Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda & Murchison Falls Safari

5-Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda, Wildlife & Leisure Tour

5-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Chimpanzee Tour

6-Day Gorilla Safari Uganda, Chimps & Wildlife Tour

6-Day Uganda Gorilla Safaris, Wildlife & Leisure Tour

6-Day Flying Gorilla Safari Uganda & Wildlife Tour

7-Day Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Chimps & Wildlife Tour

7-Day Uganda Gorilla Safaris, Chimps & Wildlife Safari Tour

8-Day Gorilla Safari Uganda, Wildlife & Chimps Tour

9-Day Gorilla Safari in Uganda, Chimps & Wildlife Tour

10-Day Best Gorilla Safari Uganda, Wildlife & Chimps Tour

Uganda gorilla trekking information & uganda gorilla safari destinations.

Mountain gorillas are found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is also home to lowland gorillas. Please note that gorilla tours in Uganda offer gorilla trekking in Uganda in only two (2) national parks, which are:

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

This park is located in southwestern Uganda and it is the best park for Mountain Gorilla walking tours in Uganda. It’s indeed the best area to go gorilla-seeing in Africa !

It’s a UNESCO Heritage Site with over 459 mountain gorillas, which is almost 50% of the mountain gorilla population (1,063) on Earth! Gorilla tracking safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are done on the 19 habituated Gorilla families.

These families are found within the 4 sectors which are Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. As you trek Mountain Gorillas in the misty Bwindi National Park, you can come across other wild animals.

This park is also a haven for bird lovers, as they can enjoy birding as it has 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Endemics. You can see them during your Gorilla trip.

Gorilla Habituation Experience In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla habituation experience is the slow study of wild Mountain Gorillas so that they recognize human presence. The Gorilla habituation experience is only available in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Gorilla habituation takes about 2 to 5 years for the Gorilla group to be fully habituated. Tourists during this experience can be with the gentle giants for 4 hours in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another destination for Mountain Gorilla trekking safaris and tourists can trek with the Nyakagezi Gorilla family, which has 9 members. This Gorilla family is known for having many Silverbacks.

When trekking Mountain Gorillas in this park, lucky tourists can see other wildlife like Bush bucks, Forest Elephants, and Buffaloes. Tourists can see colorful birds in this park and tourists can hike the 3 volcanoes of Virunga Mountains (Muhabura, Sabyinyo, and Mgahinga).

Visitors can also enjoy golden monkey tracking, as it has golden monkeys.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations

The Mountain Gorilla Tracking Rules and Regulations give you all the dos and don’ts when you trek with the shy, gentle giants in the jungle. The park rangers give these rules at the park headquarters before your Gorilla trek.

These rules for walking with Gorillas in Uganda are the same as the Gorilla habituation experience.

They also work in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga, and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Below are the gorilla tracking rules to follow:

Gorilla Trek rules before you set out:

• Always make sure that you carry your payment receipts or the Gorilla permit.
• In case you have a cold or any kind of infectious illness, please do not go track Gorillas. This is because Gorillas can catch human sickness easily.
• Gorilla trekking in Uganda is only for those above 15 years old.
• If you want to help yourself, make sure that human waste is buried 30cm (12 inches) deep.
• Also, only 8 people are permitted to visit a Gorilla group during Gorilla treks

Gorilla trek rules: when you meet the gorillas,

• Make sure that there is a 7-meter (21-foot) distance between you and the Gorillas.
• You should not smoke, eat, or drink when with the Gorillas. It helps reduce the transmission of diseases to Gorillas during Gorilla treks
• Always cover your mouth and nose or even turn away if you sneeze or cough. This is because Gorillas can get infected with cough and colds
• Tourists are only permitted or given only 1 full hour to be with the Gorillas
• When you are photographing the apes, ensure not to use a flash during Gorilla treks

Parking List For Gorilla Trekking  

Below are some of the essential items you need most on the Uganda gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:

• Gorilla trekking permit.
• A good camera with extra batteries and memory cards.
• Insect repellent.
• Walking sticks.
• Bottled water.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking What to Wear 

Below is what you can pack for your Gorilla Uganda safaris and tours:

• Gorilla permit to present at the park headquarters
• A good camera with extra batteries
• Binoculars: Zoom in on sightings of animals to get clear views
• The poncho/rain jacket keeps you dry when
• Insect repellents: Keep away bugs and always carry insect repellents.
• Bottled water keeps you hydrated
• Backpack: used for carrying smaller items like insect repellents.
• Walking sticks give you more support on the trails, along with hiking boots.

This is what to wear before you go Gorilla tracking on your Gorilla tour.

• Light hiking boots: These hiking boots protect your feet when in the jungle
• Long-sleeved light trousers and shirts
• Garden Gloves: Protect you from itching plants.
• A cap or hat protects your face and head from the strong sunlight
• Sunglasses; protect your eyes from the strong sunlight rays

Other Amazing Safaris in Uganda to Accompany on Your Gorilla Safari

Tourists on gorilla-watching trips can also enjoy other fascinating Ugandan tours.

Some of these tours include:

Wildlife Safaris in Uganda

These give you a better experience of seeing wildlife with close encounters and are best in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to the tree-climbing Lions, and Kidepo Park.

Chimpanzee Trekking Tour

A chimpanzee tracking tour gives you a better opportunity to meet the Chimpanzees in their natural home. The best Chimpanzee tracking experience is in Kibale National Park.

Other amazing tours in Uganda include:

• Boat cruise tours in Uganda, especially in Murchison Falls National Park and Lake Bunyonyi
• Cultural encounters, like visiting the Batwa people
• Golden Monkey trekking trips. You get a better chance of meeting the dazzling Golden Monkeys.

Please note that tourists can enjoy a double Gorilla trek.

This is possible when you visit the Democratic Republic of Congo and you can encounter either the endangered Mountain Gorillas or the Lowland Gorillas. In East Africa, you can only find the Lowland Gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

You can also go meet Rwandan Gorillas. Along with Gorilla watching in Rwanda, you can also visit Akagera National Park during your Gorilla viewing safari.

Uganda Gorilla Safari Lodges—Accommodation

All sites for the Uganda gorilla trek adventures have comfortable accommodations ranging from luxury to midrange to budget.

Popular Uganda Luxury Gorilla Safari Lodges

• Buhoma Safari Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Park
• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge in Bwindi
• Gorilla Safari Lodge in Bwindi National Park
• Mount Gahinga Lodge in Mgahinga Gorilla NP
• Mahogany Springs in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Recommended Midrange Lodges to Use while Trekking Gorillas in Uganda

• Haven Lodge Buhoma in Buhoma
• Traveler’s Rest Kisoro in Mgahinga Gorilla NP
• Gorilla Mist Camp in Bwindi Park in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Lake Chahafi Resort in Mgahinga park
• Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge

Best Budget Uganda Gorilla Lodges on Your Gorilla Holiday in Uganda

• Buhoma Community Rest Camp in Bwindi impenetrable park
• Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Amajambere Iwachu Community Camp in Mgahinga Gorilla NP

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda vs Rwanda: Is It Better to Trek and See Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda?

This is a frequently asked question by travelers who want to go on Gorilla holidays either in Uganda or Rwanda. However, both destinations are great for a Gorilla tour.

Below is a simple comparison between the two countries:

Uganda’s gorilla permit costs $700, while that of Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park from Rwanda Development Board is $1500. Therefore, if you go on gorilla-walking holidays in Uganda, it is relatively cheaper!

Uganda holds over 20 fully habituated Gorilla families, while Rwanda has 10. Therefore, there are more gorilla permits in Uganda than in Rwanda’s only Volcanoes National Park.

gorilla habituation experience is only offered in Uganda and it allows you to be the apes for 4 hours. It is done on the Bikingi Gorilla family in Bwindi.

Gorilla tours in Uganda can easily be combined with wildlife safaris, unlike in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park . Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is home to tree-climbing lions, is close to Bwindi and Mgahinga and there are three other savannah national parks yet Rwanda has only Akagera National Park.

Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda is just 113 km from Kigali airport, making it a short distance and this means you can reach Volcanoes National Park for Rwanda Gorilla trek in one day . Trekking Mountain Gorillas in 1 day is not possible in Uganda, as you need at least 3 days to trek.

Uganda has more lodges during gorilla trips, though the ones in Volcanoes National Park are more high-end when it comes to Rwanda gorilla trek safaris .

Please note that:

Travelers can trek Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda if they apply for an East African Tourist Visa . Gorilla trips in both countries are amazing.

Uganda Gorilla Trek Cost/Price | Gorilla Permit Cost in Uganda

You require a gorilla permit to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, and it costs $800 for foreign nonresidents. It costs $700 and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens.

A Gorilla permit is inclusive of park entrance fees both in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Cheapest Way to See Gorillas In Uganda | How Do I See Gorillas On A Budget?

Travelers can go gorilla-seeing in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park on a budget. Gorilla trips are not as costly as anyone can trek Mountain Gorillas.

Below is how you can track mountain gorillas on a budget:

Target the low season: This is when the accommodation facilities are at discounted rates and if lucky, you can get discounted Gorilla permits.

Consider budget accommodation: If you plan to go trekking with gorillas in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga, then consider cheap accommodation.

Use public transport: This helps save since private transport is so expensive during Gorilla tours.

Join a group tour: This means that all expenses will be shared. But keep in mind that the price of the gorilla permit is constant.

Why Go For Gorilla Trips in Uganda – Why You Should Trek Gorillas in Uganda

Below are the reasons why you should go on gorilla tours in Uganda, but you can do double gorilla in Uganda and Rwanda to compare these experiences:

• Uganda has half of the world’s surviving Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park hold half of the world’s surviving Mountain Gorillas. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has 19 habituated Gorilla families and Mgahinga has one Gorilla family of the Nyakagezi. The rest of the Mountain Gorillas are within Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Virunga Mountains.
• Gorilla Holidays in Uganda Are Cheaper. Gorilla permits in Uganda are way cheaper than those in Rwanda. Gorilla permits in Uganda cost $800, and in Rwanda, they cost $1500 for you to track gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
• Uganda Is a Safe Country for All Tourists. Uganda is secure for all tourists and it is friendly, as the people are welcoming.
• You Can Contribute To Gorilla Conservation and Supporting Communities. When you purchase a permit for Gorilla trekking, you contribute to Gorilla conservation purposes. Also, 10% of the Gorilla permit is used to support the local communities.
• More Primates along the Gorilla trek. When you trek Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga, you get opportunities to see other primates during the gorilla-seeing experience. Some of the primates include Golden monkeys, ideal for Golden Monkey trekking or golden monkey tracking; baboons; L’Hoest’s monkeys; Red-tailed Monkeys, etc.
• Gorilla trips Can Be Combined with Other Uganda Safaris. There are 10 national parks in Uganda, wildlife reserves, and other safari destination places. Visitors who come for Gorilla tours can always engage in other safaris like wildlife tours, birding safaris, culture safaris, etc.

Best Uganda Gorilla Safari Packages

There are different Uganda safari packages and some of the best tours take you to other national parks. Always book safari packages through a tour operator.

• 5 Days Uganda Primates Safari
• 7-Day Uganda Safari Tour
• 8-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari
• 9-Day Safari in Uganda
• 10 Days Uganda Safari Tour
• 12 Days Uganda Safari Tour
• 16-day Uganda Safari Tour
• 19-Day Safari Tour in Uganda

In conclusion, Uganda Gorilla safari tours are one of the most remarkable experiences that you will enjoy on your African safari to Uganda . It offers you the best opportunity to encounter the endangered Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat and Gorilla habituation experience.

Gorilla tours in Uganda are best in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park . These safaris can be combined with wildlife tours to give you full excitement on your African vacation. You can visit Queen Elizabeth National Park , home of the tree-climbing lions, Murchison Falls National Park , and Kidepo Valley National Park for the best game viewing on Uganda wildlife safaris . Gorilla trips should not be missed, as they will give you endless excitement when you meet the gentle giants. For the best gorilla trips, please inquire with us below.

All Gorilla Trekking Uganda Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking of gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda ? These frequently asked questions about Uganda gorilla trekking safaris will help you even plan better.

How Long Does Gorilla Trekking Take in Uganda

What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking in uganda, what is the best time of year to see gorillas in uganda, which month is best for gorilla trekking in uganda, is gorilla trekking safe in uganda, how difficult is gorilla trekking in uganda, how much does it cost to go gorilla trekking in uganda, how much is a gorilla safari in uganda, how many gorilla permits are in uganda, how do you book a gorilla trekking permit in uganda, is gorilla trekking worth it in uganda, how many hours can one spend with mountain gorillas, how long are gorilla holidays in uganda, what time of the day are gorillas most active, are there gorillas in uganda, is gorilla trekking ethical, how do i prepare for gorilla trekking in uganda, the top tour companies you must travel with on your gorilla vacation in uganda, top gorilla parks & attractions.

Bwindi Forest National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Volcanoes National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kibale Forest National Park

Lake Mburo National Park

Popular combined safaris, uganda kenya safaris, uganda tanzania safaris, uganda congo tours, uganda kenya tanzania safaris, uganda rwanda kenya safaris, uganda rwanda tanzania safaris, uganda rwanda congo tours, uganda rwanda kenya tanzania.

Prime Safaris & Tours Cares! Our Community Projects

We founded Christ Our Vision Child Care (COVCC) to help respond to the overwhelming number of orphaned and vulnerable children we met in our community, and when we realized the small private assistance we tried to offer these kids was not enough, we decided to spend a percentage of proceeds from Prime Safaris & Tours towrds this cause.

This Children's Ministry is a locally-run, Christian-based organization that runs a Day & Boarding Nursery & Primary School in Kalagi town, Mukono District, which is the second-worst AIDS affected area in Uganda.

Latest safari news

The Expert’s Guide For Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris

Lake Bunyonyi Uganda; The Best Place to Relax After a Gorilla Trek Safari Uganda

Why Uganda Gorilla Trek Safari Memories Stay With You Long After You Have Left!

Planning a customized safari and tour of East Africa? Seek advice from a safari specialist...

Receive exceptional safari guidance by either contacting us via phone or scheduling a video conference with our proficient specialists.

Gorilla Tours & Trips

• Choose from 350+ tours
• 450+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
• 24/7 customer support

10 best Gorilla Trekking tour packages

Compiled by

Melissa travel expert at TourRadar

10 Days Experience Uganda’s Exclusive Gorillas and Wildlife ( Private tour)

The absolute safari, 3 day uganda gorilla trek budget safari via kigali, 11 days uganda plus gorillas, nairobi to kigali (13 days) gorillas & gameparks, 13- day uganda expedition: experience moments with gorillas, wildlife and cultural experiences ( private tour), uganda to rwanda: gorilla treks & safari drives, gorillas, game parks & beaches, 4 days uganda gorilla trekking, chimps, big 5 & big cats safari, nairobi to johannesburg (93 days).

• Gorilla Trekking
• Christmas & New Year
• Enjoy a boat ride on the biodiverse Kazinga Channel
• Encounter gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Explore chimpanzee habitats in Kibale Forest

“Uganda's beautiful landscapes, safety, rich culture, and kind people made our visit extraordinary.”

• Overland Truck
• Spot the wildlife on a game drives in the Masai Mara
• Visit the Cape Cross Seal Colony and Cheetah Park
• View Mount Kilimanjaro and stay on Zanzibar Island

“The absolute Safari was an amazing experience, very much worth every penny spent.”

• Experience gorilla trekking in Bwindi
• Drive from Kigali to Bwindi National Park
• Learn about Batwa culture and traditions

“Pre tour discussion was excellent, lodgings were comfortable with super friendly staff, and food was great.”

• Meet your guide at Entebbe Airport
• Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest

“Epic trip. Had to take one shot at an African Safari in case can't go again. Saw huge number of elephants on land and water, hippos in huge colonies.”

• Camp by Lake Naivasha and spot hippos
• Watch flamingos at Lake Nakuru National Park
• Visit the genocide memorial in Kigali

“The tour was an amazing experience. I would highly recommend the tour with Oasis Overland, a great way to see this part of amazing Africa!”

• Meet white rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Explore Kidepo Valley's wild savannahs
• Interact with Karamajong at their homestead

“It was an AMAZING experience in Uganda! 100% recommend!”

• Wildlife Trekking
• Trek with chimps in Kibale forest
• Raft on the wild Nile River
• Learn history at Kigali Genocide Museum

“I loved the trip and especially the guides. My experience with the front office has me not sure if i will travel with you again.”

• Explore the National Museum of Kenya in Nairobi
• Visit the capital city of Uganda, Kampala
• Gorilla trek safari in Rwanda

“A perfect trip. If you want to travel to East Africa, this is the way to do it!”

• Explore Bwindi's impenetrable rainforest
• Search for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha
• Track gorillas and learn their habits

“Beautiful country. Wonderful people. Sitting with the gorillas is indescribable.”

• Explore the East African Rift Valley
• Trek with Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

“The best part was that all of the staff are incredibly helpful, from answering questions online prior to my trip.”

Destinations

Discover TourRadar

Gorilla Tours to Rwanda, Uganda & Congo

Gorilla Tours | Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda & Rwanda

Our customised gorilla tours take place in Bwindi impenetrable national park and in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda , Uganda and DR Congo . This rich Virunga ecosystem contains 3 national parks where the breathtaking gorilla trekking experience is conducted. These include Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda and Virunga national park in DR Congo. Gorilla tracking is the best wildlife experience in Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo and this is evidenced by a huge number of travellers who visit the 3 countries for the encounter compared to other safari activities in the region.

Why gorilla tours are popular?

Gorilla trekking is a thrilling adventure in the montane rainforests of Bwindi and the Virunga Mountains where the endangered mountain gorillas live. Our gorilla safaris are well customised to include other experiences depending on the the interests of the traveller. Most of our visitors combine their gorilla tracking safaris with other tours such as game viewing , chimpanzee tracking and golden monkey tracking in Uganda and Rwanda. A gorilla tour in either Rwanda or Uganda leads you to one of the habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi impenetrable national park or the Virunga Mountains. These montane rainforest parks are natural habitats for mountain gorillas which are exclusively found in this part of the world.

Trip Advisor Reviews

Check out our outstanding reviews on Trip Advisor posted by some of our past clients who have been impressed by our professional and quality services. These grateful clients have highly rated us in offering satisfactory and worthwhile travel experiences in East and Central Africa. From breathtaking wildlife encounters like gorilla trekking , chimpanzee tracking , and game viewing to adventure and cultural expeditions, Africa Adventure Safaris is highly credited for organizing thrilling experiences.

We also tailor-make itineraries that include Tanzania's premier national parks including Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara; Egyptian and Ethiopian world class archaeological sites; and a visit to the world largest Victoria waterfalls in Zimbabwe. Visit our  useful travel information   page for detailed advice on when and how to book  gorilla permits.

Featured Gorilla Tours & Safaris

2 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour

2 Days Uganda gorilla tour from Kigali crossing to Bwindi national park for gorilla trekking tours in the wild. Read More

3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek

Book a 3 Days Rwanda gorilla trek to Parc Nationale des Volcans and visit the Genocide site with GTA. Read More

7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari

7 Days Rwanda gorilla safari including a visit to Volcanoes, Akagera and Nyungwe Forest national parks. Explore Rwanda’s top national parks. Read More

4 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari (Double Trekking)

The 4 Days Uganda gorilla safari for double gorilla trekking experience. The 4 Days safari  to Bwindi entail 2 gorilla treks and visiting the batwa pygmy communities to learn and experience their traditional forest life Read More

5 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Chimpanzee Safari

Enjoy this 5 Days Rwanda gorillas & chimpanzee safari Volcanoes National Park & Nyungwe Forest national park respectively. Th 5 Days Rwanda primates safari offers you chance to see gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitatas. Read More

12 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Tanzania Wildebeest Migration

Book a 12 Days Rwanda gorillas & Tanzania wildebeest migration safari with Gorilla Trek Africa.  Enjoy a close encounter with endangered gorillas in Volcanoes Park and experience the annual migration of wildebeests in Tanzania. Read More

9 Days Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari

Enjoy  a 9 Days Tanzania Wildebeest migration safari.  The great annual movement of wildebeest and other ungulates in search for fresh pastures through Serengeti national park, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National parks thus encountering great predators such as cats and crocodiles along River Mara is a great spectacle. Read More

10 Days Rwanda Safari (Primates & Game)

Book a tailored 10 Days Rwanda safari  to explore  primates and wildlife in this small country. The 10 Days safari include  mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, Dian Fossey hike and big five game. Visit top destinations in Rwanda with Gorilla Trek Africa. Read More

14 Days Rwanda, Nyiragongo & Serengeti

Enjoy a 14 Days Safari to Rwanda with chimp tracking in Nyungwe & mountain gorilla watching, Tanzania, Rwanda and Congo with a chance to witness the active lava of the Nyiragongo, the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration. Read More

2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour 

This 2 Days Rwanda gorilla tour  enables you to trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes national park with an additional experience of either a cultural tour or hiking Mount Bisoke. Read more..

6 Days Rwanda Gorillas, Chimps & L. Kivu

Book a customized 6 Days Rwanda gorilla, chimps and L Kivu safari with Gorilla Trek Africa.  Discover great primates of Rwanda, the mountain gorilals, in VNP, chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest and a boat cruise at Lake Kivu. Read More

4 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Dian Fossey

Book a 4 Days Rwanda gorillas and dian Fossey grave hike with Gorilla Trek Africa. Trek Rwanda gorillas in Volcanoes National park at discounted rates with GTA. Read More

More customised gorilla tours & wildlife safaris in Uganda and Rwanda

Enjoy our tailored luxury gorilla tours and wildlife packages to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition to our standard safaris, Gorilla Trek Africa is offering luxury packages which feature luxury hotels and lodges across Africa.

3 Days Rwanda Luxury Gorilla Trekking

3 Days Uganda Luxury Gorilla Trekking Tour

3 Days Uganda Luxury Habituation Experience

6 Days Uganda Luxury Gorillas & Wildlife Safari

5 Days Rwanda Luxury Gorillas & Chimpanzee Trekking

4 Days Rwanda Luxury Double Gorilla Trekking Safari

4 Days Kidepo Valley Luxury Flying Safari

BOOK A LUXURY TRIP Your Name (required) Your Email (required) Subject Number of Days (required) Number of people (required) Your Message Why travel with us?

Our emphasis on exceptional travel services has made Africa Adventure Safaris Ltd (AAS) one of the best tour operators in Africa. National parks that protect mountain gorillas and host our gorilla tours include Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda and Virunga national park in DR Congo. Book an exceptional gorilla tour to any of these parks and enjoy a lifetime encounter with one of the habituated gorilla families that live in these stunning montane rainforests of east and central Africa. Besides gorilla safaris , we also organise other wildlife and adventurous experiences including  game viewing, chimpanzee trekking & habituation , bird watching, and mountain climbing to make your African safari a complete package.

Why go for a gorilla tour?

A gorilla tour in Rwanda or Uganda offers travellers an opportunity to meet one of the rarest wildlife species in the world, the mountain gorillas. These endangered primates do not survive in captivity and can only be found in their natural habitats within the Virunga Mountains and in Bwindi impenetrable national park. Mountain gorillas were at the brink of extinction a few decades ago majorly due to poaching and habitat loss but as a result of intensive conservation efforts, their population is now on a recovery trend.

Meeting these gentle giants in the wild has been described as one of the best wildlife experiences in the world by many travellers who have encountered them in the montane rainforests of east and central Africa. At Africa Adventure Safaris, we don’t just organise a gorilla tour for our travellers, we make sure that they also explore other amazing experiences the region has to offer to maximise their safari memories and quench their curiosity. We always customise our gorilla tour packages to include experiences like game viewing, chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, cultural tours, among others depending on the interests of the traveller.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gorilla Tours

Is gorilla trekking worth the money.

Yes, gorilla trekking is a worthwhile experience that every wildlife enthusiast should undertake in a lifetime. Interfacing with these awesome giants is a breathtaking phenomenon. You can choose to enjoy either a gorilla trek that allows you an hour in the presence of the gorillas; or have fun with the gorillas for over 4 hours – the Gorilla Habituation Experience.

2. How much is the cost of a gorilla permit in Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo?

The cost of a gorilla permit for foreign non-resident visitors is $1500 in Rwanda, $400 in DR Congo and $800 in Uganda.

Is gorilla trekking better in Uganda or Rwanda?

In terms of drive distance, Rwanda being a small country geographically, it takes only 3 hours to access the gorilla park (Volcanoes National Park) from Kigali airport on a smooth road; whereas it takes about 5 hours from Kigali to Bwindi national park in Uganda. If one is to begin the tour from Entebbe airport, it would take more than 8 hours to get to the park.

In terms of gorilla tracking experience, both countries are the same since they share similar features – they both belong to the Virunga Coservation Area and owing their originality to the same tectonic forces that form the mighty Virunga Massif with a rich biodiversity.

Is it safe to trek gorillas in Uganda?

Uganda national parks including Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga national parks are the safest parts of this country. The team park rangers is well paid and motivated. They keep patrolling the parks 24/7.

How Much does a safari cost in Uganda?

Uganda is the cheapest safari destination in East Africa. Apart from a gorilla permit that costs USD 700, with a minimum of USD 100 each person per day can suffice. A safari in Uganda can be a day to 24 days depending on how you wish a safari to be customized for you.

What is the best time to track gorillas?

Gorillas can be visited any time of the year. However the dry months of June, July, August and early September; and December to February are the best period of the year. During the rainy season March to May, and October to December, roads tend to be destroyed by floods; and in the park being tropical rainforests, rain is quite unpredictable thus making a gorilla safari albeit expensive, becoming a nightmare!

What is gorilla habituation experience?

Gorilla Habituation Experience (Gorilla Habituation experience) is the activity where tourists are allowed to spend 4 hours with the gorillas as they immerse in all activities the gorillas undertake on a particular day. This experience is only organized in Rushaga sector of Bwindi national park in Uganda. When a guest books this Gorilla habituation Experience the funds are utilized in promoting the gorilla conservation efforts.

What is the minimum age for gorilla tracking?

In Uganda the minimum age for gorilla and golden monkeys trekking is 15 years; and for chimpanzee tracking 12 years. In Rwanda, gorilla tracking minimum age is 15, so is the hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb; and 10 years for golden monkeys tracking.

In Uganda, if the child is below age and is keen to track gorillas, the adult guardian or parent must sign a document by Uganda Wildlife transferring all risk on him or her.

What is the minimum number of people allowed to track a gorilla family?

Only 8 people are allowed to track a gorilla family per a day. Where the number exceeds 8, there must be exceptional cases and Uganda Wildlife Authority senior park warden has to explain the reason for that.

For Gorilla Habituation Experience, only 4 persons are allowed to track a gorilla family. It is one of the reasons why a permit for this activity is as costly as USD 1500 per person.

What are the chances of seeing gorillas?

There are over 97% chances of seeing the gorillas. The reason is that an advance team of rangers, on a daily basis, follow up the gorillas and can ably tell their movements. In the last 12 years we’ve been in operation, we have not witnessed any incidence of our clients missing gorillas.

When should i book a gorilla safari?

At Africa Adventure Safaris Ltd, we advise our potential guests 4 months before traveling with us at least to pay a deposit that can buy a gorilla permit and pay the rest of the balance 2 weeks to the travel date. Gorilla permits sell out very fast as they are on a very high demand.

All you need to know about gorilla tours in Rwanda, Uganda & Congo

For over a decade, Africa Adventure Safaris has been making adventure safari dreams of our clients come true (refer to our tripadvisor reviews). Your tour with us will be characterised by magical moments – especially after facing off with one of the stunning gorilla families in the wild. Get off the beaten track and into the scenery with our 4WD- off-road vehicles with luxury coach seats and air-conditioning. You will feel inspired, emotional and satisfied after looking into those liquid brown eyes of these human-related apes. Read more..

There is still much to see in the wildernesses of Rwanda, Uganda & Congo away from the gorilla tours, with other wildlife experiences like game viewing, chimpanzee tracking, bird watching and more all available to exploit. Our safaris range from 1 to 24 days for those that may want to traverse the region and explore its amazing wildlife, cultural and historical experiences.

Where do gorilla tours take place

Mountain Gorilla tours take place in only two locations in the world, that is in the Virunga Mountains that straddle the borders of Rwanda, Uganda & Congo and in Bwindi impenetrable national park in southwest Uganda. Mountain gorillas survive only in the wild and cannot be found in any zoo anywhere in the world. The montane rainforests in these two locations are the ideal habitats for these endangered subspecies and therefore the only place where they can be found. In addition to Bwindi, there are 3 national parks within the Virunga Mountains that protect mountain gorillas namely; Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga national park in DR Congo and Mghainga gorilla national park in Uganda. The gorilla census of 2018 indicated that there were 1,064 mountain gorillas living in the wild though their number is likely to have increased since then. Bwindi impenetrable national park protects the highest number of mountain gorillas with about 450 of them followed by Volcanoes national park in Rwanda with about 350 while Virunga national park in Congo has about 200 animals.

Which destination is the best for gorilla tours?

The gorilla trekkin g experience is breathtaking and intriguing regardless of the destination where it may take place. Mountain gorillas share 98% of the human DNA and exhibit the same behaviour wherever they are found just like human beings. However, there a few factors that make one gorilla trekking destination more or less favourable to the travellers. These include cost of the gorilla tour, distance travelled from the airport to the park, standard of accommodation facilities, transport network, security, among others. In terms of cost, Rwanda is considered to be the most pricy with her gorilla permit sold at $1,500 per person. The country is also striving to be a high end tourist destination with several luxurious lodges and hotels already in place.

Uganda’s gorilla permit is sold at $700 per person to foreign nonresidents, $600 to foreign residents in East Africa and Uganda Shillings 250,000 to East African residents. Congo’s gorilla permit is the cheapest at $400 per person although the country is less popular for gorilla tours due to the civil conflict in the eastern part of the county where mountain gorillas are found. Rwanda has the easiest accessibility to the gorilla park as it only takes visitors less than 3 hours to drive from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes national park in the northwest.  This is far faster compared to over 10 hours driven from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi in Uganda. It is also worthy noting that many travellers trek gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park while coming from Rwanda because it is more easily accessed from Kigali rather than Kampala. Unlike DR Congo, both Rwanda and Uganda are politically stable and travellers are assured of safety while on their gorilla trekking tours and other safaris.

Best season for gorilla tours

Although mountain gorillas are visited throughout the year, the best time to enjoy the breathtaking gorilla trekking experience is the dry season between June to September and December to February. Mountain gorillas live at high altitude in rugged montane rainforests which can be so difficult to trek in wet season through due to slippery and muddy conditions caused by heavy rains. Gorillas tend to be very difficult to find in rainy days since they tend to stay at one place for a long time whereas they roam freely in their habitat during warm days hence very easy to find. However, regardless of the season, travellers who want to trek gorillas are always encouraged to pack important gear like rain jackets and hiking boots since it may rain anytime in these gorilla trekking parks.

Gorilla permits

A gorilla permit is the primary requirement for those intending to visit mountain gorillas. The issuance of gorilla permits is highly regulated due to the need to enhance gorilla conservation in all the 3 countries. Only 8 permits are issued per day to trek a habituated gorilla family, meaning that only 8 visitors are permitted to visit a gorilla family per da. The easiest way to acquire a gorilla permit is by booking online through a credible tour agent. After receiving the booking fee, the agent goes ahead to buy the permit from the issuing authority on behalf of the client. Due to the limited issuance of gorilla permits, travellers are recommended to book for gorilla tours at least 6 months in advance in order not to miss out on this lucrative and adventurous encounter. Read more..

Gorilla trekking guidelines

Before entering the jungle to search for mountain gorillas, trekkers are first briefed about the dos and donts of gorilla trekking which are simply guidelines for the exercise. These were drafted by conservation authorities to ensure that the welfare of the gorillas is prioritised to enable continue to thrive in their natural habitat. This is very important especially when you consider the fact that mountain gorillas were at the brink of extinction a few decades ago. Limiting human interference is therefore one of the ways the animals can helped to live healthy and free in their natural habitats. Among the major rules include limiting the number of visitors per gorilla group to 8 per day and restricting the time visitors spend in the presence of gorillas to one hour. Others include prohibiting visitors from touching gorillas, maintaining silence in their presence, among others. Read more..

National parks for gorilla tours

There are four national parks where gorilla tours take place namely; Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in southwest Uganda, Volcanoes national park in northwest Rwanda and Virunga national park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Bwindi protects the highest number of mountain gorillas and perhaps the most popular destination for gorilla tours. The park has over 20 habituated gorilla families that can be visited by trekkers every day and meeting these gentle giants here is almost certain for every visitor.

Volcanoes national park in Rwanda has 12 habituated gorilla families, Virunga national park in DR Congo has 8 while Mgahinga in Uganda has one family which visits the park periodically and then returns to Rwanda. In addition to mountain gorillas, these habitats have also got a variety of other wildlife species that can be spotted by visitors while on their gorilla tours. These include the beautiful and colourful golden monkeys in Volcanoes national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park as well as forest elephants and baboons in Bwindi impenetrable national park. Other common species that can be found in all gorilla trekking parks include several bird species, chimpanzees, monkeys, among others.

What to pack for gorilla tours

Gorilla trekking is a unique experience that takes place in dense jungles of montane rainforests and therefore requires some special gear for a successful experience. Conditions in the parks such as regular rains, muddy and steep terrain, nestles and thorns in the woods make it important for travellers the necessary gear for the gorilla trekking encounter. Some of the most important items among the gorilla trekking gear include hiking boots, pair of gloves, pair of khaki trousers, long-sleeved shirt and a rain jacket. Other important items for gorilla trekking such as drinking water, packed lunch and snacks, and a walking stick are provided to the trekkers by their lodge of accommodation.

Gorilla families

Just like humans, gorillas live in social families of related members with almost the same organisation like their human counterparts. A typical gorilla family is composed of the leading alpha male known as a silverback, several females, infants and several juveniles. In terms of numbers, there are some gorilla families that have been recorded with as low as 2 members while others have got as many as 30 members. It is worthy noting that apart from the habituated gorilla families that are visited by trekkers in these parks, there are also many others that are are wild or still undergoing process of habituation. Some of the habituated gorilla families in Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park include Susa, Agashya, Mahoro, Titus, Kwitonda, Sabyinyo, Umubano, among others. Read more.. 

Gorilla tours in Rwanda

Gorilla tours in Rwanda are conducted in Volcanoes national park in the northwest, the country’s home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Volcanoes is one of the 3 mountain gorilla habitats found within the Virunga Mountains that lie across the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo. The park has got 12 habituated gorilla families that are visited by trekkers every day with each family visited once per day by a group of 8 tourists. Although Rwanda’s gorilla gorilla permit is the most expensive compared to Uganda and DR Congo, the easy accessibility to the park, good quality accommodation facilities and a good road network make it the most ideal destination for gorilla tours. The gorilla trekking encounter in Volcanoes national park is also considered to be less exhausting because the park’s landscape is not as steep and the vegetation less dense compared to Bwindi in Uganda and Virunga in Congo. Given these favourable factors, it takes less time to reach gorillas in Volcanoes national park than in the other two habitats. Read more..

Kwita Izina – Gorilla naming ceremony

As part of her gorilla conservation efforts, Rwanda introduced the gorilla naming ceremony in 2005 in which new born gorillas are given names. The ceremony is locally known as ‘Kwita Izina,’ which means giving a name. It was adopted from Rwanda’s old tradition of giving names to newborn babies before a congregation of family and friends. The ceremony is carried out annually in September at Kingi, the headquarters of Volcanoes national park. Over 350 mountain gorillas in Volcanoes national park have been named ever since the ceremony began. Naming infant gorillas helps rangers to easily monitor and protect them as they roam through the park. The practice has significantly enhanced gorilla conservation given the steadily increasing number of mountain gorillas in the park since it was initiated. As part of the ceremony several international guests including politicians, conservationists and celebrities are always invited to take part by naming the infant gorillas. Read more..

Uganda gorilla tours

Bwindi impenetrable national park in the southwest is the leading destination for Uganda gorilla tours. The park protects over 450 mountain gorillas, the highest number of the subspecies found in a single habitat. With over 20 habituated gorilla groups available for visiting by, Bwindi receives the highest number of gorilla trekkers of all mountain gorilla parks. Some of the habituated gorilla groups that are regularly visited in Bwindi include Mubare, Rushegura, Bitukura, Nshongi, Nkuringo, Bweza, among others. Gorilla tours in Bwindi take place in four different sectors of the park namely; Rushaga, Ruhija, Buhoma and Nkuringo with gorilla permits allocated to visitors bearing one of these sectors. This is done to ensure responsible tourism in the park and reduce human interference and pressure on some gorilla groups more than others.

Many travellers visit Bwindi to trek mountain gorillas via Kigali – Rwanda since it is a shorter distance to reach the park than coming from Kampala or Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. Gorilla tours are also done in Mgahinga gorilla national park though not as common as in Bwindi since the park has got only one gorilla family. Mgahinga is majorly visited by travellers who want enjoy another primate experience of golden monkey tracking due to the huge presence of the species in this park. The cost of a gorilla tour in Uganda is $700 per person for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents in East Africa and Shs. 250,000 for East African citizens. Read more..

Gorilla habituation in Bwindi

Gorilla habituation exclusively takes place in Bwindi impenetrable national park in the southern sector of Rushaga. Gorilla habituation is the process through which wild groups of mountain gorillas are made used to the presence of humans to facilitate tourism and strengthen their protection. During the process, the identified gorilla group is tracked by daily by rangers as they study their behaviour, location and organisation. Only four visitors per day are permitted to take part in the habituation process alongside rangers and trackers.

The visitors get chance to spend more time in the company of gorillas unlike the normal gorilla trekking experience whey they are limited to only one hour before the gorillas. When the process is complete, the habituated gorilla group is officially availed for tourism and can be visited by travellers. Visitors who want to take park in the gorilla habituation experience are charged $1,500 per person and they are required to book their permits in advance to facilitate their integration into the process. So far, gorilla habituation with visitors is practised in only Bwindi impenetrable national park. Read more..

Gorilla tours in Congo

DR Congo is hugely endowed with a variety of wildlife species and unlike Uganda and Rwanda , the country has got more than one subspecies of gorillas. Congo’s mountain gorillas are found in Virunga national park while the other subspecies of lowland gorillas are found in Kahuzi-Biega national park both located in the east of the country. Gorilla tours are conducted in both parks with travellers able to choose their favourite subspecies for trekking. There are 8 habitauated gorilla families in Virunga national park including Kabirizi, Bageni, Mapuwa, Rugendo, Munyaga, among others. Congo’s gorilla permit is sold at $400 per person and just like in Rwanda and Uganda, travellers wishing t trek gorillas in Congo are encouraged to book in advance.

Gorilla tours in Congo are are less pronounced compared to Uganda and Rwanda due to the political instability in the eastern part of the country, the area around gorilla parks. This makes the area less attractive to visit due to the insecurity that chases away many potential visitors. The gorilla parks in the area are usually closed to tourism during the periods of intense conflicts and occasionally reopened when there is some relative stability. Travellers wishing to trek gorillas in Congo are encouraged to inquire about the security situation in the area before they book their safaris. Read more..

Our membership

Do you have any queries you would like us to respond to?

WhatsApp Us

Gorilla Trek Africa

Gorilla Safaris & Tours in Rwanda, Uganda & Congo

Our impressive reviews on  Tripadvisor  are a clear testimony of the hands-on safari services we have rendered since 2005. We do not solicit these reviews. Even the bad ones are a lesson to us to fine tune and plug gaps so as to match international standards.

Featured Gorilla Safaris and Tours around East Africa

3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour

3 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkey Tracking Safari

Trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes national park and either enjoy a cultural tour or track the endangered golden monkeys on this 3-day safari. Read more

Tailored 5 Days Uganda Gorilla safari with Gorilla Trek Africa. The 5 Days Uganda safari include gorilla trekking in Bwindi and chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park. Read more

10 Days Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari

15 Days Uganda Wildlife & Cultural Safari

8 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour

This 8 days Uganda gorilla tour includes several wildlife experiences such as gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park, Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale national park, game drives in Queen Elizabeth national park and Lake Mburo national park. Read more ..

3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour

5 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Chimps

2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek

4 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Dian Fossey Hike

5 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife

10 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari

Why consider a gorilla safari?

A gorilla safari in either Uganda or Rwanda is a great opportunity to interface with the endangered mountain gorillas. Genetically gorillas share 98% of their Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) with humans. The magical hour spent in the presence of these great apes has been described by past travelers as one of the best wildlife experiences. Mountain gorillas do not survive in captivity. Therefore, they cannot be found in any zoo anywhere in the world. Due to this reason, gorilla trekking is now the most popular tourist experience in Uganda, DR Congo and Rwanda attracting thousands of visitors to this part of the world.

Gorilla Trek Africa (GTA) is a one-stop shop for discounted gorilla tours and Big Five safaris in East Africa. Our safaris also extend to Tanzania, Kenya , and Ethiopia. We have offices in both Rwanda and Uganda. We attend to our guests 24/7.

Visit vast national parks such as the Serengeti in Tanzania and Masai Mara in Kenya for breathtaking annual wildebeest migrations . Our professional driver guides guarantee travelers safe and comfortable transfers to all tourist spots all over Africa. Do you want to discover the indigenous tribes of Africa? Our customized cultural tours offer you chance to learn and experience the traditions, norms and customs of local people in Africa.

Besides gorilla tour , we also organize chimpanzee trekking & habituation in Kibale Forest and Kyambura gorge ; golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Parks. Other wildlife experiences include watching the tree climbing lions in Ishasha sector south of Queen Elizabeth National Park, white-water rafting at the source of the Nile, mountain climbing to the peaks of Rwenzori , Elgon, Nyiragongo and the Virunga mountains.

Travelers with GTA are assured of exceptional gorilla trips and other amazing experiences in East and Central Africa. For a test of our outstanding services, refer to tripadvisor.com and safaribookings.com.

Pocket Friendly Packages

At Gorilla Trek Africa, we offer pocket friendly safari packages for our clients. Our tour itineraries are tailor made to meet and suit out clients budget and interests. We offer budget, midrange and luxury packages catering for travellers of all kinds. Read more..

Work Experience

With over 13 years of working experience, Gorilla Trek Africa is well vast with experience to ensure customers satisfaction. Our experienced team of reservations, travel writers and guides have all answers to all your travel questions and concerns. Read more..

Safety & Security

Gorilla Trek Africa guarantees maximum satisfaction, safety & security.  Relax and enjoy the experiences of native culture and pristine wilderness environments confident of our exceptional accommodations, transportation, hygiene and security. Read more..

4 Days Serengeti Park Safari

7 Days Tanzania Wildebeest Safari

8 Days Tanzania Migration Experience

12 Days Uganda Safari

11 Days Rwanda-Ethiopia Safari

22 Days Uganda-Ethiopia Safari

Gorilla safaris in Rwanda, Uganda & Congo

Our gorilla safaris take place in Rwanda , Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These are the only 3 destinations in the world where you can find the endangered mountain gorillas . There are currently about 1,064 mountain gorillas in these countries living in two separate locations. One group lives in the Virunga Mountains that straddle the borders of the 3 countries while the other lives in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwest Uganda. National Parks protecting mountain gorillas within the Virunga Mountains include Virunga National Park in DR Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. A gorilla safari to any of the 3 countries gives travellers an opportunity to meet face to face with the endangered mountain gorillas which share 98% of the human DNA. These are the only destinations in the world where these rare great apes can be found and thousands of travellers flock here to trek gorillas, for a lifetime experience.

Comparing gorilla safaris in Rwanda, Uganda & DR Congo

The gorilla trekking experience is almost the same in all the 3 countries though there are several factors that make the encounter in each country unique. In terms of the cost, Rwanda is the most pricy of all the 3 countries. The gorilla permit which allows visitors to enter the gorilla park is sold at $1,500 per person in Rwanda. The same is sold at $700 per person in Uganda for foreign non residents, $600 for foreign residents and Uganda Shillings 250,000 to East African residents whereas in DR Congo it is sold at $450 per person. In terms of distance, it only takes about 3 hours to drive from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes National park in the northwest of the country. This is not the case with Uganda where it takes about 10 hours to drive from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the southwest. For DR Congo, it’s a 4 hours drive from Kigali International Airport to the eastern town of Goma; and a 2 hours drive from Goma to Virunga National Park due to the bumpy nature of the road.

Rwanda’s high standard accommodation facilities  make her a high end destination. Both Rwanda and Uganda are relatively peaceful in terms of security while the situation is a bit fragile in DR Congo due to rebel activities in the eastern part of the country.

Best season for gorilla safaris

The dry season between June to September and December to February is the best time to trek mountain gorillas. Gorillas live at high altitudes in montane rainforests which can be very difficult to trek in rain season due to unfavorable conditions in the parks. Gorillas also tend to roam freely in their habitat in the dry season which makes them easy to find unlike in the wet season when they confine themselves at one place. Some roads leading to gorilla habitats still have marram and they turn muddy in the rain season making it very hard to navigate.

Gorilla permits

A gorilla permit or gorilla pass is the primary requirement for trekking the endangered mountain gorillas in any of the 3 countries. Gorilla permits can be bought online through a trusted tour agent or directly from the issuing authority. It is highly advisable that those intending to trek gorillas book their gorilla permits at least 6 months in advance because of their limited availability. The number of trekkers visiting gorillas per day is limited in order to limited to 8 trackers per gorilla gorilla group.  The price of a gorilla permit is different in all the 3 countries. Read more ..

Gorilla habituation

Gorilla habituation is very instrumental in facilitating gorilla tourism. Gorilla trekking wouldn’t be possible without the habituation process. In this case, wild gorilla groups are tracked by rangers for a period of time in order to make them get used to the presence of humans. After succeeding in influencing their behavior, these groups are officially open to tourism. The gorilla habituation has been very successful in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where over 20 groups have so far been habituated. The Bwindi Impenetrable Park is the only destination where the experience is carried out.  The habituation process lasts for 4 hours per day and those who want to take part in it are charged $1,500 per person. Read more ..

Gorilla groups/families

Naturally gorillas live in social groups which are referred to as gorilla families . It is worthy noting that gorillas share 98% of the human DNA and therefore it is not surprising to learn that they posses some of the human traits like living in families. Gorilla groups differ in size with some having as many many as 25 members while others with as few as 2 members. Generally, an average gorilla family has got about 15 members. Just like humans, a gorilla family is led by an alpha male known as a silverback who represents a father figure in the family. The other members in the gorilla family include several females with their young ones as well as a few juveniles. Male gorillas reach maturity at an average age of about 12 years and at this stage, they tend to move away from the family and strive to form their own group. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwest Uganda has got the highest number of gorillas as well as the habituated gorilla groups. Read more ..

Gorilla trekking rules/guidelines

Mountain gorillas being endangered species, their protection is always prioritised to ensure that they continue to thrive in their natural habitat. In order to achieve this, authorities came up with a few rules to guide trekkers on how to go about the gorilla trekking exercise while not affecting the wellbeing of the animals. These include among others, limiting the number of trekkers visiting gorillas per day, restricting time spent in their presence, etc. Read more..

Mountain gorilla habitats/parks

Mountain gorillas live in 4 different habitats/parks of which 3 are located within the Virunga Mountains straddling the borders of DR Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. These include Virunga National Park in DR Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. The other gorilla habitat is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwest Uganda. Each habitat is very crucial to the survival and existence of the gorillas though they may differ in terms of size, vegetation, altitude and the number of animals protected. Bwindi has got the highest number of mountain gorillas (about 450), followed by Volcanoes (about 350), Virunga has about 250 while Mgahinga is just visited occasionally by a few gorillas crossing from Rwanda. In terms of accessibility, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the most easy to get to with the shortest driving distance of about 2-3 hours from the capital Kigali, Bwindi and Mgahinga  can also easily be accessed from Kigali rather than from Kampala. Virunga in Congo can be accessed by air from Kigali International Airport to Goma and then a drive to the park. Read more …

Packing list for gorilla trekking

Mountain gorilla trekking is a unique experience that takes place in montane rainforests of east and central Africa. Due to the nature of the terrain, weather conditions and the vegetation in the gorilla trekking destinations, travellers are required to pack specific items for facilitation. Some of the most crucial items on the gorilla trekking gear list include rain jacket, hiking boots, gloves, among others. Read more ..

Rwanda gorilla safaris

Volcanoes national park in northwest Rwanda is the single destination for gorilla safaris in the country. The park is park is part of the greater Virunga Massif which also extends into DR Congo and Uganda, known for protecting the endangered mountain gorillas. There are 12 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes national park that are visited by travellers every day. The total number of mountain gorillas in the park is estimated to be about 350 animals. Some of the gorilla families that are regularly visited in Rwanda include Susa, Amahoro, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Hirwa, Kwitonda, among others. According to the gorilla trekking guidelines in Rwanda, each gorilla family is visited once per day by a group of 8 trekkers. Visitors are allowed to spend one hour in the presence of gorillas. Rwanda’s gorilla permit is sold at $1,500 per person and can be bought online via a trusted local tour agent . Rwanda is arguably the most ideal destination for gorilla trekking safaris given the convenience in accessing the gorilla park and the country’s developed infrastructure in terms of accommodation facilities and transport network. Read more..

Gorilla safaris in Uganda

Uganda is one of the leading destinations as far as gorilla safaris are concerned. Bwindi Impenetrable National park in the southwest protects the highest number of mountain gorillas in the world. The park now has over 20 habituated gorilla families that are available to be visited every day. There are four gorilla trekking sectors within Bwindi Impenetrable national park, namely; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Gorilla permits are allocated for each sector and trekkers are required to visit gorillas in the corresponding sector attached to their permit. The impressive number of mountain gorillas  in Bwindi gives trekkers almost 100% chance of meeting their allocated gorilla family in the park. Some of the most common gorilla families that are regularly visited by trekkers in Bwindi include Rushegura, Mubare, Bitukura, Habinyanja, Kyaguriro, Oruzongo, Nshongi, Mishaya, Nkuringo, among others. Uganda’s gorilla permit is sold at $700 per person for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents in East Africa and Uganda Shillings 250,000 for East African residents. Travellers planning to trek gorillas in Uganda are encouraged to book their gorilla permits online at leat 6 months in advance due to their limited availability. Read more..

Gorilla safaris in Congo

Although DR Congo may be less popular for gorilla safaris compared to Uganda and Rwanda due to the insecurity in the areas around gorilla habitats, gorilla tours here are more diverse and intriguingly rewarding. In addition to mountain gorillas in Virunga national park, visitors to DR Congo can also see another subspecies of the gorilla, the Grauer’s gorilla or the eastern lowland gorilla in Kahuzi-Biega national park . After watching the mountain gorillas in either Uganda or Rwanda, curious travellers may decide to proceed and see the eastern lowland gorillas in Congo to maximise their primate experience in the region.

Given the presence of these two different gorilla subspecies in Congo in close proximity, Congo is arguably the best destination for gorilla trekking experience. This is in addition to the friendly and affordable gorilla permit price which is the cheapest compared to Uganda and Rwanda at $400 per person. Currently there are 8 habituated gorilla groups in Virunga national park that can be visited by trekkers. These include Munyaga, Mapuwa Rugendo, Nyakamwe Lulengo, Bageni, Humba, and Kabirizi. Kahuzi-Biega national park has got 9 groups of eastern lowland gorillas although 5 of these are habituated for tourism. These include Mpungwe gorilla family, Chimanuka, Bonnani, Mugahuka, and Nganwa.

As a precaution to safeguard tourists, the gorilla parks in Congo are always closed to tourism during periods of intense conflicts in the region. Park authorities also ensure that a good number of rangers is deployed in the parks to safeguard the animals. Travellers who wish to trek gorillas in Congo are encouraged to first enquire about the security situation in the area and whether the parks are open for tourism. Read more..

Our membership

• phone_in_talk +256 772 447839
• email [email protected]
• account_circle Register
• shopping_cart Cart

Cart is Empty

Best Tour holidays organized by Experienced Travel experts

Are you willing to travel, Have you been in Africa before or it’s your very first time!  Give us your needs, We Tailor make a Safari that will help you choose an African experience that suits you

Gorilla Trekking Tour & African Wildlife Safaris Experience

Checkout Our Perfect Uganda Kenya Rwanda Safari Packages For Your Dream Vacation Safari All Are Designed With Most Loved Concepts & Budgets In Mind

2 Days: Aberdare National Park Safari-Kenya

The enthralling stunning views of the landscape and nature are what all you are waiting to see as you visit the wonderful Aberdare National Park. This 2 Days Aberdare National Park Safari-Kenya will lead you the endless views of the…

1 Day Tsavo National Park Safari

This 1 Day Tsavo National Park Safari will lead you to the biggest national park is Kenya which accounts for 4% of the Kenyan total land. Tsavo national park if found in the south eastern of Kenya and inland from…

1 Day: Nairobi Safari-Kenya

This 1 Day Nairobi Safari-Kenya is one of the short safari where it will help to explore the Nairobi City with its associated attractions and this is very interesting. You will be able to visit a lot of attractions including…

3 Days Akagera National Park wildlife tour

Our 3 Days Akagera National Park wildlife tour will take you to Akagera national park with the unexploited wildlife experience. Akegera national is the park in Rwanda with open savannah grassland that harbors wonderful wildlife species and intimate game viewing…

2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari Package

The 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari Package in Rwanda is one of the most demanded safari package that offers travelers with enough experince of tracking gorillas. Most of the people in whole word spend more than 2 years planning…

1 Day Akagera National Park Rwanda Safari

Our 1 Day Akagera National Park Rwanda Safari will bring you to the land of a thousand hills Rwanda  with a stunning look at its features and the hills that have made the country to brand itself  from these wonderful…

Best Price Guarantee

When you book our adventures, you receive quality services at the best prices  with no hidden costs

Dedicated Guides

We use hand picked guides by us or from our local partners as the best available offering real insight into our destinations

Best Travel Agent

We don’t say ourselves the best travel agent without a reason; we are the best offering the best  services

100% Tailor made

Your entire vacation is designed around your interests at your own speed Select your preferred style of accommodations to Create the perfect trip

African Wildlife Safari

Vibrant holiday safaris we are a travel problem-solving company when it comes to choosing where, when, and what to do there. We are proud to save for your money, time, and make you have unforgettable travel experience in East Africa. Are you looking to travel? Africa is the unquestionably the best destination with a variety of encounters such as wildlife species where you will be able to meet “the big five African mammals” which include lions, leopards, rhinoceros, buffaloes, and elephants. Africa is a continent with many different ethnic groups and each ethnicity has its unique story. Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safaris “Primate tours”, hiking and mountaineering safaris, beach holidays, city tours or excursions, birding safaris with unique bird species such the “the rare shoebill”. And an undiscovered species available for research purposes.

Where to go for African Safari?

The East African region that includes Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Burundi is the best region when it comes to planning for an African holiday Safari, where you can use a single tourist visa and explore countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya with a variety of untouched ethnic groups for a cultural experience and some wildlife species that are endemic to East African regions such as the endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. East African region is one of the best destinations for an unforgettable experience in Africa because it has a slice of everything that you can have in other African countries such as beach tours in Zanzibar, Mombasa, Pemba, Dare salaam, Ssese Island on Lake Victoria. When it comes to wildlife safaris, East Africa is the best as you will be able to encounter different thing from each corner such as the great African Migration of wild beast in Serengeti national park Tanzania and Masai Mara national park in Kenya, mountain gorillas, and chimpanzee trekking experience in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga gorilla national parks, Volcanoes national park (Parc National des Volcans) in Rwanda and Virunga national parks in DR Congo.

When planning to travel to Africa, Uganda should be your number one destination for Wildlife viewing Safari, Mountain gorilla trekking safaris, African cultural experience, hiking and mountaineering trekking, Birding watching Safari and Sport fishing safaris, and other adventurous tours such as White water rafting, bungee jumping, horseback riding, and Quad biking. Uganda has several ten protected areas or national parks and over 12 wildlife reserves which are all overseen and protected by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and these include Kidepo valley national park, Murchison falls national park, Kibale Forest national park Mount Elgon national park, Rwenzori mountains national park, Semuliki national park, Lake Mburo national park, Queen Elizabeth national, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park.

Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo

Are you looking for a Mountain gorilla trekking safari in African? Or Mountain gorilla habituation experience. Vibrant Holiday Safaris have the best answer for you and we are pleased to serve you with the finest mountain gorilla packages to Bwindi Impenetrable forest national, Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda, Volcanoes National park in Rwanda, and Virunga national park in DR Congo. We shall arrange for you an adorable mountain gorilla package that is positively collating with the expected experience and interests guided by your travel style ranging from budget to luxury travel. Don’t feel ignored or indecisive when it comes to mountain gorilla trekking, just contact us and we serve you with an unbeatable memorable gorilla trekking expedition in Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R. Congo. When to go for mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo Mountain gorilla trekking is a popular fascinating activity that is done by several visitors from all corners of the world. Mountain gorilla trekking involves the activity through which visitors accompanied by armed rangers, guides, and trackers move into the dense tropical rain and impenetrable forests on the search of the well-habituated gorilla families by following the designated trails.

Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo is done all year round. Therefore, at any time of the year, you can book your gorilla tracking safari. The climatic conditions of these three countries are favorable coupled with sun shined and rainfall. Despite these conditions, mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo is best done during the dry season of the year particularly in June to September and then from December to February.

During this period, the trails in Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, volcanoes national park, and Virunga national park are dry and passable. Even you will get the clear views of the Mountain gorillas since the grasses are short and not fast-growing as compared to the wet season when the rains are very much and make trails so muddy and slippery. Mountain gorillas trekking can as well be conducted during the rainy season as though not as much as in dry season. During the rainy season, there are few travelers and thus ideal for travelers who don’t like overcrowding and also you can get a discount on accommodation because this period is considered as a low season (March, April, May, October, and November).

Where to go for mountain gorilla trekking safari in Africa?

In the whole world, there are only two Groups of Mountain gorillas left. One harbors the volcanic mountains of Virunga situated in central Africa spanning the countries of Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda which the Virunga Conservation Area (Volcanoes, Virunga, and Mgahinga gorilla national parks) while the other group is found deep in Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park in Uganda. The Combined population of mountain gorillas in this region has risen to over 1063 which has been attributed to better conservation efforts given by authorities of the respective governments. This implies that there only three destination countries where travelers can go for mountain gorilla trekking safari in Africa with Uganda toping the other two destinations with half of the total world’s remaining population of Mountain gorillas. Mountain gorilla trekking activities in Uganda are done in Bwindi Impenetrable forest and Mgahinga Gorilla national parks located in the southwestern part of Uganda. The other destination where gorillas trekking activities are carried out includes Volcanoes National parks in Rwanda and Virunga national park in DR Congo. Therefore, at vibrant holiday safaris, we are ready to take you to any of these 3 countries for the endangered mountain gorillas trekking safari. Or you can decide to have double gorilla tracking experience combining 2 countries.

What is the cost of Mountain Gorilla trekking?

As you schedule your gorilla trekking expeditions to Africa, you need to book in advance to secure your gorilla trekking permit because they are always on high demand, sold on a first come first serve basis with a limited number of permits to sell out per day to have access to the Mountain gorilla parks of Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo.

In Uganda, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit for non-foreign residents goes for 700 USD per person, 600 USD for foreign residents and residents, or East African at USD 80 which is equivalent to Shs 250000 local currency.

In Rwanda, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit is doubling that of Uganda with the permit standing at 1500 USD and this makes it to be the most luxurious and expensive gorilla trekking destination in the whole world but of course experience rewarding. Lastly, mountain gorilla permits in the democratic republic of Congo are sold at 400USD and sometimes discounted up to 250 USD especially during the low season.

The amazing Gorilla trekking lasts for a 1-hour encounter with gorillas in the forest wildness. However, you can decide to stay with gorillas for as long as 4 hours via the process of gorilla habituation. Here in Uganda, a permit for gorilla habituation goes for USD 1500.

Visitors wishing to come for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo are advised to book their Mountain gorilla trekking permits in 3 months advance before the trekking date to avoid any disappointments that can be caused by a failure to secure the gorilla permit mostly in the peak season months that is June, July, August and September, December, January and February.

How long does Mountain Gorilla trekking take? This is one of the commonest questions asked by travelers wishing to come to Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo for gorilla trekking safaris. Mountain gorilla trekking approximately takes between 30 Minutes to 7 hours or more depending on the movements or the location of the gorilla family you are following. Once you encounter mountain gorillas, you are allowed to spend a maximum of 1 hour with them while watching, take photos, and asking as many questions as you would want. Therefore, for anyone to go for Mountain Gorilla trekking safari has to be physically fit and ready to walk for a long distance in the dense impenetrable forest.

What to wear on Mountain Gorilla safaris?

Having booked your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda, or DR Congo, there are certain attires that you need to put on during mountain trekking walk for your convenience. It is recommended that you carry a raincoat, long-sleeved woolen jacket, and trousers, long stockings, heavy hiking shoes covering the ankle, a hat, hand graves, and insect repellant. These will protect you from rain that can rain at any time, coldness during evening and morning hours, and insect bites. Where to stay on a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo? All-mountain gorilla trekking National Parks, there is a wide range of accommodation facilities ranging from Camping ground for backpackers, budget, midrange, and luxury accommodation facilities where tourists on gorilla trekking expeditions can relax and stay comfortably. All accommodation facilities mostly mid-range and luxury facilities feature international standard services such as spacious beds, internet services free of charge, self-contained rooms, swimming pools, well-stocked bars, enough parking areas, and restaurants serving both local and international cuisines working 24 hours.

What to pack for gorilla trekking safari?

As you are planning to book a mountain gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo, there are different items that you need a pack for your memorable mountain gorilla trekking experience these include; ensure that your mountain gorilla trekking permit was booked and paid for because without a permit, you cannot access any of the mountain gorilla national park, hiking shoes, hand gloves, waterproof jacket, long-sleeved warm sweater, insect repellants, binoculars, backpacker, a hut, sunglasses, cameras with an extra battery and a charger and lastly you need to be physically fit because mountain gorilla trekking is a bit strenuous activity or you may need to get porters who can carry you in case of any emergency for your successful mountain gorilla safari

Short Uganda Safaris

• 2 Days Wildlife Safari To Murchison Falls National Park
• 3 Day Safari To Murchison Falls National Park
• 3 Days Fly In Uganda Safari To Murchison Falls National Park
• 3 Days Queen Elizabeth park Uganda Safari
• 3 Days Safari to Murchison Falls National Park and Chimpanzee Tracking
• 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking tour to Bwindi National Park
• 4 Days Murchison Falls National Park Luxury Safari
• 4 Days Uganda mountain gorilla trekking tour to Bwindi impenetrable national park
• 5 Days Honeymoon Holiday To Murchison Falls National Park
• 5 Days Uganda Safari With Gorilla Trekking

Long Uganda Safaris

• 6 days Uganda gorilla safaris and tour
• 7 days wildlife and gorilla safari
• 8 Days Wildlife And Primate Safari In Uganda
• 9 Days Uganda Wildlife Tour And Primate Safari
• 10 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking And Wildlife Tour
• 10 Days Uganda Tour With Gorilla Tracking
• 10 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari And Primate Tours
• 12 Days gorilla trekking and wildlife Safari tour in Uganda
• 12 Days Uganda Safari And White Water Rafting
• 17 Days Uganda Wildlife And Gorilla Trekking Safari Tour
• 18 Days Uganda Classic Wildlife Safari

Uganda National Park

• Semuliki national park
• Lake Mburo National Park
• Kidepo Valley National park
• Kibale Forest National park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Mountain Elgon National Park
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Rwenzori Mountains National park
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

2 Days Gorilla Trekking Uganda

Embarking on a 2-day gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda’s stunning national parks can be a truly unforgettable experience. Visitors will have the chance to observe these magnificent primates in their natural habitat, guided by expert trackers who know the terrain and behavior of these elusive creatures. With comfortable lodge accommodations, delectable local cuisine, and seamless transportation from Kigali, the tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Uganda’s wildlife and natural beauty. But the true highlight? Spending an intimate hour observing the gorillas up close, witnessing their complex social dynamics and familial bonds. It’s an opportunity that promises to leave a lasting impression.

• Experience a 2-day private gorilla trekking tour in Uganda, with opportunities to observe mountain gorillas in Mgahinga or Bwindi National Park.
• Embark on guided hikes through lush forests to find gorilla families and observe their behaviors for up to one hour.
• Enjoy comfortable lodge accommodations, all-inclusive transportation, and meals featuring local Ugandan cuisine during the tour.
• The tour is operated by Katona Tours and Travel, with a 5.0 rating based on positive reviews for organization, accommodations, and guide expertise.
• Moderate fitness level is required to navigate the challenging terrain and hikes during the gorilla trekking experience.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• Private Full-Day Kigali City Tour With Pickup and Lunch
• Private 1 Day Akagera Big Five Safari With Pick up and Lunch.
• Kigali City Tour
• One-Day Akagera National Park Game Drive With a Choice 4×4

Tour Overview

This 2-day private gorilla trekking tour in Uganda offers visitors the opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat within Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Led by experienced guides, the trek provides a chance to track and view these endangered primates up close. Guests can expect a guided hike through the lush forests to find the gorilla families, with the possibility of spending up to an hour observing their fascinating behaviors.

This immersive experience allows travelers to witness the mountain gorillas’ daily lives and interactions in their protected environments. With a moderate fitness level required, the tour promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts.

Gorilla Trekking Experience

The gorilla trekking experience begins with an early morning departure from the accommodation, as guests prepare to embark on the search for the elusive mountain gorillas.

Equipped with sturdy hiking boots and light, breathable clothing, trekkers set out on a guided journey through the lush, verdant forests of Mgahinga or Bwindi.

Led by experienced trackers, the group navigates the rugged terrain, keeping an eye out for signs of the gorillas’ presence. The anticipation builds as they follow the trackers’ clues, until finally, the magnificent creatures come into view.

Observing the gorillas in their natural habitat is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience , as trekkers witness the gentle power and familial bonds of these impressive primates.

Park Locations and Accommodations

After the awe-inspiring gorilla encounter , guests have the opportunity to explore the national parks where these majestic creatures reside – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park .

Both parks offer a private, overnight experience with comfortable lodge accommodations. The tour includes transportation from Kigali to the park location, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free journey.

Guests can expect private transfers, meals, and attentive service throughout their stay.

Whether visitors choose Mgahinga or Bwindi, they’ll enjoy guided treks with experienced trackers, increasing their chances of spotting the elusive mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

This immersive experience allows guests to fully appreciate the majesty of these endangered primates .

Pickup and Transportation

Guests can expect front-door pickup and drop-off from any hotel in Kigali, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free start and end to their gorilla trekking adventure. Comfortable private transfers will whisk travelers to and from the national park, whether they’re arriving at Kigali International Airport or any location within the city. The meeting point for the tour is Kigali City, Rwanda, providing a convenient starting point for the excursion.

The tour’s transportation arrangements are designed to make the journey as smooth and stress-free as possible, allowing participants to focus on the awe-inspiring experience of gorilla trekking.

Included Meals and Amenities

Meals during the gorilla trekking tour include dinner and two lunches, ensuring travelers are well-nourished throughout their adventure.

Plus, the package provides lodge accommodation, offering participants a comfortable place to rest between the day’s activities.

Some key inclusions are:

Hearty meals to fuel the trek, including local Ugandan cuisine.

Cozy lodge accommodations for a good night’s sleep.

Private transportation to and from the national park.

The tour’s all-inclusive nature allows guests to focus on the incredible experience of observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, without having to worry about logistics or additional expenses.

This ensures a seamless and worry-free gorilla trekking adventure.

Booking and Confirmation

Upon booking, travelers receive confirmation within 12 hours unless it is within that timeframe of their scheduled travel. The tour is non-refundable, with no option for cancellation refunds. The privately-operated Katona Tours and Travel company handles all aspects of the booking and confirmation process.

The pricing and booking details are as follows:

Travelers should note the moderate physical fitness level required for this private gorilla trekking tour in Uganda.

Physical Fitness Requirements

Requiring a moderate level of physical fitness, the gorilla trekking tour involves challenging hikes through the rugged terrain of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Trekkers should be prepared for:

Steep, muddy, and uneven trails that can be slippery and difficult to navigate.

Hikes that can last several hours and cover significant distances, often through dense vegetation.

Encountering various obstacles, such as fallen trees, thick undergrowth, and potential encounters with other wildlife, that require agility and stamina to overcome.

While guides are there to assist, a good level of physical conditioning is essential to fully enjoy the gorilla trekking experience and minimize the risk of injury or fatigue.

Tour Operator and Reviews

The gorilla trekking tour is operated by Katona Tours and Travel , a reputable company that has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from past participants.

According to Viator and Tripadvisor, the tour has an impressive 5.0 rating based on 9 reviews. Travelers have praised the company’s organization, the quality of the accommodations, and the expertise of the guides.

The tour is priced at SEK 24,305.10, which may vary depending on group size. It’s important to note that the tour is non-refundable , and no refunds will be issued for cancellations.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• Kigali City Sightseeing
• 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari
• 1 Day Canopy Walk Adventure in Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Cool Share Day Akagera Game Drive, Daily Depart, Boat Ride, Lunch
• Local Hills Hiking
• One Day Akagera Safari From Kigali

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i bring my own food and drinks on the trek.

Guests are generally allowed to bring their own snacks and drinks on the gorilla trek. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator as some parks may have restrictions on outside food and beverages. Providing meals is typically part of the tour package.

Are There Any Restrictions on What I Can Wear During the Trek?

There are a few clothing restrictions for the gorilla trek. Participants should wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and sturdy closed-toe hiking boots. Bright colors and perfumes/cologne should be avoided, as they can disturb the gorillas.

What Should I Do if I Have Any Medical Conditions?

If you have any medical conditions, it’s important to inform the tour company before the trek. They can provide guidance on managing your condition and ensure the necessary arrangements are made to accommodate your needs safely during the hike.

Is There an Option to Split the Trekking Over More Days?

Yes, the tour operator offers the option to split the gorilla trekking over more days. Travelers can extend the tour to 3 or more days, allowing for additional time in the national park and increasing the chances of seeing the mountain gorillas.

Can I Interact With the Gorillas During the Trek?

No, participants cannot directly interact with the gorillas during the trek. The tour is designed to observe the gorillas in their natural habitat from a safe distance without disturbing them or their environment.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• From Kigali: 10 Hour Day-Trip Rwanda Gorilla Trekking With Lunch
• 1 Day Akagera National Park Safari
• 2 Days Murchison Falls Big 5 Savannah Wildlife Safari
• One Day Private Tour to Akagera National Park From Kigali
• Private Kigali City Walking Tour
• 1 Day Cultural Adventure Tour in Lake Kivu
• Private Gorilla Trekking Transfer From Kigali to Volcanoes N.Park
• 1 Day Trip to Lake Kivu Beach
• Specialty Coffee Masterclass
• 3 Day Gorilla Trek at Bwindi National Park via Kigali
• 1 Day Safari to Akagera National Park
• Gorilla Trekking &Wildlife Adventure in Rwanda
• Mount Kigali Hike and Zipline Adventure Tour(Pick up &Drop Off)
• 1 Day Kigali City Tour

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes as you trek to observe the majestic mountain gorillas .

With expert guides , comfortable accommodations, and seamless transportation, this 2-day gorilla trekking tour offers an immersive experience you won’t soon forget.

Don’t miss the chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat and learn about the awe-inspiring beauty of Uganda’s wildlife.

Similar Posts

Introduction to the New Forest (Wilverley)

Charleston History, Homes, and Architecture Guided Walking Tour

Brescia’s Yuletide Charm: A Festive Walking Tour

Austin Family Explorer: A Magical Urban Adventure

Trieste City/Port: One Way Transfer to Venice, Pazzale Roma

Balis Waterfall Wonders: Exploring Natures Masterpieces

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda, Bwindi Forest, Gorilla Safari Tours

Updated  20th August 2024

A Gorilla Trek is a highlight of all visits done in Uganda and Rwanda and certainly mountain gorillas are the major reason as to why very many people visit these 2 destinations. Find information about gorilla trekking holidays to watch gorillas in the wild, how to acquire a permit, as well as tour companies arranging such treks. Gorilla trekking is defined as a hike to the tropical forests of Africa to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

BREAKING NEWS: UGANDA GORILLA PERMIT COSTS $800 FROM JULY 1ST 2024

When to go to see the mountain gorillas in africa.

Gorilla trekking can be conducted all year around in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. The best time to go gorilla trekking in during the months of June, July, August, September and December. This is because there are less rains and the parks are drier, making it simple to hike and see the gorillas .In Bwindi the average temperature throughout the year is 11°C/52°F in the morning and 23°C/73°F in the afternoon.

• January and February: Low season offering less huge crowds. Very little or on rain.
• March, April and May: Its rains a lot during these months. Most challenging during the trek, the slopes are slippery.
• June, July & August: Peak season, its important to buy your permits early since they run out. Best time for gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda.

Best Gorilla Tour Companies in Uganda

1. Insight Safari Holidays 2. Wild Whispers Africa 3. Kori Safaris There are so many gorilla safari tour operators in Uganda and Rwanda. How to choose a tour company will depend on various factors including price, availability of gorilla permits, online reviews and recommendations on various websites.

Where To Stay ?

Choosing the best safari lodge or accommodation will depend on how much you can afford. Some lodges charge as high as, $2500 while the budget ones can pocket as low as $ 50 for a double room. Its all about the facilities, location, food, services and so much more.

Average Cost of Hotels & Lodges in Uganda

• $50 to 100 for budget accommodation
• $150 to $200 for mid range
• Luxury from $300 to $2500 per night.
• book close to the tracking point, ask your tour operator.

Best 5 Gorilla Safari Lodges in Uganda

• Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, from $760
• Gorilla Height Lodge from $ 700
• Mahogany Springs from $ 240
• Gorilla Safari Lodge from $ 233
• Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge from $ 173 See our list of safari lodges here >>

How much does a Gorilla Safari Cost in 2024?

1 day gorilla trekking uganda costs about $1100, 2 days gorilla safari costs about $ 1280, 3 day gorilla tour costs about $ 1450.

• Do not travel alone.
• Stay in best budget lodges.
• Choose Uganda over Rwanda.
• Avoid public transport buses do not leave on time.
• Avoid chartered flights.
• Book Your gorilla tour during low season.

 Where Can I See Gorillas in Africa?

Where to Go For Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda has 2 sections for gorilla safaris namely, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In total there are 18 gorilla groups or families and you can only track only one group a day.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has 17 gorilla group making it the best place or park where you can see the gorillas in the wild. Bwindi tours gives you access to  90 mammal species, 11 primates including the black and white colobus monkey.

Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Groups

• Ruhija Trek : with gorilla families, Mukiza, Oruzogo, Bitukura and Kyaguliro
• Buhoma Trek : Habinyanja, Katwe, Mubare, Rushegura
• Nkuringo Trek : Christmas, Nkuringo, Bushaho
• Rushaga Trek : Kutu, Bikingi, Mishaya, Bushigye, Kahungye, Rwigi, Bweza, Nshongi, Mucunguzi

Mgahinga Gorilla Family In Mgahinga Park, you can track the Nyakagezi group which is surrounded by the Slopes of Virunga Volcanoes, Mt. Muhavura(4,127m) Mt Gahinga (3474m) Mt. Sabinyo(3645m).

Luxury Gorilla Trekking Safari

The most luxurious gorilla tours are done in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. While a gorilla permit costs $ 1500 per person, a 9 day luxury Rwanda safari costs over $ 15,000 when you sleep in luxury lodges like Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge in Rwanda. In Uganda, Clouds Lodge, Mahogany Springs and Gorilla Forest Camp take the crown.

Budget Gorilla Tours in Africa

The cheapest gorilla permit costs $450 in Congo and $ 800 in Uganda. Budget accommodation in Bwindi National Park for Uganda gorilla tours costs from $100 per night. Choose between Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge and Buhoma Community Rest Camp. In Rwanda, hotel Muhabura is the most affordable.

What Country Provides the Best Option for Seeing The Mountain Gorillas ?  Comparing Uganda vs Rwanda

This is quite a tricky question since they are all mountain gorillas living in the forests! Almost same environment. Comparing Uganda to Rwanda is not a good idea since Uganda has more wildlife than Rwanda. Besides the mountain gorillas, you can visit Murchison Falls, or see other primates in Kibale Forest National Park. If its about the cost, please note that, Gorilla permits within Rwanda were recently increased up to $1500 per individual and then in Uganda they go each for USD 800.

Packing List For Gorilla Tours in Africa

• Waterproof hiking boots.
• Insect repellents.
• Light weight rain jacket.
• Binoculars,
• Bottled water
• Boots: hiking boots,
• Gloves, old pair of gardening gloves
• Long pants or trousers
• Energy snacks.

How Difficult is Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla Tracking Rules For Post Covid Visitors

With these apes sharing 98% of our genes, its possible that gorillas can get corona virus. Gorillas can catch flu and other airborne diseases making Covid 19 a big threat to the survival of the gorillas.

• Observe a distance of 7 meters away from the gorillas.
• Age limit of 15 years or more stands.
• You are allowed only 1 hour to see the gorillas
• Wearing of masks is important
• Avoid sneezing.
• Sanitize and observe other SOP guidelines.

What To Expect on A Gorilla Safari

On the day of your trek, expect to leave your comfortable bed early enough, am move to the briefing point by 7:30am. After briefing, tourists will be allocated different tracking routes, each 8 tourists. Head to the forest accompanied by guides and rangers as you begin you search for gorillas.

In the forest, you may see monkey species, butterfly species, mammals and so much more. Sometimes the forest is challenging and a good level of fitness will be required. At the end of the day, expect to be muddy and sweaty.

Once you see the gorillas, its okay to take photos with your camera or iPhone but avoid flash or else the gorillas might charge. You will spend between 40 minutes and 1 hour in company of these gentle giants. It will be such a life changing experience. After the trek, head back to you accommodation or opt for a cultural village experience of the Batwa pygmies.

How About The Gorilla Habituation Experience?

How to get a gorilla trekking permit in uganda, gorilla safaris permit price.

• Uganda gorilla permit costs $ 700 (1 Hour with the gorillas)
• Uganda Gorilla Habituation Permit Costs $1500 ( A full Day Experience)
• Rwanda gorilla permit Costs $ 1500
• Congo Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs $ 400
• East African Citizen ,pay 250,000 shillings for the permit
• You inform them of the dates for your tour to Uganda and specify the date for trekking the gorillas
• They will inform you if your preferred dates are available for trekking and also temporarily book them.
• They will send you our bank details so that  you can transfer the money for the gorilla permits or even pay by credit card.
• They will send you an acknowledgement email for the money transfer. Please remember to instruct your bank to deduct the bank charges for the transaction from your account. they don’t ask for any extra money for the gorilla permit if you are reserving the rest of your tour through them. Any additional costs will be for services like telephony and transport that will be incurred when acquiring the permit.
• You will send a copy of your passport availing the details which will be used to register for your permit. Normally they need just your full names, nationality and the passport number
• Your names will be registered and then we acquire the gorilla permit. On receiving the payment they will buy the gorilla permit but then having this permit doesn’t 100% guarantee you seeing the gorillas although chances of seeing them are about 98%

Other Primate Safaris In Africa

Kibale forest national park chimpanzee tracking.

Queen Elizabeth National Park Wildlife Safari & Chimpanzee Trek

Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Safari

Golden Monkey Tracking in Africa

 What To Wear ?  Choosing the right Clothing

Mountain gorilla trekking, how do gorillas look like .

How Do Mountain Gorillas Feed ?

Are Mountain Gorillas Dangerous Species?

Suggested Gorilla Trekking Tour Packages

3 day gorilla tour.

7 Days Gorilla Adventure & Murchison Falls

8 Days Gorillas & Wildlife

14 Days Uganda & Rwanda Gorillas

Rwanda Gorilla Permit in 2024,Discount to $1050, Booking, Cost & Availability

How To Get To Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Uganda For Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Watching in Rwanda and Uganda

Bwindi Lodges Uganda, Bwindi Accommodation, where to stay

Best Gorilla Trekking Companies, Top 20 Tour Operators, Uganda & Rwanda

Uganda Birding in Bwindi, Birdwatching Tours in Uganda

3 Day Gorilla Safari Uganda, Bwindi Trek

Mountain Gorilla Families of Uganda, The Habituated Gorilla Groups

Uganda Nature Walk Safari, Buhoma Community Walk

Cycling Tours in Uganda, Bwindi Biking Safari

What Else to do after a Gorilla Safari, Chimpanzee Trekking, Lake Bunyonyi,

Ctph gorilla conservation camp.

Visit Bwindi Forest National Park Uganda

Gorilla Tours in Rwanda, Uganda, Congo

Lets create a gorilla trekking tour.

Plan your gorilla trekking safari with us for an unforgettable adventure, exploring the African wilderness and getting up close to these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Book now for a unique and incredible experience.

Trekking for Gorillas: Join Our Safari Tours Through the Dense Forests of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo

If you’ve been dreaming of an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure, then look no further than Gorilla Hub Tours.

At Gorilla Hub Tours, we’re not just your average tour operator – we’re passionate about creating extraordinary experiences in the heart of Africa. With over 10 years of expertise, we guarantee a 99% chance of sighting gorillas on all our tours in Uganda, Rwanda , and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

With Gorilla Hub Tours the magic of gorilla trekking awaits you. Whether you choose to explore the lush rainforests of Bwindi, Volcanoes National Park and the Virunga Mountains or venture into the remote corners of Congo’s Virunga National Park, we’ve got you covered.

Our carefully planned gorilla tours run all year round, ensuring you have the opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. And guess what? We do things differently here at Gorilla Hub Tours. Guided by ecotourism principles and a commitment to sustainable tourism, we strive to create magical trips that not only leave you in awe but also contribute to the conservation of these incredible animals.

Join us on an adventure of a lifetime as we trek through the dense forests of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo in search of gorillas. Our comfortable 4X4 safari vehicles and experienced driver/guides will ensure you have a safe and unforgettable journey.

And after a day of exploration, retreat to one of our carefully selected lodges, where you can unwind and connect with nature.

Whether you’re drawn to the “Pearl of Africa” in Uganda or the “Land of a Thousand Hills” in Rwanda, we’re here to make your gorilla safari dreams a reality. Get ready to embark on a journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Featured Gorilla Tour Adventures

5 days rwanda gorilla safari.

The 5 days Rwanda safari one of the shortest safari you can have when with limited time. The safari suggests two Rwanda’s most vibrant national parks of Volcanos National Park and Akagera National Park. Read More

8 Days Rwanda gorilla chimps and wildlife tour

This safari will lead you to watching gorillas, track chimpanzees and watching plenty of wildlife, it starts from Kigali goes to Nyungwe forest, continue to Akagera National Park … Read More

14 Days Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Adventure

The 14 days adventures which leads to gorillas, chimpanzees, tree climbing lions and wildlife is one of the most rewarding safaris to undertake. Read More

• 3 Days Mgahinga Gorillas
• 4 Days Gorillas Adventure
• 5 Days Gorillas and Wildlife
• 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour
• 6 Days Rwanda Primates and Culture
• 6 Days Fly in Kigali Mgahinga N.P Uganda
• 6 Days Best of Uganda Primates
• 8 Days Rwanda primates & wildlife
• 9 Days Rwanda – Uganda Total Gorilla Adventure
• 10 Days Rwanda Gorillas
• 14 Days Primate Wildlife
• 15 Days Rwanda, Uganda Wildlife
• 15 Days Rwanda and Tanzania

Book with us

Why gorilla hub tours.

Gorilla Hub Tours has been meticulously planning exceptional Gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo since 2016.

Our exceptional tours are catered to various travelers, ranging from primate tours to intimate honeymoon getaways that will truly make memories that last a lifetime.

Destinations

• Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda
• Bwindi National Park – Uganda

Najja Shopping Centre Entebbe Road – Uganda +256 774 873 278

• +256781451207
• [email protected]

Gorilla Tours with Mission Africa Safaris

Gorilla tours rwanda – gorilla safaris in uganda and congo.

Are you planning for a gorilla tour in Africa? Mission Africa Safaris is a tour company with over 8 years experience organizing gorilla tours and other general Wildlife safaris in East Africa. We help put together silverback gorilla safaris, nature walks, cultural visits, site seeing, birding tours and game drives to Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. We organize both budget gorilla tours and luxury gorilla safaris while sharing information that will  help our clients prepare for memorable gorilla trekking adventures to the Volcanoes national park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park , Virunga national park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park  and Kahuzi Biega national park to see the Lowland gorillas .

Uganda , Rwanda and DR Congo are amazing countries to visit for a complete wildlife safari. In terms of biodiversity, they offer the full tour package . Visitors are always impressed with the weather and stunning scenery. They are the only countries where you can go see the endangered silverback gorillas and learn about gorilla conservation programs during your wildlife tour. Though considered developing countries, the people in the three countries are happy and very friendly to tourists.

Our team of experienced and knowledgeable staff will help you organize exhilarating mission trips to Africa , wildlife safaris and short day excursions within East and Central Africa. You can choose to go for mountain gorilla trekking combined with wildlife viewing, Chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey trekking, mountain hiking tours, birdwatching , Eco-tours, community visits or nature walks. You might even decide to go hiking Mount Karisimbi in Rwanda, the Nyiragongo active volcano in Congo, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania or the Rwenzori mountains in Uganda. Then there is biking through the Congo Nile Trail on a Rwanda Safari or a weekend viewing the source of the river Nile and white water rafting in Jinja. We also arrange safaris in kenya and Tanzania .

Regardless of what you choose to do, we will give you affordable rates and options while ensure high quality and a personal touch. We have an 8 Days Gorilla Trekking Uganda and Masai Mara safari package that you might find interesting.

Uganda Wildlife Safaris

• 1 Day Gorilla Tour Uganda
• 2 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trek
• 3 Days Gorilla Safari Uganda
• 4 Days Gorilla Trek and Wildlife
• 5 Days Gorillas and Chimps
• 6 Days Uganda Safari
• 7 Days Uganda Primates Tour
• 8 Days Uganda Safari Adventure

15 Days Best of Uganda Safari

Rwanda safaris.

• 1 Day Gorilla Tour Rwanda
• 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek
• 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari
• 5 Days Rwanda Primates Tour
• 7 Days Best of Rwanda Safari

Congo Tours

• 3 Days Mount Nyiragongo Hike
• 3 Days Lowland Gorilla Trek
• 4 Days Nyiragongo and Gorillas
• 5 Days Congo Safari Aventure
• 15 Day Congo, Rwanda, Uganda

Book with us today and enjoy that dream African vacation and wildlife safari you always wanted. You can also follow us on our Facebook   and Instagram pages.

Book with us today and enjoy that dream African vacation and wildlife safari you always wanted. You can also follow us on our Facebook   and Instagram pages. For more information about COVID-19, get the latest from websites with the most trusted Coronavirus status reports.

Combined Safaris

• 5 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari
• 6 Days Tanzania and Gorilla Trek
• 7 Days Masai Mara and Gorillas
• 8 Days Gorillas and Kenya Safari
• 10 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari

2 Days Gorilla Trek

2 Days Gorilla Tour Bwindi starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda

4 Days Gorilla Tour

4 Days Gorilla Safari in Bwindi & wildlife Tour to Queen Elizabeth national

4 Days Gorilla Trekking

4 Days Gorilla Trekking Congo and Nyiragongo Hike

7 Days Gorilla Trek

7 Days Uganda Safari Convering Chimps, gorilla tracking and wildlife

10 Days Rwanda Congo, Uganda Tour

10 Days safari in Rwanda, Congo and Uganda featuring Nyiragongo

15 Days Best of Uganda wildlife safari with gorillas and chimps

5 Days Uganda Primates Safari

5 Days Uganda primates safari including chimps and gorillas

4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Karisimbi

4 Days Gorilla Trekking Rwanda and Karisimbi Hiking

Gorilla Safari Rwanda – Gorilla Tour in Uganda and Congo

Silverback gorilla tours offer the ultimate wildlife experience! Whereas game drives are great, an African safari is incomplete without a silverback gorilla tour to Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. A silverback Gorilla safari takes you hiking through dense rain forest to meet face to face with wild gorillas in Africa. Trekking to see silverback gorillas in Africa or participating in the gorilla habituation experience are special and once in a lifetime experiences - You will be having a close encounter with creatures that look and behave like we humans. Is Gorilla Trekking Ethical ? Yes. Because it is the only way to generate funds for gorilla conservation in these developing countries. The money raised helps protect the primates from poachers and also helps build the required infrastructure in the parks. Humans are less likely to harm the primates if they understand the benefit of gorilla trekking to their communities . You might want to see our 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari package.

In countries were mountain gorilla trekking is possible, gorilla tourism is far more valuable - Most visitors to East Africa come to see wild gorillas alongside other activities like golden monkey trekking, birding, mountain hiking, chimpanzee trekking or visiting the grave of Dian Fossey . We are also including cultural visits like visiting the Iby'iwacu cultural village and the Batwa among others during a Rwanda or Uganda safari . With about 28 Gorilla groups available for trekking, only 8 visitors are allowed to visit each gorilla family in a day. Gorilla permits sell like hot cake and competition for the available daily permits is high - Gorilla permits in Africa are sold on first come first serve basis. Visitor must book early in order to secure their gorilla permits. How do you find our 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Package.

When is the best time to see gorillas in Africa ? Tracking gorillas in Africa is a year round activity but the periods just after the rains are perfect for the adventure. During a silverback gorilla safari in Africa, the decision on which gorilla family to track depends on your overall fitness and preference. Some gorilla groups live near the starting points for tracking while others go deeper in the forest. In order to allow our clients get the best of both worlds, we have designed packages involving silverback gorilla safaris in all the three countries - Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. A 2 days Rwanda gorilla tour may be what you are looking for.

Luxury gorilla safaris in Africa

Mission Africa Safaris arranges Budget, Mid-range and Luxury wildlife tours. Our Luxury gorilla tours will exceed your expectations. With a luxury gorilla safari in Africa, you get to stay in the best hotels and lodges while drinking fine wine in the African bush. Our luxury gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo can be arranged for individuals, families, large groups and honeymooners. Honeymoon safaris in East Africa involve special treats for lovers who want to spend their honeymoon experiencing Africa’s beautiful nature or taking part in activities like gorilla trekking. Imagine spending time with your loved one away from the hustle and bustle back in your city while watching breathtaking wildlife, relaxing on lake Kivu, enjoying the natural green African vegetation and landscape under the stars. Is there anything else more special than that? You may find our 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour interesting.

We have over 6 years experience organizing Mission Trips for volunteers and missionaries visiting famous religious centers like the Namugongo Martyrs shrine among others. We are experienced organizing large group tours that require great planning and coordination. Are you are tour operator with a large group visiting Uganda for a safari? We can help you organize things on the ground and ensure your clients have the best time while on a tour of Uganda. Hikers may be interested in the 3 Days Mount Karisimbi Hike .

Giving back to the community and sponsoring wildlife conservation projects

Mission Africa Safaris is a company with a big heart and known for supporting conservation and tourism related activities. We sponsor projects that enhance the lives of communities living near the game parks and reserve. We have been involved in book projects that showcase the best about Uganda while using the proceeds to help orphanages and other children. We are currently sponsoring a a groundbreaking gorilla conservation project by world renown artists Gillie and Marc. The end result of the project is the largest gorilla sculpture on earth to be installed in the Hudson Yard Park (New York City). The sculpture will raise awareness about Mountain gorillas to millions around the world. We also organize Mission Trips and partner with Volunteers and Missionaries who come to East Africa to spread the good news about Christ while building schools and visiting the less privileged. Meanwhile check our 1 Day Uganda Gorilla Tour .

Gorilla safari in Rwanda and Uganda – The best time to visit for gorilla trekking

Because of their location around the equator, the climate conditions in Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo allow Wildlife Safaris to be done throughout the year. However the best time to visit Uganda and other East African counties on a safari is during the drier seasons (January, February, March, June, July, August and September). During the drier months, the park roads are free of mud and the animals gather at specific waterholes to drink making it easy to spot them. Gorilla trekking in Africa is best done during the dry season to avoid the slippery trails typical of rainy seasons. Unfortunately the hotel rates are higher and permits for silverback gorilla tours in Africa need to be booked in advance. You might want to see our 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Safari package.

The wet season (March to May and October to September) has its advantages especially if you are eyeing Gorilla Tours. There are fewer visitors in the park making for a more personal and private safari especially for wildlife photographers, researchers and those doing sport fishing in Uganda . Some hotels reduce their rates because there are few tourists. Birders will find the wet season amazing for birding. It is the breeding season and birds are everywhere. Migratory birds come to East Africa to escape the heat elsewhere and take advantage of the fresh fruits and insects. If you are interested in hiking check our our 3 Days Nyiragongo hike tour and the 1 Day Bisoke volcano hike . You might also be interested in more information about hiking mount Rwenzori in Uganda.

The wet season (March to May and October to September) has its advantages especially if you are coming for Africa Gorilla Tours. There are fewer visitors in the park making for a more personal and private safari especially for wildlife photographers, researchers and those doing sport fishing in Uganda . Some hotels reduce their rates because there are few tourists. Birders will find the wet season amazing for birdwatching. It is the breeding season and birds are everywhere. Migratory birds also come to the country to escape the heat elsewhere and take advantage of the fresh fruits and insects. If you are interested in hiking check our our 3 Days Nyiragongo hike tour and the 1 Day Bisoke volcano hike . You might also be interested in more information about hiking mount Rwenzori in Uganda. 

Safety while on a gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda

The safety of our clients is paramount to us. We will ensure your safety and security by alerting you to any security situations in the country you are visiting before and during your Gorilla tour. Our guides are trained to drive responsibly and ensure the safety of the client in urban areas, at the hotel and while driving through the park. Our 3 Days Murchison Falls National Park Safari package may interest you.

Why travel with Mission Africa Safaris?

There is no continent that rivals Africa when it comes to that blend of culture, wildlife and natural beauty. Millions of tourists continue to be greatly impressed by the incredible biodiversity in Africa consisting of great landscape, spectacular rivers, lakes, green forests and of course the wild animals.

Traveling with Mission Africa safaris means adventure, fun, safety and quality services. Our experience putting together amazing tours in East Africa will ensure that your Rwanda or Uganda Safari is well planned and at affordable rates. We are aware that other tour companies may offer cheaper prices for their tours. However too cheap may come at the expenses of quality. Our prices are set in such a way that they are comparable to that of other Tour operators but do not compromise on the quality of services. In fact our budget hotels are not “budget” as such. It is a testament to the quality of our services that most of our clients are returnees or those who have been recommended to us by their friends and families.

We will ensure that we go out of our way to organize a great safari that is full of fun and adventure regardless of whether you are a budget or Luxury traveler. We create partnerships with other international tour companies, local hotels and lodges to that ensure that the best hotels are always available at the best rates. Our membership with tour operators associations and partnership with Wildlife Authorities ensure that we get access to gorilla permits even in periods when they seem over-booked. You can check out our 3 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari package or the 3 Days Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi ?

Although we have international volunteers and partners from Europe and the US working in our office from time to time, we are a locally owned company. This ensures that you are dealing with local people who are truly passionate about their country, know the destinations in and out. Our staff know the latest developments (socially, economically and politically) in the country which is important for your own safety and adventure. African ownership ensures that more locals are given employment opportunities. By booking with us, you are ensuring that your money helps empower and support the local African people. You may be interested in our 4 Days Kidepo National Park Safari itinerary.

The tourism industry relies on trust between the company and clients. A tour company is only as good as the quality of its field Guides/Drivers. We rely on our staff to demonstrate the values of honesty and integrity while dealing with our clients. Because Guides are our ambassadors in the field, we try to work with the very best. By best we mean Drivers who have prior experience dealing with international Tourists. Our Guides are very professional, experienced, knowledgeable and passionate about their job. They are ready to share information about the places you visit and will take you to discover places that may not have been included in your itinerary. Talking about itineraries, check out our 3 Days lowland Gorilla Tour .

The office team is comprised of individuals who are well traveled and are in position to know what is best for you. We invest a considerable part of our resources on our office staff, Drivers, tour vehicles and other equipment. Our Guides are trained in defensive driving and we use a fleet of 4X4 Safari vans that are comfortable, in great condition and customized for the rough terrain in the African countryside. The privacy of our clients is ensured by assigning vehicles that are spacious, safe and reliable. We also limit the number of visitors to ensure comfort and privacy.

About Gorilla Trekking

• About Gorillas in Africa
• Facts on Mountain Gorillas
• How to Adopt a Gorilla
• Gorilla Trekking and COVID-19
• Measures and SOPS for COVID-19
• The Cost of a Gorilla Safari
• Gorilla Conservation Agencies in Africa
• Guidelines for Gorilla Trekking in Africa
• Cross River Gorillas
• Types of Gorillas
• Western Lowland Gorillas
• Eastern Lowland Gorillas
• Where to see Wild Gorillas
• Reviews about Gorilla Trekking
• How to Book Gorilla Permits
• Filming Gorillas
• Photographing Gorillas
• Gorilla Groups
• Rules for Gorilla Trekking Africa
• Packing List for Gorilla Safaris
• Discounted Gorilla Permits in Uganda
• Cheap Gorilla Permits in Rwanda
• See Gorillas in Rwanda
• Visit Gorillas in Bwindi
• See Gorillas in Mgahinga
• Visit Gorillas in Congo
• Visiting the Dian Fossey Grave
• Gorilla Habituation Experience
• Using Drones for Gorilla Trekking
• Cultural Tours in Uganda
• Border Crossings in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo
• East African Tourist Visa
• Victoria Falls

Short Uganda Tours

• 1 Day Gorilla Tour
• 2 Days Bwindi Gorilla Tour
• 2 Days Jinja Water Rafting
• 3 Days Murchison Falls Tour
• 3 Days Queen Elizabeth Tour
• 3 Days Ssese Island Tour
• 5 Day Uganda Wildlife Safari

Mission Africa Safaris is a leading Tour company in East Africa. We help put together amazing tours for Travelers in Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and The Democratic Republic of Congo. You can be one of them today!

• African Shoppers Building, Suite 021, Segguku, Katale Road
• +256 (0) 414 672197,+256781451207, +250781463985
• Address: Box 1500 Kampala Uganda
• www.silverbackgorillatours.com

Warm Greetings from Mission Africa Safaris!

Click below to chat on WhatsApp or send an email to [email protected]