Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Guide for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Gorilla treks start with a meeting at the park office where you get assigned a group to visit. Groups have eight people each, and each group of tourists visit one family.

How long the trek takes depends on the assigned group. Less fit people get easier, closer groups, while fit people get longer, harder treks. In Uganda, treks can last from 30 minutes to seven hours.

When you find the gorillas, you spend one hour with them. You can take photos but must stay 7 to 8 meters away.

After one hour, you return, get a certificate, and finish the trek.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda has the most luxurious gorilla treks compared to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. To trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, you need a permit that costs $1500 per person.

Only people over 15 years old can get this permit. You can visit Rwanda all year, but some months are better for activities like treks.

The best time to visit is during the dry seasons: June to September and mid-December to early February.

During these times, the weather is clear, trails are less muddy, and it is easier to take good wildlife photos.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda offers cheaper gorilla trek experiences than Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. To trek gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks, you need a permit that costs $800 per person.

Only people aged 15 and above can get permits. Uganda is open all year, but some months are better for trekking. The best time to visit is during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February.

In these months, there is less rain, trails are easier to walk, and the plants are thinner, making it easier to see and take pictures of the big apes.

Where Can I See Gorillas in Uganda & Rwanda?

Below are the top places where you can see gorillas in Africa.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four trekking sectors: Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Buhoma. Rushaga and Buhoma are best for older visitors.

Each sector has different families and land types.

Nkuringo is in the west and has 3 to 4 groups. Visitors can stay in Rushaga and trek in Nkuringo, or stay in Nkuringo and trek in Rushaga.

Rushaga is in the south and has the most families. It is near Rwanda and only a four-hour drive from Kigali. Ruhija is in the east and has the easiest treks.

Buhoma is in the northwest, home to the oldest family, and offers great trekking.

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park is Uganda’s smallest park, covering 33.7 square kilometers. It borders Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo.

It is not often named as a main trekking place. The park is named after Mount Gahinga, meaning “piles of stones.” It became a game sanctuary in 1930 and a national park in 1991.

Mgahinga is home to three Virunga Volcanoes: Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Gahinga.

It has one group, the Nyakagezi family, known for its old silverback Bugingo, who stayed with the group, which is rare. Visitors can trek here to see this unique family.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is one of the homes of the world’s mountain gorillas. It has five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Massif, part of the Great East African Rift Valley.

The park covers 160 square kilometers and borders Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in Congo.

Besides gorillas, it has many animals like bushbucks, buffalos, elephants, golden monkeys, and baboons. The park was the home of Dian Fossey, an American scientist who studied and protected mountain gorillas.

She started the Karisoke Research Institute, which still exists today.

Comparing Rwanda vs Uganda gorilla trekking safari experiences

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is popular but different in price and experience. Uganda offers more trekking areas and cheaper permits at $800, with gorillas found in Bwindi and Mgahinga parks.

Rwanda is a luxury option with one park, Volcanoes, and permits costing $1500, or $1050 in low season.

Rwanda is close to Kigali, making travel easier.

DR Congo has the cheapest permits at $400 and offers both mountain and lowland treks.

Lowland gorilla tours need no hiking and are less popular but more affordable.

Mountain gorillas live in high areas, lowland gorillas in lower areas.

Gorilla Trekking Tour Cost – What You Need to Know

The total cost of trekking gorillas depends on many things. These include the price of the permit, the country you choose, the tour company, how many treks you want, your trip length, the type of safari vehicle, your lodge, and any special requests.

The permit is the most important cost, and you need it before planning anything else.

Budget lodges cost less, mid-range more, and luxury the most. Each trek needs a separate permit.

A longer trip means more money for food, transport, and guide services.

Land cruisers cost more than safari vans and increase your total safari cost.

Is the trek itself worth it?

Yes, treks in Uganda are worth it. Uganda is one of the busiest places for gorilla safaris, and permits often sell out. A permit costs $800 and gives you one hour with the gentle giants.

For more time, you can choose the gorilla habituation experience at $1500, which allows up to four hours with the primates. This special activity only happens in the Rushaga Sector of Bwindi.

Gorilla treks also supports conservation. Over 80% of the permit money helps protect gorillas and supports local communities.

By buying a permit, you enjoy the experience and help save mountain gorillas.

Securing your Gorilla Trekking Permits

A gorilla permit is needed for anyone who wants to trek. In Uganda, permits cost $800 and are sold by the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through tour companies.

Uganda also offers a habituation experience for $1500, allowing four hours with gorillas.

Filming and photography need extra fees.

In Rwanda, a trekking permit costs $1500. Discounted Rwanda permits at $1050 are available from November through May for visitors staying over 3 days and visiting another park.

All permits must be booked at least 3 months in advance. Tour companies can help with the booking process.

How difficult is the trek itself?

Gorilla tourism is very popular but also the most expensive in Africa. How hard the trek is depends on where the family lives; some are easier to reach in lower areas.

Weather changes fast in parks, and rain makes trekking harder. You walk through rough paths and thick forest, so wear long sleeves to avoid insect bites and carry a raincoat.

Mountain gorillas live high up, so you need some fitness to reach them. Doing light exercise before helps.

Trekking is hardest in rain because trails get slippery. The best time to visit is the dry season: June to September and December to February.

Minimum Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking Tours

Gorillas are used to seeing people, but they are still wild animals. If visitors do not follow the rules, they can get upset.

Because of this, not everyone is allowed to go on a trek. Children are often playful and may not follow the rules, while adults are more careful.

The trek can also be tiring, and rangers do not want delays if someone gives up. That is why the minimum age for trekking is 15 years.

Authorities believe that at this age, children can follow instructions and finish the trek without much trouble.

Essential Requirements & Packing List

Before going to see gorillas, you need:

• Gorilla permit: One permit per trek, bought from Uganda Wildlife Authority, book early.
• Good health: Must be healthy to protect gorillas from human diseases; no trekking if sick.
• Gear and equipment: Camera, walking stick, sunglasses, insect repellent, snacks.
• First aid kit: For small injuries, since no hospitals are nearby.
• Proper clothing: Long trousers, long sleeves, rain jacket, hat, and strong hiking boots.

Trekking Clothing – What to wear on a gorilla trek?

Wearing the right clothes for a trek helps protect you from insect bites and scratches in the jungle. All treks happen in the wild, and without proper clothing, the hike can be very uncomfortable.

You should wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, leather hiking boots, and garden gloves. A rain jacket, cap, and sunglasses are also helpful.

Carry a backpack with snacks, drinks, a camera, and a small first aid kit. Light and comfortable clothes are best because the hike can be long and tiring.

Dressing well is very important for a safe and enjoyable primate safari in Africa.

Tips for Trekking Gorillas in Uganda & Rwanda

Here are important travel tips for visiting mountain gorillas:

• Get your permit before arrival.
• Pack the right clothes for all weather.
• Carry food, water, and energy snacks for the hike.
• Use waterproof covers for your camera and devices.
• Turn off camera flash.
• Prepare physically by exercising months before.
• Travel in the dry season.
• Get all needed vaccinations.
• Keep a safe distance of eight meters from the apes.
• Be in good health and inform your tour operator if you have health problems; special help may be provided.

Gorilla Conservation & Sustainable Tourism

Gorilla tourism helps both tourists and conservation. Money from permits is used to protect gorillas, support nearby communities, and pay rangers and wardens.

This tourism also creates jobs, protects the habitat, and helps local development. It plays a big role in the global effort to save mountain gorillas.

Visiting gorillas helps people feel connected and responsible for their protection. Gorilla safaris are possible because of Dian Fossey’s work.

A hike to the Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda, where she lived and worked, is a good way to learn more about her and her efforts to protect the gentle apes.

What are the accommodation options?

When booking a place to stay for your trek, make sure to choose accommodation near the park and the sector where you will be tracking the gorillas.

Accommodation Options for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Lodges in Bwindi are found in four sectors. In the Buhoma Sector, top lodges include Engagi Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Volcanoes Lodge, and Sanctuary Forest Camp.

In the Ruhija Sector, you can stay at Ruhija Safari Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Ruhija Friends Resort, and Broadbill Forest Camp. The Rushaga Sector has budget places like Rushaga Havens Lodge and mid-range ones like Ichumbi Lodge.

Clouds Lodge is the top luxury choice. In Nkuringo Sector, top luxury lodges include Nkuringo Lodge and Gorilla Heights Lodge. Many stay in Rushaga.

Accommodation Options for Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park is a quiet place for treks with one family. The trekking experience is like that in Volcanoes National Park, but there are fewer lodges nearby.

The park is close to Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi, as well as Lake Mutanda, Kisoro, and Lake Chahafi, so it is easy to reach from those areas. Good luxury lodges include Mount Gahinga Lodge and Mutanda Lake Resort.

Mid-range options are Travelers Rest Hotel, Ichumbi Hotels, Mutanda Lake Resort, and Lake Chahafi Resort. For budget travelers, Mucha Lodge is the best choice.