Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda & Rwanda

Uganda’s thick and green rainforests are home to mountain gorillas, said to be the best ape species to see in Africa. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is the main part of the tourism industry and gives tourists a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see gorillas in their natural home. Uganda gorilla safaris are the best choice for gorilla tours in Africa. Bwindi gorilla trekking safaris are known as the top gorilla tours in Africa.

The Uganda gorilla safari trek itself is a great experience. You walk through thick forests with good views of the land, knowing that when you finally meet the gorillas, you are helping them grow in number. Most of the money from your gorilla permit is used for protecting these gentle animals. This is what makes trips to see mountain gorillas in Africa possible.

As you plan for the best gorilla trekking in Africa, the National Geographic gorilla trekking video below shows what your trip may be like during your holiday to see gorillas in Africa.

Uganda’s mountain gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

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

Mountain gorillas are very closely related to humans, second only to chimpanzees. This closeness includes their behavior and traits.

Mountain gorillas, like humans, are known by their unique nose prints. They show intelligence similar to humans and behave in similar ways.

They can even seem to show feelings like laughter and anger. When mountain gorillas charge at humans, showing signs of calmness can often stop them from attacking.

So, when you trek to see gorillas, you are watching a type of ape that shares many behaviors with humans.

There is a lot to learn about mountain gorillas, especially through a special chance only found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

This special chance is called the Gorilla Habituation Experience (GHEX). When you book a gorilla safari for habituation, you get the rare chance to spend four hours with the gorillas, instead of the usual one hour. You will also learn more about the gorillas and how they are trained to be around people before they are open for public trekking.

Mountain gorillas go through many steps to learn how to stay calm during the habituation process. This helps make sure they are safe to be around visitors. This first step is an important one done by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to prepare the gorillas for people.

Gorilla Trekking in Africa – The Actual Experience of Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Africa

Gorilla trekking in Uganda begins with a briefing at the park office in your area. This is also where the mountain gorilla group assignment happens. Trekkers are placed into small groups of 8, and each group is given a specific gorilla family to visit.

The time spent trekking depends on which gorilla family you are visiting. People who are vulnerable or physically weak are given the easiest and nearest groups, while fit visitors go for more challenging treks. A Uganda gorilla trek can take as little as 30 minutes or as long as 7 hours.

When you find the gorillas in the forest, you are allowed to spend one hour with them. Use this time to take pictures or videos, while keeping a safe distance of about seven to eight meters. Gorillas are wild animals, and getting too close can be dangerous.

This one hour is very special. You will see the gorillas play, eat, climb trees, and interact with each other. After your time is over, you will trek back to the starting point, collect your gorilla trekking certificate, and end the trek.

When to Go Trekking with Gorillas in Uganda

You can visit and trek mountain gorillas in Uganda at any time of the year, but some months are easier than others. The dry seasons are from June to September and December to February. The rainy seasons are from mid-March to the end of May, and from October to November.

The best times to see mountain gorillas are during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. During these times, the days are mostly sunny, and the plants are not too thick, making it easier to see the gorillas.

In the dry season, the roads to the park are easier to use, and the walking trails are in better shape. This helps make the trek smoother and more enjoyable. Tourists who want to visit during the busy season should try to book their permits early before coming to Uganda.

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

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is done in four sectors: Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Buhoma.

Rushaga and Buhoma sectors are the best for gorilla trekking for seniors. Each sector has its own mountain gorilla families and different types of land.

The Nkuringo sector, found in the western part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is home to gorilla families such as the Nkuringo Gorilla Family, Bushaho Gorilla Family, and Christmas Gorilla Family. Popular places to stay in this sector include Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge and Gorilla Heights Lodge.

It is good to know that visitors can stay in the Rushaga sector and trek gorillas in the Nkuringo sector, and the other way around. The Rushaga sector, found in the southern part of the park, has the largest number of habituated gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This area is close to Rwanda and is a good starting point for gorilla trekking tours from Kigali, with only a four-hour drive from the city. In the same way, visitors can stay in the Rushaga sector and trek in the Nkuringo sector, or the other way around.

In the eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the Ruhija sector. This part of the forest has several habituated gorilla groups, including the Oruzogo Gorilla Family, Kyaguriro Gorilla Family, and Bitukura Gorilla Family, among others. Ruhija offers the easiest gorilla trekking experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was the first part of the park to receive tourists. It is home to the oldest gorilla family in Bwindi. Found in the northwestern part of the park, it offers the best gorilla trekking experiences in Bwindi National Park.

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, found in the far south of Uganda, is the smallest national park in the country.

It covers an area of 33.7 square kilometers. It borders Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo. It is not often listed among the top places to see mountain gorillas in the wild.

Mgahinga National Park gets its name from Mount Gahinga. “Gahinga” means “piles of stones,” a name given by local people because of the small piles of stones they gather from their farms. The park was first made a game sanctuary in 1930 and later became 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 mountains are known for having gorillas in Virunga, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes National Parks. The other half of the mountain gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

Mgahinga has only one gorilla family – the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family. This group used to move between Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda, but it has stayed in Uganda since 2012. One interesting thing about the Nyakagezi gorilla family is that the old silverback, Bugingo, still lives in the group.

This is not common among gorillas because when another silverback becomes the leader, the old one is usually sent away to live alone or to try to join another group.

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

Gorilla Conservation & Sustainable Tourism

Gorilla trekking Uganda safaris do not only benefit tourists, but also help support gorilla conservation. The money collected from booking gorilla permits is used to protect the gorillas, support local communities around the park, and pay the rangers and wardens who guard the gorillas.

This kind of tourism creates more jobs, protects the homes of gorillas, and helps local development. It also adds to the global effort to save mountain gorillas from disappearing.

When you buy a gorilla permit and visit the gorillas in the wild, you build a strong connection with them and feel responsible for helping protect them.

It is important to know that gorilla trekking safaris became possible because of Dian Fossey’s work. That is why we suggest a Dian Fossey hike in Rwanda. The hike takes you to the Karisoke Research Center, the place where Fossey lived until she passed away.

Gorilla Permit Costs – How Much Should You Expect to Pay for Gorilla Trekking?

So, what is a gorilla permit? A permit is a document or card that allows you to go on a mountain gorilla trek. Every visitor who wants to see gorillas must first buy a permit before being allowed to visit the gorillas.

These permits are sold by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kampala. You can also get them through a tour and travel company like ours. Please note that we only help with the process, and all the rules set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority must still be followed. Gorilla permits cost $800 in Uganda.

Uganda also offers a gorilla habituation experience, which allows visitors to spend four hours with the gorillas instead of the usual one hour. Gorilla habituation permits cost $1500 each.

However, these are the standard prices for regular gorilla trips. Gorilla photography and filming have different prices. Visitors are not allowed to bring heavy cameras or filming tools to the forest, jungle, or mountains under the normal gorilla permit. You will need to pay extra fees for filming and photography, no matter where the trek takes place.

How difficult is the trek itself?

Gorilla trekking is one of the most popular tourist activities, although it is the most expensive one in Africa.

It is hard to tell how easy or difficult gorilla trekking is in a certain country or national park.

The difficulty of the trek mostly depends on where the gorilla family you are going to see is located. Some families are easier to find than others, especially those living at lower heights.

The weather in gorilla national parks can change without warning, and trekking can become hard if it rains. The trek involves walking through rough ground and thick forest, so you need to wear long-sleeved clothes to protect yourself from insect bites and carry a raincoat in case it rains during the trek.

Mountain gorillas live in high areas that require a certain level of fitness to reach. If you are not fit, you may get very tired and slow down the group. It is a good idea to do some physical exercise before your trekking day.

Gorilla trekking also becomes harder when it rains because the trails get very muddy and slippery, which makes it tough to find the gorillas. The best time to visit the gorillas is during the dry season, which is usually from June to September and from December to February.

Comparing Rwanda vs Uganda gorilla trekking experiences

Comparisons are always made between gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.

Gorilla tracking in Uganda is very popular and often chosen because of its affordable gorilla permit prices, many trekking destinations, several sectors such as Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo, and a wide range of places to stay from budget to luxury. It also offers many other benefits.

Mountain gorillas in Uganda are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is more well-known and receives more visitors because it has many gorilla families. It is the best place for tourists who want to see silverback gorillas in particular.

Gorilla permits in Bwindi and Mgahinga cost USD 800 each, no matter the month or season you visit (low, high, or peak season).

Rwanda is known as a luxury gorilla trekking destination. The high-end gorilla trips here give a full 5-star feel. With only one trekking location, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s gorilla permits are the most expensive in Africa. Each permit costs USD 1500, or USD 1050 during the low season if you are also visiting other national parks in Rwanda.

Rwanda also gives discounts to people attending conferences or other MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events in Kigali. If you want a luxury gorilla experience with less travel time, Rwanda is a good choice. Volcanoes National Park is just two hours from Kigali, which is the main entry point for most travelers visiting Rwanda.

DR Congo offers the cheapest gorilla permits at USD 400 each. Unlike Uganda and Rwanda, Congo has two types of gorillas available for trekking: Mountain Gorillas and Lowland Gorillas. Congo’s Mountain Gorillas live in Virunga National Park in Goma, while Lowland Gorillas are found in Kahuzi-Biega National Park in Bukavu.

The lowland gorilla tours are different. They are recommended for budget gorilla trekking travelers, as they offer cheaper and easier gorilla treks with no hiking involved. This also applies if you book a trek in Virunga.

However, lowland gorilla safaris are not as popular as mountain gorilla trips in Uganda and Rwanda.

In fact, one way to lower the cost of a gorilla trek is by choosing a lowland gorilla tour. The permits are cheaper, and this tip continues to help travelers because the prices in DR Congo have stayed at USD 400 each. It is one of the best ways to cut down your gorilla trekking costs. This is part of the reason why Congo’s gorilla trekking price is much lower than in other places.

Mountain gorillas live in high places, so visitors must hike up to meet them in their natural homes. This is not the case with lowland gorillas, as they live in lower areas.

You do not need to hike to see lowland gorillas in their natural home, which makes the trip less tiring. Gorilla trekking tours in DRC usually start and end in Rwanda.

Minimum Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking Tours in Uganda

Many people go to see gorillas in Uganda, and each one has a different story. That’s what makes it exciting. You can’t really know what your experience will be like.

You may take longer or reach the gorillas faster, and you might trek in rain or sunshine, no matter the month you choose to go.

Gorilla tracking is loved by many, and it is a great activity. But it can be risky at times because you are meeting wild gorillas.

Even though these gorillas are trained to be calm around people, they are still wild animals. It’s easy to make them angry if you don’t follow the rules and guidelines.

Because of this, not everyone is allowed to go on a gorilla trek. Adults are more likely to follow the rules, unlike children, who are often playful.

Also, the trek can be tiring. Even though the group moves at the speed of the slowest person, no ranger wants a group member to give up early and delay everyone else.

That’s why the minimum age for gorilla tracking in Uganda is 15 years.

Authorities believe that at age 15, a child is old enough to follow rules and walk through the forest with little or no trouble.

Children younger than 15 are not allowed to trek gorillas.

However, in Uganda, there is a chance.

A child aged 11 and above may be allowed to trek if the parents sign an indemnity form, taking full responsibility in case anything goes wrong or the child breaks the rules or fails to finish the trek.

If your child gets tired along the way, you may have to pay about USD 420 for sedan seat services so they can be carried to the gorillas and back.

Essential Gorilla Trekking Requirements & Packing List for Uganda

Below are some of the important gorilla trekking requirements and items you will need before you meet the gorillas:

• Gorilla permits: The most important requirement for trekking gorillas is a gorilla permit. Each permit allows you to see the gorillas once. If you want to trek more than one time, you must buy extra permits for each trek. Uganda gorilla trekking permits are bought from the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kampala. Permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is best to book several months in advance to avoid missing out.
• Good health: Another important requirement for gorilla trekking in Uganda is being healthy. Because gorillas are very close to humans in behavior and biology, they can catch human diseases easily. Their bodies cannot fight these infections well, which can lead to serious problems or even death in the gorilla group. People with diseases like cough, flu, or any other airborne sickness will not be allowed to join the trek. Taking flu shots and making sure you are healthy is very important. You should take this seriously to avoid being turned away.
• Gorilla trekking gear and equipment: To make your trek easier and more comfortable, you need the right gear and clothing before going into the forest or mountains to look for gorillas. Some of the items you need include a camera for taking photos or videos, a walking stick, sunglasses, insect repellent, energy snacks, and more.
• First aid kit: It is very important to carry a small first aid kit since there are no hospitals in the forest. A kit helps you stay safe in case you get small injuries during the trek.
• Proper clothing: For clothing, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, rain jackets, hats, and strong 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 type of accommodation you choose, the country where you are trekking gorillas, the Uganda tour and travel company you use, the number of treks you want, how long your trip is, the type of safari vehicle used, any special requests for mountain gorilla trekking, and the kind of experience you want (either gorilla habituation or gorilla tracking), among other things.

The most important cost is the gorilla trekking permit. This is what allows you to see the gorillas. Without a permit, it is hard to plan where to stay or arrange the rest of your trip. So, when planning and checking the total cost, always give the gorilla permit first priority.

• Accommodation: Budget lodges are cheaper, mid-range lodges cost a bit more, and luxury lodges are the most expensive.
• Trekking times: Each trek needs its own permit. So, if you plan to trek four times, you will need four separate permits.
• Trip length: The longer your trip, the more it will cost. Each day adds costs for food, accommodation, transport, guide services, and other activities (if any).
• Transport: Land cruisers cost more than regular safari vans. If you choose a land cruiser (either short or long), it will increase the total cost of your safari.

Is gorilla trekking worth it?

Gorilla trekking is one of the most expensive travel activities, but the question is, is it really worth it? The honest answer is YES. If mountain or lowland gorilla trekking was not worth it, there would not be so many permits offered daily.

Uganda is one of the busiest, if not the busiest, countries for gorilla safaris. Permits are often sold out early, which shows how popular the activity is. If gorilla trekking was not worth it, very few people would do it.

A gorilla permit in Uganda costs $800, which is affordable for those who want to join a mountain gorilla safari. This permit allows you one encounter with gorillas, including one full hour with them. If you want to spend more time with the gorillas, you can choose the gorilla habituation experience, which costs $1500 per permit. This experience gives you up to four hours with the gorillas, where you learn how they are prepared to be around people. This activity only happens in the Rushaga Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and nowhere else in the world.

Another reason why gorilla trekking is worth it is because you help protect these rare animals. When you buy a permit, you are not just paying for the experience—you are also supporting gorilla conservation and the communities near the parks. Over 80% of the permit money goes toward helping gorillas grow in number and protecting them from extinction.

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

Dressing properly for your gorilla encounter not only protects you from insect bites but also from scratches in the jungle.

All trekking sectors are in the wild. You will hike through small trails to reach the exact spot where your assigned mountain gorilla family is located. If your clothing is not suitable, trekking can become very uncomfortable.

Imagine forgetting your garden gloves and grabbing a plant that scratches or stings you—that would not be nice. So, clothing should be one of the most important things you plan for your gorilla trek.

So, what is the right clothing to carry for your Africa gorilla safari holiday?

It is best to wear long pants (khaki or jeans are good), long leather hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts (to protect from insect bites and scratches), a rain jacket (in case of rain), a cap and sunglasses (for sun), and garden gloves (to protect your hands if you touch rough plants or surfaces).

You should also carry a backpack with your energy snacks, drinks, camera, a small first aid kit, and other useful trekking items. When it comes to dressing, wear light clothes that are easy to move in, especially since long hikes can be tiring. Heavy clothing adds extra weight and can make you feel tired faster. So make sure your clothing is light but important for the trek.

Crucial Gorilla Travel Tips for Trekking Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda

There are many mountain gorilla travel tips you should know and follow. Some of these tips will be shared with you during the morning pre-briefing at the park headquarters. Here are some of the most important ones:

• Get your gorilla permit before you arrive (we always have them ready).
• Be ready for any weather by packing the right clothes in case the weather changes.
• Take food, water, energy snacks, and drinks with you to the forest. Hiking uses a lot of energy.
• Protect your camera and other devices with waterproof covers in case of heavy rain.
• Turn off your camera flash. It scares the gorillas and may make them angry or aggressive.
• Prepare for the trek by training and doing physical activities for several months before your visit.
• Travel in the dry season.
• Get all the required vaccinations to protect yourself and the gorillas from spreading diseases.
• Keep a safe distance of eight meters from the gorillas. This protects them and keeps you safe too.
• Make sure you are in good health. If you have any health problems, inform your tour operator several months in advance. Clients with serious health problems are usually carried in sedan chairs or bamboo stretchers to and from the gorillas. This helps prevent any problems during the trek.

What are the accommodation options?

When booking a place to stay for your gorilla trek, you need to choose accommodation close to the park and the sector where you will track the gorillas.

Gorilla Trekking Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla safari lodges are divided among the four sectors of Bwindi.

In the Buhoma Sector, lodges like Engagi Lodge are highly recommended. Semi-luxury lodges such as Mahogany Springs Lodge and Buhoma Lodge are good choices for clients looking for an upper mid-range place to stay. Bwindi Volcanoes Lodge and Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (also known as Buhoma Gorilla Camp, best for Buhoma gorilla trekking experiences) are the top options in this sector.

The Ruhija Sector (known for Ruhija gorilla trekking experiences) has places to stay like Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, and Broadbill Forest Camp, along with a few others.

The Rushaga Sector (popular for Rushaga gorilla trekking experiences) has several accommodation choices. Lodges like Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp Bwindi, and Gorilla Closeup Lodge are good budget options. Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (the best mid-range lodge in Rushaga), Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge (sometimes written as 4 Gorillas Lodge), and Gorilla Valley Lodge are the best mid-range choices. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is the top luxury lodge in this sector, and Chameleon Hill Lodge is another good option for luxury travelers.

Most clients who trek gorillas in the Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi prefer to stay in the Rushaga Sector, which is about 30 to 40 minutes away. The two best luxury lodges in Nkuringo are Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge and Gorilla Heights Lodge.

Gorilla Trekking Accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a less popular place for tracking gorillas. The experience here is similar to gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. It is home to only one mountain gorilla family, and because of that, there are not many places to stay.

However, it is close to the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Mutanda, Kisoro, and Lake Chahafi. This makes it easy to reach from lodges in those areas. Good luxury lodge options include Mount Gahinga Lodge and Mutanda Lake Resort.

Mid-range choices include Travelers Rest Hotel, Ichumbi Hotels, Mutanda Lake Resort, and Lake Chahafi Resort. The best budget-friendly accommodation option is Mucha Lodge.

Wrapping it up

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a special tour that combines meeting mountain gorillas with beautiful views of nature. It is an experience that is hard to forget and shows the value of protecting nature and wildlife.

If you are looking for the best gorilla trips that also support conservation, gorilla trekking in Uganda is something you should not miss.

Enjoy the best gorilla safari in Africa with our custom safari holidays made just for you.

Frequently Asked Gorilla Trekking Questions and Answers

Find some of the most popular frequently asked gorilla trekking questions and answers below:

• Where can I see mountain gorillas in Uganda? You can see mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
• Which park is better for gorilla trekking in Uganda? Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most visited and has more gorilla families.
• What is gorilla trekking? Gorilla trekking means walking through the forest to see mountain gorillas in their natural home.
• How long does a gorilla trek take? It can take 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on where the gorillas are.
• How much time can I spend with the gorillas? You can spend one hour with the gorillas during a normal trek.
• What is the Gorilla Habituation Experience? It lets you spend four hours with the gorillas to learn more about them.
• How much does a gorilla permit cost in Uganda? A normal gorilla permit costs $800. A habituation permit costs $1500.
• When is the best time to go gorilla trekking? The best time is during the dry seasons: June–September and December–February.
• What should I wear for gorilla trekking? Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, hiking boots, a rain jacket, gloves, and a hat.
• What should I carry for the trek? Bring a backpack, camera, water, snacks, insect repellent, and a small first aid kit.
• Can I take photos of the gorillas? Yes, but turn off the camera flash.
• How close can I get to the gorillas? You must stay at least 7–8 meters away from the gorillas.
• Are gorillas dangerous? They are gentle, but they are still wild animals and must be respected.
• Is gorilla trekking safe? Yes, if you follow the guide’s instructions and rules.
• How fit should I be to trek gorillas? You need to be in good health and able to walk for several hours.
• Can children go gorilla trekking? The minimum age is 15, but children aged 11 and above may be allowed with special permission.
• What happens if I get tired during the trek? You can pay for a sedan chair service to be carried.
• Where does the money from permits go? It helps protect the gorillas, pays rangers, and supports local communities.
• What is the briefing before the trek? It is a short meeting at the park office where you learn rules and get your group.
• How many people are in a trekking group? Each group has up to 8 people.
• What are the gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi? The four sectors are Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.
• Which sectors are best for seniors? Buhoma and Rushaga sectors are best for older travelers.
• Can I stay in one sector and trek in another? Yes, for example, you can stay in Rushaga and trek in Nkuringo.
• Where do I buy gorilla permits? Permits are sold by the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through tour companies.
• What is the best place to stay in Bwindi? There are lodges in each sector—budget, mid-range, and luxury options are available.
• What is special about Mgahinga Gorilla National Park? It is smaller and has one gorilla family, but it is close to many nice places.
• What is the name of the gorilla group in Mgahinga? The group is called the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family.
• Why is Uganda popular for gorilla trekking? It has many gorilla families, good prices, and several trekking areas.
• How is trekking in Rwanda different from Uganda? Rwanda is more expensive, with one trekking park. Uganda has more options.
• Is gorilla trekking worth the cost? Yes, it’s a special experience and helps protect gorillas for the future.