African Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda

Uganda’s thick green rainforests are home to mountain gorillas, known as the best apes to see in Africa. Gorilla treks in Uganda are a big part of the tourism industry and gives visitors a special chance to see gorillas in their natural home. Uganda gorilla safaris are a top choice for anyone planning a gorilla tour in Africa. Bwindi tours are known as the best gorilla trips on the continent.

The gorilla trek in Uganda is a very good experience. You walk through thick forests with nice views, and when you finally see the gorillas, you know your visit is helping them survive. Most of the money from your permit goes toward protecting these peaceful animals. This is what makes gorilla trips in Africa possible.

As you plan your gorilla tour in Africa, the National Geographic video below shows what your trip might look like during your holiday.

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

Out of the two parks, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the best place for a mountain gorilla safari.

Mountain gorillas are closely related to humans, second only to chimpanzees. This closeness includes their behavior and how they act.

Each mountain gorilla has a different nose print, just like fingerprints in humans. They also show signs of intelligence and act in ways that are very similar to people.

They sometimes show feelings like laughter or anger. If a mountain gorilla charges at a person, staying calm can help stop an attack.

So when you go to see gorillas, you are meeting an ape that acts a lot like humans.

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

This activity is called the Gorilla Habituation Experience (GHEX). When you choose this kind of safari, you can spend four hours with the gorillas instead of just one. You will also learn more about how the gorillas are trained to be used to people before they are ready for normal trekking visits.

Mountain gorillas follow many steps to learn how to stay calm around humans during the habituation process. This is done to make sure they are safe for visitors. The Uganda Wildlife Authority carries out this important work to prepare the gorillas for tourism.

Gorilla Tours in Africa – The Actual Experience

Gorilla treks start with a briefing at the park office in your area. This is also where you are given a mountain gorilla group to visit. Trekkers are divided into small groups of 8 people, and each group is assigned a specific gorilla family.

The time you spend trekking depends on which gorilla group you are visiting. People who are weak or not very strong are given the easiest and closest groups. Visitors who are fit take on the longer and harder treks. A gorilla trek in Uganda can take from 30 minutes to up to 7 hours.

When you find the gorillas in the forest, you are allowed to spend one hour with them. During this time, you can take photos or videos, but you must keep 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 playing, eating, climbing trees, and spending time with each other. After your time is finished, you will walk back to the starting point, receive your certificate, and end the trek.

When to Go Trekking with Gorillas in Uganda

You can visit and trek to see 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 from December to February. The rainy seasons are from mid-March to the end of May, and from October to November.

The best time to see mountain gorillas is during the dry months from June to September and December to February. During these months, the weather is mostly sunny, and the plants are not too thick, which makes it easier to see the gorillas.

In the dry season, the roads to the parks are better, and the walking trails are easier to use. This makes the trek smoother and more comfortable. If you plan to visit during the busy season, it is a good idea to book your gorilla permits early before traveling to Uganda.

Gorilla Trekking Tours in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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

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

The Nkuringo sector is in the western part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is home to gorilla groups like the Nkuringo Gorilla Family, Bushaho Gorilla Family, and Christmas Gorilla Family. Popular lodges in this area include Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge and Gorilla Heights Lodge.

Visitors can stay in the Rushaga sector and trek gorillas in Nkuringo, or stay in Nkuringo and trek in Rushaga. The Rushaga sector is in the southern part of the park and has the largest number of habituated gorilla families in Bwindi. It is also close to Rwanda, making it a good starting point for tours from Kigali, with only a four-hour drive.

The Ruhija sector is in the eastern part of Bwindi. It has several habituated gorilla groups, such as the Oruzogo Gorilla Family, Kyaguriro Gorilla Family, and Bitukura Gorilla Family. Ruhija offers some of the easiest gorilla treks in the park.

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

Gorilla Trekking Tours in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

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

It covers an area of 33.7 square kilometers and shares borders with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo. It is not often mentioned as one of the main places to see mountain gorillas in the wild.

Mgahinga gets its name from Mount Gahinga. “Gahinga” means “piles of stones,” a name given by local people because of the small stone piles they collect from their farms. The park was first made a game sanctuary in 1930 and later became a national park in 1991.

Mgahinga is also home to three of the Virunga Volcanoes: Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Gahinga. These volcanoes are shared among Virunga, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes National Parks. The other half of the world’s mountain gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

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

This is rare among gorillas because when a new silverback takes over, the older one is usually pushed out to live alone or try to join another group.

Go for a gorilla trek in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to see this unique gorilla family.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda offers the most luxurious gorilla trekking experience compared to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

To trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, visitors need to obtain a permit at $1500 per person for trekking, which is issued only to individuals over 15 years of age.

Gorilla trekking usually begins early in the morning with a briefing from the park headquarters before embarking on the journey with armed rangers.

Once you find the group you are trekking, you will have an hour to take photos and observe gorilla behavior.

Only a group of eight people without infectious diseases like flu and cough are allowed to trek mountain gorillas.

This is because mountain gorillas are susceptible to human diseases, and their immunity may not be sufficient to fight these diseases.

Sometimes, gorilla doctors may take a long time to realize they need help.

Best Time to See Gorillas in Rwanda

While Rwanda can be visited all year round, some months are better than others, especially if you are interested in specific activities like mountain gorilla trekking.

The best times to visit Rwanda are during the two dry seasons: from June to September and from mid-December to early February.

During these times, the skies are clear with fewer chances of rainfall, the trails are less muddy and slippery, making your activities easier, and the thinner vegetation provides better wildlife photography opportunities.

Gorilla Conservation & Sustainable Tourism

Gorilla tourism does not only benefit tourists; it also helps support gorilla conservation. The money collected from gorilla permits is used to protect the gorillas, support local communities near the park, and pay the rangers and wardens who guard them.

This type of tourism creates jobs, protects gorilla habitats, and supports local development. It also adds to the worldwide effort to save mountain gorillas from disappearing.

When you buy a gorilla permit and visit gorillas in the wild, you form a connection with them and feel a sense of responsibility to help protect them.

It is also important to know that gorilla safaris became possible because of the work done by Dian Fossey. This is why a Dian Fossey hike in Rwanda is recommended. The hike takes you to the Karisoke Research Center, where she lived until she passed away.

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

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 them.

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 booking process, and all rules set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority must still be followed. Gorilla permits in Uganda cost $800.

Uganda also offers a gorilla habituation experience. This allows visitors to spend four hours with the gorillas instead of the usual one hour. A habituation permit costs $1500.

These are the standard prices for normal gorilla visits. Gorilla photography and filming have different costs. Visitors are not allowed to bring heavy cameras or filming equipment on a regular permit. Extra fees must be paid for filming and photography, no matter where the trek takes place.

Mountain gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500 per person per trekking.

There are also discounted mountain gorilla trekking permits available for May and October, but these are guaranteed only to visitors who stay in the country for more than 3 days and have visited one of the other national parks within the country.

Discounted Rwanda gorilla permits cost $1050.

All travelers must obtain their permits at least 3 months in advance of their arrival in the country to avoid disappointment due to high demand, especially during the peak season.

Gorilla trekking permits can be obtained through a trusted travel company like us or from the Rwanda Development Board.

How difficult is the trek itself?

Gorilla tourism is one of the most popular tourist activities, even though it is the most expensive in Africa.

It is not easy to say how hard or easy a trek will be in a certain country or national park. The difficulty mostly depends on where the gorilla family you are going to see is located. Some families are easier to reach, especially those living in lower areas.

The weather in gorilla parks can change suddenly, and trekking becomes harder when it rains. The trek involves walking through rough paths and thick forest, so it is important to wear long-sleeved clothes to protect yourself from insect bites. You should also carry a raincoat in case it rains during your trek.

Mountain gorillas live in high areas that need some 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 light exercise before your trekking day.

Trekking also becomes harder when it rains because the trails become muddy and slippery, making it more difficult to reach the gorillas. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which is from June to September and from December to February.

Comparing Rwanda vs Uganda gorilla safari experiences

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

Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda are very popular and often chosen because of its affordable permit prices, many trekking locations, different sectors such as Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo, and a wide range of places to stay, from budget to luxury. It also has many other advantages.

Mountain gorillas in Uganda live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is more famous and gets more visitors because it has many gorilla families. It is the best place for tourists who want to see silverback gorillas.

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

Rwanda is known as a luxury destination. The high-end gorilla trips there offer a full 5-star experience. Rwanda has only one trekking location, Volcanoes National Park, and its gorilla permits are the most expensive in Africa. Each permit costs USD 1500, or USD 1050 during the low season if you also visit other national parks in Rwanda.

Rwanda also offers 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 option. Volcanoes National Park is just two hours from Kigali, the main entry point for most travelers.

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

Lowland gorilla tours are different. They are recommended for budget travelers because they are cheaper and easier, with no hiking needed. This also applies if you book a trek in Virunga.

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

If you want to reduce the cost of a gorilla trek, choosing a lowland gorilla tour is a good option. The permits are cheaper, and this tip continues to help travelers as Congo’s price has stayed at USD 400. This is one of the main reasons why trekking in Congo is more affordable than in other places.

Mountain gorillas live in high areas, so visitors must hike to reach 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 tours in DRC usually start and end in Rwanda.

Minimum Age Limit for Gorilla Tours

Even though the gorillas are trained to feel safe around people, they are still wild. If you don’t follow the rules and guidelines, you could upset them.

For this reason, not everyone is allowed to go on a gorilla trek. Adults are more likely to follow the rules, while children are often playful and may not take the trek seriously.

Also, the trek can be tiring. Even though the group moves at the pace of the slowest person, rangers do not want anyone to give up early and delay the group.

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

Authorities believe that at age 15, a child can follow instructions and complete the walk through the forest with little or no trouble.

Children under 15 are not normally allowed to trek gorillas.

Essential Requirements & Packing List

Below are some of the important things you need before you go to see 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 a separate permit for each trek. In Uganda, gorilla permits are sold by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kampala. They 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: You must be in good health. Gorillas are very similar to humans and can catch human diseases easily. Their bodies cannot fight these illnesses well, and this can cause serious health problems or even death among the gorillas. If you have a cough, flu, or any other sickness that spreads through the air, you will not be allowed to trek. It is important to get a flu shot and make sure you are healthy before your trek. This is taken very seriously.
• Gear and Equipment: To make your trek easier and more comfortable, you need the right gear and clothing. Some useful items include a camera for taking pictures or videos, a walking stick, sunglasses, insect repellent, energy snacks, and other personal items.
• First Aid Kit: It is important to carry a small first aid kit because there are no hospitals in the forest. A kit can help with small injuries during the trek.
• Proper Clothing: You should wear long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, a rain jacket, a hat, and strong hiking boots. These will protect you and make the trek more comfortable.

Gorilla Trekking Tour Cost – What You Need to Know

The total cost of trekking gorillas depends on several things. These include the type of accommodation you choose, the country where you are trekking, 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 your gorilla trek, and the kind of experience you want—either gorilla tracking or gorilla habituation.

The most important cost is the gorilla permit. This permit is what allows you to see the gorillas. Without it, it is hard to plan where to stay or arrange other parts of your trip. So when planning your budget, always give the gorilla permit first priority.

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

Is the gorilla trek itself worth it?

The honest answer is YES. If it wasn’t worth it, there wouldn’t be so many permits offered every day.

Uganda is one of the busiest, if not the busiest, countries for gorilla safaris. Permits often sell out early, which shows how popular this activity is. A gorilla permit in Uganda costs $800, which is affordable for those who want to take part in a mountain gorilla safari. This permit gives you one visit with the gorillas, including one full hour with them.

If you want to spend more time with the gorillas, you can choose the gorilla habituation experience. It costs $1500 per permit and gives you up to four hours with the gorillas. During this time, you learn how they are trained to be around people. This special activity only takes place in the Rushaga Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and nowhere else in the world.

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

Trekking Clothing – What to wear on a gorilla trek?

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

All trekking areas are in the wild. You will hike along small trails to reach the spot where your assigned mountain gorilla group is found. If your clothing is not right, the trek can become very uncomfortable.

Imagine forgetting your gloves and touching a plant that stings or scratches you—that would not feel good. This is why clothing is one of the most important things to plan for your gorilla trek.

So, what is the right clothing to pack for your gorilla safari in Africa?

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

You should also carry a backpack with energy snacks, drinks, a camera, a small first aid kit, and any other useful items for trekking. When choosing what to wear, pick light clothing that is easy to move in. Long hikes can be tiring, and heavy clothes will only make you feel more tired. So make sure your clothes are light but suitable for the trek.

Tips for Trekking Gorillas in Uganda & Rwanda

There are many important travel tips you should know and follow when visiting mountain gorillas. Some of these tips will be shared with you during the morning 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).
• Pack the right clothes and be prepared for any weather changes.
• Carry food, water, energy snacks, and drinks. Hiking uses a lot of energy.
• Use waterproof covers to protect your camera and other devices in case it rains.
• Turn off your camera flash. It can scare the gorillas and make them react badly.
• Prepare for the trek by doing some physical exercises for a few months before your visit.
• Travel during the dry season.
• Get all required vaccinations to protect yourself and the gorillas from diseases.
• Keep a safe distance of eight meters from the gorillas to protect them and yourself.

Make sure you are in good health. If you have any health problems, tell your tour operator several months in advance. Visitors with serious health issues are usually carried in sedan chairs or bamboo stretchers to and from the gorillas. This helps prevent problems during the trek.

What are the accommodation options?

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

Gorilla Safari Lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla safari lodges in Bwindi are divided among the park’s four sectors.

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

The Ruhija Sector offers accommodation such as Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, and Broadbill Forest Camp, along with a few others.

The Rushaga Sector has several places to stay. Budget lodges include Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp Bwindi, and Gorilla Closeup Lodge. Good mid-range options are Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (considered the best mid-range lodge in Rushaga), Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge (also written as 4 Gorillas Lodge), and Gorilla Valley Lodge. For luxury stays, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is the top choice, and Chameleon Hill Lodge is also a good option.

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

Gorilla Safari Lodges in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a less visited place for gorilla trekking safaris. The experience is similar to trekking in Volcanoes National Park. It has only one mountain gorilla family, so there are not many lodges nearby.

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

Mid-range places to stay include Travelers Rest Hotel, Ichumbi Hotels, Mutanda Lake Resort, and Lake Chahafi Resort. For budget travelers, the best option is Mucha Lodge.