Gorilla trekking can only be done in Virunga National Park in Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Kenya is one of the best wildlife safari destinations, but there are no gorillas in Kenya. However, you can combine your wildlife safari in Kenya with gorilla trekking in Uganda, Congo, or Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking from Nairobi to Uganda is easier than going to Congo or Rwanda because Kenya shares a border with Uganda. Tourists interested in trekking mountain gorillas can fly from Kenya to Entebbe International Airport in Uganda and then drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
There is also the option of flying to the parks using Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield.
You can also choose to drive from Kenya to Kampala or take a bus and then drive to Bwindi or Mgahinga if you cannot afford a flight. After trekking gorillas in Uganda, tourists can drive to Kigali, Rwanda, and fly out from Kigali International Airport. This reduces the long 9–10 hour drive to Kampala to a shorter 4–5 hour drive to Kigali.
Gorilla trekking is available all year round, but some months are better than others—mainly from June to September and December to February. During this time, the forest is not too thick, the trekking trails are dry and easier to hike, and there is less chance of rain. Rwanda and Uganda’s gorilla parks share a similar climate.
Rwanda has the most expensive gorilla permits at $1,500 per person, ideal for luxury travelers. Uganda’s permits cost $800 per person, while Congo offers the cheapest permits at $400 during the peak season and gives discounts of $200 per person during the low season.
