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 a wildlife safari in Kenya with gorilla trekking in Uganda, Congo, or Rwanda. If Uganda is on your route, take a look at our Uganda safaris.
Gorilla trekking from Nairobi to Uganda is easier than traveling to Congo or Rwanda, since 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.
Getting to the Gorilla Parks From Kenya
There is also the option of flying to the parks using Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield, which cuts down significantly on travel time compared to a full road journey from the Kenyan border.
You can also choose to drive from Kenya to Kampala, or take a bus, and then continue to Bwindi or Mgahinga if flying isn’t an option. This overland route takes considerably longer but is a practical choice for travelers working with a tighter budget.
After trekking gorillas in Uganda, tourists can drive to Kigali, Rwanda, and fly out from Kigali International Airport, which shortens the long 9 to 10 hour drive back to Kampala into a shorter 4 to 5 hour drive to Kigali instead. This routing works well for travelers who want to see a second country before heading home, and it also opens up the option of adding on a visit to Volcanoes National Park before departure. If Rwanda is part of your plans, take a look at our Rwanda safaris. For travelers weighing both countries together, combined East Africa tours are worth a look too.
Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is available all year round, but some months are better than others, mainly June to September and December to February. During this time, the forest is less thick, trekking trails are drier and easier to hike, and there is less chance of rain disrupting the experience. Rwanda and Uganda’s gorilla parks share a similar climate, so travelers combining both countries on one trip can expect fairly consistent conditions throughout their itinerary.
Outside these windows, trekking is still possible, but hikers should expect muddier trails and a higher chance of rain during the trek itself, which can make the hike more physically demanding.
Gorilla Permit Costs
Rwanda has the most expensive gorilla permits, at $1,500 per person, appealing to luxury travelers who prioritize comfort and a more exclusive experience. Uganda’s permits cost $800 per person, offering a solid middle ground between cost and experience. Congo offers the most affordable permits, at $400 during peak season, with discounts down to $200 per person during the low season, making it the most budget friendly option for travelers extending a Kenya safari with a gorilla trekking add-on. If you’d like to see everything side by side, you can browse all itineraries before deciding.
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