Planning for gorilla trekking from South Africa? Africa offers some of the best wildlife safaris in the world, from the great wildebeest migration in Kenya and Tanzania to large elephant herds in Botswana, and mountain gorillas in the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
You wouldn’t want to experience wildlife in South Africa and miss the chance to see mountain gorillas in Uganda, Congo, or Rwanda. Mountain gorillas are the closest relatives to humans, sharing 98% of our DNA. They are also the largest living primates in the world. Mountain gorillas cannot survive in zoos.
If you’re starting from South Africa, you can fly to Entebbe International Airport in Uganda, then take a flight to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips near Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You can also choose to drive 9–10 hours to reach the parks, trek gorillas, and either return the same way or travel to Kigali, Rwanda, and fly out from Kigali International Airport.
Another option from South Africa is to fly directly to Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and drive for 4–5 hours to reach Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga National Park, or Virunga National Park in Congo. Bwindi, Virunga, and Volcanoes National Parks are all easily accessible from Kigali.
Gorilla permits cost $800 in Uganda, $1,500 in Rwanda, and $400 in Congo. Where you choose to trek mountain gorillas depends on your travel budget and preference. Uganda is the only country that offers a gorilla habituation experience, which costs $1,500. Gorilla permits are in high demand, especially in the peak season, so it’s important to book them 3 to 5 months in advance before your travel date.
The best time to go mountain gorilla trekking is from June to September and from December to February.
