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 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 living relatives to humans, sharing about 98% of our DNA, and they are also the largest living primates in the world. Mountain gorillas cannot survive in zoos, which is precisely why an encounter with them requires travel to one of only three countries on earth.
Routes From South Africa to Gorilla Trekking Destinations
If you’re starting from South Africa, you can fly to Entebbe International Airport in Uganda, then take a connecting flight to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips near Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You can also choose to drive 9 to 10 hours to reach the parks, trek gorillas, and either return the same way or travel on 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 4 to 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, making Rwanda a convenient hub regardless of which park you ultimately choose. Since so many routes touch both countries, take a look at combined East Africa tours to see how they fit together.
Travelers connecting through Kenya also have the option of a shorter regional flight into Entebbe or Kigali, rather than routing through Europe or the Middle East, which can shave meaningful time off the overall journey from South Africa.
Gorilla Permit Costs and Planning
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 and allows significantly more time in the presence of the gorillas than a standard trek. Gorilla permits are in high demand, especially during peak season, so it’s important to book them 3 to 5 months in advance of your travel date.
Because permit prices and park regulations can shift from year to year, it’s worth confirming current rates with a trusted tour operator before finalizing your itinerary, particularly if you’re planning to combine gorilla trekking with other wildlife experiences elsewhere on the continent. Once you’re ready to compare options, you can browse all itineraries across both countries.
Best Time to Go Mountain Gorilla Trekking
The best time to go mountain gorilla trekking is from June to September and from December to February. During these dry season months, trekking trails are firmer and less slippery, making the hike through the forest considerably more manageable.
Outside of these windows, trekking is still possible, but travelers should be prepared for muddier conditions and a higher chance of rain interrupting the trek. For South African travelers planning a longer trip that combines a wildlife safari at home with gorilla trekking abroad, aligning the international leg of the journey with these drier months is generally the best way to get the most out of both experiences. Ready to plan your own gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?
