Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is probably the most popular and most sought after safari experience in Uganda and Rwanda. Most tourists from around the world long for a chance to take part in this truly thrilling primate tracking experience that brings them in very close contact with the gorillas right in their natural habitat.

Uganda is home to more than half of all mountain gorillas alive on Earth and these can be found in the world famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as well as Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In Rwanda, gorilla trekking tours are done in Volcanoes National Park which is home to these primates.

Our Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda tours are well planned to give you the ultimate experience with the gorillas and when you book with Verdant Safaris, you can rest assured of the absolute best gorilla trekking experience in both Uganda and Rwanda. We will secure for you gorilla trekking permits in advance and do all the necessary arrangements to ensure that you have the best experience tracking gorillas. Take a look at our Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda tours and contact us today to start planning your gorilla tour.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences on the planet. Nestled in the heart of East Africa, these two countries are home to the last remaining mountain gorillas, which live in dense tropical rainforests at high altitudes. Trekking to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat is not only a thrilling adventure but also a powerful conservation success story. Here is everything you need to know about gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, including where to go, how to prepare, costs, permits, best times to visit and more. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or planning your first African safari, this article will help you get the most out of your gorilla trekking experience.

Why Gorilla Trekking is Special

Mountain gorillas cannot survive in captivity, which means seeing them in the wild is the only way to experience them. With only around 1,000 individuals left in the world, these endangered primates live in the volcanic highlands straddling Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda and Rwanda have taken the lead in conservation efforts, making them the top destinations for gorilla trekking. The experience is intimate and humbling. Visitors hike through thick forests, guided by expert trackers, to spend one magical hour in the presence of a gorilla family. The encounter is both emotional and educational, offering insights into gorilla behavior, family structure and habitat.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda offers two main destinations for gorilla trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Located in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi is the most popular gorilla trekking destination in the country. It is home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its dense forest, biodiversity and rich birdlife. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is divided into four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Each sector hosts different habituated gorilla families, and the terrain varies, from relatively gentle trails to steep, challenging hikes.

Bwindi offers both regular trekking and gorilla habituation experiences, where visitors can spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated group of gorillas. This extended visit allows a deeper understanding of gorilla behavior and the research behind conservation.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park, located in the Virunga Mountains near the borders with Rwanda and the DRC. Though it hosts only one habituated gorilla group (the Nyakagezi group), the experience is just as rewarding. Mgahinga is less crowded than Bwindi and offers stunning views of the volcanic peaks. Visitors can also encounter golden monkeys and hike to the summit of Mount Sabinyo.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda’s gorilla trekking takes place exclusively in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest of the country. This park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area and borders Uganda’s Mgahinga and Congo’s Virunga National Park. Volcanoes National Park is where Dian Fossey conducted her groundbreaking research on mountain gorillas, which brought global attention to their plight.

Volcanoes National Park

The park is famous for its breathtaking scenery, including lush rainforests and five volcanic mountains. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is known for being more accessible compared to Uganda. The treks tend to be shorter and less physically demanding, making it a popular choice for travelers with limited mobility or time.

Rwanda has invested heavily in tourism infrastructure, offering luxury accommodations and smooth logistics. The government has also adopted a high-end tourism model, which emphasizes exclusivity and sustainability. The cost of permits is higher than in Uganda, but the experience is well-organized and often paired with cultural tours, golden monkey tracking and visits to local communities.

Gorilla Trekking Permits and Costs

Permits are mandatory for gorilla trekking and must be booked in advance due to limited daily availability.

• Uganda Gorilla Permit Cost: $800 per person for a regular trekking permit and $1,500 for the gorilla habituation experience.
• Rwanda Gorilla Permit Cost: $1,500 per person for one hour with a habituated gorilla family.

Permit fees directly support conservation and community development, making tourism a vital part of protecting these endangered animals.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is available year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons:

• Uganda: June to September and December to February.
• Rwanda: June to September and December to February.

During the dry season, trails are less muddy and easier to navigate, and photography conditions are better. However, treks can be done even in the wet season, which sees fewer crowds and lush scenery.

What to Expect on a Gorilla Trek

The day begins early with a briefing at the park headquarters, where visitors are assigned to a group of no more than 8 people. Each group is led by an experienced ranger and trackers who communicate with teams in the forest to locate the gorilla family.

Treks can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on the location of the gorillas. Once found, you will have one hour to observe, photograph and enjoy these incredible creatures. You are required to stay at least 7 meters away from the gorillas, avoid sudden movements and keep your voice low. The gorillas are habituated, meaning they are used to human presence, but visitors must follow strict rules to ensure both human and gorilla safety.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking

• Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support
• Rain jacket and waterproof clothing
• Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts to protect against insects and nettles
• Gardening gloves for handling vegetation
• Hat and sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Plenty of water and snacks
• A walking stick (often provided at the park)
• Camera with no flash

Hiring a local porter is highly recommended. They not only carry your bag but also assist during the trek and benefit directly from tourism.

Physical Fitness and Trekking Difficulty

Gorilla trekking requires a moderate level of physical fitness. The terrain can be steep, slippery and rugged, especially during the rainy season. While treks are tailored to group capabilities, some level of stamina is necessary. Elderly or less fit visitors can request to be placed in groups tracking nearer families, although sightings can never be guaranteed.

Community Involvement and Conservation Impact

Both Uganda and Rwanda have made significant strides in community-based conservation. A percentage of permit revenue goes directly to local communities, funding schools, healthcare and infrastructure. This approach helps reduce human-wildlife conflict and provides locals with a vested interest in protecting gorillas.

In Uganda, programs like the Bwindi Community Hospital and Ride 4 a Woman offer real-life examples of how tourism supports local development. Rwanda’s Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village provides a platform for former poachers to earn a living through cultural performances and craft making.

How to Get There

Uganda

Most travellers fly into Entebbe International Airport. From there, it’s a full-day drive (8-10 hours) to Bwindi or Mgahinga. Alternatively, domestic flights are available to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips, followed by a road transfer.

Rwanda

Fly into Kigali International Airport, which is just a 2-3 hour scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda’s compact size and good roads make logistics easier, especially for short trips.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is a bucket-list adventure that combines raw nature, incredible wildlife and real conservation impact. Whether you choose the misty forests of Bwindi or the scenic slopes of Volcanoes National Park, the experience is guaranteed to leave you in awe. As you gaze into the eyes of a silverback gorilla, you’ll understand why this journey is often described as life-changing. With careful planning, respect for nature and a spirit of adventure, gorilla trekking will reward you with memories that last a lifetime.

If you’re planning your African safari, make sure gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda is at the top of your list. It’s more than a safari, it’s a powerful reminder of our connection to the natural world and our shared responsibility to protect it.