Gorilla trekking in Uganda & Rwanda is one of the safaris we love to do most.

It is popular for good reason as allows you to get up close and personal with endangered mountain gorillas as well as chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Uganda & Rwanda are one of the few remaining countries in the world where you can see these magnificent creatures in the wild.

Here's a 101 guide of essential information if you're thinking about gorilla trekking in Uganda:

Location: Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in two main national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is the most popular destination, known for its high gorilla population.

The primary location for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) in the northwest of the country. This park is part of the larger Virunga Massif, which spans across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Permits: To go gorilla trekking in Uganda & Rwanda, you need a permit, which allows you to spend one hour with a gorilla family. These permits are issued in limited quantities, and it's advisable to book well in advance through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or Rwanda or Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or through a trusted tour operator.

Cost: Gorilla trekking permits can be relatively expensive, with prices varying depending on the season and whether you're a foreign or African resident. You should be placated knowing that the fees are directly contributing to key conservation efforts and the preservation, upkeep of the reserves as well as the protection of these endangered animals.

The Best Time to Visit: (December to February and June to September) are considered the best times for gorilla trekking. During these periods, the trails are less muddy and easier to navigate.

You need to be relatively fit! Gorilla trekking can be physically strenuous as you're hiking up steep volcanoes so to speak as well as climbing through dense forests and steep terrain. So make sure you get in those steps and trekking with a backpack before - it's not enjoyable if you are unfit as it will be a struggle (although there are porters that can carry you up)!

Guides and Trackers Trained guides and rangers lead gorilla treks to ensure your safety and the well-being of the gorillas. They are the experts about the gorillas' family units as well as their behaviour and can provide valuable insights during the trek.

What to Bring: You should wear appropriate clothing and gear, including sturdy hiking boots, long trousers, a rain jacket, and a daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and a camera with no flash. (Check out our blog on what to pack)

Rules and Guidelines: There are strict rules in place to protect the gorillas and minimize the risk of disease transmission. These include maintaining a safe distance from the gorillas, avoiding direct eye contact, wearing a mask and not trekking if you're sick.

Trekking Experience: The duration and difficulty of the trek can vary depending on the location of the gorilla family on that particular day. It can take several hours of hiking in rain before you find the gorillas, but the experience will undoubtedly be rewarding - a true bucket list item.


Conservation Efforts: Gorilla trekking permits and tourism revenue play a crucial role in funding gorilla conservation efforts in Uganda, helping to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitat.


Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. It offers a rare opportunity to observe and learn about these remarkable creatures in their natural environment while contributing to their conservation. Be sure to plan and prepare accordingly to make the most of this incredible adventure.

We offer trips from $10,000 per person up to $20, 000 and over, it all depends on what you're after and how long you want to be there.