Gorilla trekking in Africa means hiking into a mountain forest with a ranger, finding a wild gorilla family and spending one unforgettable hour in their company. Only about 1,063 mountain gorillas survive, and every one of them lives in a small corner of East and Central Africa.
This guide explains where gorilla trekking in Africa happens today, what the permits cost, what trek day is really like and which country suits you best. Further down you will find our gorilla safari packages for Uganda, for Rwanda and for both countries together, ready to book.
We are Tulambule Uganda Safaris, a licensed, Ugandan-owned tour operator based in Kampala. We have been arranging gorilla treks in Bwindi, Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park since 2014.
Why Gorilla Trekking in Africa Is So Special
Mountain gorillas share about 98% of their DNA with us. Watching a silverback strip bamboo, or a mother groom her infant a few metres away, feels less like a wildlife sighting and more like meeting distant relatives.
Mountain gorillas do not survive in captivity, so the only way to see them is on foot, in their own forest. That is what makes gorilla trekking in Africa different from any zoo visit or game drive: you walk to them, on their terms.
It is also a conservation success story. In the early 1980s the Virunga population had fallen to about 250 gorillas. Today the two surviving populations total about 1,063, helped by permit fees that pay for rangers, vets and projects in the communities around each park. Read more about mountain gorilla conservation in Uganda.
Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa
Mountain gorillas live in just two areas. The first is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, together with the small Sarambwe reserve across the border in Congo. The second is the Virunga Massif, a chain of volcanoes shared by Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
That makes three countries on paper, but right now only two are open for gorilla trekking in Africa: Uganda and Rwanda. Here is how the parks compare.
| Park | Country | Trekking terrain | Permit (foreign non-resident) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Uganda | Steep, dense rainforest across four sectors | US$800 |
| Mgahinga Gorilla National Park | Uganda | Bamboo and volcano slopes, one gorilla family | US$800 |
| Volcanoes National Park | Rwanda | Farmland, bamboo and volcano slopes | US$1,500 |
| Virunga National Park | DR Congo | Closed to gorilla trekking | Not on sale |
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest protects close to half of the world's mountain gorillas and has more gorilla families open to visitors than anywhere else. Treks start from four sectors, Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo, each with its own lodges and trail character. Our guide to the Bwindi gorilla sectors helps you choose.
Trails here are often steep and muddy, but the forest is extraordinary, with more than 350 bird species. Bwindi is also the only place in Africa where you can book the Gorilla Habituation Experience, about four hours with a family that is still getting used to people. See habituation vs gorilla trekking to compare the two.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
Uganda's smallest national park covers the Ugandan slopes of three Virunga volcanoes: Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo. Only one habituated family, Nyakagezi, is open for trekking, so permits are limited and groups feel exclusive. Learn more on our Mgahinga Gorilla National Park page.
Mgahinga is also the only place in Uganda to track rare golden monkeys, which makes it a natural partner for a gorilla trek in Bwindi's southern sectors. Here is how to track golden monkeys and mountain gorillas on one trip.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park lies two to three hours' drive from Kigali, so you can trek without a long road trip or an internal flight. Treks usually begin on the edge of farmland and climb through bamboo and nettles to the gorilla families on the volcano slopes.
This is where Dian Fossey carried out her famous research, and you can hike to her grave at Karisoke. Permits cost US$1,500, which keeps visitor numbers low and supports some of Africa's finest gorilla lodges. Our Rwanda gorilla trekking guide covers the details.
DR Congo: Closed for Now
Congo's Virunga National Park once offered the lowest permit prices, but gorilla treks there are closed until further notice because of insecurity in North Kivu, and several governments advise against all travel to the area. We do not sell Congo gorilla trips. If anyone offers you one, check official travel advice first.
Lowland gorillas also live in Central Africa, but when travellers talk about gorilla trekking in Africa they almost always mean mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda. For a wider look at every species and country, see where to see gorillas in Africa.
How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in Africa Cost?
The permit is the biggest single cost of gorilla trekking in Africa. It pays for one hour with a habituated gorilla family, your park entry for the day and the ranger team that guides you. These are the current official rates.
| Permit | Uganda (Bwindi and Mgahinga) | Rwanda (Volcanoes) |
|---|---|---|
| Gorilla trekking, foreign non-resident | US$800 | US$1,500 |
| Gorilla Habituation Experience | US$1,500 (US$1,800 from 1 January 2027) | Not offered |
| Low-season rate | US$600 in April, May and November, from 2027 | No low-season rate |
| East African citizens | UGX 300,000 | US$200 |
Uganda's permits are almost half the price of Rwanda's, which is why most of our gorilla safaris go to Bwindi. Beyond the permit, your budget covers transport, lodges, meals and a driver-guide. For a full breakdown, read gorilla permit prices compared and why gorilla trekking is so expensive.
Permits for June to September and December to February often sell out months ahead. We book yours directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority or the Rwanda Development Board as soon as you confirm. Everything about booking in Uganda is in our gorilla trekking permits in Uganda guide.
Not sure where to go gorilla trekking in Africa?
Tell us your travel dates and budget. We will check gorilla permit availability in Bwindi, Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park for you, free of charge.
Uganda or Rwanda: Which Is Better for Gorilla Trekking in Africa?
Both countries give you the same hour with the same species. The real differences are cost, time and terrain.
- Choose Uganda for the best value, the Gorilla Habituation Experience, or a longer safari that adds chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions and boat cruises.
- Choose Rwanda if you are short on time, flying into Kigali, or want a short drive and a luxury lodge.
- Combine both for two gorilla treks in two different forests, or to fly into Kigali and still trek at Uganda's lower permit price.
A popular shortcut is to fly into Kigali and drive about four hours to Bwindi's southern sectors, rather than eight to nine hours from Entebbe. Our full Uganda vs Rwanda gorilla safari comparison goes deeper.
What Happens on a Day of Gorilla Trekking in Africa
Every day of gorilla trekking in Africa follows a similar rhythm, whichever park you choose.
- 6:00 to 7:00 am: Early breakfast at your lodge and a short drive to the park office.
- 7:30 am: Ranger briefing. You are assigned a gorilla family in a group of no more than eight visitors.
- 8:00 am: The trek begins. Trackers who set out at dawn radio the family's position to your ranger.
- The hike: Usually two to six hours through forest, bamboo or farmland. Sometimes the gorillas are close, sometimes they are not.
- One hour with the gorillas: Cameras out, voices low, at least 7 metres away.
- Afternoon: You walk back, collect your gorilla trekking certificate and return to the lodge.
Local porters can be hired at the trailhead for about US$15 to US$20. They carry your daypack, steady you on steep ground and earn a valuable income for their families, so we always recommend one.
Gorilla Trekking in Africa: Rules You Need to Know
Gorillas catch human illnesses easily, so the rules protect them first, and you second.
- The minimum age is 15 in both Uganda and Rwanda.
- Stay at least 7 metres from the gorillas, and step back if a curious youngster comes closer.
- Do not trek if you have a cold, flu or other illness. Tell your ranger.
- No flash photography, and no eating, drinking or smoking near the gorillas.
- Keep your voice low and stay together with your group.
- If a silverback charges, crouch down, look away and follow your ranger's lead.
Wondering whether visiting gorillas does more good than harm? We look at the evidence in is gorilla trekking ethical.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Africa
Gorilla trekking in Africa runs all year, because gorillas do not migrate. The real question is how much rain and mud you are happy with, and how busy you want the parks to be.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Long dry season | June to September | Firmer trails, peak demand, book permits early |
| Short dry season | December to February | Good conditions, busy around Christmas |
| Wet seasons | March to May, October to November | Lush green forest, muddy trails, fewer visitors |
From 2027, Uganda's US$600 low-season permit makes April, May and November the best-value months to trek. See the best time to visit Bwindi for gorilla trekking and the best time to see gorillas in Rwanda for month-by-month detail.
How Fit Do You Need to Be for Gorilla Trekking in Africa?
You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking uphill for a few hours at altitudes of roughly 1,200 to 3,000 metres. Some days you reach the gorillas within an hour, others take most of the morning.
Bwindi's trails tend to be steeper and more slippery, while Rwanda's often climb more steadily through bamboo. Walking sticks are provided and rangers set the pace to suit the group. If walking is difficult, ask us about gorilla families closer to the trailhead or a sedan chair carried by local porters in Bwindi.
What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Africa
- Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
- Long trousers and a long-sleeved top to protect against nettles
- A light rain jacket, even in the dry season
- Gardening gloves for gripping vines and branches
- Gaiters, or socks tucked over your trousers to keep ants out
- A small daypack with water, snacks and a spare camera battery
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
Our ultimate gorilla trekking packing list covers clothing, camera gear and what to leave at home.
Gorilla Trekking Tours in Uganda
Uganda is the best-value destination for gorilla trekking in Africa, and our most popular tours combine gorillas with chimpanzees, savannah game drives and Uganda's lakes. Each one can be adjusted to your dates, budget and preferred Bwindi sector. See our full gorilla trekking Uganda guide for more on the Ugandan side.
Gorilla Trekking Tours in Rwanda
Rwanda is the quickest way to tick off gorilla trekking in Africa, with Volcanoes National Park just a few hours from Kigali's international airport. Choose a one-day trek or add golden monkeys, chimps in Nyungwe, Lake Kivu or Akagera's Big Five.
Combined Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safaris
Can't decide between the two countries for gorilla trekking in Africa? These safaris cross the border, so you can fly into Kigali, trek in Uganda at the lower permit price, or see gorillas in both countries on one trip.
See All Uganda Gorilla SafarisSee All Rwanda Safaris
Why Plan Your Gorilla Trekking in Africa With Tulambule
- Local and licensed: licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board, registered with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and a member of AUTO.
- Permits first: we check availability and secure your gorilla permit before we build the rest of your trip.
- Private safaris: your own vehicle and professional driver-guide, with no strangers on board.
- Flexible payment: secure your booking with a deposit and pay the balance in instalments.
- Proven service: Ugandan-owned since 2014 and rated 4.9 on TripAdvisor.
Continue Planning Your Trip
Now you know where gorilla trekking in Africa happens, what it costs and how the day unfolds. The next step is choosing your park and securing a permit for your dates before they sell out.
Let us plan your gorilla trek
Tell us your travel month, the countries you are considering and your budget. We will secure your gorilla permit and send you a free, tailor-made quote.
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Licensed by UTB and UWA • Member of AUTO • Rated 4.9 on TripAdvisor
