uganda gorilla tours

• Over 25 years’ experience
• Affordable and unforgettable tours and excursions
• All our tours are available in Budget, Comfortable, Medium & Luxury versions
• Gorilla permit guaranteed
• Travelling in small groups (4-12 persons)
• Individual tailor-made safaris possible
• Drive around in the best 4WD Toyota Land Cruisers
• English speaking Ugandan drivers and guides
• Kampala based office with an international staff
• Group tours single friendly

Gorilla permits

Book early bird tours.

Please book your tours at least 3 to 6 months in advance. Gorilla permits have limited availability, especially in the high and peak seasons (January, February, June, July, August, September and December)

Note: We have many spaces left for the 5 days Gorilla and Chimps Tour starting on 7th January 2025 and 12 days Uganda Ultimate starting on 30th December 2024 for those who are looking for confirmed trips to join

Gorilla Tours News

Will the rothschild’s giraffe survive.

When it comes to rare mammal species in Uganda, almost immediately the mountain gorilla is mentioned. But in Uganda, with its abundant flora and fauna, lives an even rarer mammal: the Rothschild’s giraffe (also called Uganda giraffe or Baringo giraffe).

16 Days The Pearl of Africa

7 Days One Amazing African Week

5 Days Gorillas & Chimps

3 Days Gorilla Special

3 Days Kibale NP

3 Days Murchison Falls NP

3 Days Queen Elizabeth NP

2 Days Lake Mburo NP

Individual trips/Tailor-made Tours

African Gorilla Tours - Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda & Beyond

Book Gorilla Trekking Safaris, Tours & Trips

Searching for authentic African gorilla tours and trips to see gorillas in the wild? Gorilla trekking in Uganda & Rwanda offers the best gorilla trekking tours. Home to over half of the world's mountain gorillas, offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Key locations include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - the best place to see mountain gorillas in the wild, Volcanoes National Park - the best luxury gorilla safari destination and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park - a unique place to visit mountain gorillas.

Each year, so many tourists travel to see gorillas in Africa. Treks, often in small groups, provide close encounters with gorillas while contributing to conservation efforts. The best times to visit are during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. This is when gorilla watching is at its best. Trekking supports local communities and sustainable tourism. Combining Uganda treks with experiences in Rwanda or Congo enhances the adventure.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda (best mountain gorilla tours) is truly an unforgettable experience and should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Hopwever, the gorilla safari company you use determines the outcome of your gorilla watching holidays. Our company (one of the best gorilla trekking company) has for years, specialized in organizing some of the best lowland and mountain gorilla trips in Africa.

Most travelers actually combine it with Uganda safaris , Rwanda safaris , Kenya Safaris and Tanzania Safaris .

It even gets better when you combine your Magical Gorilla Adventure tours with Rwanda gorilla trekking or Congo gorilla trekking experiences.

Check out our Bwindi gorilla treks , Volcanoes gorilla treks , luxury gorilla holidays , budget gorilla holidays and tours from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest .

See our top gorilla tours and safaris below to start planning your intrepid gorilla trek off the right foot.

Top Uganda Gorilla Tour Packages 2024/2025

Want trips to see mountain gorillas in the wild? Book top Uganda gorilla tours in Africa with our gorilla trekking safari tour packages below.

15-Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda, Chimps, Wildlife & Leisure Safari Tour

Book this all-round Gorilla Trekking Uganda, Chimps, Wildlife & Leisure Safari Tour to explore top attractions.

10-Day Best of Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Safari

Spend an amazing ten days in Uganda with this affordable Best of Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Safari Tour.

7-Day Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Wildlife Safari Tour

Spend a week in Uganda with this Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Wildlife Safari Tour to Bwindi Forest & other parks.

5 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour & Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari

This Uganda Gorilla Tour & Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari takes you to two of the most popular Uganda safari parks.

4-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Uganda & Lake Bunyonyi Tour

Book this amazing Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Uganda & Lake Bunyonyi Tour for a gorillas & relaxation experience.

4-Day Double Gorilla Trekking in Uganda (2 Gorilla Treks)

Book an amazing Double Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Tour to trek two different mountain gorilla families in Bwindi Forest.

3-Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda from Entebbe/Kampala

This Gorilla Trekking Uganda from Entebbe/Kampala Tour Package is one of the most popular tour packages.

3-Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda from Kigali in Rwanda

This Gorilla Trekking Uganda from Kigali in Rwanda Tour Package cuts the transfer distance to Bwindi Forest.

Top Rwanda Gorilla Tour Packages 2024/2025

Want to go trekking with gorillas in Rwanda? Book our top Rwanda gorilla tours and safaris below at highly discounted costs and prices.

12 Days Grand Rwanda Safari – Primates, Culture & Wildlife

Have a wonderful experience in Rwanda during this 12 Days Grand Rwanda Safari where you will visit the main National…

10 Days Best of Rwanda Primates & Big Five Safari Tour

The 10 Days best of Rwanda safari covers plenty of distinct experiences, from Kigali city tours, primate tracking to big…

7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari, Chimpanzee Trek & Wildlife Tour

7 days Rwanda Safari. Looking for the best packages that highlight all the three national parks of Rwanda with extremely…

6 Days Akagera Wildlife & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Nyungwe

The 6 Days Akagera & Nyungwe NP safari offers a remarkable combination of savanna game sightings and primate tracking. The…

5 Days Rwanda Primates Safari to Volcanoes & Nyungwe Forest

Combine two of Rwanda’s only three national parks, Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park with three exciting primates…

4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari, Fossey & Golden Monkeys Tour

4 days Rwanda gorillas and Dian Fossey safari. Want more than just gorilla experience in Rwanda? This 4 days gorilla…

3-Day Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Discover the thrills of mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda with this affordable 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda. This short…

2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari in Volcanoes National Park

2 days gorilla tour in Rwanda. This 2 days Rwanda gorilla safari will reward you a memorable visit to Rwanda’s…

Start Your Gorilla Adventure Today!

Meet the mountain gorillas with our expertly guided gorilla treks in Uganda and Africa. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Africa's wilderness and come face-to-face with these magnificent creatures. Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey!

15-Day Gorilla Trekking & Wildebeest Migration Safari

Gorilla travel becomes more popular each day. Uganda’s lush and dense rain-forests are home to mountain gorillas, apparently the best ape species to encounter in Africa . Gorilla trekking in Uganda is the primary face of the tourism industry, and offers tourists a lifetime chance to come face to face with gorillas in their natural habitat. Uganda gorilla safaris are the best when it comes to African gorilla tours. The best gorilla tours are experienced in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The Uganda gorilla safari trek itself is amazing. You traverse trails through dense vegetation, with very good views of the landscape; knowing when you finally meet the gorillas, you’ll actually help them grow in numbers as majority of your gorilla permit fees is channeled towards conservation of these gentle giants. This is what makes holidays to see mountain gorillas in Africa possible.

National Geographic Gorilla Trekking Video

As you plan for the best gorilla trekking in Africa, the National Geographic gorilla trekking video below depicts what your adventure will be like, when on your holidays to see gorillas in Africa.

About Uganda Gorilla Safaris: The African Gorilla Trekking Capital

Uganda, commonly referred to as the “Pearl of Africa” is one of the most visited East African countries when it comes to tourism. The country has an incredible biodiversity and natural beauty.

Mountain gorillas are the primary face of the Uganda Tourism Industry; with over half the remaining population residing in two protected gorilla parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, earning it the “gorilla trekking capital” name. These are the same parks you’ll visit on Uganda gorilla tours.

The Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi and Mgahinga

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not only the most famous gorilla trekking Uganda destination but also the best destination for trekking gorillas in the world.

The park shelters around 459 mountain gorillas, nearly half the remaining population of mountain gorillas in the world.

Perched in the extreme southwestern corner of Uganda (In the Virunga Conservation Area), Mgahinga shares its borders with DR Congo and Rwanda. It is another Uganda gorilla trekking destination but the less popular one.

Mgahinga is home to only one habituated mountain gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group. This family is composed of 2 adult females, 2 infants, 2 blackbacks, a toddler, and three silverbacks, with Mark as the dominating silverback, assisted by the others.

This family in particular is also good for silverback gorilla trekking.

The experience in Mgahinga National Park is similar to the Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking experience.

Gorilla Trek Africa: The Actual Experience of Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Africa

Gorilla trekking in Uganda begins with briefing at the park headquarters of your respective sector/region. This is also where the mountain gorilla allocation process takes place. Trekkers are split into small groups of 8, with each being assigned with a distinct gorilla family to visit.

The duration of the trek varies according to the gorilla family you are going to trek. Vulnerable or physically disabled trekkers are assigned to the nearest and easiest groups whereas fully healthy trekkers take on the challenging treks. A Uganda gorilla trek many be as short as 30 minutes and might last up to 7 hours.

When with the gorillas in the wild, you are allowed to spend one hour around them. Use this time to photograph them or film them while maintaining a minimum distance of seven to eight meters. Gorillas are wild animals and getting too close to them might be a risk on your side.

This magical hour is one to remember. You’ll watch the gorillas play, feed, climb trees and interact with each other. When your time is up, you’ll trek back to the starting point, pick your gorilla trekking certificates and finish up your trek.

Gorilla Conservation and Sustainable Tourism

Gorilla trekking Uganda safaris don’t solely benefit tourists, but also boosts gorilla conservation efforts. The revenue generated from booking gorilla permits is used to conserve these creatures, support the local communities around the park and also pay the rangers and wardens who protect these gorillas.

This sustainable tourism model creates more employment opportunities, protects gorilla habitats and boosts local development. Moreover, gorilla trekking contributes to the worldwide collective effort to save mountain gorillas from extinction.

When you purchase a gorilla permit and visit gorillas in the wild, you create a very deep connection with the primates and commits you to their preservation.

Please note that it is through Dian Fossey’s effort that gorilla trekking safaris were made possible. This is why we recommend a Dian Fossey hike in Rwanda. The Dian Fossey trek takes you to Karisoke Research Center, a home where Fossey lived till her demise.

When to Go Trekking with Gorillas in Uganda

Mountain gorillas in Uganda can be visited and trekked throughout the year, although some months are more convenient than others. The dry seasons start from June to September and from December to February, while the wet seasons occur from mid-March to the end of May and from October to November.

The best times for visiting mountain gorillas are during the dry seasons of June to September and December to February. During these periods, it is mostly sunny throughout the day, and the vegetation is not as dense, making it easier to spot mountain gorillas.

In the dry season, the roads to the park are easily accessible, and the trekking trails are in good condition, providing a memorable gorilla trekking experience. Tourists who plan to visit gorillas during this peak season should make an effort to obtain their permits in advance before arriving in the country.

Wrapping it up

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an amazing tour adventure that combines a mountain gorilla encounter with an exceptional scenery viewing experience. It’s an experience that can’t easily be forgotten; and shows great reward for nature and wildlife conservation.

If you’re looking for the best gorilla trips and adventures with mountain gorillas that contributes to a conservation cause, African gorilla trekking in Uganda is an experience you shouldn’t miss.

Experience the best gorilla safari Africa has to offer with our customized safari holidays designed just for you.

Comprehensive Guide for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda & Africa

Uganda’s Mountain gorillas inhabit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park .

Between these two parks, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park stands out as the best choice for mountain gorilla safari holidays.

Mountain gorillas share an astonishingly close genetic similarity to humans, second only to Chimpanzees .

This similarity extends to their behavior and traits.

Mountain gorillas , like humans, are identified by their unique nose prints, display intelligence comparable to humans, and exhibit similar behaviors.

They can even appear to express emotions like laughter and anger.

In instances where mountain gorillas charge at humans, displaying a sign of remorse can often calm them down and prevent them from attacking.

Therefore, when you trek gorillas, you are observing a species of apes that share many commonalities with us in terms of behavior.

There is a wealth of knowledge to be gained about mountain gorillas, particularly through a unique opportunity exclusively available to clients planning gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

This extraordinary opportunity is known as the Gorilla Habituation Experience (GHEX) .

When you book the best gorilla safari for habituation, you will have the remarkable chance to spend an extended four hours with gorillas, as opposed to the standard one-hour visit.

Moreover, you will gain deeper insights into these gorillas and the process of habituating them before they are made available for public trekking.

Mountain gorillas undergo several stages of emotional control as part of their habituation process, ensuring that they are less likely to pose a threat to clients.

This initial step is a crucial one undertaken by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to prepare these gorillas for safe exposure to humans.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – The best place for gorilla trekking trips

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in the southwestern part of Uganda, covering an area of 331 square kilometers.

It is home to over 348 recorded bird species – one of the best destinations for Uganda birding safaris , 220 butterfly species, 120 mammal species, 10 fern species, 163 tree species, and over 1000 species of flowering plants.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is conducted in its four sectors: Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Buhoma. Rushaga and Buhoma sectors are the best when it comes to gorilla trekking for seniors.

Each sector boasts its own mountain gorilla families and unique terrain.

The Nkuringo sector, situated in the western part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, is home to gorilla families such as the Nkuringo Gorilla Family, Bushaho Gorilla Family, and Christmas Gorilla Family.

Prominent accommodation options in this sector include Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge and Gorilla Heights Lodge.

It’s worth noting that visitors can stay in the Rushaga sector and trek gorillas in the Nkuringo sector, and vice versa.

The Rushaga sector of Bwindi, located in the southern part of the park, boasts the highest number of habituated Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gorillas among all sectors.

This region is in close proximity to Rwanda and is an ideal starting point for Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking tours, with just a four-hour drive from Kigali.

Similarly, visitors can choose to stay in the Rushaga sector and embark on gorilla treks in the Nkuringo sector, and vice versa.

In the eastern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies the Ruhija sector of Bwindi forest, home to several habituated gorilla groups, including the Oruzogo Gorilla Family, Kyaguriro Gorilla Family, and Bitukura Gorilla Family, among others.

Ruhija offers the most accessible  Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gorilla trekking encounters in Uganda.

The Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park was the first region in the park to welcome tourists and is home to the oldest gorilla family in Bwindi.

Situated in the northwestern part of the park, it offers a the best Bwindi national park gorilla trekking encounters.

The Four Trailheads of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Referred to as the best gorilla park in the world, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a great place to trek mountain gorillas.

The park itself is isolated from the others in the Virunga Conservation Area, such as Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Virunga National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four sectors , with the Buhoma Sector (Northern Region) being the oldest. These sectors include:

• Buhoma Sector of Bwindi (best gorilla tour bwindi has to offer and good for gorilla flying safaris)
• Ruhija Sector of Bwindi (best for the most accessible gorilla safari tours in Uganda)
• Rushaga Sector of Bwindi (best sector for bwindi impenetrable forest gorilla trekking experiences and also good for gorilla flying safaris)
• Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi (best for a scenic gorilla safari trek)

Gorilla trips in Uganda began in the Buhoma Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the late nineties.

This is the same sector where the horrific Bwindi Massacre took place.

Besides being the first and oldest, Buhoma has established itself as one of the best and busiest sectors for gorilla trekking bwindi impenetrable forest has to offer.

To the east is the Ruhija Sector, which is apparently the most accessible sector of all.

The Ruhija sector/region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is not far from the tarmacked road.

This is why many clients prefer trekking here.

It is very easy to combine gorilla treks in Ruhija with visits to other Uganda national parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park , Lake Mburo National Park , and Kibale Forest National Park , among others.

To the south is the Rushaga sector, which accounts for the highest population of mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Many clients prefer trekking here because of the good scenery, challenging gorilla treks, and the convenience of starting your gorilla trekking safari from Kigali in Rwanda .

To the east is the Nkuringo Sector, which offers the best views of the Virunga Mountains in DRC Congo.

Nkuringo is the least visited among the other sectors because it doesn’t have as many gorilla families.

Trekking in this sector is very enjoyable and scenic.

Nkuringo is perfect for clients who want to trek mountain gorillas from isolated places.

Popular Bwindi gorilla trekking safaris

As you plan your bwindi gorilla trek in Uganda; the best country to see gorillas in the world, below are some of the common short gorilla watching tours that you can opt for.

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the extreme southern part of Uganda, is the country’s smallest national park, covering an area of 33.7 square kilometers.

It borders Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in Congo and is not often mentioned among the best places to see mountain gorillas in the wild.

Mgahinga National Park derives its name from Mount Gahinga, which means “piles of stones,” named by the locals due to the small piles of stones gathered in heaps from their farmlands.

The park was first designated as a game sanctuary in 1930 and later established as a national park in 1991.

Mgahinga National Park is also home to three of the Virunga Volcano Mountains : Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Gahinga.

The Virunga ranges are known for harboring Virunga, Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park gorillas, with the other half found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

Mgahinga has only one gorilla family – The Nyakagezi Gorilla Family.

The group was found roaming in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda but has since settled on the Ugandan side since 2012.

One of the most interesting things about the Nyakagezi mountain gorilla family is that the old silverback, Bugingo, still lives in the group.

This is not a usual case among gorillas because once another silverback takes over leadership, the defeated one is banished to the forest alone or seeks refuge with other gorilla families.

Go gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to see this amazing gorilla family.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Video by Wode Maya

Gorilla Permit Costs: How much should you expect to pay for gorilla trekking?

So what is a gorilla permit? A permit is loosely defined as an authorization document/card for mountain gorilla tracking.

Every client who wishes to engage in gorilla treks has to first purchase a gorilla permit before they are granted access to the gorillas.

These documents are purchased from Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters in Kampala.

You can purchase gorilla permits through a tours and travel operator agency like us.

Please note that we are simply facilitators in this process, and all the governing body rules and regulations regarding gorilla permits stand in place.

Gorilla permits cost $800 in Uganda .

Uganda has a gorilla habituation experience that entitles clients to four hours around gorillas instead of the normal one.

Gorilla habituation permits cost $1500 each.

However, these are just ordinary prices for gorilla trips. Gorilla photography and Gorilla filming have separate prices.

Clients are not allowed to carry heavy photography or filming equipment to the forests/jungles/mountains under the ordinary gorilla permit prices.

They’ll have to pay the respective filming and photography charges irrespective of the destination that they are in.

How difficult is the trek itself?

Gorilla trekking is one of the most sought-after tourist activities, albeit the most expensive one in Africa.

It is challenging to determine the level of difficulty or ease associated with gorilla trekking in a particular country or national park.

The ease or difficulty of the trek largely depends on the gorilla family’s location you intend to track, with some families being relatively easier to locate compared to others residing in higher elevations.

The weather in gorilla national parks can be unpredictable at times, making the trek arduous if it rains during gorilla trekking .

This journey entails traversing tough terrain and dense jungles, necessitating the use of long-sleeved clothing to shield against biting insects and carrying raincoats in case of rainfall during the trek.

Mountain gorillas inhabit higher elevations that demand a certain level of physical fitness to conquer.

If you are not in good physical condition, you might become very tired and slow down the pace for other hikers.

It is advisable to engage in physical exercises before the actual trekking date.

Additionally, mountain gorilla trekking becomes more challenging when it rains because the trekking trails become exceedingly muddy and slippery, making it difficult to track the gorillas.

The best option is to visit gorillas during the dry season , which typically occurs from June to September and December to February.

Comparing Rwanda vs Uganda gorilla trekking experiences

Comparisons are always drawn between Rwanda and Uganda .

Gorilla tracking in Uganda is awesome and most preferred because of the affordable gorilla permit prices, multiple trekking destinations, various sectors; Buhoma Sector, Ruhija Sector, Rushaga Sector, and Nkuringo Sector, various accommodation facilities ranging from budget to luxury, and several other advantages.

Mountain gorillas in Uganda are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is very popular and turns out to be the most visited because of the multiple gorilla families it has. It is the best place for tourists who prefer silverback gorilla safaris in particular.

The gorilla permits Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga use in Uganda cost USD 800 each irrespective of the month you are visiting (low, high, and peak seasons).

Rwanda is a luxury gorilla trekking destination. The lux gorilla safaris here give you a real 5-star feel.

With only one location; Volcanoes National Park , Rwanda gorilla permits are apparently the most expensive of all the gorilla destinations in Africa.

Each gorilla permit in Rwanda costs USD 1500 and USD 1050 in the low season when visiting the other Rwandan national parks as well.

Rwanda also has discounts for delegates who visit Kigali for conferences and other M.I.C.E activities.

If you need a luxurious gorilla tour experience with less driving time, Rwanda is an ideal destination for you.

Volcanoes National Park is just 2 hours away from Kigali, a main point of entry for the majority of travelers who visit Rwanda .

DR Congo gorilla permits cost the least at USD 400 each. Unlike Uganda and Rwanda, Congo has two species of gorillas available for trekking; Mountain Gorillas and Lowland Gorillas.

Congo’s Mountain Gorillas are found in Virunga National Park in Goma whereas Lowland Gorillas are located in Kahuzi-Biega National Park in Bukavu.

The lowland gorilla tours experience is unique, recommended for budget gorilla trekking, affordable gorilla trekking and cheap gorilla trekking experiences and less stressing as involves no hiking. This also applies to when you book a Virunga gorilla trek.

However, lowland gorilla safari holidays remain less popular compared to the best mountain gorilla safari encounters in Uganda and Rwanda.

In fact, one of the ways of reducing the overall cost of gorilla hike is by opting for lowland gorilla trekking tours as the permits are cheaper. This budget gorilla safari hack has been consistent as permit prices for DR Congo remain at $400 each. It remains the best way to reduce your gorilla trekking cost.

This partly explains why the gorilla trekking Congo price is way much lower than the rest.

Mountain gorillas are mainly found in mountainous areas, and clients have to hike up mountains to meet gorillas in their natural habitat.

This isn’t the case with lowland gorillas as they are found in lowlands.

You do not need any hiking to see lowland gorillas in their natural habitat, which is definitely a less tiring gorilla safaris adventure experience.

gorilla trekking DRC tours usually begin and end in Rwanda.

Minimum Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking Tours in Uganda?

So many people go to see gorillas in Uganda, and everyone has a different story to tell. This is what actually makes it fun.

You can never predict what your experience will be like.

You could spend longer or shorter to reach the gorillas or actually trek in rain or hot sunshine irrespective of the month you plan to visit gorillas.

Gorilla tracking is loved by many, and we admit it is an awesome activity.

However, it can be dangerous sometimes as it involves meeting wild gorillas.

Much as these gorillas are habituated and made friendly to humans, they still remain wild gorillas as they roam in the wild.

It is easy to cross the line and annoy them if you do not follow the set rules and guidelines.

Because of this, not all age groups are allowed access to gorilla trek.

An adult is likely to consent to set rules and regulations, which is exactly the opposite with kids who are so playful in nature.

Besides, the actual trek is tiresome as well, and much as the group moves at the pace of the slowest person, the last thing the rangers want is a member of the group giving up early and causing a delay to the rest.

Because of this, the set minimum age limit for gorilla tracking in Uganda is 15 years of age.

Authorities assume at this age, a child is old enough to adhere to set rules and guidelines and hike in the forest without or with fewer disturbances.

A child younger than 15 years of age cannot trek gorillas.

However, in Uganda, you stand a chance.

A child between the ages of 11 on-wards may trek gorillas on condition that the parents sign an indemnity form claiming responsibility for any unexpected occurrences that might arise from the trek should your child break any of the rules or rather fail to make it to the gorillas.

If your child gets tired along the way, you will have to pay approximately $420 for sedan seat services so that they are carried up to the gorillas and back.

Essential gorilla trekking requirements & packing list for Uganda

Below are some of the essential gorilla trekking requirements and equipment that you will need to fulfill before you meet the gorillas:

• Gorilla permits : The most important requirement for trekking gorillas is a gorilla trekking permit. Each permit entitles you to one gorilla encounter. Clients who wish to trek gorillas multiple times should acquire additional permits depending on the total number of encounters they wish to have. Uganda gorilla trekking permits are purchased from Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kampala. Trekking permits are sold on a first-come-first-serve basis; hence, clients are advised to make their bookings several months in advance to avoid missing out.
• Good health : Another important requirement for Uganda gorilla trekking is a sound and healthy body. Considering their closeness to humans, mountain gorillas are susceptible to infectious diseases, and their immunity is not strong enough to fight diseases. This can lead to the demise of many members of a gorilla family. Clients with infectious diseases like cough, influenza, or any other airborne diseases will not be permitted to join other travelers in the trek to cut out the risk of gorilla infection. Taking flu shots and ensuring your health is very vital to your preparation process, and you should take this seriously to avoid any disappointments.
• Gorilla trekking gear & equipment : To make your trek even easier and much more comfortable, you need the necessary gorilla trekking gear and the right clothing before you embark on your journey into the forest or mountains to search for mountain gorillas. Some of the gear you need includes cameras for recording, a walking stick, sunglasses, insect repellents, energy snacks, and many more.
• First aid kit : Most importantly, carry a small first aid kit since there is no hospital in the jungle. Having one keeps you safe in case of any minor injuries during your trek.
• Proper clothing : As for clothing, long trousers, long-sleeved tops, rain jackets, hats, and long hiking boots are highly recommended.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Cost: What You Need to Know

The total gorilla trekking cost depends on several factors, including the choice of accommodation, the country from which you are trekking gorillas, the Uganda tours and travel company you are using, the number of trekking iterations you want, the duration of your trip, the type of safari vehicle used, any special requests for mountain gorilla trekking, and the actual type of experience you want (whether gorilla habituation or gorilla tracking), among other factors.

The most important gorilla trekking cost of all is the gorilla trekking permit cost, as this is what unlocks everything.

Without the availability of a gorilla trekking permit, it is very hard to determine which accommodation you will stay in and plan the other aspects of the trip.

So, while you make further plans and research regarding the total gorilla trekking cost , you should highly prioritize the gorilla trekking permit fees.

Regarding accommodation, budget lodges cost less, mid-range lodges have average prices, whereas luxury lodges are more expensive.

As for trekking iterations, each gorilla trek requires a gorilla permit.

So, assuming you plan to trek gorillas four times, you’ll need four separate permits for that.

In terms of the duration of the trip, the longer your trip, the more expensive it becomes because each day in the itinerary calls for expenses such as meals, accommodation, transportation fees, guiding fees, and activity fees (if any).

Regarding transportation, land cruisers are charged at a higher rate than normal safari vans.

If you intend to use a land cruiser (whether short or extended), you’ll notice a sudden increase in the total price of your safari.

Discover the Gorilla Families of Uganda

Over the years, the population of mountain gorillas has steadily increased, a significant sign that the conservation efforts in place are actually paying off.

Mountain gorillas live in families headed by a Silverback, an alpha-male gorilla that dictates the day-to-day activities of the group, protects them, and reserves the right to mate with the females in the group.

If any other male member of the group wants to mate with a female, he either has to challenge the leading Silverback to a battle and overthrow him or go and start his own family with other females.

The habituated mountain gorilla groups in Uganda include Nshongi, Rushegura, Nkuringo, Habinyanja, Mubare, Oruzogo, Bitukura, Mishaya, Busingye, Kahungye, Nyakagezi, Christmas, Katwe, and Bikingi Families.

Some Silverbacks are aggressive, others are humble, some think that snatching females from other groups makes them powerful, others are cowards, and so on.

Depending on which family you are allocated to during your mountain gorilla trekking encounter, make sure to carry out more research about the exact group that you are trekking.

Is gorilla trekking worth it?

Trekking gorillas is apparently one of the most expensive tours and travel activities that you can engage in, but the question is, is gorilla trekking really worth it ?

The honest answer to this question is YES!

If lowland and mountain gorilla trekking wasn’t worth it, there wouldn’t be so many gorilla permits available per day.

Uganda is one of the busiest, if not the busiest gorilla safari countries.

Gorilla permits get sold out in advance, hence a clear indicator that trekking gorillas in any of the Ugandan gorilla parks is actually more than worth it.

If the activity wasn’t worth it, very few clients would engage in it.

A gorilla permit costs $800 here in Uganda, making it affordable enough for clients who want to engage in mountain gorilla safari tours.

This permit entitles you to one encounter, inclusive of a full hour around gorillas.

If you’d like to spend longer around mountain gorillas, you’d have to opt for the gorilla habituation experience, whose permit goes for $1500 each.

A gorilla habituation experience allows you up to four full hours around mountain gorillas, learning how they are habituated and made available for public visits.

This activity only takes place in the Rushaga Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and nowhere else in the world.

Lastly, what makes treks worth it is the fact that you contribute to the conservation of these rare apes when you purchase a permit(s).

When booking your trip, do not look at it as giving the government a lot of money for the trek but rather as giving back to the gorillas and the communities around them.

Over 80% of permit fees go back to the conservation of mountain gorillas and helping them multiply in numbers, considering the fact that they nearly went extinct at one point in time.

Gorilla Trekking Clothing: What to wear on a gorilla trek?

Dressing right for your gorilla encounter won’t only save you from insect bites but also pricks from the jungle.

All trekking sectors are in the wild.

You get to hike through tiny trails as you make your way to the exact location of the allocated mountain gorilla family.

If your clothing is not right, trekking might turn out to be a nightmare for you.

Imagine you forgot your garden gloves and happened to grab a plant that pricked you? That wouldn’t be nice.

Clothing should be one of your strongest considerations for gorilla treks.

So what is the appropriate clothing that clients should carry for their Africa gorilla safari holiday experience?

I would say wearing long pants (preferably khaki or jeans), leather hiking boots (should be long), long-sleeved shirts (protects you from insect bites and unnecessary pricks), a rain jacket in case of downpour, a cap and sunglasses in case of excessive sunshine, and garden gloves to protect your palm when you touch rough surfaces.

You should also carry a backpack with you where you’ll put your energy snacks, drinks, cameras, a first aid kit, and a few other necessary trekking gears.

Regarding your dressing, you should endeavor to wear light clothes as it makes you feel lighter, which is good for long hikes.

Heavy clothing can cause extra weight on you and lead to early fatigue. Ensure your dressing is light but essential for the trek.

Crucial Gorilla Travel Tips for Trekking Gorillas in Uganda & Rwanda

There are so many mountain gorilla travel tips out there that you should definitely read and follow.

Some of them will be read to you prior to your experience, during the morning pre-briefing meeting at the park headquarters . Some of the most essential tips are as follows:

• Get your gorilla permit before you arrive (we always have them ready).
• Be prepared for any weather by packing all the necessary clothing, just in case the weather changes for the better or worse.
• Take food, water, energy snacks, and energy drinks with you to the forest so that you are prepared enough for hunger because hiking is energy-consuming.
• Waterproof your cameras and filming equipment to protect them from damage in case of heavy downpour.
• Deactivate the flash from your cameras as it frightens gorillas and might cause them to charge at you or worse, injure you.
• Take on the necessary training and physical challenges for several months prior to your actual trek.
• Travel in the dry season.
• Take all the necessary shots to protect you from contracting infectious diseases, as they can be transmitted to gorillas.
• Respect the gorilla’s space by maintaining an eight-meter distance because they can get quite dangerous when annoyed or can easily contract infectious diseases from humans.
• Ensure your health is sound, as hiking can be tiresome at times, and just in case you have any health issues, endeavor to communicate this to your operator several months prior to your gorilla encounter.
• Clients with severe health conditions are usually carried on sedan seats or bamboo stretchers all the way up to the gorillas and back to the starting point of the trek. This will save you from any unnecessary occurrences arising from your health conditions, if any.

What are the accommodation options?

When booking accommodation for your gorilla trek, you have to stay close to the park and sector from which you are tracking gorillas.

Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla safari lodges are divided into the four sectors of Bwindi. In the Buhoma sector, options like Engagi Lodge are highly recommended.

Semi-luxury lodges like Mahogany Springs Lodge and Buhoma Lodge are good choices for clients seeking an upper mid-range facility.

Bwindi Volcanoes Lodge and Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (commonly known as Buhoma gorilla camp – best for Buhoma gorilla trekking experiences) are the best options in this sector.

The Ruhija Sector (popular for Ruhija gorilla trekking experiences) has facilities like Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge , Bakiga Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort and Broadbill Forest Camp , among a few more.

The Rushaga Sector (popular for Rushaga gorilla trekking experiences) offers quite a few accommodation options. Lodges like Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp Bwindi and Gorilla Closeup Lodge are good budget gorilla trekking choices.

Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (the best mid-range gorilla safari lodge Rushaga has to offer), Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four/4 gorillas lodge and Gorilla Valley Lodge are the best mid-range options, while Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is the top luxury option.

Another mention for luxury travelers is Chameleon Hill Lodge.

Most clients who trek gorillas in the Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi prefer to stay in the Rushaga Sector (about 30-40 minutes away).

The two best luxury lodges in this sector are Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge and Gorilla Heights Lodge.

Accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the less popular destination for tracking gorillas. The experience here is similar to Volcanoes gorilla trekking.

It is home to only one mountain gorilla family, and for this reason, there are not so many accommodation options here.

However, its proximity to the Rushaga & Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Mutanda , Kisoro, and Lake Chahafi makes it accessible from gorilla safari lodges within these areas.

Good luxury gorilla safari lodge options are Mount Gahinga Lodge and Mutanda Lake Resort.

Mid-range options include Travelers Rest Hotel, Ichumbi Hotels, Mutanda Lake Resort, and Lake Chahafi Resort.

The best budget-friendly gorilla safaris accommodation option here is Mucha Lodge.

Gorilla Trekking FAQs

Why is gorilla trekking in uganda popular.

Uganda's lush rainforests are home to mountain gorillas, making it a prime destination for gorilla trekking.

What is the best park for gorilla trekking in Uganda?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the best destination for trekking gorillas in Uganda.

How does gorilla trekking benefit conservation?

A significant portion of gorilla permit fees goes towards the conservation of mountain gorillas.

What is the primary face of Uganda's tourism industry?

Gorilla trekking is the primary face of Uganda's tourism industry.

What can tourists expect during a gorilla trek in Uganda?

Tourists traverse dense vegetation, enjoy scenic views, and spend one hour observing gorillas in their natural habitat.

How many mountain gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

Bwindi shelters around 459 mountain gorillas.

What other activities can tourists enjoy in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

Besides gorilla trekking, tourists can enjoy bird watching, butterfly spotting, and exploring the diverse flora.

What is the National Geographic Gorilla Trekking Video?

It depicts the adventure of gorilla trekking, showcasing what tourists can expect during their trek.

Why is Uganda referred to as the “Pearl of Africa”?

Uganda has incredible biodiversity and natural beauty, making it a highly visited East African country.

What is unique about the Nyakagezi gorilla family in Mgahinga National Park?

The Nyakagezi family includes multiple silverbacks and is known for roaming between Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda.

How are gorilla trekking groups organized?

Trekkers are split into small groups of 8 and assigned to a distinct gorilla family.

What is the duration of a typical gorilla trek?

A gorilla trek can last from 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family.

How close can tourists get to the gorillas during a trek?

Tourists must maintain a minimum distance of seven to eight meters from the gorillas.

How does gorilla trekking contribute to local communities?

Revenue from gorilla permits supports local communities, providing employment and development opportunities.

When is the best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking?

The best times are during the dry seasons of June to September and December to February.

What should tourists wear for gorilla trekking?

Long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, hiking boots, rain jackets, hats, and sunglasses are recommended.

What should tourists bring for gorilla trekking?

Cameras, walking sticks, insect repellent, energy snacks, and a first aid kit.

How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Uganda?

A gorilla trekking permit costs $800, while a gorilla habituation permit costs $1500.

What is the Gorilla Habituation Experience?

It allows tourists to spend four hours with gorillas, learning about their habituation process.

Can children participate in gorilla trekking?

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15, but children aged 11 and above may participate with parental consent and an indemnity form.

What are the key sectors for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

The key sectors are Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Buhoma.

What is the significance of the Buhoma sector in Bwindi?

Buhoma was the first sector to welcome tourists and has the oldest gorilla family in Bwindi.

What accommodation options are available in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

Options range from budget lodges to luxury lodges, with notable ones including Mahogany Springs Lodge and Buhoma Lodge.

What is the main difference between mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas?

Mountain gorillas live in higher elevations and require hiking to see, while lowland gorillas inhabit lowlands and do not require hiking.

What is the cost of gorilla permits in Rwanda?

Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500.

What are the best times for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

The best times are the dry seasons from June to September and December to February.

What makes Rwanda a luxury gorilla trekking destination?

Rwanda offers luxurious safari experiences with high-end accommodations and services.

How can tourists reduce the cost of gorilla trekking?

Opting for lowland gorilla trekking tours in Congo, where permits are cheaper, is a cost-effective option.

What safety precautions should tourists take during gorilla trekking?

Maintain a safe distance from gorillas, avoid sudden movements, and follow the guide's instructions.

How can tourists obtain gorilla trekking permits?

Permits can be purchased from the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters in Kampala or through a tour operator.

Top African Tour Destinations

Explore African safari destinations in style by choosing your ideal gorilla safari tour and wildlife safari packages below .

Commonly referred to as the number one primate trekking destination in the world, Uganda is an amazing place to see mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and wildlife. Uganda boasts with 10 national parks and countless species of wildlife all over the country. When it comes to hospitality, Uganda is one of the most welcoming countries in the world for travelers. Uganda is a home away from home. About Uganda

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Kibale Forest National Park
• Lake Mburo National Park
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Kidepo Valley National Park
• Rwenzori Mountains National Park
• Semuliki Valley National Park
• Mount Elgon National Park
• Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale
• Lake Mutanda in Kisoro
• Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls
• Kyambura Gorge (Valley of Apes)
• Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Popular Safari & Tour Holiday Types

Select from our range of gorilla safari tours and other African tour categories and hobbies to plan your African tours with greater precision.

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Top 100 Places to Visit in Rwanda

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Uganda Wildlife Authority Increases Gorilla Permit Fees from $700 to $800

Explore authentic safaris & tours.

Africa is a gem with lots of unique and awesome travel experiences that you will definitely love. Commonly termed as the best primate trekking continent in the world, Africa has so much more to offer in terms of wildlife, adrenaline activities, mountain climbing adventures, and honeymoons among other experiences.

How we work

To offer a more rewarding way to travel, we do stuff the right way; right from the planning process.

We pay attention

We will spend time and pay attention to your expectations, then propose an experience that you might like.

We complement

Next we will discuss our selected options, point out the best safaris for you and make awesome recommendations.

We hold your booking

We will tentatively hold your booking and make reservations while we talk through the safari details or make changes.

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Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

• Choose from 200+ Uganda tours
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10 best Uganda gorilla tours

Compiled by

Nadine Uganda travel expert at TourRadar

10 Days Experience Uganda’s Exclusive Gorillas and Wildlife ( Private tour)

8 days primates, wildlife and water rafting uganda safari (private tour), 6 days gorillas, chimps & lake mburo safaris uganda, 11 days uganda plus gorillas, 8-day best of apes and white water rafting adventure, uganda overland: gorillas & chimps, 8 days uganda gorilla trekking & wildlife tour, 11 days uganda gorilla trekking, big 5 & big cats safari, gorillas & volcanoes safari 6d/5n, 8 days uganda wildlife holiday.

• Gorilla Trekking
• Christmas & New Year
• Encounter gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Track white rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Witness the mighty Murchison Falls up close

“The best trip of our life. Detailed feedback already given my by wife Iwona Guerino separately.”

• Wildlife Trekking
• Game drives and boat cruises in both Murchison falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Exploring the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary to encounter with the endangered White rhinos

“I know I was nervous to go to a country that had a 3 safety rating by the US State Dept. Giraffe was key in making us feel safe all the time.”

• Explore Uganda's wildlife on a game drive
• Trek with mountain gorillas in Bwindi
• Cruise and dine at sunset in Rwakobo Rock

“The thrill I felt being so close to animals such as chimpanzees, gorills, zebras and giraffes.”

• Meet your guide at Entebbe Airport
• Boat ride on the Victoria Nile to Murchison Falls
• Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and see white rhinos

“We thoroughly enjoyed our well organized, successful safari. At a very reasonable price.”

• Explore Kampala's historical sites
• Canoe on the tranquil Lake Bunyonyi
• Track chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest

• Overland Truck
• Chase chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest
• Cross the equator and visit AidChild Café
• Meet new friends at the Red Chilli Bar

“Everyone should experience Uganda and the gorillas in their lifetime.”

• Spot tree-climbing lions in Ishasha
• Cruise to Murchison Falls' base
• Track rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

“The beauty of Uganda, not only gorgeous but the people, the activities that were included far exceeded my expectations.”

• Cruise the Nile for hippos and crocodiles
• Encounter gorillas in Bwindi Forest

“Devine Safari Ltd provided top customer service and an experience of a lifetime.”

• Explore the Virunga volcanoes in Uganda
• Discover local culture on a village walk
• Enjoy scenic drives through Uganda's landscapes

• Explore Kibale's lush forests and track chimps
• Trek gorillas in Bwindi's dense rainforest
• Cruise the Kazinga Channel for hippos and birds

Regions in Uganda

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• 2 Days Mgahinga Gorilla Safari
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• 15 Days Explore Uganda & Rwanda
• 4 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari
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1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek

• 2 Days Gorilla Trekking
• 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour
• 4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour
• 4 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkeys
• 5 Days Gorillas & Akagera Wildlife
• 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari
• 5 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Chimps Safari
• 7 Days Gorillas, Wildlife & Chimps Safari
• 10 Days Gorillas & Big Game Safari
• Lowland Gorilla Safaris

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Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo

99% sightings guaranteed on all our gorilla trekking tours in uganda, rwanda and congo. for over 10 years, so far we have had no failure to see the gorillas on even single gorilla treks.

Welcome to Go Gorilla Trekking, a local tour operator based in Africa offering the best gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda , Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo . Experience the magic of gorilla trekking in the tropical rain forests of Bwindi and the Virunga Mountains on one of our carefully planned gorilla tours that are offered all year round. At Go Gorilla Trekking, we run gorilla watching trips differently! Guided by ecotourism guidelines and sustainable tourism practice s, we create magical trips to see the spectacular mountain gorillas in their natural habitat within various countries in Africa.

Travel with us to the remote side of Africa and enjoy gorilla tracking in different national parks; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo. All our tours are conducted in comfortable 4X4 safari vehicles and are guided by professional and experienced local safari guides . On all tours, clients stay at the best select comfortable lodges (whether you choose budget or high end) that will bring you back to nature! Get started with planning your next gorilla safari in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa or Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills.

Last Minute Gorilla Treks for 2024 and Early Bird Offers for 2025

We offer unbeatable price offers on gorilla trekking safaris in Africa. This is due to that since we are a local company, we offer great value safaris at fair prices with no overhead costs to travelers. Here are our best last minute deals for 2024 and early bird offers for 2025. Need a custom trip? Feel free to call +256 772 072909 or email us to start planning your safari!

Top Uganda Gorilla Treks

Uganda is the perfect destination for those looking to gorilla treks and wildlife safaris. Indeed Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has become the adventure capital for gorilla trekking in Africa. Here are some of the best gorilla tours carefully crafted to include other adventures such as game viewing, chimpanzee tracking etc.

2 Days Mgahinga Gorillas

3 Days Gorilla Habituation

• 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari

4 Days Double Gorilla Trek

4 Days Uganda Gorillas & Mburo

5 Days Gorillas & Chimps

7 Days Uganda Safari

10 Days Great Apes & Game

Rwanda Gorilla Treks

We run several gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills. These trips start from Kigali and range from day trips to longer safaris that feature multiple gorilla visits in the gorillaland. Here are some of the top safari offers;

2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek

3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek

This trip to the Volcanoes combines gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking.

4 Days Gorillas & Golden Monkeys

5 Days Gorillas & Wildlife Safari

5 Days Gorillas & Chimps Trek

Fly-in Safaris

At Go Gorilla Trekking, we have made it possible to reach the destinations where gorilla watching is done by organizing flying safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga National Park. Save time and explore more in less time. Our trips are safe, affordable and will make your next vacation even better! See more for less on one of our flying safaris below;

4 Days Uganda Gorillas & Chimps

6 Days Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife

See the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest, chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park on this 6 Days Uganda Tour.

5 Days Bwindi Gorillas & Ishasha Region

3 Days Bwindi Fly In Safari

Travel by air to the famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. You will fly to either Kihihi in the north or Kisoro in Southern Bwindi. Read More

4 Days Uganda Fly In Safari

Go gorilla trekking twice on this 4 Days (3 Nights) Fly-In safari. You will track the mountain gorillas in two different sectors in Bwindi Forest. Read More

6 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari

This 6 Days Uganda Safari highlights visits to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi to see gorillas, chimpanzees and wild game. Read More

Get Started with Planning your Trip

Looking for a custom holiday in Africa? All gorilla tours featured on our website can be tailor made to suit group or individual interests. Would you like to include any other adventure activity in your trip itinerary?

Book for 2023, 2024 & 2025 Gorilla Tours with Confidence

We are working on wherever we can to offer as much flexibility and support to travelers as possible. We have attained more flexible policies to make travel easier such as flexibility in changing travel dates, reduced deposits to confirm trips and flexibility on rescheduling the gorilla permits. Book your next gorilla trek in advance and secure your spot for 2024 and 2025.

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We would love to hear from you. Fill in the brief form below to get a free quote or advice for your gorilla trek. You can email us directly via [email protected] or reach us on WhatsApp via +256772072909.

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Top Gorilla Trips from Kigali

Planning to fly to Kigali of Rwanda? We have several trips departing from Kigali, the Capital of Rwanda. Here are the top sellers from Kigali going through Rwanda, Uganda or DR Congo.

• 1 Day Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park
• 2 Day Mgahinga Gorilla Safari
• 2 Day Bwindi Gorilla Safari
• 2 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek
• 4 Days Bwindi Gorillas & Lake Bunyonyi

Top Gorilla Treks from Kampala

Would you like to start your trip from Kampala or Entebbe? We have several gorilla tours that start from Kampala or Entebbe leading you through the gorilla empire of Uganda, Rwanda and Eastern DR Congo.

• 3 Day Bwindi Gorilla Trek
• 4 Day Bwindi Gorilla Trek
• 4 Days Bwindi Gorillas + Kibale Chimpanzees
• 5 Days Bwindi Gorillas, Wildlife & Chimpanzees
• 7 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife

We are Go Gorilla Trekking, a local safari company operating from both Uganda and Rwanda. We invite you for an amazing encounter on a gorilla trek in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We are an outdoor adventure travel company specializing in organizing gorilla safaris in Uganda , Rwanda and Congo . With over 9 years experience in organizing gorilla safaris in Africa, we create the best gorilla trekking expeditions into the tropical rain forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga Region at unbeatable prices!

All our gorilla tours are planned by a team of professional and proficient staff with vast experience in creating interesting and memorable tours. Planning for a trip to see the mountain gorillas in the wild or would you like to track the lowland gorillas in Central Africa? Booking a trip with us will be an outdoor experience like no other one you have ever had! Read more about us and our ethos.

Promotional Safaris

We are now pleased to announce last minute gorilla trips and discounted gorilla safaris . Save by checking our early bird safari offers by booking with us today! Check out the available deals on Uganda safaris from Experience Africa, our sister company and request for availability of any of our tours by contacting us on +256 772 072909 or via contact form .

USEFUL INFO

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• TOP DESTINATIONS

Safari Parking List

Ugandans and Rwandans appreciate those who dress modestly. Uganda and Rwanda are warm in the plains but often cold in the hills and mountains where gorilla trekking is done.

A variety of camps and lodges are available when staying in Uganda and Rwanda while in DR Congo and Central Africa accommodation choices are limited.

Best Time to See Gorillas

Whether you are planning to go gorilla tracking in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo, here is all the information you need to know about the times to see gorillas in Africa.

It is so called because the dense undergrowth, vines and other vegetation make it almost impenetrable. The world known Bwindi Impenetrable Park is a mysterious and awesome destination not to miss.

The Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla bengei) are the most awe-inspiring animals to be found in Africa. Unfortunately, man has not been merciful to them.

The Parc National des Volcans (PNV) is part of the Virunga Conservation Area and covers more than 125 sq km and was Dian Fossey’s base a long time ago.

Looking for a day tour to the gorillas in Africa? We offer several day trips to the gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. At Go Gorilla Trekking, we offer different ways to experience both mountain & lowland gorilla watching in Africa. Read More Details

Lowland Gorilla Tours

Lowland gorillas are habitually very difficult to habituate compared to mountain gorillas, however, the DR Congo and the Central African Republic offer the only chance to track one of the two habituated lowland gorilla groups in the world!. Read More Details

The mountain gorillas spend most of their time in the hagenia woodlands and bamboo forests. During the rainIg season when new bamboo shoots are growing, the gorillas spend more time foraging in the bamboo forests (base altitude). Read More Details

Gorilla Tours to Rwanda, Uganda & Congo

Gorilla Tours | Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda & Rwanda

Our customised gorilla tours take place in Bwindi impenetrable national park and in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda , Uganda and DR Congo . This rich Virunga ecosystem contains 3 national parks where the breathtaking gorilla trekking experience is conducted. These include Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda and Virunga national park in DR Congo. Gorilla tracking is the best wildlife experience in Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo and this is evidenced by a huge number of travellers who visit the 3 countries for the encounter compared to other safari activities in the region.

Why gorilla tours are popular?

Gorilla trekking is a thrilling adventure in the montane rainforests of Bwindi and the Virunga Mountains where the endangered mountain gorillas live. Our gorilla safaris are well customised to include other experiences depending on the the interests of the traveller. Most of our visitors combine their gorilla tracking safaris with other tours such as game viewing , chimpanzee tracking and golden monkey tracking in Uganda and Rwanda. A gorilla tour in either Rwanda or Uganda leads you to one of the habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi impenetrable national park or the Virunga Mountains. These montane rainforest parks are natural habitats for mountain gorillas which are exclusively found in this part of the world.

Trip Advisor Reviews

Check out our outstanding reviews on Trip Advisor posted by some of our past clients who have been impressed by our professional and quality services. These grateful clients have highly rated us in offering satisfactory and worthwhile travel experiences in East and Central Africa. From breathtaking wildlife encounters like gorilla trekking , chimpanzee tracking , and game viewing to adventure and cultural expeditions, Africa Adventure Safaris is highly credited for organizing thrilling experiences.

We also tailor-make itineraries that include Tanzania's premier national parks including Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara; Egyptian and Ethiopian world class archaeological sites; and a visit to the world largest Victoria waterfalls in Zimbabwe. Visit our  useful travel information   page for detailed advice on when and how to book  gorilla permits.

Featured Gorilla Tours & Safaris

2 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour

2 Days Uganda gorilla tour from Kigali crossing to Bwindi national park for gorilla trekking tours in the wild. Read More

3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek

Book a 3 Days Rwanda gorilla trek to Parc Nationale des Volcans and visit the Genocide site with GTA. Read More

7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari

7 Days Rwanda gorilla safari including a visit to Volcanoes, Akagera and Nyungwe Forest national parks. Explore Rwanda’s top national parks. Read More

4 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari (Double Trekking)

The 4 Days Uganda gorilla safari for double gorilla trekking experience. The 4 Days safari  to Bwindi entail 2 gorilla treks and visiting the batwa pygmy communities to learn and experience their traditional forest life Read More

5 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Chimpanzee Safari

Enjoy this 5 Days Rwanda gorillas & chimpanzee safari Volcanoes National Park & Nyungwe Forest national park respectively. Th 5 Days Rwanda primates safari offers you chance to see gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitatas. Read More

12 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Tanzania Wildebeest Migration

Book a 12 Days Rwanda gorillas & Tanzania wildebeest migration safari with Gorilla Trek Africa.  Enjoy a close encounter with endangered gorillas in Volcanoes Park and experience the annual migration of wildebeests in Tanzania. Read More

9 Days Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari

Enjoy  a 9 Days Tanzania Wildebeest migration safari.  The great annual movement of wildebeest and other ungulates in search for fresh pastures through Serengeti national park, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National parks thus encountering great predators such as cats and crocodiles along River Mara is a great spectacle. Read More

10 Days Rwanda Safari (Primates & Game)

Book a tailored 10 Days Rwanda safari  to explore  primates and wildlife in this small country. The 10 Days safari include  mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, Dian Fossey hike and big five game. Visit top destinations in Rwanda with Gorilla Trek Africa. Read More

14 Days Rwanda, Nyiragongo & Serengeti

Enjoy a 14 Days Safari to Rwanda with chimp tracking in Nyungwe & mountain gorilla watching, Tanzania, Rwanda and Congo with a chance to witness the active lava of the Nyiragongo, the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration. Read More

2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour 

This 2 Days Rwanda gorilla tour  enables you to trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes national park with an additional experience of either a cultural tour or hiking Mount Bisoke. Read more..

6 Days Rwanda Gorillas, Chimps & L. Kivu

Book a customized 6 Days Rwanda gorilla, chimps and L Kivu safari with Gorilla Trek Africa.  Discover great primates of Rwanda, the mountain gorilals, in VNP, chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest and a boat cruise at Lake Kivu. Read More

4 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Dian Fossey

Book a 4 Days Rwanda gorillas and dian Fossey grave hike with Gorilla Trek Africa. Trek Rwanda gorillas in Volcanoes National park at discounted rates with GTA. Read More

More customised gorilla tours & wildlife safaris in Uganda and Rwanda

Enjoy our tailored luxury gorilla tours and wildlife packages to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition to our standard safaris, Gorilla Trek Africa is offering luxury packages which feature luxury hotels and lodges across Africa.

3 Days Rwanda Luxury Gorilla Trekking

3 Days Uganda Luxury Gorilla Trekking Tour

3 Days Uganda Luxury Habituation Experience

6 Days Uganda Luxury Gorillas & Wildlife Safari

5 Days Rwanda Luxury Gorillas & Chimpanzee Trekking

4 Days Rwanda Luxury Double Gorilla Trekking Safari

4 Days Kidepo Valley Luxury Flying Safari

BOOK A LUXURY TRIP Your Name (required) Your Email (required) Subject Number of Days (required) Number of people (required) Your Message Why travel with us?

Our emphasis on exceptional travel services has made Africa Adventure Safaris Ltd (AAS) one of the best tour operators in Africa. National parks that protect mountain gorillas and host our gorilla tours include Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda and Virunga national park in DR Congo. Book an exceptional gorilla tour to any of these parks and enjoy a lifetime encounter with one of the habituated gorilla families that live in these stunning montane rainforests of east and central Africa. Besides gorilla safaris , we also organise other wildlife and adventurous experiences including  game viewing, chimpanzee trekking & habituation , bird watching, and mountain climbing to make your African safari a complete package.

Why go for a gorilla tour?

A gorilla tour in Rwanda or Uganda offers travellers an opportunity to meet one of the rarest wildlife species in the world, the mountain gorillas. These endangered primates do not survive in captivity and can only be found in their natural habitats within the Virunga Mountains and in Bwindi impenetrable national park. Mountain gorillas were at the brink of extinction a few decades ago majorly due to poaching and habitat loss but as a result of intensive conservation efforts, their population is now on a recovery trend.

Meeting these gentle giants in the wild has been described as one of the best wildlife experiences in the world by many travellers who have encountered them in the montane rainforests of east and central Africa. At Africa Adventure Safaris, we don’t just organise a gorilla tour for our travellers, we make sure that they also explore other amazing experiences the region has to offer to maximise their safari memories and quench their curiosity. We always customise our gorilla tour packages to include experiences like game viewing, chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, cultural tours, among others depending on the interests of the traveller.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gorilla Tours

Is gorilla trekking worth the money.

Yes, gorilla trekking is a worthwhile experience that every wildlife enthusiast should undertake in a lifetime. Interfacing with these awesome giants is a breathtaking phenomenon. You can choose to enjoy either a gorilla trek that allows you an hour in the presence of the gorillas; or have fun with the gorillas for over 4 hours – the Gorilla Habituation Experience.

2. How much is the cost of a gorilla permit in Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo?

The cost of a gorilla permit for foreign non-resident visitors is $1500 in Rwanda, $400 in DR Congo and $800 in Uganda.

Is gorilla trekking better in Uganda or Rwanda?

In terms of drive distance, Rwanda being a small country geographically, it takes only 3 hours to access the gorilla park (Volcanoes National Park) from Kigali airport on a smooth road; whereas it takes about 5 hours from Kigali to Bwindi national park in Uganda. If one is to begin the tour from Entebbe airport, it would take more than 8 hours to get to the park.

In terms of gorilla tracking experience, both countries are the same since they share similar features – they both belong to the Virunga Coservation Area and owing their originality to the same tectonic forces that form the mighty Virunga Massif with a rich biodiversity.

Is it safe to trek gorillas in Uganda?

Uganda national parks including Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga national parks are the safest parts of this country. The team park rangers is well paid and motivated. They keep patrolling the parks 24/7.

How Much does a safari cost in Uganda?

Uganda is the cheapest safari destination in East Africa. Apart from a gorilla permit that costs USD 700, with a minimum of USD 100 each person per day can suffice. A safari in Uganda can be a day to 24 days depending on how you wish a safari to be customized for you.

What is the best time to track gorillas?

Gorillas can be visited any time of the year. However the dry months of June, July, August and early September; and December to February are the best period of the year. During the rainy season March to May, and October to December, roads tend to be destroyed by floods; and in the park being tropical rainforests, rain is quite unpredictable thus making a gorilla safari albeit expensive, becoming a nightmare!

What is gorilla habituation experience?

Gorilla Habituation Experience (Gorilla Habituation experience) is the activity where tourists are allowed to spend 4 hours with the gorillas as they immerse in all activities the gorillas undertake on a particular day. This experience is only organized in Rushaga sector of Bwindi national park in Uganda. When a guest books this Gorilla habituation Experience the funds are utilized in promoting the gorilla conservation efforts.

What is the minimum age for gorilla tracking?

In Uganda the minimum age for gorilla and golden monkeys trekking is 15 years; and for chimpanzee tracking 12 years. In Rwanda, gorilla tracking minimum age is 15, so is the hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb; and 10 years for golden monkeys tracking.

In Uganda, if the child is below age and is keen to track gorillas, the adult guardian or parent must sign a document by Uganda Wildlife transferring all risk on him or her.

What is the minimum number of people allowed to track a gorilla family?

Only 8 people are allowed to track a gorilla family per a day. Where the number exceeds 8, there must be exceptional cases and Uganda Wildlife Authority senior park warden has to explain the reason for that.

For Gorilla Habituation Experience, only 4 persons are allowed to track a gorilla family. It is one of the reasons why a permit for this activity is as costly as USD 1500 per person.

What are the chances of seeing gorillas?

There are over 97% chances of seeing the gorillas. The reason is that an advance team of rangers, on a daily basis, follow up the gorillas and can ably tell their movements. In the last 12 years we’ve been in operation, we have not witnessed any incidence of our clients missing gorillas.

When should i book a gorilla safari?

At Africa Adventure Safaris Ltd, we advise our potential guests 4 months before traveling with us at least to pay a deposit that can buy a gorilla permit and pay the rest of the balance 2 weeks to the travel date. Gorilla permits sell out very fast as they are on a very high demand.

All you need to know about gorilla tours in Rwanda, Uganda & Congo

For over a decade, Africa Adventure Safaris has been making adventure safari dreams of our clients come true (refer to our tripadvisor reviews). Your tour with us will be characterised by magical moments – especially after facing off with one of the stunning gorilla families in the wild. Get off the beaten track and into the scenery with our 4WD- off-road vehicles with luxury coach seats and air-conditioning. You will feel inspired, emotional and satisfied after looking into those liquid brown eyes of these human-related apes. Read more..

There is still much to see in the wildernesses of Rwanda, Uganda & Congo away from the gorilla tours, with other wildlife experiences like game viewing, chimpanzee tracking, bird watching and more all available to exploit. Our safaris range from 1 to 24 days for those that may want to traverse the region and explore its amazing wildlife, cultural and historical experiences.

Where do gorilla tours take place

Mountain Gorilla tours take place in only two locations in the world, that is in the Virunga Mountains that straddle the borders of Rwanda, Uganda & Congo and in Bwindi impenetrable national park in southwest Uganda. Mountain gorillas survive only in the wild and cannot be found in any zoo anywhere in the world. The montane rainforests in these two locations are the ideal habitats for these endangered subspecies and therefore the only place where they can be found. In addition to Bwindi, there are 3 national parks within the Virunga Mountains that protect mountain gorillas namely; Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga national park in DR Congo and Mghainga gorilla national park in Uganda. The gorilla census of 2018 indicated that there were 1,064 mountain gorillas living in the wild though their number is likely to have increased since then. Bwindi impenetrable national park protects the highest number of mountain gorillas with about 450 of them followed by Volcanoes national park in Rwanda with about 350 while Virunga national park in Congo has about 200 animals.

Which destination is the best for gorilla tours?

The gorilla trekkin g experience is breathtaking and intriguing regardless of the destination where it may take place. Mountain gorillas share 98% of the human DNA and exhibit the same behaviour wherever they are found just like human beings. However, there a few factors that make one gorilla trekking destination more or less favourable to the travellers. These include cost of the gorilla tour, distance travelled from the airport to the park, standard of accommodation facilities, transport network, security, among others. In terms of cost, Rwanda is considered to be the most pricy with her gorilla permit sold at $1,500 per person. The country is also striving to be a high end tourist destination with several luxurious lodges and hotels already in place.

Uganda’s gorilla permit is sold at $700 per person to foreign nonresidents, $600 to foreign residents in East Africa and Uganda Shillings 250,000 to East African residents. Congo’s gorilla permit is the cheapest at $400 per person although the country is less popular for gorilla tours due to the civil conflict in the eastern part of the county where mountain gorillas are found. Rwanda has the easiest accessibility to the gorilla park as it only takes visitors less than 3 hours to drive from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes national park in the northwest.  This is far faster compared to over 10 hours driven from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi in Uganda. It is also worthy noting that many travellers trek gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park while coming from Rwanda because it is more easily accessed from Kigali rather than Kampala. Unlike DR Congo, both Rwanda and Uganda are politically stable and travellers are assured of safety while on their gorilla trekking tours and other safaris.

Best season for gorilla tours

Although mountain gorillas are visited throughout the year, the best time to enjoy the breathtaking gorilla trekking experience is the dry season between June to September and December to February. Mountain gorillas live at high altitude in rugged montane rainforests which can be so difficult to trek in wet season through due to slippery and muddy conditions caused by heavy rains. Gorillas tend to be very difficult to find in rainy days since they tend to stay at one place for a long time whereas they roam freely in their habitat during warm days hence very easy to find. However, regardless of the season, travellers who want to trek gorillas are always encouraged to pack important gear like rain jackets and hiking boots since it may rain anytime in these gorilla trekking parks.

Gorilla permits

A gorilla permit is the primary requirement for those intending to visit mountain gorillas. The issuance of gorilla permits is highly regulated due to the need to enhance gorilla conservation in all the 3 countries. Only 8 permits are issued per day to trek a habituated gorilla family, meaning that only 8 visitors are permitted to visit a gorilla family per da. The easiest way to acquire a gorilla permit is by booking online through a credible tour agent. After receiving the booking fee, the agent goes ahead to buy the permit from the issuing authority on behalf of the client. Due to the limited issuance of gorilla permits, travellers are recommended to book for gorilla tours at least 6 months in advance in order not to miss out on this lucrative and adventurous encounter. Read more..

Gorilla trekking guidelines

Before entering the jungle to search for mountain gorillas, trekkers are first briefed about the dos and donts of gorilla trekking which are simply guidelines for the exercise. These were drafted by conservation authorities to ensure that the welfare of the gorillas is prioritised to enable continue to thrive in their natural habitat. This is very important especially when you consider the fact that mountain gorillas were at the brink of extinction a few decades ago. Limiting human interference is therefore one of the ways the animals can helped to live healthy and free in their natural habitats. Among the major rules include limiting the number of visitors per gorilla group to 8 per day and restricting the time visitors spend in the presence of gorillas to one hour. Others include prohibiting visitors from touching gorillas, maintaining silence in their presence, among others. Read more..

National parks for gorilla tours

There are four national parks where gorilla tours take place namely; Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in southwest Uganda, Volcanoes national park in northwest Rwanda and Virunga national park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Bwindi protects the highest number of mountain gorillas and perhaps the most popular destination for gorilla tours. The park has over 20 habituated gorilla families that can be visited by trekkers every day and meeting these gentle giants here is almost certain for every visitor.

Volcanoes national park in Rwanda has 12 habituated gorilla families, Virunga national park in DR Congo has 8 while Mgahinga in Uganda has one family which visits the park periodically and then returns to Rwanda. In addition to mountain gorillas, these habitats have also got a variety of other wildlife species that can be spotted by visitors while on their gorilla tours. These include the beautiful and colourful golden monkeys in Volcanoes national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park as well as forest elephants and baboons in Bwindi impenetrable national park. Other common species that can be found in all gorilla trekking parks include several bird species, chimpanzees, monkeys, among others.

What to pack for gorilla tours

Gorilla trekking is a unique experience that takes place in dense jungles of montane rainforests and therefore requires some special gear for a successful experience. Conditions in the parks such as regular rains, muddy and steep terrain, nestles and thorns in the woods make it important for travellers the necessary gear for the gorilla trekking encounter. Some of the most important items among the gorilla trekking gear include hiking boots, pair of gloves, pair of khaki trousers, long-sleeved shirt and a rain jacket. Other important items for gorilla trekking such as drinking water, packed lunch and snacks, and a walking stick are provided to the trekkers by their lodge of accommodation.

Gorilla families

Just like humans, gorillas live in social families of related members with almost the same organisation like their human counterparts. A typical gorilla family is composed of the leading alpha male known as a silverback, several females, infants and several juveniles. In terms of numbers, there are some gorilla families that have been recorded with as low as 2 members while others have got as many as 30 members. It is worthy noting that apart from the habituated gorilla families that are visited by trekkers in these parks, there are also many others that are are wild or still undergoing process of habituation. Some of the habituated gorilla families in Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park include Susa, Agashya, Mahoro, Titus, Kwitonda, Sabyinyo, Umubano, among others. Read more.. 

Gorilla tours in Rwanda

Gorilla tours in Rwanda are conducted in Volcanoes national park in the northwest, the country’s home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Volcanoes is one of the 3 mountain gorilla habitats found within the Virunga Mountains that lie across the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo. The park has got 12 habituated gorilla families that are visited by trekkers every day with each family visited once per day by a group of 8 tourists. Although Rwanda’s gorilla gorilla permit is the most expensive compared to Uganda and DR Congo, the easy accessibility to the park, good quality accommodation facilities and a good road network make it the most ideal destination for gorilla tours. The gorilla trekking encounter in Volcanoes national park is also considered to be less exhausting because the park’s landscape is not as steep and the vegetation less dense compared to Bwindi in Uganda and Virunga in Congo. Given these favourable factors, it takes less time to reach gorillas in Volcanoes national park than in the other two habitats. Read more..

Kwita Izina – Gorilla naming ceremony

As part of her gorilla conservation efforts, Rwanda introduced the gorilla naming ceremony in 2005 in which new born gorillas are given names. The ceremony is locally known as ‘Kwita Izina,’ which means giving a name. It was adopted from Rwanda’s old tradition of giving names to newborn babies before a congregation of family and friends. The ceremony is carried out annually in September at Kingi, the headquarters of Volcanoes national park. Over 350 mountain gorillas in Volcanoes national park have been named ever since the ceremony began. Naming infant gorillas helps rangers to easily monitor and protect them as they roam through the park. The practice has significantly enhanced gorilla conservation given the steadily increasing number of mountain gorillas in the park since it was initiated. As part of the ceremony several international guests including politicians, conservationists and celebrities are always invited to take part by naming the infant gorillas. Read more..

Uganda gorilla tours

Bwindi impenetrable national park in the southwest is the leading destination for Uganda gorilla tours. The park protects over 450 mountain gorillas, the highest number of the subspecies found in a single habitat. With over 20 habituated gorilla groups available for visiting by, Bwindi receives the highest number of gorilla trekkers of all mountain gorilla parks. Some of the habituated gorilla groups that are regularly visited in Bwindi include Mubare, Rushegura, Bitukura, Nshongi, Nkuringo, Bweza, among others. Gorilla tours in Bwindi take place in four different sectors of the park namely; Rushaga, Ruhija, Buhoma and Nkuringo with gorilla permits allocated to visitors bearing one of these sectors. This is done to ensure responsible tourism in the park and reduce human interference and pressure on some gorilla groups more than others.

Many travellers visit Bwindi to trek mountain gorillas via Kigali – Rwanda since it is a shorter distance to reach the park than coming from Kampala or Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. Gorilla tours are also done in Mgahinga gorilla national park though not as common as in Bwindi since the park has got only one gorilla family. Mgahinga is majorly visited by travellers who want enjoy another primate experience of golden monkey tracking due to the huge presence of the species in this park. The cost of a gorilla tour in Uganda is $700 per person for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents in East Africa and Shs. 250,000 for East African citizens. Read more..

Gorilla habituation in Bwindi

Gorilla habituation exclusively takes place in Bwindi impenetrable national park in the southern sector of Rushaga. Gorilla habituation is the process through which wild groups of mountain gorillas are made used to the presence of humans to facilitate tourism and strengthen their protection. During the process, the identified gorilla group is tracked by daily by rangers as they study their behaviour, location and organisation. Only four visitors per day are permitted to take part in the habituation process alongside rangers and trackers.

The visitors get chance to spend more time in the company of gorillas unlike the normal gorilla trekking experience whey they are limited to only one hour before the gorillas. When the process is complete, the habituated gorilla group is officially availed for tourism and can be visited by travellers. Visitors who want to take park in the gorilla habituation experience are charged $1,500 per person and they are required to book their permits in advance to facilitate their integration into the process. So far, gorilla habituation with visitors is practised in only Bwindi impenetrable national park. Read more..

Gorilla tours in Congo

DR Congo is hugely endowed with a variety of wildlife species and unlike Uganda and Rwanda , the country has got more than one subspecies of gorillas. Congo’s mountain gorillas are found in Virunga national park while the other subspecies of lowland gorillas are found in Kahuzi-Biega national park both located in the east of the country. Gorilla tours are conducted in both parks with travellers able to choose their favourite subspecies for trekking. There are 8 habitauated gorilla families in Virunga national park including Kabirizi, Bageni, Mapuwa, Rugendo, Munyaga, among others. Congo’s gorilla permit is sold at $400 per person and just like in Rwanda and Uganda, travellers wishing t trek gorillas in Congo are encouraged to book in advance.

Gorilla tours in Congo are are less pronounced compared to Uganda and Rwanda due to the political instability in the eastern part of the country, the area around gorilla parks. This makes the area less attractive to visit due to the insecurity that chases away many potential visitors. The gorilla parks in the area are usually closed to tourism during the periods of intense conflicts and occasionally reopened when there is some relative stability. Travellers wishing to trek gorillas in Congo are encouraged to inquire about the security situation in the area before they book their safaris. Read more..

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Gorilla tours in uganda, rwanda & congo trekking with gorilla holidays.

Are you looking to experience Gorilla trekking tours in Uganda & Rwanda? - We offer great journeys to the “Gorilla kingdom”, the home of mountain Gorillas in Africa for an intimate experience with the giant, yet so humble primates. Trekking or Gorilla tracking, it really does not matter what you call it but getting up close and personal with the Mountain Gorillas - standing just 6 meters away from its might, is just an awe moment. Gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo is a bucket list adventure and one that lasts a lifetime for many that have experienced it. Mountain Gorillas are highly endangered species; endangered due to habitat loss, diseases, and poaching for different reasons. Previously, it was estimated that only 880 gorillas existed in the entire world.

These numbers have gradually increased from the most recent Gorilla census in 2018 and the world Mountain Gorilla population now stands at a litle over 1,063 members of which, 459 are found in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. These great apes are found in the Virunga mountain ranges shared among Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC (Congo) as well as Uganda's Bwindi impenetrable forest national park which is known to possess more than half of the entire world's population of mountain Gorillas, making it a prime destination for Uganda Gorilla Tours and Gorilla trekking safaris alike

Gorilla Trekking Safaris & Tours in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo

3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

3 Days Murchison Falls Safari – Big Game, Primates & Birds

5 Days Uganda Gorillas & Chimpanzee Tracking

5 Days Virunga Gorillas & Nyiragongo Hike

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10 Days Rwanda Safari Tour

11 days classic uganda safari, gorilla trekking uganda vs rwanda vs congo.

There is a bit of a debate about where to go for Gorilla trekking and many ask whether to go trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. What isn't debatable however is the clear fact that mountain Gorillas are only found in the Virunga mountains - shared between Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo and comprised of Mgahinga National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park as well as Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park which is famously known to possess more than half of the entire world's mountain Gorilla population.

The decision of where to go trekking with these peaceful giants in their natural habitat comes down to a number of factors including time, budget, and supporting logistics. Rwanda Gorilla trekking is considered to be easier because the gorillas are usually seen after just a few hours of trekking but the altitude is higher so you still need to be relatively fit and considering that Volcanoes is a mountainous park, it is ascending from the start. The terrain and clearing however is more open which allows for better gorilla watching and photography when you find them.

Mgahinga National Park on the Ugandan side of the mountain has only one habituated gorilla family that visitors can see - the Nyakagezi group and thus not many people prefer it. Uganda Gorilla trekking primarily takes place at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park with up to 20 habituated gorilla families to date. Being a dense tropical rainforest, it can rain at any time in Bwindi even in the dry months and there are no trails so the trek can be more challenging and when the gorillas are feeding in the bushy areas, it might be a bit difficult to take clear pictures and your gorilla watching experience might be slightly impacted.

Gorilla trekking in Congo takes place at Virunga National Park which is Africa's oldest national park with unmatched biodiversity but safety is a challenge because of the recent and constant instabilities in Eastern Congo which scares away many tourists. Congo Gorilla trekking is usually combined with a visit to Mt. Nyiragongo - an active Volcano with the world's largest lava lake. Trekking in Congo and visiting Nyiragongo is a massive, overwhelming experience but safety is still a big concern and the activities are usually on and off because there are many uncertainties which makes planning a trip to Congo difficult - but we always do our best to advise and help you plan.

Logistically, Rwanda is a clean and safe country with high-end facilities and a good road network so it mainly targets high-end tourists because a Gorilla permit costs $1,500 compared to $800 in Uganda and $400 for Congo. When it comes down to price, Uganda is an absolute winner because the country is safe with diverse, moderately priced facilities and a good road network but the distances between points are longer so you spend more time in the vehicle.

Because of the instability in Congo, the challenges are many and it is very advisable to stay in Gisenyi on the Rwandan side of the border and only crossover to take part in the activities. Mountain gorilla trekking is an incredible, life-changing experience so it will really not matter much where you do it; you will still be contributing to their survival and you will live with the experience your entire life! Let us help you plan.

Best Time of year; when to go Gorilla trekking?

Having made a choice of where to go for Gorilla trekking in Africa, this is probably the first thing that comes to mind when planning the next steps. Thanks to its pleasant temperatures, Uganda is a year-round destination - same for Rwanda and Congo. But, of course, peak and low seasons can make a world of a difference when taking crowds and budget into consideration. Generally speaking, December/January through to February, and from June through to mid-September are peak tourist seasons thanks to the drier climate. However, if you're looking to go on a budget safari, then consider traveling during the wetter time of the year. The most rain falls in October-November and April-May, and you might see quite a drop in the cost of going on a safari in Uganda and Rwanda, but this doesn't mean that you won't be able to enjoy it. Low season means fewer crowds and more wildlife viewing.

At Gorilla Holidays Uganda, it is our ultimate pleasure to welcome you to Africa and assist you to achieve your dream Gorilla safari in Uganda, Rwanda Gorilla trekking, or Gorilla tours in Congo. A visit to the gentle giants in each of these places is an adventure of a lifetime and goes a long way in ensuring their survival. The money you pay for the Gorilla permit goes into their conservation and having the locals as porters and selling their produce to the Safari lodges and tourists uplifts their livelihoods and motivates them to protect the gorillas instead of poaching. We offer 3 Day Gorilla Safaris to Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo as well as combined Gorilla tours including game parks for wildlife tours, walking safaris, cultural tours, and adventure trips.

Gorilla Trekking Uganda - Highly Recommended on TripAdvisor

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Gorilla Trekking Uganda, Rwanda & Congo Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1: What is Mountain Gorilla trekking? Gorilla trekking is a 2-6 hour hiking experience in pursuit of habituated mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Distinguished for being the biggest primate species on earth, it is a subspecies of the eastern gorilla. Mountain gorillas and humans share 98% common DNA.

They live in groups/families, each with 4-32 members on average. As an adaption to their habitats where temperatures drop below freezing, mountain gorillas have thicker fur compared to other great apes. Today, there are less than 1,300 left on Earth. This follows a series of threats that have shrunk their populations immensely over the years; especially hunting, decades of wars, diseases, and habitat destruction.

2: Where do mountain gorillas live? These gentle giants are found in only four tropical rainforests in the whole world, all of which are at an elevation of 8,000 to 13,000 feet above sea level. Three of these are found in the Great Virunga Massifs, a range of extinct volcanoes that lie at the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda respectively. These are Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and Virunga National Park respectively. The remaining live in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a 331 km2 jungle located on the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley in South Western Uganda.

3: What is the cost of gorilla trekking? While gorilla trekking in Uganda costs $800 for foreign non-residents and $700 for foreign residents, in Rwanda it is $1,500 for foreign non-residents and $500 for African residents. The pricing of these gorilla permits is largely influenced by the fact that Rwanda primarily targets upmarket clients and thus positions itself as a premium destination.

This in turn necessitates using a rate that is more appealing to this segment. Please note that the mentioned rates of permits in Uganda and Rwanda are particularly for gorilla permits, park entry, conservation fees, and ranger guides. The total cost of the adventure further depends on the type of accommodation, transportation mode, and additional activities of interest. Though gorilla tracking in Congo is much cheaper, going for $400, very few tourists visit it due to the political insecurity in the country. Please note that all activities in Virunga and Nyiragongo are still indefinitely suspended and you can only visit the Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

4: How easy or difficult is gorilla trekking? Gorilla trekking unfolds in high-altitude montane parks where landscapes slightly vary, therefore offering fairly different experiences. While some parts of the climb have rugged terrains, others have relatively gentler terrain.

In some parts, the trails are en-route marshy/boggy stretches, while in others it is en-route thick bushes that have to be cleared to make a way through. Long story short, just as there are easy options for people who wish to have a laid-back hustle-free experience, there are also options for those who wish to have a tough climbing challenge.

Our team of passionate travel consultants is more than happy to help you with further planning accordingly. Should you require caretakers who can give you extra support while in the forest, there are lots of porters for hire at the starting point of the activity. For a fee of $15-20, they will carry your day-pack and assist you in difficult areas throughout the day.

5: When should one book Uganda and Rwanda gorilla permits? Due to the overwhelming demand that both Uganda and Rwanda are currently getting for gorilla permits, it is advisable to book them in advance, at least two months before the trekking date. The gorilla permits are very competitive especially in the high season June to September and December to February, the background to this being that only 96 visitors can visit the gorillas in Volcanoes per day, and only 176 can visit the ones in Bwindi and Mgahinga.

Lifetime Gorilla Tour Experiences!

Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo offer the most convenient, budget and luxury gorilla trekking experiences. Mountain gorillas are found in Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Virunga National Park. Want to vist gorillas in Africa? Send us an inquiry below.

Official Address: Namasuba Kikajjo – Uganda     |      Phone: +256 (0)392159498     |     Email: [email protected]

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Best 10 Gorilla Trekking Tours & Safaris in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo

Enjoy your gorilla safaris tours in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Our tailored gorilla tours in Africa offer an opportunity to trek gorillas in the Virunga Volcanoes Massifs of Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda (Mgahinga) or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda. Therefore, gorilla trekking tours can be customized based on private, family or groups and Congo gorilla trips  are tailored to serve our client’s needs.

We run our 02 Day Uganda gorilla trek from Kigali using comfortable safari vehicles, while staying in eco-friendly lodges and camps in Uganda. You can also book with the NEW   Uganda Gorilla Habituation Experience .

Our travel plans start can be anywhere from one to 14 days, visiting all of our parks which protects the endangered mountain gorillas of Africa. We can offer you a pure luxury gorilla safari as a single, or we can combine it with other wildlife safaris, sightseeing, and cultural experiences. We not only incorporate eco – tourism in our conservation programs, but also employ staff members that have a conservation-minded.

Our guides practice a high level of ecotours in the field. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for incredible gorilla trekking expeditions!

Top Gorilla Safaris & Tours

This gorilla safari starts early morning from Kigali to Volcanoes Massifs to trek the primates and after transfer back to Kigali for.

The 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari takes you to the Volcanoes National Park where you will experience the gorilla tours, visit to the Iby’wacu.

The 4 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Tracking takes you to the volcanoes national park where you will experience the gorilla tours

The 3 days Uganda gorilla safari, takes you to Bwindi impenetrable national park a home to the endangered mountain gorillas.

The 4 days gorilla & Lake Bunyonyi vacation, Uganda wildlife tours takes you to Bwindi a home to the remaining mountain gorillas

The 5 days gorilla & Uganda wildlife tours takes you to Queen Elizabeth national park and Bwindi impenetrable national park

The 5 days Rwanda primate expedition safari takes you to the volcanoes national park that habits the 10 families of mountain gorillas

The 8 Days Panorama Uganda safari takes you to the Kibale forest, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi forest national parks.

The safari will take to the Volcanoes National Park where you will experience the mountain gorilla and golden monkeys

Gorilla Safaris Tours is the leading African gorilla safari outfit, offering the best quality gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. We promote tourism with a low carbon footprint, and emphasizing ecotourism. The purpose is to educate our guests, bring in necessary funding for wildlife conservation initiatives in East and Central Africa, help bolster economic development, and empower local communities.

The gorilla safari outfit comprises a team of 15 capable and competent office staff members, and highly qualified drivers and guides to offer reputable services under the auspices of our parent company, Nature Adventure Africa Safaris, Ltd. Our staff have both requisite academic qualifications and years of valuable experience. We also speak a range of languages, including English, Swahili and Luganda, and many other non – English European dialects found all across the world, empowering us to manage and handle all of our guest’s holiday requirements to optimal satisfaction.

Fleets & Accommodations

Our company owns and operate Extended Toyota Land Cruisers, Toyota Land Cruisers, and Minibuses. All of our vehicles are four wheel drive, well maintained, and provide a pop up roof for game viewing. For client convenience, we try to limit the number of people in one vehicle to between three and six individuals. This means that every guest can enjoy having a window seat while luggage is stored comfortably.

Regarding accommodation, we are focused on the view, service, location, style, and price of each lodge. We also select accommodations based on the feedback from previous clients, visiting all accommodations ourselves beforehand to be able to select the best ones for you.

We hope you will join our gorilla tours , fully customized by our experts!

– Jackie Nantume

Born and raised in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda – Pearl of Africa. I initially earned a Bachelor’s degree in Travel and Tourism Management at Makerere University Business School, but have found my way into ecotourism now. I joined Nature Adventure Africa Safaris, Ltd as “Content Writer” in June 2014 and later became a full time employee (Tour Consultant) in November 2014.

I have no regrets about working in the ecotourism sector as I find it exciting and I get to learn new things every day. Traveling is one of the many things I have come to enjoy while working here, it being one of my favorite hobbies. Uganda is truly one of the undiscovered wonders of the world!

From the flora to fauna, from beautiful sights to wonderful people, everything here is simply amazing. I work with a knowledgeable and great team who inspire me to be better each and every day. If interested in learning more, drop me an email and see for yourself!

Call: +256-777-686-925 /+256-706-596-846 – What’s App

Tour Consultant – Nature Adventure Africa Safaris Ltd.

Tel: +256-701-106-004

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Uganda Gorilla Tours

Rwanda gorilla tours, congo gorilla tours.

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Gorilla Tours in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo

Meet the gorillas face to face in the wild of uganda, rwanda or congo.

We take you for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. In Rwanda, Gorilla tracking is done in Volcanoes national park, in DR Congo, it is done in Virunga national Park, in Uganda, it is done in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga National park.

The bamboo-covered Virunga Volcanoes together with the Bwindi Forest host just 790 mountain gorillas left in the wild of Africa. At Gorilla Tour Africa , we arrange exciting trips to these homes of the mountain gorillas. For a memorable adventurous trip, book your Gorilla tracking gorillas . Our tour packages are tailor made to suit the clients' interests, time and budget without compromising standards. With a long experience in organising tours in Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo, we can answer all your questions and WE GUARANTEE YOU WILL SEE THE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS FACE TO FACE IN THE WILD!

Gorilla Safari Offers

3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Tour

3 days / 2 nights Meet the Gorillas in Bwindi from $ 999

3 Days Rwanda Gorillas

3 days / 1 nights Meet the Rwanda Gorillas from $ 1229

4 Days Uganda Gorillas

4 days / 3 nights Track the Gorillas Twice from $ 1729

1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek

Excursion to the gorillas best value for business travel from $ 956

2 Days Gorilla Trek

2 days / 1 nights Track the gorillas in PNV from $ 1129

4 Days Rwanda Gorillas

4 days / 2 nights Track the gorillas twice from $ 2159

Private Tours?

Interested in a private gorilla tour ? We offer private gorilla tours that are available all year round and can be scheduled at a mutually convenient date and time. Our gorilla tours range from Day Trips to the Gorillas to Longer Vacations. We'll also make sure you leave with a fine photograph of your encounter. This could be a once-in-a-lifetime gift that you could give for a birthday or anniversary to that special person who loves animals!

Enquiry / Booking

Click here to enquire about this trip or email us through [email protected] . To talk to one of our travel help team call +256 312 515 463 / +256 392 834606 / +256 784 445 444

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Exceptional Uganda Gorilla Adventure Trips

Uganda Gorilla safaris | Gorilla trekking Tours & Trips in Uganda & Rwanda

Discover Uganda’s most iconic destinations with us today!

Are you planning a gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda? Nata Gorilla adventures is a Uganda safari company specializing in delivering unforgettable memories by carefully curating experiences that take you to mesmerizing destinations immersing yourself into enticing experiences, making it an adventure of a lifetime.

Nata Adventures has been crafting exciting adventures for the past 8 years, we have been arranging gorilla trekking adventures and other general Wildlife safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. We can arrange silverback gorilla safaris, chimpanzee trekking adventures, nature walks, cultural visits, sightseeing (wildlife watching) safaris, birding tours and game viewing to Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo.

We are dedicated to arranging adventures that match all budgets. Whether you are planning a budget gorilla tours or mid-budget or even luxury gorilla safaris.

No matter the budget, we will take you mountain gorilla trekking to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla park or to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National park or even to Congo’s Virunga National Park, and if you are planning a lowland gorilla adventure, we can arrange a Kahuzi Biega gorilla safari for you as well.

Much as many people think you can only come to Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo for gorillas, there is more wildlife, beautiful sceneries, mountains, lakes and cultures to experience in these countries beyond the usual gorillas. In terms of biodiversity, it’s pretty easy to spot all the African Big 5 games in both Uganda and Rwanda.

Top Selling Gorilla trekking safaris

3 Days Congo Gorilla Trekking Safari

Discover unique experiences tailored to personal preferences, immersing yourself in the lush forest to encounter the giant Silverback gorillas, African Big 5 and more.

Unforgettable

Immerse yourself in the lush jungles of Uganda and embark on a life-changing encounter to witness majestic gorillas in their natural habitat.

We shall design for you a unique adventure, ensuring every moment of your trip is personalized to your preferences.

Sustainable

When you book with us, you make a positive impact on local communities and you support in gorilla trekking continuity.

GORILLA & WILDLIFE SAFARIS

Your uganda & rwanda safari experts.

During a well planned Uganda Safari or Gorilla trekking adventure , you shall learn that this adorable country – the pearl of Africa is a hidden treasure with a wealth of unique and exciting travel opportunities that you will undoubtedly enjoy.

Uganda, known as the world’s greatest monkey trekking country, has a lot to offer in terms of wildlife viewing, gorilla trekking,  primate encounters , cultural safaris, adrenaline adventures, mountain climbing, and honeymoon safaris, to name a few.

Looking for a specific style of holiday?

Why choose us for your uganda gorilla safaris, memories unforgettable.

This is beyond a safari. We are crafting experiences that you shall live with till your very last day. We pay attention to all details, ensuring your stay in Uganda is unforgettable.

Guaranteed Gorilla & Chimp permits

Nata Adventures can acquire your tracking permit all year (something, not all tour operators can claim) and we are known for acquiring them swiftly on our gorilla safaris in Uganda.

Sustainable Safaris

Uganda’s premier tour providers for sustainable, environmentally friendly, and ethical gorilla trekking. We promote ecotourism as a way to help people whose livelihoods are reliant on wildlife ecotourism.

Scheduled & Private Adventures

Our tour groups are never larger than six persons, allowing us to provide a high-quality and authentic experience to everyone of our guests.

AFRICAN BIG 5 SIGHTSEEING

African big 5, gorillas and wildlife safaris, mountain & low land gorilla safaris, cultural encounters, cultural encounters, mountain climbing adventures, this is the heading, honeymoon and holiday tours, primate and birding safaris.

Unforgettable. Authentic Uganda adventures.

The incredible weather, beautiful sceneries in both Uganda and Rwanda plus the friendliest welcoming people are some of the core reasons for you to arrange a visit to Uganda or Rwanda.  

Choosing a Gorilla adventure trip to Uganda or Rwanda is definitely your best way to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

When you tailor your luxury gorilla trekking experience to Rwanda/Uganda with us, we pay keen attention to your expectations and aspirations in order to offer a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Africa’s pearl.

Much as it’s exciting to go game watching through the awesome game drives in the African savannah parks, an African safari is definitely incomplete without a silverback gorilla tour to Uganda, Rwanda or Congo.

When you book a silverback Gorilla safari with us, you shall go hiking through dense rain forest to observe the gentle giant apes – the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Silverback gorilla trekking in Uganda or a gorilla habituation experience is a special and once in a lifetime experiences – You will be having a close encounter with creatures that look and behave more like human beings.

Suggested Uganda Gorilla Safari Tours

Uganda – also referred to as the Pearl of Africa lies on the equator, east of Tanzania and Kenya and west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uganda also borders a few other countries like Rwanda and South Sudan. It’s worth noting that their incredible African pearl is land-locked.

Size wise, Uganda is smaller than the United Kingdom but boasts a spectacular array of beautiful sceneries – from snow-capped mountains and savannah to lush swampland and gorilla-inhibiting impenetrable forests. Many of these are considered UNESCO world heritage centers.

Its remote, unspoiled parks team with wildlife such as the known Africa big game species including buffaloes, leopard, lion, elephant and rhino as well as primates and over a thousand species of birds. Some of these species can only be found here in Uganda.

Rwanda gorilla safaris

Volcanoes National park situated in the northwestern Rwanda is the country’s safari highlight and the only gorilla trekking destination. The park is park is part of the greater Virunga Massive which also extends into DR Congo and Uganda, known for inhabiting the endangered mountain gorillas.

Volcanoes national park has 12 habituated and available gorilla trekking families. These gorilla families always have at least one but not more than 2 silverbacks responsible for heading the families. Out of the approximately 1100 mountain gorillas remaining, the total number of mountain gorillas in the park is estimated to be about 350 animals.

Some of the most common Rwanda gorilla families mostly visited by guests include; The Susa, Amahoro, Hirwa family, Sabyinyo, Karisimbi, Kwitonda, among others.

In order to ensure sustainability and continuity, in Rwanda only 8 travelers may visit a single gorilla family per day. Visitors are allowed to spend only up to hour in the presence of gorillas.

Also further to limit the number of people travelling there to see gorillas, Rwanda’s gorilla permit is sold at $1,500 per person and cannot be purchased upon arrival. You need to get in touch with Nata adventures team to have this secured on your behalf.

Compared to Uganda, many visitors planning gorilla trekking prefer Rwanda as the most ideal destination for gorilla trekking safaris given the fact that the Volcanoes is easily accessible in about 3hours only from Kigali, the highly developed and safer infrastructures in Rwanda also promotes gorilla trekking in Rwanda more than Uganda and Congo.

Gorilla safaris in Uganda

When it comes to gorilla trekking, Uganda is definitely your best bet. Uganda boast more than half of the total world’s mountain gorilla population and as opposed to Rwanda, Uganda has two gorilla trekking parks of Bwindi Impenetrable National park in the southwest protects the highest number of mountain gorillas in the world and Mgahinga Gorilla park , also very accessible from Rwanda.

Bwindi alone has over 20 habituated gorilla families available and accessible for gorilla tracking every day.

There are four gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable national park, namely; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo each of them offering distinct gorilla trekking experiences especially because of their different topography, location and accessibility.

Some travelers always think they could miss out on seeing gorillas however, with the developed trails and mechanisms (where a a team of Uganda wildlife trackers go to the bush in search of the gorilla locations prior to your tracking) and also given the impressive number of mountain gorillas in Bwindi there is approximately 100% chance of meeting your allocated gorilla family.

Out of the over 20 gorilla families in Bwindi, some of the most common ones that are regularly visited by trekkers in include the Rushegura, Mubare, Bitukura, Habinyanja, Kyaguriro, Oruzongo, Nshongi, Mishaya, Nkuringo, among others.

In Uganda, the gorilla permit is sold at $800 per person per day for foreign nonresidents, $700 for foreign residents in East Africa and Uganda Shillings 250,000 for East African residents and if you are planning a gorilla Uganda gorilla safari, we strongly recommend you booking your permits at least 4 months to the gorilla trekking date. This is because many other travelers are interested in the same permits yet there is a limited number of permits sold be day.

Gorilla safaris in Congo

Compared to Uganda and Rwanda, Gorilla trekking in Congo is least, some of the main reasons making Congo the least when it comes to Gorilla trekking is the insecurity in the areas around gorilla trekking parks.

Congo’s government is however putting several mechanisms to stabilize the economy before major gorilla parks like Virunga can be opened.

In addition to Congo’s mountain gorillas in Virunga national park, visitors to DR Congo can also go tracking the eastern lowland gorilla in Kahuzi-Biega national park.

Out of the three East African gorilla countries, Congo is the only destination for Low land gorillas. You cannot find the lowland gorillas in Uganda neither can you find them in Rwanda – it’s just in Congo.

Out of curiosity, many travellers want to go Gorilla trekking in Congo especially after sightseeing the mountain gorillas in either Uganda or Rwanda. Some choose both mountain and lowland gorilla trekking in Congo to compare the trekking experience.

Given the fact that you can find both mountain and low-land gorilla subspecies in Congo in close proximity, Congo is arguably considered the gorilla trekking destination to look out for especially since gorilla permit’s price in Congo is the cheapest compared to Uganda and Rwanda at $400 per person.

Currently there are just 8 habituated gorilla groups in Virunga national park that available for trekking. These include; the Munyaga, Mapuwa Rugendo, Nyakamwe Lulengo, Bageni, Humba, and Kabirizi gorilla family meanwhile, Kahuzi-Biega national park has got 9 groups of eastern lowland gorillas although 5 of these are habituated and available for trekking. These include Mpungwe gorilla family, Chimanuka, Bonnani, Mugahuka, and Nganwa.

Best season for gorilla safaris

Much as gorilla trekking both in Uganda or Rwanda can be done any time of the year, the dry season months of June to September and December to February is the best time to trek mountain gorillas.

As you may know, gorillas live at high altitudes in montane rainforests which can be very difficult to trek in rain season due to muddy and wet nature of the park. Also given the fact that these parks are located in remote areas, the roads maybe unpassable.

During dry seasons, the bush is a little clearer and gorillas also tend to roam freely in their habitat making it a little easier to find unlike in the wet season when they confine themselves at one place. Just so you know, they also don’t like moving in wet and muddy places.

Because Uganda, Rwanda and Congo (the only gorilla trekking countries) are located around the equator, the climate conditions here also supports general wildlife sightseeing throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Uganda and Rwanda specifically is during the drier seasons (January, February, March, June, July, August and September).

During these dry season months, the park roads are free of mud, the savannah forest is also clearer and the animals gather at specific waterholes to drink making it easy to spot them.

It’s however important to know that during the drier months, many travelers also want to go gorilla trekking and because of this, many accommodation service providers shall hike fees, there is usually a huge crowd yet, the tour price gets cheaper during the other months. So, if you want to save some money, we recommend the months of September and between January and March.

Besides saving s few bucks, the wet season (March to May and September to October) has its advantages especially if you are considering Gorilla Tours. There are fewer visitors in the park making for a more personal and private safari especially for wildlife photographers, researchers and those doing sport fishing in Uganda.

Gorilla trekking permits

A gorilla permit or gorilla pass is a special card that grants a specific traveler to visit a gorilla trekking park and have 60 minutes (1hour) in the presence of the endangered mountain gorillas in any of the 3 countries.

Gorilla trekking permits are park specific – meaning you cannot visit Bwindi with a Mgahinga gorilla permit. Also, you may only visit a specific gorilla trekking sector with a given gorilla permit. Its only valid for a specific day and after that, you may not use it again.

Gorilla permits can be bought online through a trusted tour agent or directly from the issuing authority. In Uganda, you may purchase it through a reliable and accredited company from Uganda Wildlife Authority, in Rwanda it’s Rwanda Tourism Board that sells it.

It is highly advisable that those intending to trek gorillas book their gorilla permits at least 5 months in advance to avoid missing out due to the fact that there is limited availability. The number of gorilla trekking permits issued per day for a specific gorilla family is limited in order to limited to 8 trackers per gorilla group.

The price of a gorilla permit is different in all the 3 countries. Uganda, sells gorilla trekking permits per person per day at USD 800, while Rwanda sells at USD 1500 and Democratic Republic of Congo sells gorilla trekking permits at USD 450.

Gorilla habituation experience

In contrast to the normal gorilla trekking that grants you access to one hour in the presence of mountain gorillas, gorilla habituation experience is a unique opportunity that give you access to the gentle giants as you learn, observe and interact closely with them for up to 4 hours.

Gorilla habituation is very instrumental in facilitating gorilla tourism. It’s through gorilla habituation experience that gorillas become acquainted with human presence. In this way, they cannot attach humans, they begin becoming familiar with them.

After successfully influencing their behavior, these groups are officially open to tourism and maybe visited/trekked by visitors. The gorilla habituation experience may only be done in Rushaga in The Bwindi Impenetrable Park.  The habituation process lasts for 4 hours per day and the habituation permit is $1,500 per person.

Comparing gorilla safaris in Rwanda, Uganda & DR Congo

Mountain gorillas maybe found only in three countries of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda and much as these countries are bordering each other, there is a uniqueness in tracking from a specific country much as there is an arguable similarity in trekking from them all.

In terms of the cost, Rwanda is the most expensive of all the 3 countries. The gorilla trekking permit which allows guests to enter the gorilla park and spend onehour in the presence of gorillas is sold at $1,500 per person in Rwanda, sold at $800 per person in Uganda for foreign nonresidents, $700 for foreign residents and Uganda Shillings 250,000 to East African residents whereas in DR Congo it is sold at $450 per person.

In terms of accessibility, Rwanda’s gorilla trekking destinationof Volcanoe sis much preferred, it only takes about 3 hours to drive from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes National park in the northwest of the country and much as Bwindi mayalso be accessed for about 4hours through Kigali, driving from Entebbe which is Uganda’s entry point may take about 10 hours to drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the southwest.

For DR Congo, it’s a 4 hours’ drive from Kigali International Airport to the eastern town of Goma; and a 2 hours’ drive from Goma International Park to Virunga National Park due to the bumpy nature of the road.

As you can see, to go to most gorilla trekking destinations, the easiest way is to pass from Kigali. This one of the reasons why Rwanda gorilla trekking is much more developed irrespective of the high cost of gorilla permit here.

When it comes to safety during your gorilla trek, Uganda and Rwanda are great options as compared to Congo that has a bit of instability. Furthermore, if you want to extend your safari to sightsee other wildlife or culture, you want to consider visiting Uganda as you will see the source of the world’s longest river, River Nile, the world’s most powerful, Africa’s largest lake (Lake Victoria), African big 5 animals and many other exciting attractions.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national Park

The mist-shrouded Bwindi National Park is regarded as one of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet, considered a UNESCO heritage center, Bwindi is home to the rare wildlife species including the rare forest elephant, duiker antelope, giant forest hog and eleven kinds of primates, you’ll also find over 200 species of butterfly here.

Much as many visitors to this wonderful park come to visit more than half of the world’s largest population of the endangered Mountain Gorillas, Bwindi is also the land of the Batwa Pygmies who are the oldest inhabitants of the Great Lakes region. They still live their lives in the most ancient way.

The Batwa pygmies who are hunter-gatherers, whose existence was first recorded over 4000 years ago, have a barely unchanged, deep culture and history they will share when you visit. A Batwa cultural experience before a gorilla trek is a unique experience to learn more about them It’s also a way to support the conservation of their community and way of life.

Bwindi National park alone is home to over half of the world’s mountain gorilla population of this endangered giant ape. Though living in the wild, through habituation experiences, mountain gorillas have become accustomed to the sight of humans and can no longer harm humans.

Our guides have trekked this process develop and will explain the complicated etiquette of meeting a giant silverback. An opportunity afforded only to a select few, just eight visitors are allowed to view a group each day.

There are twenty habituated mountain gorilla families open to tourism. They incude the following; Mubare, Habinyanja and Rushegura in Buhoma, the Bitukura and Oruzogho families in Ruhija, the famous Nkuringo, Mishaya, Nshongi and Kahugye in Bwindi South.

Is Gorilla Trekking Ethical?

Shortest answer is, Gorilla trekking is ethical. It’s important to know that mountain gorillas cannot survive in zoos also given the fact that these adorable gorillas have been habituated, you the guests are prepared with the dos and don’ts before and after the gorilla trek, it’s as ethical as you could expect.

Ethical gorilla trekking contributes to the conservation of gorillas and their habitats and collected fees from permits fund conservation initiatives and support anti-poaching efforts – they pay for park rangers, guides and fund awareness campaigns highlighting gorilla conservation’s importance. This ensures sustainability.

All gorilla trekking national parks in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo employ an array of guidelines for trekking tours, including limiting the number of daily to ensure that continuity is ensured, everyone must maintain a safe viewing distance and keeping the environment as clean as possible. Furthermore, strict health protocols like avoiding visitors with flu-like or cold symptoms from tracking.  The well-being of the gorillas is of utmost priority.

Gorilla trekking is also very beneficial to the local communities – sustainable tourism in gorilla-inhabited communities offers employment opportunities for locals and helps create avenues to support locals and improve local infrastructure. Other than having local guides from the community, the trekkers also need accommodation, potters and sometimes crafts. Sometimes, visitors need to hire tracking equipment – the local can easily get some money by hiring them out to the visitors hence generating revenue. All of this helps promote sustainable livelihoods for locals.

From the sensitization during gorilla trekking briefing and the vast opportunities it creates for the local community, they are less likely to harm the primates if they understand the benefit of gorilla trekking to their communities. Some of the top gorilla trekking itineraries at Nata Adventures include; 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari package and 5 days Uganda and Chimp trekking safari.

Check out our 2024/25 Uganda Gorilla tours and Rwanda Gorilla safari packages for an unforgettable memories of a lifetime.

Why consider a gorilla safari?

It’’s no longer a suprose that gorilla trekking is an exciting adventure unrivaled compared to normal wildlife sightseeing. A gorilla safari in either Uganda or Rwanda is a great opportunity to interface with the endangered mountain gorillas that share close to 98% of their Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) with humans.

The magical moment spent in the presence of these great apes as you observe them relate, play and mate can only be described as a once in a lifetime experience.

Planning a gorilla trekking safari is the only way you will see these adorable mountain gorillas since the Mountain gorillas cannot survive in captivity areas such as zoos

Will I Definitely See Gorillas?

Because they are so closely monitored, and either researchers or trekkers are in touch with them every day, guides know more or less where the different families are, and you probably have a 99% chance of seeing them. Of course, there are no guarantees with wild animals and an overnight thunderstorm or an unexpected encounter with a predator may cause a troop to move unexpectedly in a completely different direction, but it’s likely that scouts will pick up their trail again soon. It is very seldom that travelers don’t find the apes during a gorilla trekking expedition.

When you do find a gorilla family, your ranger will ask you to leave everything but your camera. He will then take you close enough to observe the gorillas intimately without threatening them. There are no fences between you; only mutual respect. The gorillas are habituated to human observers and go about their natural business – foraging, grooming and napping – without fear. Indeed, the youngsters are often curious about humans and have a very playful attitude that tests the patience of their teenage gorilla babysitters. The placid nature of the gorilla family is wonderful to see, but remember that your presence is shrewdly observed by the patriarch of the family: the massive silverback male. We recommend that you spend part of the time taking photos, but at least 20 minutes just observing – you’ll come away with a far greater sense of having experienced a group of gorillas in their natural habitat.

Can I Touch Them?

No, absolutely not. Although we completely understand the instinct to want to reach out and cuddle an adorable baby. First, because they’re wild animals and thus very strong and unpredictable, you could be severely injured. Second, gorilla populations are already under severe threat from logging, poaching and human encroachment on their environment, plus they are highly susceptible to human diseases. Not only can you not interact with them, but you will have to keep a distance of at least seven meters (22 feet) at all time and, in some instances, wear a face mask. If you are ill, you will not be allowed to go on a gorilla trek, so ensure you are in excellent health before you travel and take precautions not to pick up a bug on the flight over.

Remember, once you find the gorillas, you are only allowed an hour with them so as not to cause them distress. This passes by in a flash, so don’t spend all your time behind a lens: put the camera down after a few minutes and just watch them, grateful that you have the rare privilege of seeing these beasts in the wild.

Do I Have to Use a Porter?

We strongly encourage you to use a porter if you are offered their services during your gorilla trek, even if you feel you are fit enough to cope with the terrain, altitude, humidity and your daypack. For a nominal amount of money – around USD20 – you will be providing a livelihood to several inhabitants of a nearby village.

Porters are very often former poachers. Without work and the ability to earn a living within gorilla conservation, many will be forced to return to finding and capturing or killing gorillas for bush meat or the illegal wildlife-trafficking trade. The incentives offered by poaching syndicates can be very lucrative for impoverished villagers with few other ways of earning a living. It’s better to graciously accept their help and pay the fee – which will amount to a couple of coffees back home – and help ensure the continued conservation of gorillas.

Remember, every legally employed person in Africa supports seven to nine other people. There can be no successful conservation without involving people as much as possible – so the more porters you can get on board, the better!

My top tip for gorilla trekking is to make use of porters. They carry your bags, give you a push or a helping hand when the hiking gets tricky, plus you’re employing someone from the local community and encouraging them to protect the gorillas. They’re definitely worth their weight in gold. – Bonita Cronje, Africa Safari Expert

How Fit Do I Have to Be?

With any strenuous activity, the fitter you are, the better. But this doesn’t mean that you need to be able to complete a triathlon or bench press three times your body weight to go gorilla trekking.

Trekkers will be divided into groups of similar age and fitness levels, and the oldest and least fit people will generally be allocated the gorilla family that is nearest the starting point. Don’t worry: you won’t be split up from family members or friends but – obeying the golden rule of hiking – the fastest walkers will have to slow down to the pace of the slowest so that the group stays together safely.

The fittest or youngest people will be chosen to find the group furthest away. Your guides are very experienced in assessing how the group is coping and will stop when necessary for a break, to drink water, admire a view or even have a snack. Packed lunches contain water and perhaps energy-rich items like roasted cashews or peanuts, bananas, apples, chocolate bars, muffins, small sandwiches or bread rolls, and local treats like ‘rolled eggs’ – a kind of omelet eaten cold.

It’s always easiest to trek in the dry season. In the wet season, the mud can make trails slippery and the trek tougher. Primates may also seek refuge from the rain in nests or trees, making them harder to find and see. Take lightweight binoculars along to really bring their antics and expressions into focus.

Also, not all gorilla families will be lolling around, munching leaves and basking in the sunshine – some will be on the move. And they’re a lot better adapted to moving through their rainforest home than we are, so you’ll need to be able to keep up!

Much of how strenuous the trek is depending on a combination of the terrain, vegetation and weather. I trekked in September in Rwanda and in November – the rainy season – in Uganda. The heat and humidity were worse in Uganda because it was later in the year. I did the “difficult” trek in Uganda and didn’t think it was too bad, just a steep and muddy climb back up after we saw the gorillas. In Rwanda, I did the “most strenuous” trek; it was a steeper climb than in Uganda. We did four hours of uphill climbing until we found them. I thought this was much tougher than Uganda because there were lots of thicket, few paths and a lot of walking through the forest, while Uganda was more in the open. I really enjoyed both treks and didn’t think they were too hard. One trekker battled with the altitude in Rwanda but, other than that, everyone managed with no problems at all. – Anja Naude, Africa Safari Expert

How difficult is gorilla trekking?

Whether trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, the gorilla trekking excursion can be physically demanding. The mountain woods have muddy floors and thick and misty vegetation with no trails; you must prepare your physical and mental states before you go.

However, you can hire local porters to carry your daypacks and pull your hands when you need help. Also, take a walking stick to support your legs. The lead guides always take the pace of the slowest person in the group. Altitude sickness shouldn’t be a worry if you spend at least a day acclimatizing at the lodge before the hike into the wooded mountains. Carry enough water to drink, stay hydrated, and avoid altitude headaches.

Age shouldn’t be a problem; we’ve taken 70-year-olds to see gorillas for over a decade and haven’t had a bad incidence. Local porters are well equipped and experienced to help anyone through the gorilla trekking experience.

Generally, visit the gym weeks before you come and prepare to stay on your feet for at least five hours in a strange environment. Book an extra day at the lodge to help you acclimate to the altitude and come with a flexible mindset. Remember to bring a pair of lightweight waterproof hiking shoes.

With common sense and a reasonable fitness level, your gorilla trekking tour will be memorable for all the right reasons.

Why is the gorilla trekking tour so expensive?

Seeing mountain gorillas in either Rwanda or Uganda is a costly undertaking. The combined cost of a gorilla trekking tour, including permits, transport, accommodation, and meals, can bring overall trip costs to more than $5,000 per person. So why is a gorilla tour that darn expensive?

Firstly, mountain gorillas are an endangered species with some of the most expensive security and most successful sustainable program to keep them alive in their natural environment. Between keeping them alive and finding funds to keep doing it, authorities must control access to their habitats to a manageable number of tourists. Notwithstanding, gorillas share up to 98% of human DNA, making them vulnerable to dangerous human pathogens. The entire conservation program and gorilla tourism is a delicate endeavor requiring huge funds to keep it going.

A significant percentage of gorilla permit sales go into gorilla conservation programs and managing their habitats. More is channeled into primates monitoring and research, ranger services, and developing poor communities surrounding the gorilla sanctuaries.

Substantially, the cost of a gorilla trekking tour is relatively inexpensive. It’s worth the value, considering its importance in contributing to the survival of the endangered primates.

Can Children Go Gorilla Trekking?

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo is 15 years. This restriction is in place due to several important factors.

Children may find it challenging to remain calm if a gorilla mock charges during a trekking expedition. While wild mountain gorillas rarely charge, it can happen if they perceive anyone in the trekking group as a threat. However, an experienced and calm tracker can often deter a charging gorilla. Unfortunately, a child may become terrified, scream, or be inclined to run when faced with the intimidating bark of a 180-kilogram (397-pound) silverback. In such situations, a charging gorilla will typically give chase to a running tourist.

Children also pose health risks during gorilla trekking, as their developing immune systems make them more susceptible to contagious diseases like flu. Since these diseases can be transmitted to gorillas, the consequences can be severe and potentially fatal.

Additionally, children’s limited stamina could make it arduous for them to complete the entire trek. This is particularly relevant in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where gorilla trekking involves traversing steep mountain slopes and demanding terrain. The activity requires a certain level of fitness and determination, which mature travelers are more likely to possess. Adults are generally better prepared to handle challenges like muddy trails, insects, thick forests and steep inclines.

There are strict regulations set for gorilla trekking. These rules are designed to protect the gorillas, the trackers and guides, as well as trekking tourists. They include maintaining a minimum distance of seven meters (22 feet), following instructions from park guides, speaking in low tones, avoiding direct eye contact with gorillas, and never attempting to touch them. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to ensure the well-being of the primates and the safety of trekking groups.

If you are travelling with youngsters, we recommend booking your stay at a lodge that offers childminding services, special programs for kids, or even safe and child-friendly forest walks.

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Embark on an awe-inspiring primate journey through the dense rainforests of Bwindi National Park , immersing yourself in the mystical world of mountain gorillas. Embarking on a safari in Uganda “The Pearl of Africa” is an immersive and breathtaking experience that promises unforgettable encounters with some of the most magnificent wildlife and landscapes. From tracking the rare and endangered mountain gorillas in the misty jungles of Bwindi to tracking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and witnessing the thunderous spectacle of Murchison Falls, Uganda offers a safari adventure unlike any other. Uganda is a land of unparalleled nature beauty and cultural richness. From the mystical peaks of Rwenzori Mountains to the untamed savannahs of Kidepo Valley National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda beckons travelers with its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant traditions.

DISCOVER BWINDI NATIONAL PARK

Welcome to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, this information portal offers guidance on how to get there, gorilla trekking guide , attractions, where to stay, securing a gorilla safari permit , travel tips, what to do, when to go, what to wear and the most recent news about the Mountain gorillas in Uganda

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Location of Bwindi National Park

FEEL THE TRUE MAGIC OF NATURE

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park also known as Bwindi National Park is the biggest draw card for millions of travelers to Uganda – the Pearl of Africa as nicknamed by Churchill. Embark on a search for Great Apes and other primates in the verdant rainforest of Bwindi which is considered the best place track mountain gorillas in the world. Bwindi is ranked to be top destination for gorilla trekking thanks to its huge population of mountain gorillas as well as habituated families which are 20 families in number.

The Mubare Gorilla Group was the first to be available for tourism in Uganda in April 1993. Spread over a series of steep ridges and varies, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforest, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants.  

TRIPS TO INSPIRE YOU

The Pearl of Africa – Uganda, boasts diverse landscapes, from the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains to the vast savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park. Home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas, Uganda is the best gorilla trekking destination in the world. The country also offers unparalleled wildlife experience, serene waters of Lake Victoria and the misty rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which all contribute to Uganda’s ecological richness. The fascinating cultural encounters with the welcoming Ugandan people, along with thrilling safaris and gorilla trekking adventures, make Uganda a must-visit Africa Safari destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers a like.

3 Days Bwindi National Park

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WHAT TO BWINDI NATIONAL PARK

Mountain gorillas are the Key attractions in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and most travelers visit to meet them. With approximately 1,000 of these great apes left in the world, Bwindi Forest alone is home to over 400 and visitors are able to spend one hour with a habituated family or 4 hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family. In addition to Gorilla Trekking and Gorilla Habituation Experience , there are many other breathtaking Uganda Safari Activities to do in Bwindi including Hiking and guided nature walks, Batwa Cultural Encounters and Bird watching among others.

Gorilla Trekking

Bird watching

Lake Mutanda

Gorilla Habituation

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WHY TRAVEL WITH US

You will plan your journey together with experienced travel consultants of Bwindi Forest Gorilla Tours. So you spend less time researching, worrying and comparing, and more time living the experience.

A safari is only as good as the guide who accompanies you. Our local safari and tour guides will share their knowledge with you and let you see beyond picture perfect sunsets.

Your wishes and desires are important to us. We make it our priority to listen to your ideas and suggestions when putting together a personalised itinerary for your dream gorilla safari holiday. So you will have the unique experience you were looking for.

Enjoy the hospitality of Uganda at hand-selected camps, lodges, guesthouses, and guest farms. Where you are welcomed as guest, not just a room number.

We are small enough to care and provide you with personalized service but big enough to offer you competitive prices.

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Book authentic gorilla trekking Uganda safaris and tours, Rwanda tours , Dr Congo adventures and wildlife safaris in East Africa. Our Gorilla safaris in Uganda are pocket friendly and cater for all; Budget, Medium and top of the range classes. Go gorilla trekking in Uganda and East Africa with Gorillaland Safari Holidays today at highly discounted pocket friendly rates.

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About Gorilla Trekking in Africa

After mountain gorilla numbers declined below 500 in the 1980’s due to habitat degradation and poaching, gorilla tourism was introduced in 1993. Many of the once poachers, have since changed their mentality towards the mountain gorillas and gorilla trekking is now provides funds for conservation projects and many benefits to communities living near mountain gorillas.

Since then, with no predators to speak of, the mountain gorilla population has been steadily growing. The population is believed to be over 1000 individuals and growing. The world’s largest primate – the silverback is stunning to watch. The biggest threat to mountain gorillas is now habitat loss and spread of infectious respiratory diseases like Ebola.

With outbreak of corona virus in 2019, the best is being done to protect the gorillas from being infected whilst still enabling visitors to encounter them in their natural habitat.

Where to see mountain gorillas in Africa

Mountain gorillas are found only in tropical rainforests of Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda and Rwanda are located in east Africa while DR Congo in central Africa. The equator passes through these countries, therefore enjoy a warm tropical climate all year round.

Generally, Gorilla trekking experience allows visitors to spend 1 hour with gorillas in the wild. However, you can spend 4 hours with gorillas through the gorilla habituation experience only available in Uganda’s Bwindi forest. Planning to visit the gorillas, the first thing to do is booking your gorilla permit with a genuine tour operator.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking

Overall, Uganda is where half of the world’s wild mountain gorilla population live. Over 500 gorillas are in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a UNESCO world heritage. Along with Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda has two gorilla parks both located in southwestern part of the country.

Bwindi forest has 19 gorilla families that are habituated for tourism while Mgahinga has only one. In addition to gorilla trekking, Uganda offers gorilla habitation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable forest. Habituation experience allows visitors to spend 4 hours with semi-habituated gorillas in the wild.

Bwindi forest has four different centers. One can visit gorillas in Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. On top making the experience more diverse. If you are only interested in gorillas and are not going to visit other places, 3 or 4 days are enough to visit Bwindi or Mgahinga for a memorable Uganda gorilla tour.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

Volcanoes national park is Rwanda’s home of mountain gorillas. The park has 10 families that are habituated for trekking. Rwanda offers a luxury gorilla experience.

A gorilla permit goes for $1500 per person for you to spend 1 hour with the gorillas. As a perfect accompaniment, volcanoes national park has some of the best lodges in the world with a very comfortable stay and quality service. Most importantly, the maximum number of visitors to see gorillas is reduced to six, giving visitors a more serene experience.

Another great advantage that Rwanda has over its counterparts is easy access to its gorillas. Volcanoes national park is just 2-hour drive from Kigali airport, making it a perfect 1 day Rwanda gorilla trip. On the other hand, it’s impossible to visit gorillas in a single in Uganda or DR Congo.

A day in volcanoes national park includes a chance to visit Ibyiwacu cultural village for a Rwanda cultural experience.

Congo Gorilla Trekking

Less known compared to Uganda or Rwanda, DR Congo is unique because it protects both mountain and lowland gorillas. Mountain gorillas are found in Virunga National Park while lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Depending on the gorilla species you want to track, you need to have an idea of which park to visit before arrival. Do that with a trusted tour operator because organized trips have extra security from the tourism authorities. Virunga is set to reopen again for gorilla trekking mid-January 2021.

In Virunga National Park, there are 6 mountain gorilla families habituated for tourism. And gorilla trekking here is much more affordable with a permit at $400 per person. The park offers discounts during the rainy season (April to May). In order to visit, visitors must first make reservations with the one the lodges in the area.

In addition to gorillas, Virunga National Park features Africa’s most active volcano - Mt. Nyiragongo. Most visitors to Virunga hike and spend a night on the summit of Nyiragongo volcano for a complete experience.

Virunga lies in eastern DR Congo and most visitors access it from Rwanda. The park is a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the biologically diverse ecosystems in Africa. This diverse park requires at least to book a 5 day DR Congo safari that includes gorilla trekking and Nyiragongo hike.

Lowland gorilla trekking is done in Kahuzi Biega National Park located in Bukavu east of DR Congo.

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ADVENTURES TO GORILLA TREKKING

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GORILLA SAFARIS EXPERTS UGANDA 

Gorilla tours in uganda - gorilla safaris rwanda & trekking in africa .

Most people come to Africa for Gorilla Safaris in Uganda and Rwanda others travel to find different adventure holiday experience , a spark to ignite a new way of appreciating life. Adventures To Gorilla Africa is dedicated to making those dreams of Gorilla tours come true for you. We are a local tour operator licensed in Uganda and operating in both Uganda and Rwanda as Gorilla Safari Experts .

We organize the best Gorilla trekking tours  to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park , Mgahinga in Uganda  and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda  to see mountain gorillas . Our customized gorilla tours in Uganda and Safaris in Rwanda can be combined with Chimpanzee tracking , golden monkey trekking, boat trips, bird watching expeditions, hiking tours, City tour, cultural encounters and off course Africa Savanna game drives in the beautiful Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth NP, Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo NP and in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park.

Our professional driver guides are home grown with bragging experience timelines to go beyond your Gorilla trekking Safari dream expectations. We hand pick best Accommodation facility and the finest gorilla Safari lodge in Bwindi , book your Gorilla permit in Uganda or Rwanda , we take you in our well maintained 4x4 Safari cars and make sure you have contact with the Safari manager 24 hours during your trip. From the inquiry to planning your Africa Vacation Safari, Uganda Gorilla Safaris Experts will be with you to customize your adventure tour itinerary to suit your exact need. Engage our experts to start planning your gorilla trek in Rwanda and Uganda trip right away!

GORILLA TREKKING TOURS IN AFRICA

Africa is a home to three countries in the world for gorilla tours. Uganda, Rwanda and Congo have become very popular in the Safari Industry and are the leading destinations for any traveller seeking gorilla trekking in the wild. Adventures To gorilla Africa organizes the best gorilla trekking tours for Solo travellers, couples and friends travelling in small groups to see wild gorillas. Our Safaris cover African Wildlife and a gorilla tour in Uganda or Rwanda. Book a cheap vacation package to enjoy Wildlife Safari and gorilla tours in Africa that will take you Gorilla trekking Uganda , Rwanda and Congo to visit gorillas.

An adventure trip in Africa to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is the most thrilling Safari experience that any visitor should have on bucket list. Embark on a luxury gorilla Safari Uganda for the ultimate comfort or go budget gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable national park to see habituated gorillas. We also organize gorilla Safaris in Africa  that will take you for amazing gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes national park Rwanda . We have expertise needed to turn your travel dream a lifetime experience.

Our well crafted gorilla tours in Rwanda and Uganda are unique and budget friendly to allow travellers explore beyond Africa gorilla adventures. Design your own private trip to visit Rwanda and Uganda with friends or make it a family adventure tour  or a honeymoon Safari with guidance from experts today! These personalized Africa gorilla tours & Safari itineraries below will give you a starting point for what your trip to Uganda could entail. They cover the best adventure travel routes that we've found work particularly well and feature some of our favorite places to stay. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip can be created uniquely for you.

3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari

Road/Flight: From Entebbe, Trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

1 Day Gorilla Trek Uganda

From $1250.pp

By Road: Travel to Bwindi, trek gorillas and return.

2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour

By Road: From Kigali to Volcanoes N.P for the gorilla jungle experience.

3 Days Murchison Falls Safari Uganda

Visiting Murchison Falls NP via Ziwa Rhinos.

7 Days Uganda Primates Tour

Visiting primates in Kibale & Bwindi and wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP

6 Day Rwanda Gorillas & Chimp Tracking Safari

Gorillas & Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes & Chimps in Nyungwe

15 Days Classic Uganda Safari

Classic savanna game drives and rainforest jungle adventures

21 Days Ultimate Uganda & Rwanda Safari

From Entebbe through Uganda's wildlife galore to Kigali Rwanda.

TRAVEL TO AFRICA PRIVATELY ON CUSTOM MADE JOURNEY

Let our Uganda Safari Experts work with you to design your perfect bespoke Africa journey to Uganda that match all your preferences and budget. Our discounted gorilla treks and wildlife tour packages to Uganda are all inclusive, covering gorilla permits, transportation, meals, accommodation and Safari activities. As one of the best gorilla trekking companies in Uganda and Rwanda , we are so flexible to make adjustments and offer you the most affordable price on all tours & adventure vacation packages. Get your best travel deal now.!

MOST POPULAR UGANDA SAFARI TOUR PACKAGES 2024

Here are some of our custom made Uganda tours & safari Packages  to quickly help you make a tour choice. Enquire with Gorilla Safaris Experts Today!.

3 Days Queen Elizabeth Safari Uganda

Take a savanna game drive and boat safari on Kazinga Channel.

5 Day Uganda Primates Safari

Experience Uganda's jungle, see gorillas, chimps and explore the savanna

16 Days Photography Safari Uganda

Let's take you to some of the most picturesque spots.

5 Days Double Gorilla Trekking Bwindi

Gorilla trek once for photography, twice for maximum experience.

6 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Trek gorillas in Bwindi, See Wildlife in Queen ENP & track chimps in Kibale.

8 Days Uganda Gorillas and Chimpanzee Tour

Start with Kibale's Chimps then to Queen ENP for the Savanna experience & gorillas in Bwindi.

7 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari

Track Kibale's Chimps, Take a Savanna game drive in QENP and hike Bwindi to see gorillas.

4 Day Bwindi Gorillas & Lake Bunyonyi Tour

Trek the mountain gorilla and relax at lake Bunyonyi Resort.

EXPERIENCE GORILLA TREKKING IN RWANDA

A trek into the steep forest jungle while following the footsteps of Dian Fossey in Volcanoes national park Rwanda , spending time with a family of mountain gorillas in the wild, getting very close with a huge silverback and watching baby gorillas clinging on their mothers... its undoubtedly one of the exciting experiences in Africa.

RWANDA GORILLA SAFARIS

Take a look on some of our sample Rwanda Safari packages to quickly help you make a tour choice. Enquire with Gorilla Safaris Experts now!.

By Road: From Kigali to Volcanoes N.P for the gorilla jungle experience

3 Days Nyungwe Forest Safari

See the chimpanzee troops and tree-top Canopy walk

3 Days Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Adventure

From Kigali, travel to Volcanoes NP and track mountain gorillas.

4 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking Rwanda & Bisoke Hiking Tour

Trekking Gorillas in Rwanda and Hiking mount Bisoke Volcanoes.

5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Cultural Safari

Explore Rwanda's cultures and see mountain gorillas

9 Days Classic Rwanda Safari

By Road: Explore Rwanda's safari destination and see mountain gorillas

9 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Tour

Experience Uganda and Rwanda's savanna and rainforest wild jungles.

11 Days Best of Rwanda Safari

Explore Rwanda's Africa safari gems, gorillas, wildlife & cultures.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda is one of Africa's most memorable wildlife encounters. There are pros and cons to each country , but in each one, you will have an experience you will never forget. To follow the family of endangered mountain gorillas and get face to face with silverback in their natural habitat escorted by expert guide is life changing and gorilla trekking adventure of lifetime.

According to a recent mountain gorilla census by Uganda Wildlife Authority and other conservationists, it is estimated that 1,063 mountain gorillas still roam the Virunga Mountain slopes that straddle Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. More than a half of them live in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of Uganda. Is Uganda or Rwanda better for Gorilla Trekking? Find more information .

UGANDA TOP ATTRACTIONS

Top places to visit in uganda.

Uganda 's remote Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a renowned mountain gorilla sanctuary famous for gorilla trekking. As gorilla trekking draws attention of most travelers to Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park   is one of the oldest and is the largest of all the 10 national parks of Uganda , located in northwest of the country and is well known for its thundering waterfall and Nile hippos, elephants, Giraffes and big 5 game. The famous tree climbing lions are found in the Ishasha sector of the magnificent savanna safari park, Queen Elizabeth National Park . The adrenaline capital of East Africa is nothing to be missed with the best whitewater rafting, horseback riding, bungee jumping and the source of the mighty Nile river . Uganda's diverse landscape encompasses the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and immense Lake Victoria. Uganda's abundant wildlife includes chimpanzees as well as thousands of rarest bird species in the world.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla Trekking, Birding, Nature & Natives

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Murchison Falls National Park

'Big 5' Game, Sights & Boat Safari

Explore Murchison

Kibale Forest National Park

Chimpanzee Tracking, Primates, Bird watching

Explore Kibale

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Savanna Big Game, Boat Safari, Climbing Lions

Explore QENP

RWANDA TOP ATTRACTIONS

Top places to visit in rwanda.

Rwanda boasts with a green, mountainous landscape and commonly referred to as "The Land of a thousand hills" by travelers. Its renowned Volcanoes National Park is home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys . The safari park encompasses 4,507m-tall Mt. Karisimbi and 4 other forested volcanoes. In the southwest is Nyungwe National Park, with ancient montane rainforest that is a habitat for chimpanzees and other primates.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Gorilla Trekking, Golden Monkeys

Akagera National Park

Big 5 Game, Savanna Game Drives

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Habituated Chimpanzees, Birding & Primates

Kigali City

National Museum, City Tours, Culture, Genocide Memorial

BEST TIME FOR GORILLA TOURS IN UGANDA & RWANDA

Whether it's a rain season or dry season, there's never a bad time for a gorilla trek in Uganda or Rwanda . The best thing about booking a trip with us is that you can mold it to your own unique interests. Uganda and Rwanda gorilla tours can be done all year round, with temperatures barely changing throughout the seasons. However, the country is at its best during its two dry seasons between December and February and between June and August , when conditions are particularly good for classic wildlife safaris in Uganda and trekking mountain gorillas. Game spotting in national parks is also good at this time, as well as between February and March and from September through to early October when large numbers of wildlife can be seen at waterholes. Uganda is also fabulous for birding tour s all year round.

Mountain gorillas in both countries are trekked all year round, but knowing the best time to travel for gorilla safaris is very helpful as each season has it’s own advantages and disadvantages. Uganda and Rwanda are blessed with climates made up of two rainy seasons , the short one in October and November and a longer one from mid March to May . The remaining months are dry although the current variations in weather patterns make it difficult to forecast the seasons.

GORILLA SAFARIS EXPERTS BLOG

From gorilla trekking  and gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi forest to game drives, African wildlife safaris, Chimpanzee Tracking, birding tours, photography, best prices and to the best practices. We write inspirational blogs to help you choose and plan the best gorilla safari Uganda or a Rwanda gorilla tour with less hustle. Read!!

Visit CTC Conservation Center

Traveling to Kabale Town in Uganda

Activities to Do in Kidepo Valley National Park Uganda

Ndere Cultural Centre Uganda

Top Things to Do in Akagera National Park Rwanda

Silverback Gorilla Tour

Has been in Operation for 10 years with the principal idea of being a local tour operating office focused on offering travelers to Uganda Rwanda and Congo

GORILLA TREKING

GORILLA SAFARIS

GORILLA TOURS

Silverback gorilla tours in uganda & rwanda (2024).

Travel with Silverback Gorilla Tours for the ultimate gorilla trekking   and  wildlife safaris in Uganda and Rwanda at  budget friendly prices. With over 15 years of  offering guided gorilla trekking tours, Silverback gorilla tour is your reliable  travel agency to choose for your Uganda and  Rwanda gorilla Safari experience.  Silverback Gorilla Trekking Tours invites you to explore unique and captivating destinations on the most popular mountain gorilla safari adventures, unique experiences that can be enjoyed in only three countries in the world.

Looking for a Gorilla tour in Uganda , Rwanda, or DR Congo? Look no further – We offer customized gorilla tours along side other travel experiences such as chimpanzee trekking, game viewing, cultural tours and birding excursions among others . Interestingly all our travel packages are custom  made and can be adjusted any time to fit the travelers time and interests. Book your Gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo with Silverback Gorilla Tour for a pocket friendly lifetime experience . Our  Silverback Gorilla safaris take you deep  into the jungle forests of East Africa  where the endangered mountain gorillas live offering you the best  gorilla trekking safaris  at affordable rates

Travel deep into  Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in D.R. Congo for Gorilla Trekking Experiences. Feel free to select from our carefully assorted comprehensive Gorilla tour itineraries provided on our website or read through them to get incredible road trip ideas and rest assured of a safari full of lasting memories.

At Silverback Gorilla tours, we believe that every little idea does matter and can make a difference. Reach out to our great team and let us put together your ideas.

 In addition to gorilla tours, Silverback gorilla tour offer you guided game viewing safaris to see the          “big five”  and other savannah animals in the wilderness. Our Uganda game safaris are well done in Murchison falls Park, Queen  Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, Pian Upe game reserve and Lake Mburo National parks. Guided game   drives  are organized  in the morning evening and at times in the night. Game drives expose you to various wild animals  grazing and browsing while predators are seen hunting and feasting on their preys.

Other interesting experiences to enjoy with Maranatha Tours and Travel include chimpanzee trekking, bird watching, cultural tours, mountain climbing, nature/forest walks, golden monkey trekking and city tours among others.

We cater to all kinds of travelers both solo, family an group tours. Our Africa tour pricing system is completely flexible, offering visitors alternatives to choose from the budget, deluxe or luxury tour packages hence giving you an affordable Uganda safari or Rwanda Gorilla Tour choice.

Scroll down to view our Tailor-made Travel Itineraries or Request a Quote direct.

2024 Best  Silverback Gorilla Trekking Tours & Safaris

3 Days Uganda Silverback Gorilla Tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a Silverback Gorilla Trekking Safari offering you a great opportunity to enjoy face-to-face interaction with the massive mountain gorillas. READ MORE

4 Days Silverback Gorilla & Wildlife Tour is an exceptional Short Silverback Uganda Safari taking you through a thrilling Mountain Gorilla Trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable. READ MORE

5 Days Uganda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari offers the best of Guided game viewing experience in Queen Elizabeth and Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. READ MORE

More Silverback Gorilla Safari Packages

1 Day Short Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park starting and ending in Kigali. You will be picked from your hotel in Kigali very early in the morning by 4:30 am. READ MORE

3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking to Volcanoes National Park on a day trek with the gorillas and another with the golden monkeys, an endangered monkey species that is so playful and endemic to the Virunga. READ MORE

5 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour and chimpanzee tracking safari take you to Rwanda’s best primate destinations to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees while in their natural environment. READ MORE

Silverback Congo Gorilla Tour Packages

3 Days Lowland Gorilla Trekking Tour is one of the budget Congo Gorilla Safari that sets you to explore Kahuzi-Biega National Park. READ MORE

3 Days Nyiragongo Volcano Hike Congo Safari takes you through unforgettable hiking safari experience to the active  Nyiragongo Mountain located in Virunga National Park. READ MORE

5 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes national park and Nyiragongo lava lake hiking tour in Congo. READ MORE

Guide to Silverback Gorilla Trekking Tours

• Best Time to Trek Gorillas in Uganda
• Age recommended for gorilla trekking
• Gorilla Groups in Bwindi National Park
• How many people per gorilla group?
• What is gorilla trekking ?
• Gorilla permits cost in Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC
• Drive time to Virunga from Rwanda
• Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Gorilla trekking rules and Regulations in D.R. Congo
• How is gorilla trekking conducted in Uganda
• Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Guide
• Packing List for a Gorilla Trek
• Mountain Gorillas in D.R. Congo
• Tracking Gorillas in Buhoma Region
• Location of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• What to bring for gorilla trekking in Rwanda
• What is a gorilla habituation experience

Why Go Gorilla Trekking with Silverback Gorilla Tours?

At Silverback Gorilla Tours , we believe that every holiday is an adventure to learn and experience new things. Gorilla Safaris with us provide the perfect combination of excitement, education, relaxation, safety, and comfort.

Expertise   – We have been in operation for 15 years with the principal idea of being top sellers of classic African safaris in Uganda , Rwanda and Congo , East Africa. Our team have wealth of knowledge and skills required to make something unusual for every traveler.

Giving Back to Local Communities – Silverback Gorilla Tours believes that happiness isn’t something already made, but rather comes from our actions. Love for the local communities is what sets us from the rest. As we continue to thrive and grow as a business, creating that smile in the face of a local person to us is the most powerful and inspirational thing.

Silverback Gorilla Tours does collaborate with different Organizations, Volunteers, Religious Institutions such as Watoto Ministries, Compassion International and others. We engage in a number of community outreach projects and our safaris are uniquely designed in that 10% from our safari profits is donated to support orphans and poor children.

Silverback Gorilla Tours

Whether you call it Silverback Gorilla Tours or Silverback Gorilla Tour, the experience is all about meeting face to face the giant silverback together with his family members in their families. YES, silverback gorilla tours take you deeper into the dense forests of East and Central Africa where these endangered primates live. Maranatha Tours and travel customizes best silverback gorilla tours to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo at best prices. Seeing a silverback gorilla family guard his family is undeniably a highlight for any travelers doing gorilla trekking in Africa!.

Who is the silverback Gorilla?

There is only one silverback in each gorilla family because there cannot be tow fathers in one family. The silverback gorilla has a right to mate with all adult female gorillas in his family. The silverback Gorilla keeps an eye open guarding his family members. In case of any insecurity sensed, the silverback beats his chest to scare away the strangers. All family members are submissive to the Silverback

Silverback Gorilla Tours Uganda

Be part of our guided silverback Uganda gorilla tours to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National parks both located in south western Uganda. Uganda silverback gorilla tours offer you chance to encounter one of the 21 habituated gorilla families in the Pearl of Africa.

If you are trekking in Bwindi Forest, you will trek in any one of the four gorilla sectors that make up Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park. The 1 Day gorilla trekking Uganda is the shortest gorilla safari package you can do starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda. The list of gorilla families in Uganda to trek on your Uganda silverback gorilla tour include: 1. Rushegura family 2. Mubare Family 3. Bikying Family 4. Rwigi Family 5. Kyaguliro Family 6. Kutu Family 7. Christmas Family 8. Nshongi Family 9. Mishaya Family 10. Busingye Family 11. Nkuringo gorilla family among others

Silverback Gorilla Tours Rwanda

How much does it cost to see silverback gorilla?

The cost of seeing silverback gorilla tour depend on which country you visit. Gorilla trekking permits cost differently in each country. In Rwanda, a single gorilla permit costs $1500 while in Uganda it costs $800. Trekking gorillas in Congo costs $450 and if you want to do gorilla habituation in Rushaga Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park, the permit costs $1500. Where can I see a silverback gorilla? Silverback gorillas are only seen in two locations ie Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park and the Virunga Conservation Area shared between Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National park in Rwanda and Virunga National park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Why is gorilla trekking so expensive?

Its undeniable that gorilla trekking is one of the most expensive travel experiences in the world. The adventure is categorize as expensive due to the high cost that comes with it. Imagine $1500 for a single permit for just an hour with the gorillas! The major reason for the high cost of mountain gorillas is the endangered nature of the gorillas. These primates are highly endangered hence require protection. Gorilla permits are also expensive to limit the number of visitors flocking into gorilla parks which can cause more harm than good to the gorillas.

Uganda Gorilla Tours & Wildlife Safaris

Well,  gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in two destinations namely Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National park s. You can therefore trek in any one of the two parks or visit both parks for double gorilla trekking experience. Bwindi Forest shared between Kabale and Rubanda districts is the prime gorilla tour destination in the Pearl of Africa. The gorila park is home to half of the world’s total gorilla population and its  bisected into  four sectors which are Buhoma in the North, Ruhija in the east, Nkuringo and Rushaga regions in the south. Each gorilla region contains different gorilla families which behave differently.  Altogether, Bwindi Forest Park shelters 21 gorilla families shared among the four regions. The habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi Forest include Mubare , Habinyanja, Nkuringo, Bweza, Kyabuliro, Oruzogo, Busingye, Kutu, Mishaya, Nshongi, Katwe, Christmas, Rushegura, Muyambi, Bitukura, Mukiza, Mucunguzi, Mishaya and Bikyingi .  Regarding Mgahinga, the park is home to Nyakagyezi gorilla family which consists of roughly 16 members.

Rwanda gorilla tour

Africa Adventure Safaris also offer you customized Rwanda  gorilla safaris  to Volcanoes National park . The bamboo forest park is second to Bwindi Forest in sheltering the high number of mountain gorillas. Volcanoes Park contains 10 habituated gorilla families namely Hirwa, Karisimbi, Agahsya, Ugenda, Amahoro, Pablo, Sabyinyo, Susa A, Umubano and  Agashya gorilla group.  Rwanda is the best place for luxury and short time gorilla tours!

Congo Gorilla Tour

Apparently, Congo is closed for tourism! This means that no anyongoing Congo gorilla safaris to Virunga National park home to over 200 mountain gorillas. The closure of the park is due to civil conflicts and rebel threats which put the life of travelers at a high risk. Safaris to hike Nyiragongo Volcano are also on halt till security is restored in the park. However, you can visit Congo to trek the endangered eastern lowland gorilla in Kahuzi Biega National park

Sample Gorilla Tours & Safaris

1Day Uganda Gorilla Trek Bwindi

5 Days Gorillas & Chimp Trekking

4 Days Uganda Birding Trip

7 Days Uganda Wildlfe Safari

3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Tour

4 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari

17 Days Uganda & Zanzibar Safari

2023 Top Travel Experiences

Check our list of  2023 top travel experiences to do in Uganda, Rwanda , the  Democratic Republic of Congo and across Africa. The fact that Rwanda and Uganda have been featured among the top destinations to visit in 2023 by CNN, we bring you the top things you MUST do in these two countries.  These include

Classic Game Safaris in Uganda

3 Days Murchison Falls Park Tour

4 Days Uganda Game Safari

5 Days Queen Elizabeth &Semliki Game Safari

Where to go for a gorilla tour, Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo?

The east and central region of Africa is hugely blessed when it comes to rare wildlife species. Mountain gorillas cannot be found anywhere else apart from this corner of the world. They are found in these 3 neighbouring countries and living within close proximity in the Virunga Mountains which straddle their borders. Each of the 3 countries has got a good share of the population of these rare great apes. In terms of their numbers, Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park protects the biggest population of mountain gorillas with about 500 of them living within the park. Rwanda’s volcanoes national park protects about 360 mountain gorillas while DR Congo’s Virunga national park has about 250 animals. Basing on numbers, it would right to confirm that visitors to Bwindi have almost 100% chance of meeting these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Bwindi has also got the highest number of habituated gorilla groups (20) which are visited every day by trekkers. In terms of cost, each country charges differently for those who want to see gorillas. Rwanda sells her gorilla permit at $1,500 per person, Uganda sells the same at $700 while in DR Congo it is sold at $400. With those figures, price sensitive travellers may opt for either Uganda or DR Congo for their gorilla safaris. However, away from the cost, Rwanda has the shortest driving distance (2hrs) from the airport to the gorilla trekking destination. The country also boasts a better infrastructure in terms of good roads and high standard accommodation facilities. However, the volatile security situation in the eastern DR Congo around Virunga national park makes it hard to visit the gorillas in the area. Apart from those few differences, the gorilla trekking experience is the same in all the 3 countries and meeting these endangered species face-to-face regardless of the destination, you derive the same satisfaction.

Why go for a gorilla tour?

Gorilla trekking is a unique encounter and unlike other wildlife safari experiences that are common in most parts of the continent, gorilla trekking exclusively takes place in one region. Gorillas share 98% of the human DNA and this is clearly noticed upon meeting them in the wild. Visitors have observed the human-like behaviour of gorillas through their activity in the jungle and the way they relate one each other. Like humans, gorillas live in well organised social groups or families which are headed by alpha males known as silverbacks. This is evident to tourists who are assigned to trek a specific gorilla family on their trip. Many travellers who have taken on the encounter have described gorilla trekking as one of the best wildlife experience in the world in their reviews.

What is the best season for a gorilla tour?

The dry period from June to September and December to February is the best season to visit mountain gorillas. These apes live in montane rainforest which can be so hard to navigate in the wet season. Secondly gorillas tend to roam freely in the forests hence easy to find unlike in wet season when they confine at a specific area.

Frequently Asked Questions on Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Tours

How difficult is gorilla trekking in rwanda.

For a mountain gorilla trek in Rwanda, anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can ably enjoy this activity. Usually the challenges are posed by the tricky terrain and high humidity levels. The jungle canopy traps and thickness can also become quite challenging. However the guides always clear the thick vegetation with machetes to create path ways. However, gorilla families such as Sabyinyo, Agashya, Kwitonda, and Hirwa are less challenging for most visitors. Tracking a gorilla group in Rwanda can take visitors between 2 – 5 hours depending on the location of the gorilla groups.

Is Uganda or Rwanda better for gorilla trekking?

Uganda has more habituated gorilla families, 22 in number, compared to Rwanda’s 18 groups available for tracking on a particular day hence enhancing chances of gorilla permits availability in Uganda. However Rwanda is a smaller country in terms of its geographical area compared to Uganda where drive distances tend to be longer; and as such for travelers with less time, Rwanda becomes a better option.

How Much does it cost to see gorillas?

The cheapest a person can do a gorilla safari in Rwanda for a day trip is USD 1,700 (per person); a 2 days at USD 1900 per person; a 3 day gorilla trip at USD 2000 to USD 5000 (luxury package). Included in a gorilla tour package are: – a gorilla permit, private safari truck / vehicle, English / French / German speaking guide, accommodation and meals.

Is gorilla trekking worth the money?

Yes, gorilla trekking has proved the best wildlife experience according to TripAdvisor Reviews by most travelers to Africa. It is worth the effort, time and money spent. Encountering the mountain gorillas in the wild face-to-face is the most breathtaking experience any wildlife enthusiast would dream to experience.

What is gorilla tracking like?

Gorilla tracking requires physically fit travelers as it involves hiking through thick vegetation and steep terrain in some areas of the park. A gorilla trek in Uganda can last 1 hour to 6 hours, depending on the movement of mountain gorillas in the wild searching for their food. The gorilla tracking experience in both Uganda and Rwanda are similar.

Is gorilla watching safe in Uganda?

YES, gorilla trekking is Uganda is safe. The safest parts of Uganda are Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks. Uganda Wildlife Authority at all times maintains her park rangers highly motivated, vigilant, well equiped and trained to keep gorilla trekking safe and secure.

What is gorilla habituation experience?

Gorilla Habituation Experience (GHE) is the gradual exposure of a wild gorilla family to human presence. Researchers begin with a study of a gorilla specie, treat sicknesses and protect them from encroachers in view of conservation tourism. Currently there are two gorilla families subjected to habituation:- Bukyingi and Bushaho, all in Rushaga Sector- southern Bwindi. For a successful habituation process, each group has so far spent 3 to 5 years under the management of an expert research team, conservations and game rangers. Each day game rangers spend some time with the gorillas by gradually getting closer to them. This process will continue until the gorillas are very comfortable with the human presence thus eventually opening them to visitation by tourists. So, Gorilla Habituation Experience brings tourists to these gorillas under study and eventually turn them into friendly primates. A tourist who participates in Gorilla habituation Experience is perceived as one who fully supports conservation since funds generated in this activity are utilized in supporting the survival of these primates. The Gorilla Habituation Experience enable a tourist to spend a day in the presence of the gorillas and thus participates in all activities related to the gorillas which culminates into an incredible wildlife experience.

How much does it cost to track gorillas in Uganda?

A gorilla permit in Uganda costs USD 700; for foreign nonresidents a gorilla permit costs USD 600; and Gorilla Habituation Experience costs USD 1500. The rest of the safari package is determined by any other activities and lodges a traveler would wish customized in his or her package.

What is the best month to visit Uganda?

The dry season June to August, and December to February offer better gorilla and chimpanzee trekking conditions. Game drives and viewing are also good during this period. However the rest of the months are also fine though with inconveniences posed by heavy rains. During this low season gorilla and chimpanzee permits tend to be subsidized so are the safari lodges.

What do you need for gorilla trekking?

Anyone tracking chimpanzees or mountain gorillas should wear sturdy clothing i.e. long sleeved shirts and trousers for protection against nettles. You need gardening gloves or protective leather gloves and a pair of gaiters / light walking boots.

Are the gorillas dangerous?

Generally, gorillas are powerful yet gentle and friendly animals. But they can attack and injure people who provoke them. The Silverback can react loud roars, thumping its chest and charge towards the person that has provoked him. Despite being gentle and calm, gorillas are wild animals that can prove dangerous if mishandled or threatened. Gorilla attacks on humans are extremely rare but can only be motivated by a defensive instinct.

Which place is best to see gorillas in Africa?

Mountain gorillas live in green volcanic Virunga Conservation area that includes Volcanoes national park of Rwanda, Virunga National Park – DR Congo, Mgahinga and Bwindi national parks in Uganda; whereas lowland gorillas live in the forests of central and western Africa in Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Central African Republic and DR Congo.

How do i book a gorilla safari?

To book a gorilla tour one has to pay for a gorilla permit which is simply a document that allows you spend an hour with gorillas in the wild. This document can be obtained through a registered tour company such as Africa Adventure Safaris (www.ugandagorillatour.com) or through Uganda Wildlife (UWA) in case of Uganda; or through www.rwandagorillassafari.com or Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in case of Rwanda.

What is gorilla trekking experience?

Gorilla trekking experience involves going on a guided hike through dense rainforest to spend time with a specific gorilla group in its natural environment. Encountering these calm and awesome creatures is a life-changing experience. Gorilla Trekking Experience begins with a guided walk through the dense rainforest in search of gorillas. An encounter with a family of gorillas is the ultimate goal of this hike. Tourists are allowed to stay in the presence of gorillas for an hour. Normally 7 meters are allowed for any guest getting closer to any gorilla group. However due to Covid 19 pandemic the distance has been increased to 10 meters. Gorillas can easily contract all human diseases since their DNA in relation to humans is about 96%.

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Gorilla Tours with Mission Africa Safaris

Gorilla tours rwanda – gorilla safaris in uganda and congo.

Are you planning for a gorilla tour in Africa? Mission Africa Safaris is a tour company with over 8 years experience organizing gorilla tours and other general Wildlife safaris in East Africa. We help put together silverback gorilla safaris, nature walks, cultural visits, site seeing, birding tours and game drives to Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. We organize both budget gorilla tours and luxury gorilla safaris while sharing information that will  help our clients prepare for memorable gorilla trekking adventures to the Volcanoes national park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park , Virunga national park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park  and Kahuzi Biega national park to see the Lowland gorillas .

Uganda , Rwanda and DR Congo are amazing countries to visit for a complete wildlife safari. In terms of biodiversity, they offer the full tour package . Visitors are always impressed with the weather and stunning scenery. They are the only countries where you can go see the endangered silverback gorillas and learn about gorilla conservation programs during your wildlife tour. Though considered developing countries, the people in the three countries are happy and very friendly to tourists.

Our team of experienced and knowledgeable staff will help you organize exhilarating mission trips to Africa , wildlife safaris and short day excursions within East and Central Africa. You can choose to go for mountain gorilla trekking combined with wildlife viewing, Chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey trekking, mountain hiking tours, birdwatching , Eco-tours, community visits or nature walks. You might even decide to go hiking Mount Karisimbi in Rwanda, the Nyiragongo active volcano in Congo, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania or the Rwenzori mountains in Uganda. Then there is biking through the Congo Nile Trail on a Rwanda Safari or a weekend viewing the source of the river Nile and white water rafting in Jinja. We also arrange safaris in kenya and Tanzania .

Regardless of what you choose to do, we will give you affordable rates and options while ensure high quality and a personal touch. We have an 8 Days Gorilla Trekking Uganda and Masai Mara safari package that you might find interesting.

Uganda Wildlife Safaris

• 1 Day Gorilla Tour Uganda
• 2 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trek
• 3 Days Gorilla Safari Uganda
• 4 Days Gorilla Trek and Wildlife
• 5 Days Gorillas and Chimps
• 6 Days Uganda Safari
• 7 Days Uganda Primates Tour
• 8 Days Uganda Safari Adventure

15 Days Best of Uganda Safari

Rwanda safaris.

• 1 Day Gorilla Tour Rwanda
• 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek
• 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari
• 5 Days Rwanda Primates Tour
• 7 Days Best of Rwanda Safari

Congo Tours

• 3 Days Mount Nyiragongo Hike
• 3 Days Lowland Gorilla Trek
• 4 Days Nyiragongo and Gorillas
• 5 Days Congo Safari Aventure
• 15 Day Congo, Rwanda, Uganda

Book with us today and enjoy that dream African vacation and wildlife safari you always wanted. You can also follow us on our Facebook   and Instagram pages.

Book with us today and enjoy that dream African vacation and wildlife safari you always wanted. You can also follow us on our Facebook   and Instagram pages. For more information about COVID-19, get the latest from websites with the most trusted Coronavirus status reports.

Combined Safaris

• 5 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari
• 6 Days Tanzania and Gorilla Trek
• 7 Days Masai Mara and Gorillas
• 8 Days Gorillas and Kenya Safari
• 10 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari

2 Days Gorilla Trek

2 Days Gorilla Tour Bwindi starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda

4 Days Gorilla Tour

4 Days Gorilla Safari in Bwindi & wildlife Tour to Queen Elizabeth national

4 Days Gorilla Trekking

4 Days Gorilla Trekking Congo and Nyiragongo Hike

7 Days Gorilla Trek

7 Days Uganda Safari Convering Chimps, gorilla tracking and wildlife

10 Days Rwanda Congo, Uganda Tour

10 Days safari in Rwanda, Congo and Uganda featuring Nyiragongo

15 Days Best of Uganda wildlife safari with gorillas and chimps

5 Days Uganda Primates Safari

5 Days Uganda primates safari including chimps and gorillas

4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Karisimbi

4 Days Gorilla Trekking Rwanda and Karisimbi Hiking

Gorilla Safari Rwanda – Gorilla Tour in Uganda and Congo

Silverback gorilla tours offer the ultimate wildlife experience! Whereas game drives are great, an African safari is incomplete without a silverback gorilla tour to Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. A silverback Gorilla safari takes you hiking through dense rain forest to meet face to face with wild gorillas in Africa. Trekking to see silverback gorillas in Africa or participating in the gorilla habituation experience are special and once in a lifetime experiences - You will be having a close encounter with creatures that look and behave like we humans. Is Gorilla Trekking Ethical ? Yes. Because it is the only way to generate funds for gorilla conservation in these developing countries. The money raised helps protect the primates from poachers and also helps build the required infrastructure in the parks. Humans are less likely to harm the primates if they understand the benefit of gorilla trekking to their communities . You might want to see our 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari package.

In countries were mountain gorilla trekking is possible, gorilla tourism is far more valuable - Most visitors to East Africa come to see wild gorillas alongside other activities like golden monkey trekking, birding, mountain hiking, chimpanzee trekking or visiting the grave of Dian Fossey . We are also including cultural visits like visiting the Iby'iwacu cultural village and the Batwa among others during a Rwanda or Uganda safari . With about 28 Gorilla groups available for trekking, only 8 visitors are allowed to visit each gorilla family in a day. Gorilla permits sell like hot cake and competition for the available daily permits is high - Gorilla permits in Africa are sold on first come first serve basis. Visitor must book early in order to secure their gorilla permits. How do you find our 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Package.

When is the best time to see gorillas in Africa ? Tracking gorillas in Africa is a year round activity but the periods just after the rains are perfect for the adventure. During a silverback gorilla safari in Africa, the decision on which gorilla family to track depends on your overall fitness and preference. Some gorilla groups live near the starting points for tracking while others go deeper in the forest. In order to allow our clients get the best of both worlds, we have designed packages involving silverback gorilla safaris in all the three countries - Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. A 2 days Rwanda gorilla tour may be what you are looking for.

Luxury gorilla safaris in Africa

Mission Africa Safaris arranges Budget, Mid-range and Luxury wildlife tours. Our Luxury gorilla tours will exceed your expectations. With a luxury gorilla safari in Africa, you get to stay in the best hotels and lodges while drinking fine wine in the African bush. Our luxury gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo can be arranged for individuals, families, large groups and honeymooners. Honeymoon safaris in East Africa involve special treats for lovers who want to spend their honeymoon experiencing Africa’s beautiful nature or taking part in activities like gorilla trekking. Imagine spending time with your loved one away from the hustle and bustle back in your city while watching breathtaking wildlife, relaxing on lake Kivu, enjoying the natural green African vegetation and landscape under the stars. Is there anything else more special than that? You may find our 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour interesting.

We have over 6 years experience organizing Mission Trips for volunteers and missionaries visiting famous religious centers like the Namugongo Martyrs shrine among others. We are experienced organizing large group tours that require great planning and coordination. Are you are tour operator with a large group visiting Uganda for a safari? We can help you organize things on the ground and ensure your clients have the best time while on a tour of Uganda. Hikers may be interested in the 3 Days Mount Karisimbi Hike .

Giving back to the community and sponsoring wildlife conservation projects

Mission Africa Safaris is a company with a big heart and known for supporting conservation and tourism related activities. We sponsor projects that enhance the lives of communities living near the game parks and reserve. We have been involved in book projects that showcase the best about Uganda while using the proceeds to help orphanages and other children. We are currently sponsoring a a groundbreaking gorilla conservation project by world renown artists Gillie and Marc. The end result of the project is the largest gorilla sculpture on earth to be installed in the Hudson Yard Park (New York City). The sculpture will raise awareness about Mountain gorillas to millions around the world. We also organize Mission Trips and partner with Volunteers and Missionaries who come to East Africa to spread the good news about Christ while building schools and visiting the less privileged. Meanwhile check our 1 Day Uganda Gorilla Tour .

Gorilla safari in Rwanda and Uganda – The best time to visit for gorilla trekking

Because of their location around the equator, the climate conditions in Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo allow Wildlife Safaris to be done throughout the year. However the best time to visit Uganda and other East African counties on a safari is during the drier seasons (January, February, March, June, July, August and September). During the drier months, the park roads are free of mud and the animals gather at specific waterholes to drink making it easy to spot them. Gorilla trekking in Africa is best done during the dry season to avoid the slippery trails typical of rainy seasons. Unfortunately the hotel rates are higher and permits for silverback gorilla tours in Africa need to be booked in advance. You might want to see our 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Safari package.

The wet season (March to May and October to September) has its advantages especially if you are eyeing Gorilla Tours. There are fewer visitors in the park making for a more personal and private safari especially for wildlife photographers, researchers and those doing sport fishing in Uganda . Some hotels reduce their rates because there are few tourists. Birders will find the wet season amazing for birding. It is the breeding season and birds are everywhere. Migratory birds come to East Africa to escape the heat elsewhere and take advantage of the fresh fruits and insects. If you are interested in hiking check our our 3 Days Nyiragongo hike tour and the 1 Day Bisoke volcano hike . You might also be interested in more information about hiking mount Rwenzori in Uganda.

The wet season (March to May and October to September) has its advantages especially if you are coming for Africa Gorilla Tours. There are fewer visitors in the park making for a more personal and private safari especially for wildlife photographers, researchers and those doing sport fishing in Uganda . Some hotels reduce their rates because there are few tourists. Birders will find the wet season amazing for birdwatching. It is the breeding season and birds are everywhere. Migratory birds also come to the country to escape the heat elsewhere and take advantage of the fresh fruits and insects. If you are interested in hiking check our our 3 Days Nyiragongo hike tour and the 1 Day Bisoke volcano hike . You might also be interested in more information about hiking mount Rwenzori in Uganda. 

Safety while on a gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda

The safety of our clients is paramount to us. We will ensure your safety and security by alerting you to any security situations in the country you are visiting before and during your Gorilla tour. Our guides are trained to drive responsibly and ensure the safety of the client in urban areas, at the hotel and while driving through the park. Our 3 Days Murchison Falls National Park Safari package may interest you.

Why travel with Mission Africa Safaris?

There is no continent that rivals Africa when it comes to that blend of culture, wildlife and natural beauty. Millions of tourists continue to be greatly impressed by the incredible biodiversity in Africa consisting of great landscape, spectacular rivers, lakes, green forests and of course the wild animals.

Traveling with Mission Africa safaris means adventure, fun, safety and quality services. Our experience putting together amazing tours in East Africa will ensure that your Rwanda or Uganda Safari is well planned and at affordable rates. We are aware that other tour companies may offer cheaper prices for their tours. However too cheap may come at the expenses of quality. Our prices are set in such a way that they are comparable to that of other Tour operators but do not compromise on the quality of services. In fact our budget hotels are not “budget” as such. It is a testament to the quality of our services that most of our clients are returnees or those who have been recommended to us by their friends and families.

We will ensure that we go out of our way to organize a great safari that is full of fun and adventure regardless of whether you are a budget or Luxury traveler. We create partnerships with other international tour companies, local hotels and lodges to that ensure that the best hotels are always available at the best rates. Our membership with tour operators associations and partnership with Wildlife Authorities ensure that we get access to gorilla permits even in periods when they seem over-booked. You can check out our 3 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari package or the 3 Days Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi ?

Although we have international volunteers and partners from Europe and the US working in our office from time to time, we are a locally owned company. This ensures that you are dealing with local people who are truly passionate about their country, know the destinations in and out. Our staff know the latest developments (socially, economically and politically) in the country which is important for your own safety and adventure. African ownership ensures that more locals are given employment opportunities. By booking with us, you are ensuring that your money helps empower and support the local African people. You may be interested in our 4 Days Kidepo National Park Safari itinerary.

The tourism industry relies on trust between the company and clients. A tour company is only as good as the quality of its field Guides/Drivers. We rely on our staff to demonstrate the values of honesty and integrity while dealing with our clients. Because Guides are our ambassadors in the field, we try to work with the very best. By best we mean Drivers who have prior experience dealing with international Tourists. Our Guides are very professional, experienced, knowledgeable and passionate about their job. They are ready to share information about the places you visit and will take you to discover places that may not have been included in your itinerary. Talking about itineraries, check out our 3 Days lowland Gorilla Tour .

The office team is comprised of individuals who are well traveled and are in position to know what is best for you. We invest a considerable part of our resources on our office staff, Drivers, tour vehicles and other equipment. Our Guides are trained in defensive driving and we use a fleet of 4X4 Safari vans that are comfortable, in great condition and customized for the rough terrain in the African countryside. The privacy of our clients is ensured by assigning vehicles that are spacious, safe and reliable. We also limit the number of visitors to ensure comfort and privacy.

About Gorilla Trekking

• About Gorillas in Africa
• Facts on Mountain Gorillas
• How to Adopt a Gorilla
• Gorilla Trekking and COVID-19
• Measures and SOPS for COVID-19
• The Cost of a Gorilla Safari
• Gorilla Conservation Agencies in Africa
• Guidelines for Gorilla Trekking in Africa
• Cross River Gorillas
• Types of Gorillas
• Western Lowland Gorillas
• Eastern Lowland Gorillas
• Where to see Wild Gorillas
• Reviews about Gorilla Trekking
• How to Book Gorilla Permits
• Filming Gorillas
• Photographing Gorillas
• Gorilla Groups
• Rules for Gorilla Trekking Africa
• Packing List for Gorilla Safaris
• Discounted Gorilla Permits in Uganda
• Cheap Gorilla Permits in Rwanda
• See Gorillas in Rwanda
• Visit Gorillas in Bwindi
• See Gorillas in Mgahinga
• Visit Gorillas in Congo
• Visiting the Dian Fossey Grave
• Gorilla Habituation Experience
• Using Drones for Gorilla Trekking
• Cultural Tours in Uganda
• Border Crossings in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo
• East African Tourist Visa
• Victoria Falls

Short Uganda Tours

• 1 Day Gorilla Tour
• 2 Days Bwindi Gorilla Tour
• 2 Days Jinja Water Rafting
• 3 Days Murchison Falls Tour
• 3 Days Queen Elizabeth Tour
• 3 Days Ssese Island Tour
• 5 Day Uganda Wildlife Safari

Mission Africa Safaris is a leading Tour company in East Africa. We help put together amazing tours for Travelers in Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and The Democratic Republic of Congo. You can be one of them today!

• African Shoppers Building, Suite 021, Segguku, Katale Road
• +256 (0) 414 672197,+256781451207, +250781463985
• Address: Box 1500 Kampala Uganda
• www.silverbackgorillatours.com

Warm Greetings from Mission Africa Safaris!

Click below to chat on WhatsApp or send an email to [email protected]

Gorilla Trek Africa

Gorilla Safaris & Tours in Rwanda, Uganda & Congo

Our impressive reviews on  Tripadvisor  are a clear testimony of the hands-on safari services we have rendered since 2005. We do not solicit these reviews. Even the bad ones are a lesson to us to fine tune and plug gaps so as to match international standards.

Featured Gorilla Safaris and Tours around East Africa

3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour

3 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkey Tracking Safari

Trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes national park and either enjoy a cultural tour or track the endangered golden monkeys on this 3-day safari. Read more

Tailored 5 Days Uganda Gorilla safari with Gorilla Trek Africa. The 5 Days Uganda safari include gorilla trekking in Bwindi and chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park. Read more

10 Days Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari

15 Days Uganda Wildlife & Cultural Safari

8 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour

This 8 days Uganda gorilla tour includes several wildlife experiences such as gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park, Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale national park, game drives in Queen Elizabeth national park and Lake Mburo national park. Read more ..

3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour

5 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Chimps

2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek

4 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Dian Fossey Hike

5 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife

10 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari

Why consider a gorilla safari?

A gorilla safari in either Uganda or Rwanda is a great opportunity to interface with the endangered mountain gorillas. Genetically gorillas share 98% of their Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) with humans. The magical hour spent in the presence of these great apes has been described by past travelers as one of the best wildlife experiences. Mountain gorillas do not survive in captivity. Therefore, they cannot be found in any zoo anywhere in the world. Due to this reason, gorilla trekking is now the most popular tourist experience in Uganda, DR Congo and Rwanda attracting thousands of visitors to this part of the world.

Gorilla Trek Africa (GTA) is a one-stop shop for discounted gorilla tours and Big Five safaris in East Africa. Our safaris also extend to Tanzania, Kenya , and Ethiopia. We have offices in both Rwanda and Uganda. We attend to our guests 24/7.

Visit vast national parks such as the Serengeti in Tanzania and Masai Mara in Kenya for breathtaking annual wildebeest migrations . Our professional driver guides guarantee travelers safe and comfortable transfers to all tourist spots all over Africa. Do you want to discover the indigenous tribes of Africa? Our customized cultural tours offer you chance to learn and experience the traditions, norms and customs of local people in Africa.

Besides gorilla tour , we also organize chimpanzee trekking & habituation in Kibale Forest and Kyambura gorge ; golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Parks. Other wildlife experiences include watching the tree climbing lions in Ishasha sector south of Queen Elizabeth National Park, white-water rafting at the source of the Nile, mountain climbing to the peaks of Rwenzori , Elgon, Nyiragongo and the Virunga mountains.

Travelers with GTA are assured of exceptional gorilla trips and other amazing experiences in East and Central Africa. For a test of our outstanding services, refer to tripadvisor.com and safaribookings.com.

Pocket Friendly Packages

At Gorilla Trek Africa, we offer pocket friendly safari packages for our clients. Our tour itineraries are tailor made to meet and suit out clients budget and interests. We offer budget, midrange and luxury packages catering for travellers of all kinds. Read more..

Work Experience

With over 13 years of working experience, Gorilla Trek Africa is well vast with experience to ensure customers satisfaction. Our experienced team of reservations, travel writers and guides have all answers to all your travel questions and concerns. Read more..

Safety & Security

Gorilla Trek Africa guarantees maximum satisfaction, safety & security.  Relax and enjoy the experiences of native culture and pristine wilderness environments confident of our exceptional accommodations, transportation, hygiene and security. Read more..

4 Days Serengeti Park Safari

7 Days Tanzania Wildebeest Safari

8 Days Tanzania Migration Experience

12 Days Uganda Safari

11 Days Rwanda-Ethiopia Safari

22 Days Uganda-Ethiopia Safari

Gorilla safaris in Rwanda, Uganda & Congo

Our gorilla safaris take place in Rwanda , Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These are the only 3 destinations in the world where you can find the endangered mountain gorillas . There are currently about 1,064 mountain gorillas in these countries living in two separate locations. One group lives in the Virunga Mountains that straddle the borders of the 3 countries while the other lives in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwest Uganda. National Parks protecting mountain gorillas within the Virunga Mountains include Virunga National Park in DR Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. A gorilla safari to any of the 3 countries gives travellers an opportunity to meet face to face with the endangered mountain gorillas which share 98% of the human DNA. These are the only destinations in the world where these rare great apes can be found and thousands of travellers flock here to trek gorillas, for a lifetime experience.

Comparing gorilla safaris in Rwanda, Uganda & DR Congo

The gorilla trekking experience is almost the same in all the 3 countries though there are several factors that make the encounter in each country unique. In terms of the cost, Rwanda is the most pricy of all the 3 countries. The gorilla permit which allows visitors to enter the gorilla park is sold at $1,500 per person in Rwanda. The same is sold at $700 per person in Uganda for foreign non residents, $600 for foreign residents and Uganda Shillings 250,000 to East African residents whereas in DR Congo it is sold at $450 per person. In terms of distance, it only takes about 3 hours to drive from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes National park in the northwest of the country. This is not the case with Uganda where it takes about 10 hours to drive from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the southwest. For DR Congo, it’s a 4 hours drive from Kigali International Airport to the eastern town of Goma; and a 2 hours drive from Goma to Virunga National Park due to the bumpy nature of the road.

Rwanda’s high standard accommodation facilities  make her a high end destination. Both Rwanda and Uganda are relatively peaceful in terms of security while the situation is a bit fragile in DR Congo due to rebel activities in the eastern part of the country.

Best season for gorilla safaris

The dry season between June to September and December to February is the best time to trek mountain gorillas. Gorillas live at high altitudes in montane rainforests which can be very difficult to trek in rain season due to unfavorable conditions in the parks. Gorillas also tend to roam freely in their habitat in the dry season which makes them easy to find unlike in the wet season when they confine themselves at one place. Some roads leading to gorilla habitats still have marram and they turn muddy in the rain season making it very hard to navigate.

Gorilla permits

A gorilla permit or gorilla pass is the primary requirement for trekking the endangered mountain gorillas in any of the 3 countries. Gorilla permits can be bought online through a trusted tour agent or directly from the issuing authority. It is highly advisable that those intending to trek gorillas book their gorilla permits at least 6 months in advance because of their limited availability. The number of trekkers visiting gorillas per day is limited in order to limited to 8 trackers per gorilla gorilla group.  The price of a gorilla permit is different in all the 3 countries. Read more ..

Gorilla habituation

Gorilla habituation is very instrumental in facilitating gorilla tourism. Gorilla trekking wouldn’t be possible without the habituation process. In this case, wild gorilla groups are tracked by rangers for a period of time in order to make them get used to the presence of humans. After succeeding in influencing their behavior, these groups are officially open to tourism. The gorilla habituation has been very successful in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where over 20 groups have so far been habituated. The Bwindi Impenetrable Park is the only destination where the experience is carried out.  The habituation process lasts for 4 hours per day and those who want to take part in it are charged $1,500 per person. Read more ..

Gorilla groups/families

Naturally gorillas live in social groups which are referred to as gorilla families . It is worthy noting that gorillas share 98% of the human DNA and therefore it is not surprising to learn that they posses some of the human traits like living in families. Gorilla groups differ in size with some having as many many as 25 members while others with as few as 2 members. Generally, an average gorilla family has got about 15 members. Just like humans, a gorilla family is led by an alpha male known as a silverback who represents a father figure in the family. The other members in the gorilla family include several females with their young ones as well as a few juveniles. Male gorillas reach maturity at an average age of about 12 years and at this stage, they tend to move away from the family and strive to form their own group. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwest Uganda has got the highest number of gorillas as well as the habituated gorilla groups. Read more ..

Gorilla trekking rules/guidelines

Mountain gorillas being endangered species, their protection is always prioritised to ensure that they continue to thrive in their natural habitat. In order to achieve this, authorities came up with a few rules to guide trekkers on how to go about the gorilla trekking exercise while not affecting the wellbeing of the animals. These include among others, limiting the number of trekkers visiting gorillas per day, restricting time spent in their presence, etc. Read more..

Mountain gorilla habitats/parks

Mountain gorillas live in 4 different habitats/parks of which 3 are located within the Virunga Mountains straddling the borders of DR Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. These include Virunga National Park in DR Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. The other gorilla habitat is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwest Uganda. Each habitat is very crucial to the survival and existence of the gorillas though they may differ in terms of size, vegetation, altitude and the number of animals protected. Bwindi has got the highest number of mountain gorillas (about 450), followed by Volcanoes (about 350), Virunga has about 250 while Mgahinga is just visited occasionally by a few gorillas crossing from Rwanda. In terms of accessibility, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the most easy to get to with the shortest driving distance of about 2-3 hours from the capital Kigali, Bwindi and Mgahinga  can also easily be accessed from Kigali rather than from Kampala. Virunga in Congo can be accessed by air from Kigali International Airport to Goma and then a drive to the park. Read more …

Packing list for gorilla trekking

Mountain gorilla trekking is a unique experience that takes place in montane rainforests of east and central Africa. Due to the nature of the terrain, weather conditions and the vegetation in the gorilla trekking destinations, travellers are required to pack specific items for facilitation. Some of the most crucial items on the gorilla trekking gear list include rain jacket, hiking boots, gloves, among others. Read more ..

Rwanda gorilla safaris

Volcanoes national park in northwest Rwanda is the single destination for gorilla safaris in the country. The park is park is part of the greater Virunga Massif which also extends into DR Congo and Uganda, known for protecting the endangered mountain gorillas. There are 12 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes national park that are visited by travellers every day. The total number of mountain gorillas in the park is estimated to be about 350 animals. Some of the gorilla families that are regularly visited in Rwanda include Susa, Amahoro, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Hirwa, Kwitonda, among others. According to the gorilla trekking guidelines in Rwanda, each gorilla family is visited once per day by a group of 8 trekkers. Visitors are allowed to spend one hour in the presence of gorillas. Rwanda’s gorilla permit is sold at $1,500 per person and can be bought online via a trusted local tour agent . Rwanda is arguably the most ideal destination for gorilla trekking safaris given the convenience in accessing the gorilla park and the country’s developed infrastructure in terms of accommodation facilities and transport network. Read more..

Gorilla safaris in Uganda

Uganda is one of the leading destinations as far as gorilla safaris are concerned. Bwindi Impenetrable National park in the southwest protects the highest number of mountain gorillas in the world. The park now has over 20 habituated gorilla families that are available to be visited every day. There are four gorilla trekking sectors within Bwindi Impenetrable national park, namely; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Gorilla permits are allocated for each sector and trekkers are required to visit gorillas in the corresponding sector attached to their permit. The impressive number of mountain gorillas  in Bwindi gives trekkers almost 100% chance of meeting their allocated gorilla family in the park. Some of the most common gorilla families that are regularly visited by trekkers in Bwindi include Rushegura, Mubare, Bitukura, Habinyanja, Kyaguriro, Oruzongo, Nshongi, Mishaya, Nkuringo, among others. Uganda’s gorilla permit is sold at $700 per person for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents in East Africa and Uganda Shillings 250,000 for East African residents. Travellers planning to trek gorillas in Uganda are encouraged to book their gorilla permits online at leat 6 months in advance due to their limited availability. Read more..

Gorilla safaris in Congo

Although DR Congo may be less popular for gorilla safaris compared to Uganda and Rwanda due to the insecurity in the areas around gorilla habitats, gorilla tours here are more diverse and intriguingly rewarding. In addition to mountain gorillas in Virunga national park, visitors to DR Congo can also see another subspecies of the gorilla, the Grauer’s gorilla or the eastern lowland gorilla in Kahuzi-Biega national park . After watching the mountain gorillas in either Uganda or Rwanda, curious travellers may decide to proceed and see the eastern lowland gorillas in Congo to maximise their primate experience in the region.

Given the presence of these two different gorilla subspecies in Congo in close proximity, Congo is arguably the best destination for gorilla trekking experience. This is in addition to the friendly and affordable gorilla permit price which is the cheapest compared to Uganda and Rwanda at $400 per person. Currently there are 8 habituated gorilla groups in Virunga national park that can be visited by trekkers. These include Munyaga, Mapuwa Rugendo, Nyakamwe Lulengo, Bageni, Humba, and Kabirizi. Kahuzi-Biega national park has got 9 groups of eastern lowland gorillas although 5 of these are habituated for tourism. These include Mpungwe gorilla family, Chimanuka, Bonnani, Mugahuka, and Nganwa.

As a precaution to safeguard tourists, the gorilla parks in Congo are always closed to tourism during periods of intense conflicts in the region. Park authorities also ensure that a good number of rangers is deployed in the parks to safeguard the animals. Travellers who wish to trek gorillas in Congo are encouraged to first enquire about the security situation in the area and whether the parks are open for tourism. Read more..

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Gorilla Tours in Rwanda, Uganda, Congo

Lets create a gorilla trekking tour.

Plan your gorilla trekking safari with us for an unforgettable adventure, exploring the African wilderness and getting up close to these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Book now for a unique and incredible experience.

Trekking for Gorillas: Join Our Safari Tours Through the Dense Forests of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo

If you’ve been dreaming of an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure, then look no further than Gorilla Hub Tours.

At Gorilla Hub Tours, we’re not just your average tour operator – we’re passionate about creating extraordinary experiences in the heart of Africa. With over 10 years of expertise, we guarantee a 99% chance of sighting gorillas on all our tours in Uganda, Rwanda , and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

With Gorilla Hub Tours the magic of gorilla trekking awaits you. Whether you choose to explore the lush rainforests of Bwindi, Volcanoes National Park and the Virunga Mountains or venture into the remote corners of Congo’s Virunga National Park, we’ve got you covered.

Our carefully planned gorilla tours run all year round, ensuring you have the opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. And guess what? We do things differently here at Gorilla Hub Tours. Guided by ecotourism principles and a commitment to sustainable tourism, we strive to create magical trips that not only leave you in awe but also contribute to the conservation of these incredible animals.

Join us on an adventure of a lifetime as we trek through the dense forests of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo in search of gorillas. Our comfortable 4X4 safari vehicles and experienced driver/guides will ensure you have a safe and unforgettable journey.

And after a day of exploration, retreat to one of our carefully selected lodges, where you can unwind and connect with nature.

Whether you’re drawn to the “Pearl of Africa” in Uganda or the “Land of a Thousand Hills” in Rwanda, we’re here to make your gorilla safari dreams a reality. Get ready to embark on a journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Featured Gorilla Tour Adventures

5 days rwanda gorilla safari.

The 5 days Rwanda safari one of the shortest safari you can have when with limited time. The safari suggests two Rwanda’s most vibrant national parks of Volcanos National Park and Akagera National Park. Read More

8 Days Rwanda gorilla chimps and wildlife tour

This safari will lead you to watching gorillas, track chimpanzees and watching plenty of wildlife, it starts from Kigali goes to Nyungwe forest, continue to Akagera National Park … Read More

14 Days Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Adventure

The 14 days adventures which leads to gorillas, chimpanzees, tree climbing lions and wildlife is one of the most rewarding safaris to undertake. Read More

• 3 Days Mgahinga Gorillas
• 4 Days Gorillas Adventure
• 5 Days Gorillas and Wildlife
• 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour
• 6 Days Rwanda Primates and Culture
• 6 Days Fly in Kigali Mgahinga N.P Uganda
• 6 Days Best of Uganda Primates
• 8 Days Rwanda primates & wildlife
• 9 Days Rwanda – Uganda Total Gorilla Adventure
• 10 Days Rwanda Gorillas
• 14 Days Primate Wildlife
• 15 Days Rwanda, Uganda Wildlife
• 15 Days Rwanda and Tanzania

Book with us

Why gorilla hub tours.

Gorilla Hub Tours has been meticulously planning exceptional Gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo since 2016.

Our exceptional tours are catered to various travelers, ranging from primate tours to intimate honeymoon getaways that will truly make memories that last a lifetime.

Destinations

• Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda
• Bwindi National Park – Uganda

Najja Shopping Centre Entebbe Road – Uganda +256 774 873 278

Create & book your dream gorilla safari holiday

Unforgettable uganda gorilla trekking safaris.

Gorilla Travel Uganda is a safari company in Uganda that excels in gorilla trekking safaris to Uganda, Rwanda and DR - Congo. We offer trips to both Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks, and other safari destinations around East Africa, and provide a variety of innovative tour packages.

We also offer different packages and experiences for families, groups, and solo travelers. Our goal is to provide bespoke safari experiences that are both safe and unforgettable. We are committed to creating unforgettable full experiences for our clients at affordable rates.

Handpicked Gorilla Tours

2 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali

3 Days Gorillas and Golden Monkey safari in Rwanda

22 Days Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife Tour

15 Days Uganda Comprehensive Tour

11 Days Uganda Safari

5 Days Uganda Gorillas and Chimpanzee safari

Why visit uganda.

There's plenty to love about a journey to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa . Uganda has it all for you, whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or an educational solitary trip.

From breathtaking scenery to enthralling wildlife encounters , the warm tropical temperature , and a rich and diverse culture , there is something for everyone.

Trekking Gorillas

Uganda is home to half of the world's gorilla population, which are found in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks . For its environmental and cultural value, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Chimpanzees

Chimpanzee trekking is another very immersive wildlife experience . Kibale Forest is the best place to do chimp trekking. The forest has the most chimp population and offers more sightings than any other. Chimp trekking can be done in three major destinations in Uganda: Kibale Forest National Park , Murchison Falls National Park , and Queen Elizabeth National Park .

Uganda offers a diversified wildlife, including the Big 5: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and African buffalo, in addition to gorillas and chimp trekking. Buffaloes , leopards , giraffes , zebras , hyenas , warthogs , hippos , eland , oribis , impalas , kobs , water buck , bush buck , jackals and crocodiles are just a few of the animals you may expect to see during your tour.

Find the perfect safari for you and your loved ones. Enjoy the adventure of a lifetime!

Gorilla tours, birding tours, useful links.

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Best Tour holidays organized by Experienced Travel experts

Are you willing to travel, Have you been in Africa before or it’s your very first time!  Give us your needs, We Tailor make a Safari that will help you choose an African experience that suits you

Gorilla Trekking Tour & African Wildlife Safaris Experience

Checkout Our Perfect Uganda Kenya Rwanda Safari Packages For Your Dream Vacation Safari All Are Designed With Most Loved Concepts & Budgets In Mind

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1 Day: Nairobi Safari-Kenya

This 1 Day Nairobi Safari-Kenya is one of the short safari where it will help to explore the Nairobi City with its associated attractions and this is very interesting. You will be able to visit a lot of attractions including…

3 Days Akagera National Park wildlife tour

Our 3 Days Akagera National Park wildlife tour will take you to Akagera national park with the unexploited wildlife experience. Akegera national is the park in Rwanda with open savannah grassland that harbors wonderful wildlife species and intimate game viewing…

2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari Package

The 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari Package in Rwanda is one of the most demanded safari package that offers travelers with enough experince of tracking gorillas. Most of the people in whole word spend more than 2 years planning…

1 Day Akagera National Park Rwanda Safari

Our 1 Day Akagera National Park Rwanda Safari will bring you to the land of a thousand hills Rwanda  with a stunning look at its features and the hills that have made the country to brand itself  from these wonderful…

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When you book our adventures, you receive quality services at the best prices  with no hidden costs

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We use hand picked guides by us or from our local partners as the best available offering real insight into our destinations

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African Wildlife Safari

Vibrant holiday safaris we are a travel problem-solving company when it comes to choosing where, when, and what to do there. We are proud to save for your money, time, and make you have unforgettable travel experience in East Africa. Are you looking to travel? Africa is the unquestionably the best destination with a variety of encounters such as wildlife species where you will be able to meet “the big five African mammals” which include lions, leopards, rhinoceros, buffaloes, and elephants. Africa is a continent with many different ethnic groups and each ethnicity has its unique story. Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safaris “Primate tours”, hiking and mountaineering safaris, beach holidays, city tours or excursions, birding safaris with unique bird species such the “the rare shoebill”. And an undiscovered species available for research purposes.

Where to go for African Safari?

The East African region that includes Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Burundi is the best region when it comes to planning for an African holiday Safari, where you can use a single tourist visa and explore countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya with a variety of untouched ethnic groups for a cultural experience and some wildlife species that are endemic to East African regions such as the endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. East African region is one of the best destinations for an unforgettable experience in Africa because it has a slice of everything that you can have in other African countries such as beach tours in Zanzibar, Mombasa, Pemba, Dare salaam, Ssese Island on Lake Victoria. When it comes to wildlife safaris, East Africa is the best as you will be able to encounter different thing from each corner such as the great African Migration of wild beast in Serengeti national park Tanzania and Masai Mara national park in Kenya, mountain gorillas, and chimpanzee trekking experience in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga gorilla national parks, Volcanoes national park (Parc National des Volcans) in Rwanda and Virunga national parks in DR Congo.

When planning to travel to Africa, Uganda should be your number one destination for Wildlife viewing Safari, Mountain gorilla trekking safaris, African cultural experience, hiking and mountaineering trekking, Birding watching Safari and Sport fishing safaris, and other adventurous tours such as White water rafting, bungee jumping, horseback riding, and Quad biking. Uganda has several ten protected areas or national parks and over 12 wildlife reserves which are all overseen and protected by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and these include Kidepo valley national park, Murchison falls national park, Kibale Forest national park Mount Elgon national park, Rwenzori mountains national park, Semuliki national park, Lake Mburo national park, Queen Elizabeth national, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park.

Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo

Are you looking for a Mountain gorilla trekking safari in African? Or Mountain gorilla habituation experience. Vibrant Holiday Safaris have the best answer for you and we are pleased to serve you with the finest mountain gorilla packages to Bwindi Impenetrable forest national, Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda, Volcanoes National park in Rwanda, and Virunga national park in DR Congo. We shall arrange for you an adorable mountain gorilla package that is positively collating with the expected experience and interests guided by your travel style ranging from budget to luxury travel. Don’t feel ignored or indecisive when it comes to mountain gorilla trekking, just contact us and we serve you with an unbeatable memorable gorilla trekking expedition in Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R. Congo. When to go for mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo Mountain gorilla trekking is a popular fascinating activity that is done by several visitors from all corners of the world. Mountain gorilla trekking involves the activity through which visitors accompanied by armed rangers, guides, and trackers move into the dense tropical rain and impenetrable forests on the search of the well-habituated gorilla families by following the designated trails.

Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo is done all year round. Therefore, at any time of the year, you can book your gorilla tracking safari. The climatic conditions of these three countries are favorable coupled with sun shined and rainfall. Despite these conditions, mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo is best done during the dry season of the year particularly in June to September and then from December to February.

During this period, the trails in Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, volcanoes national park, and Virunga national park are dry and passable. Even you will get the clear views of the Mountain gorillas since the grasses are short and not fast-growing as compared to the wet season when the rains are very much and make trails so muddy and slippery. Mountain gorillas trekking can as well be conducted during the rainy season as though not as much as in dry season. During the rainy season, there are few travelers and thus ideal for travelers who don’t like overcrowding and also you can get a discount on accommodation because this period is considered as a low season (March, April, May, October, and November).

Where to go for mountain gorilla trekking safari in Africa?

In the whole world, there are only two Groups of Mountain gorillas left. One harbors the volcanic mountains of Virunga situated in central Africa spanning the countries of Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda which the Virunga Conservation Area (Volcanoes, Virunga, and Mgahinga gorilla national parks) while the other group is found deep in Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park in Uganda. The Combined population of mountain gorillas in this region has risen to over 1063 which has been attributed to better conservation efforts given by authorities of the respective governments. This implies that there only three destination countries where travelers can go for mountain gorilla trekking safari in Africa with Uganda toping the other two destinations with half of the total world’s remaining population of Mountain gorillas. Mountain gorilla trekking activities in Uganda are done in Bwindi Impenetrable forest and Mgahinga Gorilla national parks located in the southwestern part of Uganda. The other destination where gorillas trekking activities are carried out includes Volcanoes National parks in Rwanda and Virunga national park in DR Congo. Therefore, at vibrant holiday safaris, we are ready to take you to any of these 3 countries for the endangered mountain gorillas trekking safari. Or you can decide to have double gorilla tracking experience combining 2 countries.

What is the cost of Mountain Gorilla trekking?

As you schedule your gorilla trekking expeditions to Africa, you need to book in advance to secure your gorilla trekking permit because they are always on high demand, sold on a first come first serve basis with a limited number of permits to sell out per day to have access to the Mountain gorilla parks of Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo.

In Uganda, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit for non-foreign residents goes for 700 USD per person, 600 USD for foreign residents and residents, or East African at USD 80 which is equivalent to Shs 250000 local currency.

In Rwanda, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit is doubling that of Uganda with the permit standing at 1500 USD and this makes it to be the most luxurious and expensive gorilla trekking destination in the whole world but of course experience rewarding. Lastly, mountain gorilla permits in the democratic republic of Congo are sold at 400USD and sometimes discounted up to 250 USD especially during the low season.

The amazing Gorilla trekking lasts for a 1-hour encounter with gorillas in the forest wildness. However, you can decide to stay with gorillas for as long as 4 hours via the process of gorilla habituation. Here in Uganda, a permit for gorilla habituation goes for USD 1500.

Visitors wishing to come for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo are advised to book their Mountain gorilla trekking permits in 3 months advance before the trekking date to avoid any disappointments that can be caused by a failure to secure the gorilla permit mostly in the peak season months that is June, July, August and September, December, January and February.

How long does Mountain Gorilla trekking take? This is one of the commonest questions asked by travelers wishing to come to Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo for gorilla trekking safaris. Mountain gorilla trekking approximately takes between 30 Minutes to 7 hours or more depending on the movements or the location of the gorilla family you are following. Once you encounter mountain gorillas, you are allowed to spend a maximum of 1 hour with them while watching, take photos, and asking as many questions as you would want. Therefore, for anyone to go for Mountain Gorilla trekking safari has to be physically fit and ready to walk for a long distance in the dense impenetrable forest.

What to wear on Mountain Gorilla safaris?

Having booked your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda, or DR Congo, there are certain attires that you need to put on during mountain trekking walk for your convenience. It is recommended that you carry a raincoat, long-sleeved woolen jacket, and trousers, long stockings, heavy hiking shoes covering the ankle, a hat, hand graves, and insect repellant. These will protect you from rain that can rain at any time, coldness during evening and morning hours, and insect bites. Where to stay on a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo? All-mountain gorilla trekking National Parks, there is a wide range of accommodation facilities ranging from Camping ground for backpackers, budget, midrange, and luxury accommodation facilities where tourists on gorilla trekking expeditions can relax and stay comfortably. All accommodation facilities mostly mid-range and luxury facilities feature international standard services such as spacious beds, internet services free of charge, self-contained rooms, swimming pools, well-stocked bars, enough parking areas, and restaurants serving both local and international cuisines working 24 hours.

What to pack for gorilla trekking safari?

As you are planning to book a mountain gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo, there are different items that you need a pack for your memorable mountain gorilla trekking experience these include; ensure that your mountain gorilla trekking permit was booked and paid for because without a permit, you cannot access any of the mountain gorilla national park, hiking shoes, hand gloves, waterproof jacket, long-sleeved warm sweater, insect repellants, binoculars, backpacker, a hut, sunglasses, cameras with an extra battery and a charger and lastly you need to be physically fit because mountain gorilla trekking is a bit strenuous activity or you may need to get porters who can carry you in case of any emergency for your successful mountain gorilla safari

Short Uganda Safaris

• 2 Days Wildlife Safari To Murchison Falls National Park
• 3 Day Safari To Murchison Falls National Park
• 3 Days Fly In Uganda Safari To Murchison Falls National Park
• 3 Days Queen Elizabeth park Uganda Safari
• 3 Days Safari to Murchison Falls National Park and Chimpanzee Tracking
• 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking tour to Bwindi National Park
• 4 Days Murchison Falls National Park Luxury Safari
• 4 Days Uganda mountain gorilla trekking tour to Bwindi impenetrable national park
• 5 Days Honeymoon Holiday To Murchison Falls National Park
• 5 Days Uganda Safari With Gorilla Trekking

Long Uganda Safaris

• 6 days Uganda gorilla safaris and tour
• 7 days wildlife and gorilla safari
• 8 Days Wildlife And Primate Safari In Uganda
• 9 Days Uganda Wildlife Tour And Primate Safari
• 10 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking And Wildlife Tour
• 10 Days Uganda Tour With Gorilla Tracking
• 10 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari And Primate Tours
• 12 Days gorilla trekking and wildlife Safari tour in Uganda
• 12 Days Uganda Safari And White Water Rafting
• 17 Days Uganda Wildlife And Gorilla Trekking Safari Tour
• 18 Days Uganda Classic Wildlife Safari

Uganda National Park

• Semuliki national park
• Lake Mburo National Park
• Kidepo Valley National park
• Kibale Forest National park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Mountain Elgon National Park
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Rwenzori Mountains National park
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park