Are you ready for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in East Africa? Here is our guide to meeting the Mountain Gorillas: Uganda & Rwanda Adventures.
With less than 1,100 mountain gorillas left in the wild, encountering these gentle giants is an incredible privilege. These intriguing primates are native to East Africa, residing within Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and are among the world’s most protected species. Up-close gorilla encounters are often described as life-changing, and we wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment.
Gorilla trekking guides you through deep and vibrant rainforests on foot, led by experienced park rangers and trackers. As you trek through the lush forest, you might spot playful monkeys, colorful birds, and other forest dwellers that make this ecosystem so exceptional. You will be worlds away from city living and demanding schedules, embarking on an adventure in nature’s timing.
Let SAFARI.COM help you plan the perfect safari in East Africa. Refer to our guide on meeting gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda, and choose the experience that resonates with you the most. Our team of professional consultants eliminate all your planning worries and offers the same rates you would get by booking directly. Simplified safari experiences await!
Adventurous Dutch travelers trekking with gorillas in Uganda, staying at Buhoma Lodge, and exploring Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
What to Know about Gorilla Trekking in Africa
Is this your first time Gorilla trekking in Africa? Here are some important considerations for planning your trip and booking your stay. Firstly, note that SAFARI.COM only offer safaris to Uganda and Rwanda – this is due to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s political instability, which makes it less safe for visitors.
It is also important to note that permits are required to trek gorillas, and each permit typically allows for one hour with a gorilla family. Travel insurance is another requirement, and you get FREE travel insurance when booking through SAFARI.COM (for bookings made before 31st October 2025).
Other essential travel documents for your trip include your passport, visa documents, general travel documents, proof of insurance, health documents, and an emergency contacts list. Since gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, you will also need to present a physician's letter that confirms your fitness.
Children below the age of 15 are not allowed to participate in gorilla trekking.
Our guests exploring Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
When to Plan Your Trip
We recommend planning your adventure to Uganda or Rwanda for the dry season (December to February/June to September). These warmer months are generally ideal for trekking gorillas in East Africa, as trails are less muddy and hiking conditions are less challenging. It is also easier to spot and photograph Gorilla families in the dry season. Even so, gorilla trekking ventures are available all year round, and visiting in the wet season may result in better permit pricing and fewer tourists.
View of the forest from the Bwindi Lodge
The Gorilla Trekking Experience
Gorilla trekking starts early in the morning, commencing with a briefing from the ranger or tracker leading your group. Here, you receive valuable insights about gorilla etiquette and learn about safe, responsible hiking. There is no specific time allocated for your trekking adventure; it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location on the day.
Groups usually comprise no more than 8 people assigned to trek a specific gorilla family. Once found, groups spend 1 hour observing these gorillas in their natural habitats. These gorillas could be mothers with babies, playful youths, or silverbacks protecting the group. Once your hour is over, you and your group hike back out of the forest.
Up close and personal - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Our Australian guests traveling to Uganda's Gorilla Leisure Lodge for a once in a lifetime experience in Bwindi Forest
Choosing between Uganda and Rwanda
If you want to immerse yourself in an authentic and unfiltered gorilla trekking adventure in the wild, then Uganda is your best bet. Permits are more affordable, and hikes through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest tend to be longer and more challenging, but also very rewarding. Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has shorter treks that are equally thrilling, depending on your fitness level and readiness for adventure.
Rwanda offers remarkable and exclusive gorilla trekking through Volcanoes National Park. When it comes to luxury safaris that hit all the high notes, you are on the right track. Permits are pricier, but these fees ensure smaller groups and more personalized trekking experiences. Since Rwanda is branded as a high-end ecotourism destination, nearby lodges offer world-class accommodation.
Not sure where to start with your booking? SAFARI.COM have firsthand experience and will gladly help you customize an exciting gorilla trekking journey according to your budget, requirements, and timeline.
Wilderness Bisate - Rwanda
Bwindi Lodge - Uganda
Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Rwanda
Our SAFARI.COM Packages highlight the best of each destination and ensure unforgettable wildlife experiences. The 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Adventure is a budget-friendly and popular option. Enjoy your stay at the Tiloreza Volcanoes Eco Lodge, with day one booked for early morning gorilla trekking and day two for Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Feel at home in Rwanda’s lush landscapes by booking a 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Relax at the Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, embark on an incredible gorilla trekking hike, and learn about the conservation efforts of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Your booking includes delicious dining options to fuel your energy.
Seeking an upscale safari that connects you with culture, nature, and the mighty mountain gorillas of East Africa? Our 5-Day Ultra Luxury Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trek in Rwanda is the full package! This journey begins with a night at the elegant Kigali Serena Hotel, followed by four exquisite days at the luxurious 5-star Singita Kwitonda Lodge. Enjoy gorilla and golden monkey tracking, superb cuisine, and unforgettable cultural experiences.
Rwanda is renowned for luxury safaris and amazing gorilla trekking opportunities. Our SAFARI.COM consultants also recommend the award-winning Wilderness Bisate Lodge and the One & Only Gorilla’s Nest for luxury accommodation in the heart of the wild. Here are 5 reasons why Rwanda leads the world in gorilla tracking!
Singita Kwitonda Lodge with the stunning sunset
Singita Kwitonda Lodge Suite with the stunning view
Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda
Uganda offers unsurpassed biodiversity and adventurous gorilla trekking experiences in East Africa. A longer stay will awaken your love for the outdoors and your spirit of exploration. Book our 12-Day Uganda Adventure Safari, where you’ll discover 5 major National Parks and bear witness to the incredible raw beauty of the wild. From game drives in search of tree-climbing lions to chimpanzee and gorilla trekking, spend your time in awe and excitement.
The 6-Day Uganda Primate Safari Adventure is the ultimate shorter journey in Uganda. Observe a variety of primates and marvel at the incredible birdlife and surroundings throughout your stay. Discover Kibale Forest National Park’s chimpanzee trekking and swamp walks, and enjoy gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. There is nothing like being in nature to restore your mind and revive your soul.
Spend 1 night in Entebbe and 2 nights in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, visiting Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and embarking on a gorilla trekking experience in the misty mountains. These are all highlights of the 4-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari, which also includes a visit to Kisoro for a coffee farm tour.
Popular Uganda-based lodges recommended by SAFARI.COM? We love the Mahogany Springs Lodge, with sweeping views of the Munyanga River and forest. &Beyond’s Gorilla Forest Camp is a mountain escape with outstanding wildlife and birdlife viewing. There is even a family of gorillas from the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest that visit the camp a few times a month!
Balcony at Gorilla Forest Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary
Lounge at Gorilla Forest Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary
Sustainable Gorilla Trekking
East Africa’s history of gorilla trekking reflects the perfect balance between welcoming tourists and protecting nature. Now, responsible tourism funds conservation and helps support local communities, making your journey to meet gorillas a truly fulfilling one. Mountain gorilla populations are thriving! This is largely thanks to tourist revenue and the carefully managed permit system, which restricts daily visitor numbers to respect the gorillas and their environment.
Trekkers are led by a local guide or ranger, explaining conservation rules.
Planning & Packing Tips
Having the right clothes, items, and accessories will make your gorilla trekking experience more enjoyable. The climate in Uganda is tropical with frequent rainfall, so it is always best to be prepared. Rwanda has a warm tropical climate, with most rainfall between March and May, and then again from June to mid-September.
We suggest packing a strong insect repellent, especially for mosquito protection at night, even though most lodges have mosquito nets over beds. Your trekking adventures can be tiring, so make sure to bring a water bottle along.
There will be plenty of showstopping moments for photos in the wild, so ensure your camera is charged and ready! Bring waterproof protective gear for your camera, as rainforest weather can be unpredictable.
It is important to dress comfortably for trekking, so wear hiking shoes/boots, lightweight long pants, and a lightweight long-sleeved top. This ensures you can manage the heat without exposing yourself to insect bites. You will likely get wet and muddy, so save your nicer clothes for back at the lodge. For your hike, pack a small backpack with essentials like binoculars, warm layers, a rain jacket, a hat, and sunscreen.
Planning and Packing Tips for Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Trekking Experience
Start Planning Your Safari with Confidence
Ready to make timeless family memories? At SAFARI.COM, we’re here to help you find the best safari deal for you and your loved ones. Let our expert team craft something extraordinary. We will guide you with heart, insight, and insider knowledge every step of the way, before, during, and long after your journey. It’s time to explore!
Email us at helpmeplan@safari.com, hit the WhatsApp button above, or call us toll-free on 1-888-SAFARIS (US & Canada).
