[Updated July 2026]
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 fewer 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, colourful 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 safari specialists eliminates all your planning worries and offers the same rates you would get by booking directly. Simplified safari experiences await!
Is Uganda Open for Gorilla Trekking? (July 2026 Update)
Yes. Uganda is open for gorilla trekking, and on 28 July 2026 the Ministry of Health officially declared the 2026 Ebola outbreak over. “Today, Uganda is Ebola free,” announced Dr Chris Baryomunsi, Minister for Health, in the government’s official statement.
The outbreak, confirmed on 15 May 2026, was contained quickly: 20 confirmed cases in total, 15 of them imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo, with every transmission chain traced. The last patient was discharged on 16 June, and the declaration followed the WHO-standard 42 days of surveillance with no new cases.
For travellers, the practical position is simple: trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga runs as normal, permits are unaffected, and our safari specialists are booking Uganda departures with confidence. Uganda has faced outbreaks before and ended them the same way: fast tracing, tight containment, and a declaration only after the full surveillance window had passed.
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 25 August 2026).
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.
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.
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.
End to end amazing service and high quality tour. Our organiser from Safari.com, Mel, hand held me through the entire booking and answered ant questions we had during our stay. Our local guide Edmond was incredible and went out of his way to make our experience great, including helping me find a pair of hiking boots since mine broke the day before the gorilla trekking. I would highly recommend booking with safari.com, very trustworthy and great communication from everyone.
– Nynne T. R., Denmark, August 2025, via Trustpilot
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 (US$800 versus Rwanda’s US$1,500), 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 personalised 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 customise an exciting gorilla trekking journey according to your budget, requirements, and timeline.
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 (from US$3,130 per person, 4 days) 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 (from US$3,850 per person, 3 days). 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 (from US$17,830 per person, 5 days) 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 specialists 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!
Mel was very helpful in my booking process, and now I understand why they have such high recommendations and stars. Mel provided me a customized itinerary right away for Rwanda. Very quick to respond and answer all questions in detail and reachable by email or Whatsapp. The email to book provided me detailed steps and even offered insurance options, which was greatly appreciated.
– Kiesha S., United States, August 2025, via Trustpilot
Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda
Uganda offers unsurpassed biodiversity and adventurous gorilla trekking in East Africa, and it rewards both ends of the time budget. Short on days? The 4 Day Uganda Fly-in Gorilla Safari (from US$3,655 per person) flies you straight to the gorillas and back, trading long road transfers for more time in the forest. You spend 1 night in Entebbe and 2 nights in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, visiting Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary along the way, and the package also includes a visit to Kisoro for a coffee farm tour.
The 6-Day Uganda Primate Safari Adventure (from US$4,050 per person, 6 days) is the ultimate mid-length 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.
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!
I was privileged to have been able to experience a wonderful trip through Uganda. It definitely was a lifetime-best travel experience. There are simply too many highlights to list here, but these included several spectacular top-notch game park drives, interesting cultural experiences, great overnight stays, and many more (*including, of course, the gorillas*). Thank you to Mel at safari.com who put the itinerary together. She proactively managed all of the bookings and flights (including having had to deal with flight time changes). And she worked with Exclusive Uganda Safaris to make this happen. So, this wonderful country, her professionalism and the outstanding local safari operator made this trip unforgettable.
– Paula de W., South Africa, December 2025, via Trustpilot
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.
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.
Start Planning Your Safari with Confidence
Ready to meet the mountain gorillas? Tell our safari specialists your dates, group and budget, and they will confirm permits and availability, with replies in as little as 15 minutes during working hours.
Email us at helpmeplan@safari.com, hit the WhatsApp button above, or call us toll-free on 1-888-SAFARIS (US & Canada).
Written by Kylin Sanan
