Book your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo to see mountain gorillas in the wild. This guide covers gorilla trekking cost, destinations, rules, permits, gorilla families, best time to visit, lodges, and how to plan the trip.
Mountain gorillas share close ancestry with humans, and watching them walk, rest, and interact in their natural habitat is one of Africa’s most sought-after wildlife experiences. In gorilla territory, you follow their daily rhythm through dense forest, surrounded by tall trees and birdsong.
About 1,068 mountain gorillas remain on Earth, living in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Virunga chain of mountains. You can visit them on a guided gorilla trekking safari.
This guide covers:
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest gorilla trekking
- Mgahinga National Park gorilla trekking
- Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking
- Virunga National Park gorilla trekking
- Kahuzi-Biega National Park gorilla trekking
- Gorilla trekking Uganda from Kigali (Kigali to Bwindi)
- Budget gorilla trekking versus cheap gorilla trekking
- Luxury gorilla trekking, including semi-luxe and 5-star options
- Last-minute deals and low season permit discounts
- Gorilla trekking from Arusha, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Cape Town, Victoria Falls, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries
This guide does not cover gorilla trekking in Gabon, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, or Congo-Brazzaville.
About Mountain Gorillas in Africa
Knowing a few facts about mountain gorillas before your trip helps you understand the briefing and get more out of the experience.
Mountain gorillas live only in Africa, around the Virunga chain of mountains, which spans Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda.
Gorillas are large apes covered in fur, except on their eyes, nose, and ears. They are shy around humans and other forest animals and tend to keep to themselves. Mature males develop a silver strip of fur on their backs and are called silverbacks. Younger males have black fur and are called blackbacks.
A gorilla family also includes infants, juveniles, and mothers who nurse the young. Gorillas live in close-knit groups and show many behaviors similar to humans.
A group of mountain gorillas is called a family or troop, led by a dominant silverback. He keeps order in the family, defends it from threats, settles disputes, and finds new territory. The strength of the silverback shapes the size and stability of the group.
Mountain gorillas mostly eat fruit, bamboo shoots, roots, leaves, and stems, with occasional insects. Each night, the family builds new nests at a different spot in the forest. Trackers locate these nests to guide guests to the gorillas during a trek. Adult gorillas teach infants how to find and feed on food.
When gorillas feel threatened, they may run on all fours, tear leaves, hoot, beat their chests, overeat, somersault, or break sticks. If this happens, do not run or react. Look down and stay still. Mountain gorillas rarely attack humans unless provoked.
Each gorilla family has its own character. The best gorilla safaris match you with a family suited to your interests.
The African Gorilla Trekking Safari Experience
Gorilla trekking is open to visitors aged 15 and older with a valid trekking permit and no signs of infectious illness. Travelers with disabilities can also take part, with support arranged in advance.
Conservation work led by the late Dian Fossey at the Virunga chain of mountains, based at Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, helped protect mountain gorillas from poachers and disease. Her research and the film Gorillas in the Mist brought global attention to the species.
A maximum of eight people are allowed to trek one gorilla family per day, to protect the gorillas and limit disturbance to their habitat.
Two species of gorilla exist in the wild, split into four subspecies. The two most sought after for trekking are the endangered eastern lowland gorilla, covered in our Congo gorilla and chimp tour, and the mountain gorilla. Most gorilla trekking trips in Uganda and Rwanda track mountain gorillas.
Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa
Gorilla trekking is available in three countries, each with its own permit price. All three sit within the Virunga chain of mountains, which spans East and Central Africa.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours
Uganda offers some of the most accessible mountain gorilla trekking in Africa, with two trekking destinations in the country’s remote southwest: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda has the highest number of mountain gorillas of any country.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi holds the largest mountain gorilla population in the world, spread across four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga.
- Buhoma gorilla trekking, well suited to luxury safaris
- Ruhija gorilla trekking
- Rushaga gorilla trekking, well suited to budget-friendly safaris
- Nkuringo gorilla trekking
See the map of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park below:
Researchers note small differences between gorillas here and those in other parks, though this doesn’t affect the trekking experience. The park was gazetted in 1991 and contains tree species over 1,000 years old.
Bwindi has over 19 gorilla groups, two of which are open for the gorilla habituation experience, a longer four-hour visit with a semi-habituated family. Gorilla families by sector:
Buhoma Gorilla Groups:
- Mubare Gorilla Group
- Habinyanja Gorilla Group
- Rushegura Gorilla Group
- Katwe Gorilla Group
- Binyindo Gorilla Group
Ruhija Gorilla Groups:
- Bitukura Gorilla Group
- Oruzogo Gorilla Group
- Kyaguliro Gorilla Group
- Mukiza Gorilla Group
Rushaga Gorilla Groups:
- Nshongi Gorilla Group
- Mishaya Gorilla Group
- Kahungye Gorilla Group
- Busingye Gorilla Group
- Bweza Gorilla Group
- Mucunguzi Gorilla Group
- Kutu Gorilla Group
Nkuringo Gorilla Groups:
- Nkuringo Gorilla Group
- Bushaho Gorilla Group
- Christmas Gorilla Group
Permits are assigned by family, not by individual gorilla, so you trek the whole group, including males, females, and young gorillas.
Bwindi is reached by road from Kigali in 4 to 5 hours, or from Entebbe International Airport in 8 to 10 hours. A flight to Bwindi takes about 1 to 2 hours. The park is open from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm local time.
When you buy a Bwindi permit, you choose a sector. That sector is where you’ll trek, and it also determines which accommodation options are nearby. Bwindi gorilla permits cost $800 per person.
Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park sits at the foothills of the Virunga chain of mountains in southwestern Uganda. It is Uganda’s smallest national park and the least crowded of the country’s gorilla trekking destinations.
Established in 1991, the park is home to one gorilla family, the Nyakagezi Gorilla Group, open for trekking year-round. Visitors arrive before sunrise for a briefing and document check.
Uganda gorilla permits cost $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and 250,000 UGX for East African citizens, based on the July 2024 to 2026 Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff. Book through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a trusted tour operator.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours
Rwanda offers gorilla trekking in the tropical forests of Volcanoes National Park, in the north of the country. Rwanda is known for its security, rolling hills, cool climate, and hospitality, and is a top choice for luxury gorilla safaris.
Volcanoes National Park is about a 2-hour drive from Kigali and holds over five gorilla families open for trekking. It is one of Rwanda’s national parks and its most visited, and one of the most accessible places in the world to see mountain gorillas.
Rwanda gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park:
- Igisha Gorilla Group
- Isimbi Gorilla Group
- Susa Gorilla Group
- Noheli Gorilla Group
- Kwisanga Gorilla Group
- Agashya Gorilla Group
- Amahoro Gorilla Group
- Karisimbi Gorilla Group
- Kigoma Gorilla Group
- Kwitonda Gorilla Group
- Muhoza Gorilla Group
- Urwego Gorilla Group
- Sabyinyo Gorilla Group
- Umubano Gorilla Group
Trekking is open to visitors aged 15 and above with a valid permit, in groups of up to eight people per gorilla family. Rwanda gorilla trekking costs $1,500 per person, per day. The fee covers park entrance and supports conservation. Multiple treks require multiple permits.
Gorilla Trekking Tours in D.R. Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo, in Central Africa, is the only country where you can trek both mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas. Two national parks offer gorilla trekking.
Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is one of Africa’s oldest national parks, known for its range of plant and animal life. It sits at the foothills of the Virunga chain of mountains in eastern DR Congo and is home to mountain gorillas.
Gorilla families in Virunga National Park:
- Bageni Gorilla Group
- Baraka Gorilla Group
- Humba Gorilla Group
- Kabirizi Gorilla Group
- Lulengo Gorilla Group
- Mapuwa Gorilla Group
- Munyaga Gorilla Group
- Nyakamwe Gorilla Group
- Rugendo Gorilla Group
- Wilungula Gorilla Group
Most visitors reach the park via Kigali International Airport. Congo gorilla permits are more affordable than Uganda or Rwanda, which lets you spend more days in the park.
Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Established in 1970, Kahuzi-Biega National Park is one of the largest and most visited parks in Congo. It is home to the eastern lowland gorilla, a larger species with thick fur.
Gorilla families in Kahuzi-Biega National Park:
- Chimanuka Gorilla Group
- Mpungwe Gorilla Group
- Bonane Gorilla Group
- Mugahuka Gorilla Group
- Nganwa Gorilla Group
Permits for both Kahuzi-Biega and Virunga cost $400 for foreign non-residents, which supports conservation of these endangered species.
How Gorilla Trekking Works
Gorilla trekking is done on foot through the forest, over slopes and through valleys, tracking the gorillas to wherever they’re feeding, resting, or playing that day.
The activity starts around 7:30 am at the park headquarters with a briefing from park rangers, who explain the rules and assign trekking groups. Rangers then guide you to the spot where the gorillas were last seen, and from there track them through the forest.
Trekking time depends on your pace and how far the gorillas have moved, and typically runs 1 to 8 hours. Once found, you get an extra hour to watch and photograph the family, including the youngsters playing and the silverback keeping watch. In DR Congo, the trek itself usually runs shorter, around 1 to 6 hours, and lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega allows up to one hour with the family instead of the usual hour.
After the trek, you return to park headquarters to collect your trekking certificate, then head back to your lodge.
Trekking rules are consistent across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Follow them closely to avoid penalties and to protect the remaining mountain gorilla population.
- Wash your hands before entering the park.
- Avoid making noise, as it disturbs the gorillas.
- Carry a valid trekking permit.
- Arrive at park headquarters early for the briefing.
- Do not smoke in the forest.
- Do not use flash when taking photos or videos.
- A maximum of eight people are allowed per gorilla family per day.
- Dispose of waste properly.
- Do not create new paths in the forest.
- Stay about 7 meters from the gorillas.
- Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.
- Avoid direct eye contact with the gorillas.
- Follow the ranger’s instructions at all times.
Gorilla Trekking Tour Packages and Costs
Book one of these gorilla trekking tours and packages for your trip to Africa. Prices below cover full multi-day trips, including transport and accommodation, on top of the individual permit costs listed above.
| Tour Name | Approximate Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| 10-Day Rwanda Safari Tour | from $5,000 |
| 7-Day Rwanda Safari Tour | from $4,000 |
| 5-Day Congo Gorillas and Rwanda Chimp Tour | from $2,300 |
| 5-Day Rwanda Adventure | from $2,500 |
| 11-Day Gorilla and Wildlife Safari | from $3,200 |
| 2-Day Gorilla Trekking Bwindi from Kigali | from $1,200 |
| 2-Day Gorilla Trekking Bwindi from Entebbe to Kigali | from $1,290 |
| 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Bwindi | from $1,290 |
| 3-Day Bwindi Gorilla Safari and Lake Bunyonyi Tour | from $1,500 |
| 3-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari and Lake Mutanda | from $1,750 |
| 3-Day Gorilla Safari and Lake Mburo Tour | from $1,650 |
| 3-Day Gorilla Tour in Volcanoes National Park | from $2,200 |
| 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Bwindi and Rwanda | from $3,000 |
| 3-Day Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park | from $1,290 |
| 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Bwindi and Birding Tour | from $1,600 |
| 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari in Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park | from $3,000 |
| 3-Day Luxury Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi | from $2,200 |
Prices vary by tour company. Check with your chosen tour operator for current rates.
Budget vs Luxury Gorilla Trekking
The gorillas are the same on every trek. What changes is the package. A luxury gorilla safari offers a tailored itinerary, comfortable travel, and personalized service, and suits travelers with a larger budget. A budget gorilla safari focuses on the core experience, gorilla trekking itself, with fewer comfort add-ons.
Budget doesn’t mean cheap. A budget gorilla tour can still offer solid comfort. A cheap gorilla tour cuts corners that a budget tour doesn’t.
Gorilla Safari Lodges: Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking
Accommodation options range from luxury to mid-range and budget, both inside and outside the parks. When visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, book accommodation in the sector where you plan to trek.
Well-regarded options include Bisate Lodge and Singita Kwitonda Lodge near Volcanoes National Park, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Mahogany Springs Lodge near Bwindi, and Hotel Muhabura and Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge for more affordable stays.
Best Time to Go: When to Travel for Gorilla Safaris
Gorilla permits are sold year-round, so there’s no fixed trekking season. For drier trails and lighter rain, the best months are June through October, and December through March.
Best Gorilla Trekking Companies in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo
Use a reliable gorilla safari company to organize your mountain and lowland gorilla trip in Africa. See our recommended tour operators here.
Magical Gorilla Adventures, Gorilla Hurly Burly, and Irresistible Safaris are proven, reliable gorilla tour companies. We recommend them for their pricing, flexibility, and communication.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gorilla Trekking
What is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is a guided walk through the forest to find and spend an hour observing a habituated gorilla family in the wild. It takes place in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
How much does gorilla trekking cost?
A gorilla trekking permit costs $800 in Uganda, $1,500 in Rwanda, and $400 in DR Congo. Full tour packages that include transport and lodging typically start from $1,200 and rise depending on length and comfort level.
Which country is best for gorilla trekking?
Uganda offers the most affordable and accessible option with the highest gorilla population. Rwanda offers the shortest drive from the capital and more luxury lodges. DR Congo offers the lowest permit cost and the chance to see both mountain and lowland gorillas.
How long does a gorilla trek take?
A trek typically takes 1 to 8 hours, depending on how far the gorilla family has moved that day, plus an extra hour once the family is found.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
The minimum age is 15 in all three countries.
Do I need a permit to go gorilla trekking?
Yes, a valid trekking permit is required in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Permits are limited per day, so book in advance through a tour operator or the relevant wildlife authority.
How many people can trek one gorilla family?
A maximum of eight people are allowed to trek one gorilla family per day.
What should I wear for gorilla trekking?
Wear long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy hiking boots. Gardening gloves help when gripping vegetation on steep trails, and a rain jacket is useful since trekking happens rain or shine.
Is gorilla trekking physically demanding?
Yes, trails involve steep, muddy, and uneven terrain at altitude. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, and porters are available to help carry bags and support you on the trail.
What is the best time of year for gorilla trekking?
The driest and most popular months are June through October and December through March, when trails are easier to walk.
Can I go gorilla trekking in the rainy season?
Yes, gorilla trekking runs year-round, including the rainy season. Trails are muddier and harder to walk, but permits are easier to get and prices are sometimes lower.
What is gorilla habituation, and how is it different from trekking?
Gorilla habituation lets you spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated family, rather than the standard one hour with a fully habituated family. It costs more and is only available in select parks in Bwindi.
Can children go gorilla trekking?
No, the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 in all three countries. Younger children can wait at the lodge or park headquarters during the trek.
Do I need vaccinations for gorilla trekking?
Check with a travel clinic or doctor before your trip, since requirements vary by country and change over time. Trekkers who are visibly unwell are not permitted to trek, since gorillas can catch human illnesses.
What happens if I don’t see the gorillas?
Sightings are highly likely but not guaranteed. Most parks offer a discounted or replacement permit if a trek is unsuccessful, though policies vary by country and operator.
How difficult is gorilla trekking compared to a normal hike?
Gorilla trekking is more demanding than a standard day hike due to altitude, steep terrain, and unpredictable trail length. Guides and porters help manage the difficulty, and treks can run from under an hour to a full day.
Can I combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee trekking?
Yes, many tour operators combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe or Kibale Forest, since both activities run on similar early morning schedules.
Is it safe to go gorilla trekking?
Yes, gorilla trekking is safe when done with a licensed guide and permit. Mountain gorillas rarely attack humans unless provoked, and rangers are trained to manage encounters.
How far in advance should I book a gorilla trekking permit?
Book at least 3 to 6 months ahead for peak season, since permits are limited and popular parks sell out quickly. Off-season permits can sometimes be secured closer to travel dates.
Can I take photos while gorilla trekking?
Yes, cameras are allowed, but flash photography is not permitted, since it can startle or distress the gorillas.
Gorilla trekking is one of Africa’s most rewarding travel experiences. Gorillas live only on this continent, and our safaris cover Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Book your gorilla safari now, since permits are limited and demand is high.