Gorilla Trekking Overview
Gorilla trekking is one of the main activities in Uganda and Rwanda. These two East African countries, together with the Democratic Republic of Congo, share the Virunga Massif, the only place in the world where mountain gorillas live.
Trekking to see gorillas is an exciting experience that takes you through thick forests. Along the way, you may see other primates like golden monkeys, olive baboons, and black-and-white colobus monkeys, as well as many colorful birds singing in the trees.
The walk can sometimes be tough because of the steep terrain, but this makes it even more special. If the hike becomes too hard, you can hire a porter to help carry your bag.
Mountain gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Mgahinga National Park in southwestern Uganda has one habituated gorilla family called Nyakagezi, made up of about 13 members. Because there is only one family, permits are limited.
Bwindi National Park is home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas, with 19 habituated groups found in its four regions: Ruhija, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Rushaga.
To see gorillas in Uganda, you must buy a trekking permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a licensed tour operator. The permit costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. In Rwanda, the permit costs USD 1500 per person.
Only visitors aged 15 years and above are allowed to join gorilla trekking.
About Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo
Gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo is a special walking experience that lets you see mountain gorillas in their natural homes. You move on foot through the jungle with a park guide who helps you learn about the gorillas and their behavior.
Book your gorilla trekking safari with our team and enjoy a 99% chance of seeing gorillas in the wild. All our safaris have been successful, and every visitor has seen gorillas during their trek.
Mountain Gorillas in Uganda
In Uganda, gorillas live in two parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mgahinga covers about 33.7 square kilometers, while Bwindi covers 331 square kilometers. About half of the world’s 1,063 mountain gorillas live in Uganda’s forests, making it one of the best gorilla trekking destinations in Africa.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda happens in five regions: Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south of Bwindi, Ruhija in the east, Buhoma in the north, and Ntebeko in Mgahinga.
Each habituated gorilla family is visited by a maximum of eight tourists per day, and once found, visitors spend one hour observing them.
There are 21 habituated gorilla groups in Uganda, including Bitukura, Bushaho, Mukiza, Mucunguzi, Bweza, Busingye, Kahungye, Mubare, Mishaya, Rushegura, Oruzongo, Habinyanja, Nshongi, Kyaguriro, Rwingi, Bikingi, Kutu, Nkuringo, Katwe, Nyakagezi, and Christmas. In total, about 168 trekking permits are available each day.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits
Before trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga, you must have a valid gorilla permit. The cost is USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens. A permit allows you to visit one habituated gorilla family.
How to Obtain a Gorilla Permit in Uganda
You can buy a gorilla permit through a licensed tour operator or directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) offices in Kampala. Because of high demand, permits can be booked up to two years in advance.
Only visitors aged 15 years and above are allowed to trek.
Getting to Bwindi and Mgahinga
Bwindi and Mgahinga are in southwestern Uganda and can be reached in several ways:
- By road from Kampala or Entebbe via Masaka and Mbarara to Kisoro or Kabale, taking 8 to 10 hours.
- By road from Kigali, Rwanda, through Katuna or Chanika border posts, taking 3 to 4 hours.
- By air, using scheduled flights from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips, both close to the parks.
Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda
In Rwanda, gorillas live in Volcanoes National Park, part of the Virunga Conservation Area in Ruhengeri, northwestern Rwanda. The park covers 160 square kilometers and is home to a portion of the world’s mountain gorillas.
Visitors to Volcanoes National Park can also learn about the conservation work of Dian Fossey. The park, created in 1925, has 10 habituated gorilla families: Kwitonda, Umubano, Amahoro, Sabyinyo, Hirwa, Susa A, Agashya, Karisimbi, Bwenge, and Ugenda. Treks start at the park offices in Kinigi.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permits
A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs USD 1,500 per person. You can buy it through a trusted tour operator or directly from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Booking early is recommended.
Accessing Volcanoes National Park
The park is about 2 to 3 hours’ drive from Kigali. It can also be reached from Uganda through Kisoro or Kabale via the Chanika or Katuna borders in 3 to 4 hours.
Mountain Gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo
In Congo, mountain gorillas live in Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 7,800 square kilometers. The park is home to about 300 mountain gorillas.
Virunga has eight habituated families: Lulengo, Rugendo, Nyakamwe, Bageni, Kabirizi, Munyaga, Humba, and Mapuwa. Gorilla trekking permits cost USD 450 per person.
Eastern Lowland Gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Eastern lowland gorillas live in Kahuzi-Biega and Maiko National Parks in Congo. They are larger than mountain gorillas, with broader bodies and strong jaws. Adult males develop silver patches on their backs as they grow older. Groups often have 15 to 30 individuals.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park, located 40 kilometers from Bukavu, is the best place to see these gorillas. It covers 6,000 square kilometers and is named after the Kahuzi and Biega volcanoes. Permits cost USD 400 per person.
Good accommodation options near Kahuzi-Biega include Exodus Bukavu Hotel, Coco Lodge, and L’Orchids Safari Club.
Packing for a Gorilla Trekking Safari
Important items to pack include:
- Long trousers to protect your legs
- A rain jacket
- Long-sleeved shirts
- A camera without flash
- Waterproof hiking boots
- A waterproof backpack
- Insect repellent
- Bottled water
- A sun hat
- A first aid kit
- Extra camera batteries
- Gardening gloves
- Sunscreen
- Toiletries
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is available all year, but the dry months of June to September and December to February are the best. During these months, trails are easier to walk and there is less rain.
Trekking is also possible during the rainy seasons from March to May and October to November, but the paths can be muddy and more difficult to hike.
Gorilla Trekking FAQs
Below are some of the most common questions and answers about gorilla trekking.
- What is gorilla trekking? Gorilla trekking is a guided walk through the forest to see mountain gorillas in their natural home.
- Where can I see mountain gorillas? You can see mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Which parks in Uganda have mountain gorillas? Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the two parks in Uganda with gorillas.
- Which park in Rwanda has mountain gorillas? Mountain gorillas in Rwanda live in Volcanoes National Park.
- Where can I see gorillas in Congo? In Congo, mountain gorillas live in Virunga National Park, and eastern lowland gorillas live in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
- What is special about the Virunga Massif? The Virunga Massif is the only area in the world where mountain gorillas live.
- How many mountain gorillas live in Uganda? Uganda has about half of the world’s 1,063 mountain gorillas.
- How many habituated gorilla families are in Uganda? There are 21 habituated gorilla families in Uganda.
- How many gorilla families are in Rwanda? Rwanda has 10 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park.
- How many gorilla families are in Congo? Virunga National Park in Congo has eight habituated gorilla groups.
- What is the name of the gorilla family in Mgahinga Park? The only habituated gorilla family in Mgahinga is called Nyakagezi.
- How many people can visit one gorilla group each day? Only eight tourists can visit each gorilla group per day.
- How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda? A permit costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens.
- How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda? A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs USD 1,500 per person.
- How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Congo? A gorilla trekking permit in Congo costs USD 400 per person.
- Who can get a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda? You can get a permit through a licensed tour operator or directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
- How early should I book my gorilla permit? You should book your permit early, even up to two years in advance, because spaces are limited.
- What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking? Only visitors aged 15 years and above can go gorilla trekking.
- How long do you spend with the gorillas? You can spend one hour observing the gorillas once you find them.
- How do I get to Bwindi and Mgahinga parks? You can travel by road from Kampala or Entebbe, or from Kigali in Rwanda, or fly to Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips.
- How long is the drive from Kigali to Bwindi? The drive from Kigali to Bwindi takes about 3 to 4 hours.
- How long is the drive from Kampala to Bwindi? The drive from Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi takes about 8 to 10 hours.
- When is the best time to go gorilla trekking? The best time is during the dry months from June to September and December to February.
- Can I trek during the rainy season? Yes, you can trek in the rainy season, but the paths may be muddy and slippery.
- What should I wear for gorilla trekking? Wear long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, hiking boots, and a rain jacket.
- What should I pack for gorilla trekking? Pack insect repellent, a camera without flash, bottled water, gloves, sunscreen, and a waterproof backpack.
- Can I hire someone to carry my bag during the trek? Yes, you can hire a porter to help you carry your bag during the hike.
- How big are the gorilla groups in Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega Park? Groups of eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega usually have 15 to 30 individuals.
- Where can I stay near Kahuzi-Biega National Park? You can stay at Exodus Bukavu Hotel, Coco Lodge, or L’Orchids Safari Club.
- How sure am I to see gorillas on a trek? There is a 99% chance of seeing gorillas during your trek in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo.
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