Gorilla Trekking Safaris
Encounters with mountain gorilla families in the Virunga Volcanoes and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park...
Scroll for more
Encounters with mountain gorilla families in the Virunga Volcanoes and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park...
Scroll for more
The rare and elusive Mountain gorillas live in small family groups in the high-altitude cloud forests of equatorial central Africa. They live in only two areas. One is the Virunga Volcanoes which straddle Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The other is the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. We arrange gorilla trekking safaris in both Uganda and Rwanda, helping you choose the destination that best matches your interests and wider travel plans.
Mountain gorillas are one of conservation’s great success stories. Their numbers declined dramatically in the last few decades of the 20th century, due to the erosion of their habitat. However, since they have been protected, their numbers have increased by over 40% since 1989. So now there are over 1,000 mountain gorillas roaming wild.
Gorilla trekking tours, with small numbers of people, play a vital role in this form of wildlife conservation. It allows for a carefully managed and minimally-intrusive encounter between you and a few gorilla families.
Ever since the mountain gorilla research of Dian Fossey, the pioneering primatologist, people want to emulate her close encounters with these most charismatic apes. These gorilla families are somewhat habituated to humans, but the encounter is still very carefully regulated.
So, the gorilla tracking permit prices are deliberately very high ($1500 in Rwanda and $800 in Uganda). As this vital revenue is what enables environmentalists to preserve the remaining unique montane and bamboo forest. The forest would be destroyed, if not for the gorilla trekking fees and the tourism dollars which go to the local communities. They would be forced to plough up or burn the forests to create more land for subsistence farming.
Despite the high fees, permits are often booked up many months in advance. For the committed world adventurer, devoted photographer or wildlife lover, there is nothing to beat the thrill of an encounter with a male 'silverback' gorilla. An hour passes in a flash but you won't forget your time with them. Perhaps it is the fact that mountain gorillas are notoriously hard to capture on camera? Or the challenging trek to get to them? It all combines to reinforce what an incredible privilege it is!
Both countries offer exceptional gorilla trekking experiences, but each has its own appeal.
Fitness requirements vary. Some gorilla families are reached within an hour, while others require longer hikes through steep, forested terrain. Rangers allocate groups according to fitness where possible.
Uganda generally offers better value and combines well with safari, while Rwanda offers easier access from Kigali and is ideal for shorter trips.
We recommend booking at least six months to a year ahead, particularly if travelling during peak seasons, as gorilla permits are strictly limited.
I was looking forward to my Educational Uganda safari tour for years. But it exceeded my already sky-high expectations. Uganda
READ MORE
Gorilla trekking is one of Africa’s most magical safari experiences — and one of the most expensive. Between permits, luxury
READ MORE
Are the gorillas calling you? Deciding when to visit Rwanda or Uganda for gorilla trekking is one of the biggest questions clients ask us.
READ MORE
Only the best African travel advice, tidbits and tours. No nonsense.
