Unforgettable Africa Gorilla Tours in Rwanda, Congo & Uganda Plus Gorilla Habituation Experiences 

For over 13 years, we have specialized in crafting personalized, budget-friendly gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo. Our itineraries cover top Africa gorilla tracking destinations in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.

Uganda offers mountain gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla NP.

Rwanda gorilla trekking is done in Volcanoes National Park, and mountain gorilla trekking in Congo takes place in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

Uganda boasts 25 habituated gorilla families, Rwanda has 12 gorilla groups, and Congo has 8 groups in Virunga and 3 families in Kahuzi-Biega Park.

These rare and endangered mountain gorillas are native to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the wider Virunga Conservation Area.

Top Gorilla Trekking Parks in Africa 

There are five premier national parks in three countries where travelers can experience gorilla trekking in Africa:

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga National Park in Uganda
2. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
3. Virunga National Park in DR Congo
4. Kahuzi Biega National Park

Let us dig into the detailed breakdown of these gorilla parks and the experiences they offer!

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Uganda for The Best Uganda Gorilla Safaris & Tours 

In Uganda, travelers can enjoy gorilla trekking in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga National Park in East Africa.

BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK 

Bwindi Forest National Park hosts the largest mountain gorilla population globally, with approximately 459 individuals. The park features 25 habituated gorilla families across four sectors:

• Buhoma Sector: Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Katwe, Binyindo, Muyambi
• Ruhija Sector: Bitukura, Oruzogo, Kyaguriro, Mukiza
• Rushaga Sector: Mishaya, Nshongi, Bweza, Kahungye, Busingye, Bikyingi, Rwigi, Mucunguzi, Tindatine, Kutu
• Nkuringo Sector: Nkuringo, Bushaho, Christmas, Posho

Uganda Gorilla Permit Prices and Bwindi Trekking Experience

Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens and they give legal access to travelers who want to go gorilla trekking/trek gorillas in the country’s gorilla parks.

It is important to note that discounted gorilla trek permits in Uganda, once available during April, May, and November, are no longer offered.

Currently, tour operators often charge an additional fee of US $60 to US $100 per permit they reserve when handling bookings.

Operators can reserve up to 20 permits per month, while individual travelers are limited to two permits, purchasable up to three months in advance of the trek.

The experience involves a small group of up to 8 trekkers who want to go gorilla trekking/trek gorillas, guided by professionals through dense forest terrain in Bwindi Forest National Park or Mgahinga National Park, leading to a one-hour encounter with a habituated mountain gorilla family.

This unforgettable wildlife experience, done after getting the gorilla permits from UWA is marked by respect, silence, and awe as you witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

GORILLA HABITUATION EXPERIENCES IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

In the Rushaga sector, Bwindi also offers a unique gorilla habituation experience. Unlike standard trekking, visitors spend four hours with gorillas undergoing habituation.

After a briefing at the park headquarters, guides lead you into the forest to observe these semi-habituated gorillas, offering a rare chance to witness their natural behaviors—such as feeding, grooming, and playing—up close and in detail.

The Habituation gorilla permit costs $1,500 for foreign non-residents, $1,000 for foreign residents, and UGX 750,000 for East African citizens, with most of the proceeds used in Uganda gorilla conservation efforts.

MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK GORILLA TOURS IN AFRICA

Mgahinga is home to the Nyakagezi family, with nine members. Located in southwestern Uganda’s Kisoro District, this small park, home to some of the Virunga Mountains, also supports golden monkey tracking, birding, and nature walks.

The Nyakagezi Family members of Mgahinga National Park include the silverbacks, black bucks, subadults, females, and infants and can be seen during a Uganda gorilla trekking safari here in East Africa.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda for the Best Rwanda Gorilla Tours & Safari Trips

Volcanoes National Park, made famous by Dian Fossey, protects over 300 mountain gorillas that can be seen by travelers on Rwanda gorilla trekking tours/Rwanda safaris.

In Rwanda, gorilla trek permits cost USD 1,500 per person, and they’re the only legal access to the gorilla walking activity to see the habituated gorillas, and can be booked up to 6 months prior because of limited availability.

All 12 habituated groups live within the park:

• Susa (A), Karisimbi (Susa B), Umubano, Amahoro, Agashya, Sabyinyo, Kwitonda, Ugenda, Bwenge, and Hirwa, among others.

Trekking begins at 7:00 am with a briefing, followed by an immersive journey through the park for 3-day or longer treks involving travelers/tourists who want to go gorilla trekking/trek gorillas.

Visitors who go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park spend one hour with the mountain gorillas, observing their behavior and photographing them during Rwanda safaris/Rwanda gorilla tours.

All Rwanda gorilla tours take place in only Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, part of the Virunga Conservation Area.

Volcanoes National Park is renowned for its well-developed facilities and high success rate in spotting mountain gorillas in their habitat, which makes it a favorite for trekkers who wish to trek gorillas during Rwanda safaris.

Combining Rwanda gorilla treks with golden monkey tracking and visits to Akagera National Park enhances the Rwanda safari experience.

Gorilla Trekking in Congo for The Top Congo Gorilla Tours & Safari Trips

The Democratic Republic of Congo offers both mountain and eastern lowland gorilla trekking.

The famous mountain gorillas are in Virunga National Park, while the eastern lowland gorillas are in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

MOUNTAIN GORILLA TREKKING IN CONGO’S VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK 

Virunga National Park, located in the Virunga Mountains, is the oldest national park in Africa and the most renowned among the national parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

It is a key stronghold for the endangered mountain gorillas, protecting over 300 individuals, and is home to 8 habituated gorilla families available for trekking during DR Congo gorilla safaris.

Gorilla trekking in Virunga is one of the top safari experiences in DR Congo, offering a rare opportunity to observe these great apes in their habitat.

To trek gorillas, trekkers who intend and are permitted to go gorilla trekking begin with a briefing at the park headquarters, followed by a guided hike through the lush rainforest.

Along the way, trekkers may encounter diverse wildlife, including birds and forest mammals, during the Congo gorilla tours.

Once a gorilla group is located, visitors spend one hour observing their behavior—feeding, playing, grooming, and interacting within their troops.

Habituated Gorilla Families in Virunga National Park Congo

• Kabirizi
• Bageni
• Rugendo
• Mapuwa
• Munyaga
• Lulengo
• Humba
• Nyakamwe

The Virunga Gorilla Permits are $400 for foreign non-residents and $200 for foreign residents and East African citizens on a gorilla trekking tour with a discounted rate of $200 during the rainy season

These tracking permits allow travelers to take part in the gorilla safari/gorilla tracking experience led by trained rangers who lead the gorilla treks into the forest to spot mountain gorillas and other fauna like birds endemic to the Virunga Mountains during the DR Congo gorilla safaris.

While gorilla trekking is available year-round in Virunga National Park, the dry season is considered the best time to visit for gorilla watching to see the mountain gorillas, as trails are more accessible and weather conditions are favorable for hiking and photography.

The park offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget to midrange and luxury lodges, ensuring a comfortable stay for all types of travelers on gorilla-watching tours/Congo gorilla safari adventures.

KAHUZI BIEGA NATIONAL PARK EASTERN LOWLAND GORILLA TREKKING TOURS

Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the few places in Africa where you can trek the endangered Eastern Lowland Gorillas during Congo safaris/DR Congo gorilla tours.

Gorilla trekking in this park began in 1970, making it one of the oldest gorilla tourism destinations in Africa.

The park is home to 5 habituated Eastern Lowland Gorilla families out of 12 total known groups.

Trekkers, guided by professional rangers, can enjoy gorilla trekking tours/DR Congo gorilla safaris and have the chance to encounter one of the following habituated groups of eastern lowland gorillas during their adventure:

Habituated Gorilla Families in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

• Chimanuka
• Mpungwe
• Bonnani
• Nganwa
• Mugahuka

The Democratic Republic of Congo Gorilla Tracking Permit Prices are $400 (foreign non-residents), $200 (foreign residents and East African citizens), and $20 (Congolese nationals).

The best months for trekking are during the dry seasons, December to March and June to September, when trails are more accessible.

However, the wet season also offers a rich and intimate gorilla-watching experience due to fewer tourists and lush scenery.

Top accommodations include L’Orchids Safari Club and Coco Lodge Bukavu. These lodges provide easy access to the park and quality amenities for travelers exploring Eastern Lowland Gorillas in the Congo.

The Gorilla Trekking Experience in Africa

Embarking on a gorilla trekking adventure in Africa is a life-changing experience that connects you with some of the world’s rarest and most majestic primates—the mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas.

Trekking typically begins between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM with a mandatory briefing at the park headquarters, where expert rangers explain the rules for safe and respectful gorilla encounters.

After the briefing, trekkers are assigned to small groups of up to eight people, each led by experienced guides and trackers into the forest.

The trek can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements. Once a habituated gorilla family is located, you’ll enjoy a magical one-hour encounter, observing their natural behaviors like nesting, feeding, and nurturing.

Flash photography is not allowed, and silence is encouraged to minimize disturbance.

After the trek, visitors return to the park headquarters, often receiving a certificate of participation as a memento of this extraordinary experience.

Key Gorilla Species to Encounter on African Safari Tours

1. Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei)

   

Found only in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and DR Congo’s Virunga National Park, mountain gorillas live in misty high-altitude rainforests and the wilderness of the Virunga highlands.

It is worth noting that there are about 1,064 mountain gorillas left in the world, with the majority residing in Uganda and Rwanda, with Bwindi Impenetrable NP having the highest number of mountain gorillas, estimated at around 450 individuals.

These gorillas, known to share 98% of their DNA with humans, showcasing their close evolutionary relationship, are recognized by their thick, long black fur, stocky builds, and shorter arms, adapted to cooler climates and also live in social groups known as families, typically consisting of an alpha male or silverback and several females and young.

Mountain gorillas primarily feed on leaves, fruits, flowers, roots, bamboo, and shoots, consuming up to 75 pounds of vegetation each day. They are constantly on the move and build new nests every evening using leaves and twigs to sleep in.

Gorilla trekking here involves navigating dense forest trails (montane rainforests) that are difficult to navigate during the rainy season due to muddy conditions with knowledgeable guides until you locate a habituated group.

The one-hour observation period is often described as emotional and unforgettable—an authentic window into the habituated gorilla family life.

2. Eastern Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri)

These Grauer’s gorillas, the largest of all gorilla subspecies, can be tracked in Kahuzi-Biega National Park in eastern DR Congo.

Unlike their mountain relatives, they live in lowland tropical rainforests and are distinguished by stockier frames, larger hands, shorter fur, and a more prominent jaw.

Treks here are typically less crowded and provide a raw, immersive experience, ideal for travelers seeking a deeper connection with wildlife in remote jungle settings.

Types Of Gorilla Tours in Africa 

1. Day Trips

Perfect for travelers with limited time, these quick excursions usually depart from major cities like Kigali or Kampala, offering a chance to see gorillas in a single day.

2. Multi-Day Safari Holidays

These packages provide an immersive experience, often combining gorilla trekking with other wildlife safaris, cultural tours, or nature hikes.

3. Luxury Gorilla Tours

Designed for comfort and exclusivity, luxury tours include high-end lodges, private transfers, and personalized itineraries, ideal for upscale travelers.

4. Budget Gorilla Tours

Affordable options with shared transportation and modest accommodations, perfect for backpackers or budget-conscious tourists seeking value without sacrificing the experience.

What To Expect on a Gorilla-Watching Safari in Africa? 

• Fitness Requirements:

Gorilla treks range from moderate to strenuous. Trails may be steep, muddy, and dense, requiring a good level of fitness. Porters are available to assist with gear or challenging terrain.

• Trek Duration:

Trekking begins in the morning and can last 2 to 8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location.

• Group Size:

To minimize impact, each gorilla group is visited by no more than 8 tourists per day, ensuring a personal and eco-sensitive experience.

• Observation Time:

Once a gorilla family is located, you’re allowed one hour to watch, photograph, and appreciate them in their natural environment.

• Guides and Rangers:

Professional guides and armed rangers accompany every trek, ensuring safety, offering insights, and helping you understand gorilla behavior and conservation.

• Certificate of Achievement:

After completing your trek, you’ll receive a trekking certificate as a token of your participation in supporting gorilla conservation.

• Conservation Impact:

Participating in gorilla safaris contributes directly to protecting endangered gorillas and supporting local communities. Permit fees fund ranger patrols, habitat preservation, and eco-development programs.

Uganda vs Rwanda vs Congo Gorilla Trekking 

• Accessibility: Rwanda (Volcanoes NP) offers shorter travel distances due to better infrastructure, making it the most accessible gorilla destination.
• Number of Families: Uganda leads with more habituated families and two gorilla parks.
• Landscape: Uganda’s Bwindi, found about a 10-hour drive from Entebbe International Airport, is at lower altitudes, making treks easier.
• Cost: DR Congo is the most budget-friendly option, with the cheapest permits for seeing mountain gorillas during Congo safaris/DR Congo gorilla safaris.

Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations in Africa 

• Minimum age: 15 years
• No trekking if ill with coughs  or the flu
• Maintain a 7-10 meter distance
• No flash photography, feeding, or mimicking gorillas
• Maximum 8 people per group

Top African Safari Lodges & Hotels for Gorilla Trekking

Travelers exploring gorilla trekking in Africa can choose from an exceptional range of accommodations in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

These range from high-end safari lodges to affordable eco-camps, offering comfort, wilderness views, and easy access to gorilla trekking sites.

Uganda Gorilla Safari Lodges

Best options near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include:

• Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Springs
• Midrange/Budget: Buhoma Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Lodges 

Located near Volcanoes National Park, these lodges combine luxury with proximity to trekking zones:

• Luxury: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge
• Midrange/Budget: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Amakoro Songa Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Volcanoes Hotel

Congo Gorilla Safari Accommodations 

Stay close to Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park at the following lodges:

• Virunga Area: Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp
• Bukavu / Kahuzi-Biega Area: Orchids Safari Club, Coco Lodge Bukavu, Hotel Horizon Bukavu, Exodus Bukavu Hotel

These lodges and hotels are designed for adventure seekers and nature lovers, offering excellent service, comfort, and scenic views in Africa’s top gorilla trekking destinations.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Africa 

The ideal time for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons—June to August and December to February—when trails are less muddy and hiking conditions are more favorable.

Although treks happen year-round, dry weather makes navigating the steep, forested terrain easier and more comfortable. For this reason, sturdy hiking boots are essential.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking?

• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
• Hiking boots
• Rain jacket
• Hat, sunglasses
• Long socks

Essential Packing List for Gorilla Tours in Africa 

• Camera, binoculars
• Travel documents
• Insect repellent
• Bottled water
• Waterproof backpack

Gorilla Trekking Safari Operators in Africa

Several trusted tour companies in Uganda offer all-inclusive gorilla trekking packages, covering permits, accommodation, transport, and expert guides. Here’s a list of reputable operators specializing in these unforgettable primate adventures.

1. Wild Gorilla Safaris
2. Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd
3. Safari Uganda Safaris
4. Gorilla Safaris and Tours
5. A Uganda Safari
6. Africa Safaris Tours
7. Gorilla trekking Uganda

Top Africa Gorilla Tour Packages 

• 3-day Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda
• 4 days Uganda Gorilla Safaris Tour & Wildlife Tour Package in Queen Elizabeth National Park for tree-climbing lions and other wildlife safaris
• 4 days Uganda Gorilla Safari Tour to Bwindi & Lake Mburo National Park
• 5 days Gorilla Safari Uganda & Wildlife Safari to Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, & Lake Mburo National Park
• 5 days Gorilla Safaris Uganda & Wildlife safari Holiday in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• 6 days Uganda Gorilla Safaris Tour & Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
• 6 days Gorillas in Bwindi, Volcanoes Rwanda & Wildlife in Serengeti National Parks
• 7 days Uganda Gorilla safari, Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park, and Wildlife Safari Tour in Queen Elizabeth National Park (home of tree-climbing lions), Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park
• 8 days Gorilla Uganda safari, wildlife safaris, and chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park/Kibale National Park.
• 10 days, Uganda, Rwanda, the democratic republic of Congo, and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park
• 12 days, Uganda Trip—Gorilla Walking, Chimpanzee Trekking, Wildlife & Culture

Choose from any of these 3- to 12-day gorilla and wildlife tours across Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo that combine trips to destinations including Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Serengeti National Parks, etc.

FAQs on African Gorilla Trekking 

1. How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda, particularly in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, is moderately challenging but generally easier than in Rwanda or Congo due to its lower altitude. Good physical fitness is recommended, and sturdy hiking boots are essential.

2. Is It Safe to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo? 

Yes, all three countries are generally safe for gorilla trekking. Armed rangers and experienced guides accompany tourists throughout the trek. Rwanda is considered the safest, followed by Uganda. Certain regions of Congo are secure for tourists, especially during guided treks in Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega parks.

3. How Much Does a Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost? 

• Uganda: $800 (foreign non-residents), $700 (foreign residents), UGX 300,000 (East Africans)
• Rwanda: $1,500 (all travelers)
• Congo: $400 (foreign non-residents), $200 (residents/EAC citizens), $20 (Congolese nationals)

4. Why Is Gorilla Tracking So Expensive? 

Gorilla trekking helps fund vital gorilla conservation efforts and community projects. The high permit costs go towards protecting these endangered primates, supporting park rangers, and benefiting surrounding local communities.

5. Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Cost? 

Absolutely. Spending time with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is a rare and unforgettable wildlife experience, often described as life-changing.

6. How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available in Uganda? 

Uganda offers 160 permits daily across its two parks (Bwindi and Mgahinga). Each gorilla family can only be visited by a group of 8 people per day.

7. Can I See Gorillas on a Budget during a Uganda Safari? 

Yes. You can save by:

• Traveling during the low season (March–May, October–November)
• Staying in budget lodges
• Joining group tours
• Using public transportation when possible

8. How Long Is a Gorilla Trekking Safari? 

A typical gorilla safari lasts 3 days:

• Day 1: Arrival and travel to the park
• Day 2: Gorilla trekking experience
• Day 3: Return or optional activities

9. What Is a Gorilla Habituation Experience?

The gorilla habituation experience in Uganda (only in Uganda’s Bwindi) offers a rare opportunity to spend up to four hours with wild gorillas (a semi-habituated gorilla family) as they undergo training to become accustomed to human presence.

This process, led by researchers and park rangers over a period of about three years, allows only four visitors per day and costs $1,500 per person. Participants are closely supervised throughout the experience.

10. Are Gorilla Sightings Guaranteed? 

While not 100% guaranteed, sightings are over 90% likely. If you miss out, most tour operators will reschedule your trek for the next day (subject to availability).

This applies to all gorilla parks, i.e., Mgahinga & Bwindi National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, or Virunga National Park & Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, home to the endangered mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas.

11. Why Choose To Go For Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours? 

• Home to over half of the world’s mountain gorillas (459+ individuals)
• Two trekking parks: Bwindi and Mgahinga
• Affordable permits compared to Rwanda
• Safe, diverse landscapes with opportunities to see golden monkeys, chimpanzees, and other primates
• Options for gorilla habituation experiences

12. Where Can I See Gorillas in Uganda? 

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—most popular with several trekking sectors
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – smaller but equally rewarding

13. How Much Does a Gorilla Safari Cost?

Prices vary based on:

• Permit costs
• Duration of the trip
• Accommodation type (budget, midrange, or luxury)
• Number of activities included
• Expect budget safaris from $1,100 and luxury options from $2,500–$5,000+; for example, a 3-day gorilla trekking tour in Uganda typically costs approximately $1,300 per person.

14. What Is a Gorilla Permit? 

It’s a document issued by park authorities (e.g., Uganda Wildlife Authority) that allows you to trek and observe mountain gorillas. Permits must be booked in advance due to limited availability, especially in the peak season.

15. When Is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking? 

The dry seasons (June–August and December–February) are the best times, offering clearer trails and better visibility. However, gorilla tours are available year-round, and the wet season offers fewer crowds and lush scenery.

It is important to note that gorilla trekking tours can be tailored to include additional activities such as chimpanzee tracking, wildlife safaris, and white-water rafting. Booking in advance is recommended and may come with discounted rates for early reservations.

African gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect with endangered gorillas in their natural habitats. Whether you’re seeking luxury or budget adventures, each destination delivers a unique experience, from mountain gorillas to golden monkeys, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic cultural encounters.