2025-2026 Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda: Common Questions Regarding Gorilla Safaris Gorilla trekking: what is it? Hiking into the forest to observe these endangered mountain gorillas in their natural environment is known as “gorilla trekking,” and it’s an amazing experience.
Only three nations-Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo-have it. Trekkers usually begin their adventure early in the morning and travel through the forest for many hours while being accompanied by a local ranger.
Trekking with gorillas is a truly remarkable experience. But it’s crucial to keep in mind that gorillas are wild creatures and need to be handled with care and respect.
How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost?
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost USD 800, while those in Rwanda and Congo will cost USD 1500 and $400, respectively.
While luxury accommodations cost between USD 400 and USD 3000, economical accommodations vary from $50 to USD 90 per person. Options in the midrange range from $100 to $250.
Where Can You Stay While Trekking with Gorillas?
When hiking for mountain gorillas, tourists usually stay in hotels or camps close to the park where the gorillas are located. These cozy lodgings offer a practical starting point for the hike.
The top traditional hotels and lodges in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park are Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge, and Gorilla Mountain View Lodge.
The greatest safari lodgings may be found in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park at Clouds Mountain Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Chameleon Hill Lodge, and Buhoma Lodge.
Perfect extras like dining options, swimming pools, and drinks are available at certain resorts and campgrounds.
It is important to check with the tour operator you are in contact with for further information on where to stay during your trip, since many of them provide tour packages that include meals, lodging, transportation, and permits for gorilla trekking.
Because of its varied animals and stunning natural surroundings, Uganda, which is in East Africa, was formerly known as the Pearl of Africa. In order to experience and take pictures of animals like elephants, lions, giraffes, and gorillas, wildlife safari vacations in Uganda usually entail driving through game parks and reserves.
Uganda is a popular destination for mountain gorilla trekking because it is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Uganda has a plethora of additional attractions in addition to its animals, such as hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains, boat trips down the Nile River, and tours of traditional villages. All things considered, Uganda provides tourists with an unforgettable safari experience.
Africa’s Best Time to See Mountain Gorillas
The country and area you intend to visit will determine the ideal time of year to go gorilla trekking in Africa. Actually, the greatest time to go gorilla trekking is during the dry season, which often lasts from June to September or October. This is because the weather is usually sunny and dry, which makes it simpler to go through the forest.
It is recommended that you plan your trip well in advance to acquire a permit during the dry season, as it can also be the busiest time for gorilla trekking.
The wet season, which typically lasts from November to May, can also be a wonderful time to go trekking because of the thick foliage, which may make it easier to see the gorillas.
It is best to first inquire with a tour operator or local ranger about the ideal time to go on a gorilla trekking tour before embarking on a journey to any nation where you intend to see gorillas.
What Food Do Gorillas Consume?
Eating a Leaf, a Gorilla
Note: You may be unsure about which trustworthy tour operator to reserve for your gorilla safari. You can make a reservation with All In Africa Safaris without hesitation.
How Can I Obtain a Ugandan Gorilla Trekking Permit?
The gorilla trekking permit for Uganda can be purchased directly from a reliable tour operator, such as All In Africa Safari, or through Uganda Wildlife Authority offices. You can call or email us to learn more.
A scanned copy of your passport and personal information must then be sent, and you can also be asked to present documentation of your yellow fever vaccination. Because there are only a certain amount of permits available, it is best to reserve your permits well in advance.
How Can I Obtain a Rwandan Gorilla Permit?
You must get a gorilla trekking permit in order to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda. The Rwanda Development Board, or “RDB,” issues Rwanda gorilla permits, which are necessary for any hiker who wants to see the gorillas in their natural environment. Rwanda Gorilla Permits are currently required to be bought in advance and cost USD 1,500 per person per trek.
On gorilla trekking safari excursions, you should bring things like cozy hiking boots, rain gear, water and food, a camera and binoculars, sunscreen and bug repellent, a poncho, and warm clothing, among other things.
Gorilla Trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is home to two gorilla species found nowhere else together: mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park and eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas, Gorilla beringei graueri) in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Virunga National Park – Africa’s oldest national park, established in 1925 – covers 7,900 km² of remarkable ecological diversity, from the volcanic peaks of the Virunga Massif to the glaciers of the Rwenzori Mountains and the tropical lowland forests of the Congo Basin. The park is also home to hippos, elephants, okapis, and the entire cast of Congo rainforest wildlife.
Eastern Lowland Gorillas – A Unique Encounter
The eastern lowland gorilla (Grauer’s gorilla) is the world’s largest subspecies of gorilla, with silverbacks weighing up to 220kg. Found only in the DRC, Grauer’s gorillas are considerably rarer than mountain gorillas – their population has declined by more than 70% since the 1990s due to conflict, habitat loss, and poaching. Kahuzi-Biega National Park in South Kivu offers the only reliable trekking experience with habituated Grauer’s gorilla families.
A gorilla permit in the DRC costs USD 400 per person – significantly cheaper than Rwanda (USD 1,500) or Uganda (USD 800). The experience is raw, off-the-beaten-track, and unforgettable for travellers seeking something genuinely uncommon.
Practical Information for DRC Gorilla Trekking
Getting to Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega
The most common entry point to eastern DRC is via Kigali, Rwanda. Goma – the gateway to Virunga National Park – is just 80km from Kigali. Direct flights from Nairobi and Kampala also serve Goma. Bukavu (gateway to Kahuzi-Biega) is accessible from Goma by road (3-4 hours) or by light aircraft.
Is it safe to trek gorillas in the DRC?
Security in eastern DRC is complex and fluctuates. Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega have experienced periods of closure due to armed group activity. Always check current security conditions with your tour operator and your government’s travel advisory before planning a DRC gorilla trek. Reputable operators with established local security networks are essential.
Recommended Tours: 8 Days Congo Gorillas & Nyiragongo Safari | 5 Days Lowland Gorilla Safari Congo
