Premier Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Safaris in Uganda and Rwanda

Rwanda and Uganda as the most popular destinations for gorilla trekking in Africa. Uganda has two national parks where one can visit gorillas in their natural habitat but Bwindi impenetrable National Park is the most popular with the highest number of mountain gorilla individuals in the whole world. Mgahinga National Park is another gorilla trekking option for Uganda with only one habituated mountain gorilla family. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park and the most popular among people interested in seeing mountain gorillas in Africa. To see mountain gorillas in Uganda, one needs a gorilla permit but permits in Rwanda are significantly more expensive at $1500 per person for one hour excursion compared to Uganda where a permit costs only $800 per person per trek. Gorilla permits must be booked in advance through a registered tour operator. Contact us for details.

The Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable National Park is a unique and specialized extended version of gorilla trekking, where visitors have the opportunity to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated mountain gorilla family. Gorilla habituation itself is a process where wild mountain gorillas become accustomed to the presence of humans and learn to tolerate them without exhibiting aggressive behavior. Gorilla habituation experience is more immersive and unique experience than the traditional one-hour gorilla trek. It involves trekking into the forest with well trained park rangers sometimes following fresh trails to locate mountain gorillas while observing their behaviors, naming them, collecting their droppings among others. It also involves daily visits to gradually expose these gorillas to human presence and once they a comfortable, they will be introduced to a mock exercise with scientists and journalists. After going through a successful mock exercise, these mountain gorillas are opened up for trekking by tourists. Gorilla habituation experience is limited to only for people per day and a gorilla habituation permit costs $1500 per person (foreign nonresidents) and $1000 for foreign residents with a work permit. Currently all gorilla habituation experience excursions take place in the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable National Park (Rushaga and Nkuringo) where selected gorilla families have been put aside for this exercise. 

While it is possible to trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda year-round, the periods of June, July, August, and early September, as well as December through February, are generally considered more favorable due to drier weather conditions. It’s essential to note that despite these recommendations, there is no absolute assurance of avoiding rain, given that Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a tropical rainforest, is subject to microclimatic variations. Consequently, weather conditions may vary even during the suggested months. During the high season, gorilla permits for visiting gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi National Park are priced at USD 1500.00 and USD 700.00 per person, respectively. For budget-conscious travelers, taking advantage of Rwanda’s low season gorilla permits at USD 1050.00 provides an opportunity to experience Rwanda gorilla trekking at a more affordable rate. Planning the trek during the low season can be a strategic approach for those mindful of costs while still seeking an enriching gorilla encounter. For more information about Uganda and Rwanda gorilla treks, get in touch on whatsapp or email. Read More about best time for gorilla trekking.

In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs USD 800.00 for non-residents and USD 700.00 for foreign residents. In Rwanda, the gorilla trekking permit is priced at USD 1500.00 for non-residents. This permit is like your special card that allows you to spend an hour with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) or Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). All Gorilla safaris to Rwanda and Uganda require you to hold a valid gorilla permit which must be booked and paid for in advance. Read more about gorilla tracking and permit booking.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, situated in southwestern Uganda, is a unique and biodiverse natural haven that is home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The park is divided into four regions, each offering a distinct gorilla trekking experience. In the North, there’s the Buhoma region, while the Ruhija region lies to the east. Moving south, one encounters the Rushaga and Nkuringo regions. Each of these regions is associated with habituated gorilla families, making them accessible for gorilla tracking. When planning a gorilla trek in Bwindi, it’s crucial to consider the specific region you want to explore, as this choice influences factors like the lodge you’ll stay in, the gorilla permit, and your transportation. For detailed information on Bwindi gorilla treks and holidays, you can reach out to Primate Safaris Safaris. They can provide guidance on the best options based on your preferences and plans.

Volcanoes National Park is a renowned conservation area located in the northern part of Rwanda, known for its captivating landscapes and the protection of the endangered mountain gorillas. The park is part of the larger Virunga Massif, a chain of volcanic mountains that spans Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Volcanoes National Park is famous for its role in gorilla conservation and Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris. The park is divided into sectors, each offering a unique gorilla tracking encounter. Visitors can explore different regions, such as Kinigi, Bisate, and Sabinyo, each home to specific habituated gorilla families. When planning a Rwanda gorilla tour in Volcanoes National Park, the choice of sector matters, influencing accommodation options, gorilla permit details, and transportation arrangements. For personalized guidance on Volcanoes National Park gorilla treks and holidays, contacting Primate Safaris can provide valuable insights and assistance tailored to individual preferences and plans.

it is recommended to secure your Rwanda or Uganda gorilla permit at least three months in advance, particularly during high season, to avoid potential shortages. To ensure availability on your preferred date for gorilla tracking in Uganda or Rwanda, please reach out to us with your intended booking date for Uganda holidays or Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris. We will provide guidance on permit availability for that specific day and assist you in planning your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.

It is recommended to secure your Rwanda or Uganda gorilla permit at least three months in advance, particularly during high season, to avoid potential shortages. To ensure availability on your preferred date for gorilla tracking in Uganda or Rwanda, please reach out to us with your intended booking date for Uganda holidays or Rwanda gorilla trekking tours. We will provide guidance on permit availability for that specific day and assist you in planning your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.

Rwanda gorilla trips or Gorilla safaris in Uganda can only be guaranteed if one has secured a gorilla permit for Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga. Your gorilla permit grants you the unique opportunity to spend one hour with mountain gorillas in the breathtaking surroundings of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda), Mgahinga, or Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). The permit cost includes entry fees for the respective parks, giving you access to the gorillas’ natural habitat. Additionally, the services of experienced National Park guides and rangers, who will accompany you through the forest and enhance your gorilla trekking experience, are also part of the package. To ensure a seamless adventure, Gorilla Tracking Uganda will take care of securing your permits well in advance, ensuring a hassle-free and unforgettable encounter with these magnificent creatures.

The duration of a mountain gorilla trek in Uganda or Rwanda can vary widely, ranging from a brisk twenty minutes to a substantial three-quarters of the day. It’s essential to be prepared for a range of possibilities. Several factors influence the trek’s duration, including the movement patterns of the mountain gorillas, the location where they spent the previous night, and the mood of the gorillas. Additionally, the pace of the trek can be influenced by the individuals in your group, as guides and rangers move at the pace of the slowest person. Gorilla Tracking Uganda, operating as Primate Safaris, is more than happy to provide you with all the necessary advice and information to ensure you are well-prepared for this unique and captivating experience.

We are delighted to assure you that the likelihood of encountering gorillas in either Bwindi National Park or Volcanoes National Park is an impressive 98%. It’s common for some tourists to consider booking multiple gorilla treks, fearing they might miss out on seeing gorillas during the first trek and hoping for better luck on subsequent treks. The reality is that gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes in Rwanda is well-organized. Every day, an advanced team of trackers sets out early to locate the gorilla groups. Once located, they communicate the whereabouts of the gorillas to the park headquarters and your assigned ranger guide for the day. Your trek then begins from the area where the gorillas spent the previous night until you find them. Throughout the trek, the advanced team maintains communication with your guide to ensure you stay on the right track. If the gorilla family is on the move at a rapid pace, the team will coordinate with your guide. If necessary, and to ensure your safety and enjoyment, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) may decide to redirect you to another gorilla family. For more detailed information and personalized advice, please feel free to contact us.

The age limit for gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda, as well as golden monkey trekking in Uganda, is 15 years. It’s important to note that authorities strictly adhere to this age restriction. Therefore, all clients and children must be 15 or older to participate in these activities to avoid any disappointments, such as being refused to track. Before booking your Gorilla Tracking Uganda safari holidays with us, we ensure that you have all the necessary details regarding age restrictions. For trekking chimpanzees in Uganda, the age limit is 12 years old. In Rwanda, children aged 10 years and older are allowed to trek golden monkeys as long as they are accompanied by an adult. While children under 15 years are permitted to visit Dian Fossey’s tomb, it’s essential to note that the hike to the tomb is challenging, so it is not recommended for children under 15-13 years.

When planning for your gorilla safari in Rwanda and Uganda, thorough preparation is key. We recommend packing trousers, long-sleeved shirts or blouses, and long socks to tuck into your trousers for added protection. Don’t forget to bring garden gloves, a hat, sunglasses, and hiking boots for comfort and safety on the trek. Insect repellents are essential to ward off bugs in the forest environment. Additionally, pack some energy-giving foods to keep you fueled and energized throughout the trek. Being well-prepared ensures a more enjoyable and comfortable gorilla trekking experience.

When gearing up for your gorilla trek in Uganda and Rwanda, thorough preparation is key. We recommend packing trousers, long-sleeved shirts or blouses, and long socks to tuck into your trousers for added protection. Don’t forget to bring garden gloves, a hat, sunglasses, and hiking boots for comfort and safety on the trek. Insect repellents are essential to ward off bugs in the forest environment. Additionally, pack some energy-giving foods to keep you fueled and energized throughout the trek. Being well-prepared ensures a more enjoyable and comfortable gorilla trekking experience. More about packing list and gorilla trekking gear.

Yes, Rwanda offers discounted gorilla tours during the low season months of May and November. While Uganda stopped low-season discounted gorilla permits in 2017, Rwanda still provides this option. To benefit from Rwanda’s discounted gorilla permits, you are required to book at least three additional days in one of Rwanda’s National Parks. These parks include Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park. The cost of Rwanda’s discounted gorilla trekking permits is USD 1050.00 per person per trek to experience gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. This fee covers the Volcanoes National Park entry fees, the opportunity to spend one hour observing habituated mountain gorillas, and the services of a well-trained gorilla ranger or guide. Taking advantage of these discounted permits allows you to enjoy the incredible experience of gorilla trekking in Rwanda at a more affordable rate.

Yes, it is indeed possible to track Uganda gorillas via Kigali, Rwanda. By flying into Kigali International Airport, travelers can significantly reduce the drive time to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which takes approximately 5-6 hours. This is a more time-efficient option compared to using Entebbe International Airport, where the drive time can range from 8-9, and sometimes up to 10 hours from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The introduction of the East African tourist visa has further streamlined travel between Uganda and Rwanda. With this visa, costing USD 100.00, you can easily visit three East African countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. Additionally, travelers can now apply for a Rwanda visa upon arrival, simplifying the visa acquisition process. For more details about Bwindi gorilla safaris through Kigali Airport and assistance with travel arrangements, feel free to contact Primate Safaris. They can provide you with the necessary information to plan a seamless and enjoyable gorilla trekking experience.

Yes, the Democratic Republic of Congo offers discounted gorilla permits. The regular gorilla permit to trek mountain gorillas in Congo’s Virunga National Park is priced at USD 400.00. This fee covers park entry fees, one hour of observing gorillas, and the services of a ranger guide during the trek. However, Congo also provides discounted gorilla permits at a reduced rate of USD 300.00. These discounted permits can be arranged for you when booking an all-inclusive tour with Primate Safaris. For more details about Congo’s discounted gorilla permits and affordable Congo gorilla safaris, you can contact Primate Safaris through phone or email. They will be able to provide you with the necessary information and assist you in planning a memorable and budget-friendly gorilla trekking experience in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Only a maximum of 8 people are allowed to trek or visit a given gorilla family in Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes National Park in Uganda and Rwanda. In Bwindi, where there are about 14 habituated gorilla families, each family is limited to hosting a maximum of 8 people per day for one hour. While this is the standard guideline, there may be rare circumstances where park management allows more than 8 people, and if such situations arise, the park authorities will provide explanations. For gorilla habituation experiences, which involve spending an extended four hours with mountain gorillas under habituation, only 4 people are permitted to be present. This smaller group size ensures a more controlled and intimate experience for those participating in the gorilla habituation process.

To secure your spot for gorilla trekking, it is highly recommended to book your Rwanda and Uganda gorilla permits well in advance. Gorilla permits are in high demand and tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons. At Primate Safaris, we advise booking your gorilla permit 3-4 months ahead of your planned trek to prevent last-minute disappointments. The high seasons, including June, July, August, September, December, January, and February, are particularly busy, and permits are likely to be scarce. For detailed information about the availability and cost of securing gorilla permits, please reach out to Primate Safaris. They can provide assistance and guide you through the process of booking your gorilla permit to ensure a smooth and successful gorilla trekking experience.