Mountain gorillas are undoubtedly the main reason why so many people travel to Rwanda and Uganda, and a gorilla trek is the highlight of any trip there. Learn about gorilla trekking vacations to see gorillas in the wild, how to obtain a permit, and tour operators that organize these treks. Hiking into Africa’s tropical woods to observe mountain gorillas in their natural environment is known as “gorilla trekking.”

When Should I Travel to Africa to See the Mountain Gorillas?

Gorilla trekking is possible throughout the year in Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda. In June, July, August, September, and December, gorilla trekking is most recommended. The average temperature in Bwindi is 11°C (52°F) in the morning and 23°C (73°F) in the afternoon. This is because there are less rains and the parks are drier, which makes it easier to climb and observe the gorillas.

The Bwindi Gorilla Trek

January and February: Off-peak months with less crowds. very little or rain.
The months of March, April, and May see a lot of rain. The slippery slopes present the biggest challenge during the hike.
Peak season is June, July, and August; as permits expire during this time, it’s crucial to purchase them in advance. Rwandan and Ugandan gorilla safaris are most enjoyable during this period.

In Rwanda and Uganda, there are a lot of gorilla safari trip companies. Choosing a tour operator will rely on a number of variables, such as cost, gorilla permit availability, and internet ratings and suggestions from different websites.

Where Can I Stay?

Your financial situation will determine which safari lodge or lodging option is ideal for you. Budget lodges can charge as little as $50 for a twin room, while some charge as much as $2500. It all comes down to the amenities, setting, cuisine, services, and much more.

Uganda’s Average Hotel and Lodge Prices
$50 to $100 for inexpensive lodging
For the mid-range, $150 to $200
$300 to $2500 per night for luxury.
Ask your tour operator to make a reservation near the tracking location.
Uganda’s Top 5 Gorilla Safari Lodges
Gorilla Forest Sanctuary Lodge, starting at $760
From $700, Gorilla Height Lodge
240 for Mahogany Springs
From $233, Gorilla Safari Lodge
Gorilla Lodge in Lake Mulehe from $173
Click here to view our list of safari lodges.
Cost of a Gorilla Safari

What is the price of a gorilla safari in 2024?

The cost of a one-day gorilla trek in Uganda is around $1100.
The cost of a two-day gorilla safari is around $1,280.
It costs around $1450 for a three-day gorilla tour.

Naturally, you will receive bids from several tour providers; the least expensive gorilla safari should cost around $1100, depending on the number of participants. The price range for the extreme luxury should be between $4000 and $6000 per person.

The majority of visitors favor the mid-range, which is not particularly cheap but still inexpensive, according to evaluations of the majority of gorilla tour companies in Uganda. You might be able to reduce those expenses by scheduling your safari during the off-peak months! If Uganda is not of interest to you, click here for Congo gorilla safaris or Rwanda gorilla trekking; if not, continue reading the article.

You might question if a gorilla trekking expedition is worth the high cost. This is the breakdown.
In Uganda, a gorilla trekking permit costs 800 dollars, and 75% of the proceeds go toward protecting the remaining gorilla population. Ten percent goes to the local communities surrounding the parks, while fifteen percent goes to the government. Keep in mind that the price of the Uganda gorilla ticket covers park admission costs, an hour of gorilla viewing, and advance tracker and ranger payments.

Additional Trekking Expenses to Think About

The price of food
About $50 a day for food and beverages. The majority of tour operators offer soft drinks and meals.

Costs of Transportation
A plane ticket from your nation should cost between $500 and $2400.
$600 for chartered flights from the airport to nearby gorilla trekking locations.
The cost of renting a car should be around $80 per day.

The price of the packing materials
sunscreen, bug repellents, and more.

Border crossing and visas
You may go on safaris in Tanzania, Kenya, and Rwanda with a $100 East African tourist visa.

The price of Porters
You may hire a sedan chair for porters to transport you for $20 and $500.

Advice For Reducing Expenses

Don’t go alone.
Stay at the greatest low-cost lodges.
Pick Uganda instead of Rwanda.
Steer clear of public transportation as busses frequently depart late.
Steer clear of chartered flights.
Reserve your gorilla excursion in the off-peak months.
Africa’s Gorilla Trek

Where in Africa Can I See Gorillas?

Gorillas may be seen in Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda. But keep in mind that gorillas are primarily classified as either lowland or mountain, with a few additional subspecies inside each. We recommend the Republic of Congo for lowland gorilla viewing and Rwanda and Uganda for mountain gorilla vistas. Although it has been difficult in some places because of the country’s instability, mountain gorillas may also be found in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Some travelers believe that even in Tanzania, where safaris are offered, gorillas can be found! This is incorrect. Kenya and Tanzania, however, may be fantastic additions to any safari trip, particularly when herds of animals cross the Mara River into the Serengeti plains during the Great Wildebeest Migration! You can look for terms like “Kenya gorilla trekking” on Google. South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania are devoid of gorillas.

We constantly recommend these multi-destination safaris, particularly in East Africa. In general, mountain gorillas are bigger and have deeper black coats, whereas lowland gorillas are smaller and have brownish-gray far coats with a noticeable forehead ridge. Less than 800 mountain gorillas remain in the African bush, making them the most rare primates in the world. Conversely, the Republic of Congo alone is home to around 100,000 lowland gorillas.

Gorilla Safari in Uganda
Where in Uganda Can I Go Gorilla Trekking?

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the two gorilla safari destinations in Uganda. You can only track one gorilla group or family per day out of the 18 total.

The finest park to see gorillas in the wild is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which is home to 17 gorilla groups. Ninety animal species and eleven primates, including the black and white colobus monkey, are available to you on Bwindi trips.

Trekking Groups for Bwindi Gorillas

Gorilla families Mukiza, Oruzogo, Bitukura, and Kyaguliro are part of the Ruhija Trek.
The Buhoma Trek: Rushegura, Katwe, Habinyanja, and Mubare
Nkuringo Trek: Bushaho, Nkuringo, and Christmas
Kutu, Bikingi, Mishaya, Bushigye, Kahungye, Rwigi, Bweza, Nshongi, and Mucunguzi are the locations of the Rushaga Trek.

The Gorilla Family of Mgahinga

You may follow the Nyakagezi group at Mgahinga Park, which is encircled by the Virunga Volcanoes’ slopes, including Mount Muhavura (4,127m), Mount Gahinga (3474m), and Mount Sabinyo (3645m).

Exquisite Gorilla Trekking Safari

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers the most opulent gorilla trips. Even if a gorilla ticket costs $1500 per person, a nine-day luxury safari in Rwanda that includes accommodations at upscale resorts like Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, and Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge costs more than $15,000. The top three in Uganda are Clouds Lodge, Mahogany Springs, and Gorilla Forest Camp.

Cheap African Gorilla Tours

In Congo, the lowest gorilla permit costs $450, whereas in Uganda, it costs $800. Budget lodging for Uganda gorilla excursions in Bwindi National Park starts at $100 per night. Select from Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Gorilla Valley Lodge, and Bwindi Backpackers Lodge. The cheapest hotel in Rwanda is Hotel Muhabura.

Which nation offers the best chance to see mountain gorillas? Rwanda vs. Uganda comparison
Given that they are all forest-dwelling mountain gorillas, this is a really challenging topic! The surroundings are nearly same. Given that Uganda has more wildlife than Rwanda, it is not a smart idea to compare the two countries.

In addition to the mountain gorillas, Kibale Forest National Park offers other primates and the opportunity to observe Murchison Falls. Regarding the price, please be aware that gorilla licenses in Rwanda have just been raised to $1500 per person, but in Uganda, they are only USD 800 apiece.

Safari gorillas in Uganda

In a party of eight, the permit allows you to spend an hour with the mountain gorillas. If the cost worries you, consider it from the perspective that you are helping to save mountain gorillas and will be rewarded with an hour spent watching and spending time with them as a token of appreciation.

Remember, only 80 visitors are permitted to view the gorillas in their natural environment each day. Every time you go in this forest, you leave a footprint since their ecosystem is so delicate. In conclusion, the greatest spot to watch gorillas is in Uganda.

Packing List for African Gorilla Tours
hiking boots that are waterproof.
Pack for the day.
repellents for insects.
lightweight raincoat.
Poncho
camera.
Binoculars
Water in bottles
Hiking boots,
An old pair of gardening gloves as gloves
Long trousers or pants
Snacks for energy.

How Hard Is Trekking with Gorillas?

Gorilla trekking has a difficulty rating between 50 and 100. The most prevalent element influencing the gorilla trekking difficulty is your level of physical fitness. Other factors include the weight of your load and the weather. You may request a gorilla group that will march to your level of fitness.

Although gorilla trekking is not very difficult—some individuals in their 60s and 70s have done it—a porter is essential. How difficult is the hike, then? First off, 60% of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is higher than 6,600 feet. The park’s total elevation ranges from 3,904 to 8,553 feet. In several places, it features severe slopes. Based on the gorilla family, the experience lasts anywhere from two to six hours.

Safaris with Gorilla COVID-19
Guidelines for Gorilla Tracking for Post-COVID Visitors
Given that 98% of human genes are shared by these primates, gorillas may be susceptible to the corona virus. Because gorillas may contract the flu and other airborne illnesses, COVID-19 poses a serious danger to gorilla survival.

Keep your distance from the gorillas at seven meters.
There is a 15-year-old age limit.
You can only spend an hour with the gorillas.
Mask wearing is crucial.
Do not sneeze.
Clean and follow other SOP instructions.
African track gorillas

Expectations for a Gorilla Safari

You should anticipate leaving your cozy bed early enough on the day of your excursion to be to the briefing location by 7:30 a.m. Following the briefing, each of the eight visitors will be assigned a distinct tracking path. As you start your hunt for gorillas, enter the jungle with the help of rangers and guides.

Mammals, butterflies, monkeys, and many more species may be found in the forest. The forest can be difficult at times, and physical conditioning is necessary. You should anticipate being sweaty and muddy at the conclusion of the day.

It’s acceptable to snap pictures with your iPhone or camera once you’ve seen the gorillas, but stay away from using flash otherwise the animals may charge. You will spend forty minutes to an hour with these gentle giants. It will be a very transformative experience. Return to your lodging after the hike, or choose to spend time at a Batwa pygmy traditional hamlet.

What About the Experience of Gorilla Habituation?

Training wild gorillas to get used to humans is known as “gorilla habituation.” Researchers and park officers spend three years training gorillas. You can join the group of park rangers and researchers during the training. There may be no more than four guests. It is unique because of this. Gorilla habituation costs $1500 per day each individual. You actively participate in the gorilla habituation, which is the most thrilling aspect of this experience!

How to Obtain a Ugandan Permit for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is done in either Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. However, the majority of the licenses sold in Uganda are for Bwindi NP due to the inconsistent gorilla population in Mgahinga. Each gorilla permit costs $700 USD. April, May, and November used to cost US$450.

Please be aware that these deals are no longer available. Only eight people are permitted to visit a gorilla family in Bwindi, despite the fact that around 72 people go there to see gorillas in a single day. The most common error is to reserve a gorilla family that is far from the lodging of your choosing. For this reason, we strongly advise you to arrange your gorilla permit via a safari agent!

Due to its distant location, the journeys to Bwindi and its many districts are sometimes difficult. You may have to pay extra if you want to conduct the gorilla walk alone in order to save money. Safari guides are qualified to assist you in this regard.

Permit Cost for Gorilla Safaris

A gorilla permit in Uganda costs $800 for one hour with the primates.
The cost of a Ugandan gorilla habitat permit is $1500 for a full day.
The cost of a Rwandan gorilla permit is $1500.
The cost of a Congo Gorilla Trekking Permit is $400.
For the permit, East African citizens must pay 250,000 shillings.

Many tourists who plan to go gorilla trekking have found this process to be exhausting and have chosen to reserve their trekking permits through a local Uganda safari operator instead, which is speedier and less taxing. For each permission, these tour companies often charge an additional $60 to $100.

Although these gorilla tour companies will not charge you for a gorilla permit if you plan to use their other tour services, like transfers, they will charge you an additional $100 per gorilla permit if you only want one.

This is because they have to make calls, pick up the permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, deliver it to you, and cover other administrative costs. The procedure is fairly akin to the one described above, however tour operators typically expedite reservations so that you may verify your gorilla permit more quickly.

You let them know when you will be traveling to Uganda and which day you want to go gorilla trekking.
They will temporarily reserve your desired trekking dates and let you know if they are available.
They will provide you with our bank account information so you may pay with a credit card or transfer the funds for the gorilla permits.

An email acknowledging the money transfer will be sent to you. Please don’t forget to tell your bank to take the transaction’s bank fees out of your account. If you book the remainder of your tour with them, they don’t charge you extra for the gorilla permit. Any extra fees will be for services like transportation and phone that are paid for when the permit is obtained.

A copy of your passport including the information needed to register for your permission will be sent by you. Typically, they only require your passport number, nationality, and complete name.
After your identities are recorded, we will obtain the gorilla permission. They will purchase a gorilla permit upon payment, but obtaining one does not ensure that you will see gorillas, even though your odds of doing so are over 98%.

It is important to remember that tour operators in Uganda typically purchase up to 80% of the permits through their joint organization, AUTO, for a period of up to two years before to the planned gorilla trekking date. Up to 20 permits may be purchased by any of the participating agencies in a single month.

However, three months before to the planned month of the gorilla trekking, when bookings open on the first working days from Monday to Friday of that month, individuals and those not covered by AUTO are able to purchase a maximum of two gorilla permits per month. There is no cap on the quantity of permits sold by a single operator or an individual person; permits that are not sold on the first day of the booking period are resold the next day.

Other African Primate Safaris

In addition to mountain gorillas, several other monkey species in Uganda may be tracked, including chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park, golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and chimpanzee trekking. The greatest wildlife safaris in Uganda may be found at PianUpe Reserve, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha after your gorilla safari.

Tracking Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park

Chimpanzees in Kibale National Park There are thirteen different kinds of primates in Kibale Forest. The Kanyanchu is the popular trekking route, and it runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Here, chimpanzee habituation is also practiced. A $150 permit is needed to track the chimpanzees. The best safari schedule is three days to Kibale. We advise staying at Kibale’s Primates Lodge.

Chimpanzee Trekking and Wildlife Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

See the chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Every day, sixteen licenses are granted. Trekking is more difficult here than it is in Kibale. Depending on where the chimpanzees are and how fit you are, the trip lasts around three hours. Each journey costs $50 per person. Twelve is the minimum age.

Baboons, colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys are among the other primates found here. Tree-climbing lions, hippos, buffaloes, leopards, elephants, antelopes, birds, and more may be found at Queen Elizabeth National Park. Stay overnight at Jacana Safari Lodge, Katara Safari Lodge, or Mweya Safari Lodge.

Gorilla Safari in Volcanoes National Park

Rwandan gorilla tracking takes place in Volcanoes National Park, which is located in the Virunga Mountains. The cost of a gorilla permit is $1500. There are 17 gorilla families in Rwanda. The greatest choice for our gorilla trips in Rwanda is the Susa group. Late June, July, and August are the ideal times of year to travel to Rwanda.

Virunga Mountains include Volcanoes National Park. Primates may be found at Mgahinga, Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, and Muhabura. Kahuzi Biega National Park and Virunga National Park in Congo are home to additional gorillas in Africa.

Tracking Golden Monkeys in Africa

Tracking golden monkeys in Rwanda is the third-best primate trekking pastime, after chimpanzees, aside from gorillas. The Virunga mountains are home to golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.

What Should I Wear? Selecting Appropriate Clothes

Gear for Gorilla Trekking: Warm layers of clothes for chilly evenings, good walking boots for treks or even climbs, and rain gear because it gets wet and freezing at this high altitude. It is essential to wear a lightweight jacket. It’s crucial to have gloves, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and knee-high hiking boots. The best hiking footwear are essential for gorilla trekking. More about the best camera and binoculars to use on an African safari, as well as what to dress on a safari.

Trekking with mountain gorillas: What do gorillas look like?

Males often develop to a height of 6 feet and weigh between 350 and 500 pounds, making them twice as large as females. They are robust, powerful, and have lengthy arms. Silverbacks get their name from the fact that the males’ back hair turns slightly silver as they get older. Even while using steroids, the men’ strength is 10 times greater than that of the strongest boxer.

Silverbacks’ arms may reach a length of seven feet. Because they live at higher elevations and in colder climes, mountain gorillas have longer and darker hair than their lowland counterparts. They live for forty to fifty years. Similar to toddlers, mountain gorillas spend much of their time on the ground, however they may occasionally climb trees if they can support themselves. The fact that humans and gorillas share 98% of their genetic makeup is an intriguing fact.

Bwindi Water, Gorilla Trekking The mountain gorillas are really a subspecies of the Gorilla beringei beringei, but the bulk of the gorillas you may have seen in a zoo are the lowlands gorillas of western Africa. These can only be seen in Rwanda’s Volcano Park, in the untamed Virunga highlands. See the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Rwanda.

The distance between these parks is about 48 kilometers. These parks are easily accessible in Rwanda and Uganda, but in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, tourists’ lives were likely in danger because of the ongoing rebel activity. The global population of mountain gorillas is over 786 individuals.

Nearly half of the population of Uganda resides in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, while the remainder are located in Mgahinga Gorilla Park, however occasionally they migrate to Rwanda. Thankfully, the gorilla population is increasing due to the protection provided by the Ugandan government, which also includes the efforts of the nearby communities to the parks, to whom a portion of the USD 600 fee for gorilla tracking permits that foreign visitors pay to Mgahinga and Bwindi is given.

How Do Gorillas in the Mountains Eat?

These mountain gorillas may be observed in two locations in Uganda: Mgahinga Gorilla Park, a breathtaking park that is part of the Virunga range of tall volcanoes that stretches into Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The largest population of mountain gorillas is found in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

The old woodland is also known as the “Place of Darkness,” and because of the tree canopy, it is quite gloomy there. The elevation of the woodland ranges from 1,160 to 2,607 meters above sea level. There are differences and similarities between the Bwindi and Mgahinga. The Mgahinga Gorilla Park is located at a higher elevation, and the mountain gorillas travel up to eat on part of the afro-montane flora, but the Bwindi is not an extinct volcanic zone.

The endangered mountain gorillas often consume a lot of the in-season flowers, leaves, fruit, roots, bamboo, and shoots. Up to 75 pounds can be consumed daily by adults. A mountain gorilla’s day begins at 6 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m., with a nap around lunchtime. Uganda experiences light soon after six in the morning and darkness about seven in the evening. These go daily to several sites where they spend the night and build nests from of twigs and leaves. These have been discovered to be sufficiently cozy for some people to fall asleep in.

Do Mountain Gorillas Pose a Threat to Human Safety?

A common question among visitors to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is whether mountain gorillas are harmful. These are shy and polite, despite their dominance and strength. In addition, the mountain gorillas that tourists witness in Uganda have become used to their surroundings. To put it another way, they have become used to people, a process that takes over two years.

In reality, Dian Fossey opposed the practice of visiting mountain gorillas, but the money raised helps to preserve this endangered species and has helped to boost its population in recent years. Even when they are in danger, mountain gorillas do strike to defend themselves. The leader Silver is killed in a confrontation between mountain gorilla tribes when they meet.

The rangers had to step in after two silverbacks got into a fight in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Although they can range in size from two to thirty or forty, mountain gorillas often live in groups of ten. Babies are born all year round, and there is no set mating season.

While the ladies start giving birth between the ages of 10 and 12, the males start breeding around the age of 15. Throughout their lives, females can give birth to four to six children every two to three years. Around the age of eleven, men depart from their group, although slightly more than half of girls do the same. Researchers have presently identified 25 noises that mountain gorillas use for communication, including roars, grunts, and yells.