Mountain gorillas cannot survive in captivity, and their presence is limited to just two locations in the world: the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and the Virunga Massif—a chain of dormant volcanoes straddling Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is home to around 350 mountain gorillas, spread across 12 habituated families that tourists can visit daily. Only eight permits are issued per gorilla group per day, ensuring a peaceful and undisturbed experience for both visitors and gorillas alike. Permits are in high demand and often sell out months in advance, especially during the dry seasons of June to September and December to February, when trekking conditions are ideal.

Gorilla trekking is conducted under strict regulations designed to protect the health and safety of the gorillas. Visitors receive a full briefing on etiquette and guidelines, including maintaining a safe distance, avoiding sudden movements, and spending only one hour with the gorillas. These practices have helped support the gradual recovery of mountain gorilla populations, which stood at 1,064 individuals in the most recent 2018 census. Since then, conservation initiatives and responsible tourism—such as Rwanda’s celebrated Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony—have continued to foster population growth and global awareness.

Each gorilla family lives in a tight-knit social unit led by a dominant silverback, along with females, juveniles, and infants. Observing their interactions in the wild offers profound insight into the shared behaviors between gorillas and humans—after all, mountain gorillas share over 98% of our DNA. Alongside these gentle giants, visitors might also encounter golden monkeys, forest elephants, and a variety of endemic bird species that thrive in the rich montane ecosystem of Volcanoes National Park.

While Rwanda is known for its premium gorilla trekking experience, Uganda also offers a compelling option, especially for travelers seeking gorilla habituation. This unique activity, available only in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi, allows guests to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family as they acclimate to human presence—a deeper, more immersive encounter for those seeking more time in the presence of gorillas.

Though the DRC offers the most affordable gorilla permits at $400, ongoing civil unrest in the eastern part of the country has made it a less accessible option. Nevertheless, Congo remains a biologically rich destination, home to both mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park and lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

For those planning a gorilla trekking tour, Rwanda offers unmatched convenience, exclusivity, and a strong emphasis on conservation. With a scenic landscape of rolling hills, luxury accommodations, and passionate local guides, gorilla trekking in Rwanda is more than an adventure—it’s a transformative journey into one of Africa’s last true wildernesses. Whether you’re drawn by conservation, wildlife photography, or the sheer thrill of being in the presence of these majestic creatures, gorilla trekking in Rwanda promises memories that will last a lifetime.