Guide To Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

A Premier Primate Adventure in the Heart of Africa

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is one of the most extraordinary wildlife adventures on Earth—a once-in-a-lifetime experience that draws nature lovers, adventurers, and luxury travelers from across the globe. Unlike any other safari, this intimate encounter allows you to come face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, deep within the mist-covered slopes of Volcanoes National Park. With nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population found in the region, gorilla trekking has become the crown jewel of Rwanda’s ecotourism and a vital part of the country’s conservation success story.

Rwanda stands out among the three countries offering mountain gorilla trekking—Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—for its seamless accessibility, world-class luxury lodges, and commitment to sustainable tourism. Thanks to the well-maintained roads and proximity to Kigali International Airport, visitors can reach Volcanoes National Park in just under three hours, making Rwanda the most convenient and high-end destination for gorilla trekking. The cost of a gorilla permit in Rwanda is $1,500 per person, reflecting the country’s focus on exclusive, low-impact tourism that contributes significantly to conservation efforts and community development.

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.

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Gorilla Trekking Uganda Cost

While planning your Uganda gorilla trekking safari, you may wonder what is included in the total quoted cost. Its therefore important to note that the following items are included in the Gorilla tours;

Gorilla trekking Permit – The gorilla trekking permit costs $800 per person per trek, and this is normally included in the total cost for the Gorilla Safaris we offer.
Accommodation and meals – The cost for the lodging is also one of the major things that determine the total cost for your tour. There are three categories of lodges, budget, Mid-range and luxury, each having its own price range. All the lodges we offer for our gorilla safaris are ensuite and are booked according to the sector where the gorilla trekking is to be done.
Transport in 4×4 safari vehicle – We provide four wheel drive safari vehicles equipped with enough fuel, a professional driver / guide and drinking water.
All activities on the itinerary: The cost of all activities included on your itinerary are usually included on the total cost unless otherwise stated as optional and a price indicated as extras.

Gorilla Trekking Uganda Vs Rwanda

The Gorilla trekking activity in Uganda and Rwanda is similar, however there are other factors before and after the trek which one can look at before determining where they should do there gorilla trek from as follows: For starters the Gorilla trekking permit for Rwanda costs $1500 USD while that of Uganda costs $800 USD, this therefore creates a very big difference between the total cost for the Gorilla safari in both countries.

Secondly there is a difference between the distances from capitals / airport to the gorilla national parks. The drive time from Kigali Rwanda’s capital city to Parc national des volcans where the Rwanda mountain gorillas are found is only two hours, while the drive from Kampala Uganda’s capital to Bwindi impenetrable national park is over 8 hours and thus very tiring. These days however you can land in Kigali and drive to Uganda for gorilla trekking in Bwindi.

However in conclusion it should be noted that in terms of accommodation, security, hospitality and other factors, these two neighboring countries are very much the same and therefore the above mentioned two major differences are what you may consider if you are undecided about where to do your gorilla trekking tour from between Rwanda and Uganda.

Gorilla Trekking Uganda From Kigali

Given that the distance from Entebbe to the Bwindi impenetrable national park requires over 8 hours of driving, and the price of the Rwanda Gorilla trekking permits is twice that of Uganda (
$1500 USD vs $800), a new trend where tourists land in Kigali and drive by road to the Bwindi impenetrable forest for gorilla trekking has emerged. The driving time from Kigali to Bwindi is four to five hours. This allows you spend less time on the road, but also enjoy lower rates for the same gorilla safari experience.

Gorilla Trekking Uganda Bwindi

The Bwindi impenetrable national park is home to half of the remaining mountain gorilla population in the world. According to the 2018 census, its estimated that about 1000 mountain gorillas are left in the world with the population increasing ever since the conservation efforts where started. In Uganda, gorilla trekking can be done in Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla national park. The Bwindi impenetrable national park is divided in four sectors, Rushaga, Ruhija, Buhoma, and Nkuringo with 15 habituated mountain gorilla groups available in Bwindi for tracking.

Gorilla Trekking Uganda What To Pack

To fully enjoy your gorilla trekking safari, here are some of the things you need to park and come with for the gorilla safari; Hiking Boots, poncho, camera and accessories, energy snacks, long sleeved shirts and trousers, insect repellant, hat, walking stick.

Gorilla Trekking Uganda Permit

The gorilla trekking permit for Uganda costs $800. Its usually recommended that you book your gorilla safari atleast four months in advance such that the gorilla trekking permit is secured on time as there is too much competition for the gorilla trekking permits especially in high season. The Uganda wildlife authority (UWA) is the body which issues out the gorilla trekking permits. A tour operator ideally helps you secure your gorilla trekking permit, however if you happen to be in Uganda already, then you can buy the permit by yourself from the offices of UWA.

Gorilla Trekking Uganda Minimum Age

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years. Children under the age of 15 are not allowed to track the gorillas as the trek might be strenuous for them and also since they are not mature enough to handle themselves in case of any incidents with the gorillas.

Affordable Gorilla Trekking Uganda

At Adventure in the wild safaris we offer several affordable trip options for gorilla trekking in Uganda. You can send us an inquiry and we get back to you with the quotes as per your requirements. Our tours are designed to fit in the budget of each and every traveler.

Gorilla And Chimpanzee Trekking Uganda

Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking allows you explore the primate world in depth. You can start with a visit to Kibale forest national park, home of the chimpanzees and 13 other primates species. Or you can track the chimps in Kalinzu forest or Kyambura gorge, Queen Elizabeth national park then proceed to Bwindi impenetrable forest for gorilla trekking. The Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking Uganda safari requires five days if you are to enjoy it very well.