The Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda

The Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda

The Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda. Gorilla trekking involves hiking through dense jungle to spend one unforgettable hour with wild mountain gorillas. With Wild Planet, this experience becomes one of the most rewarding wildlife encounters in Africa.

What Is Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking involves hiking through dense jungle to spend one unforgettable hour with wild mountain gorillas. With Wild Planet, this experience becomes one of the most rewarding wildlife encounters in Africa.

Early each morning, expert trackers head into the forest to locate specific gorilla families. Once they find them, they relay their position to the rangers, who meet you at the park headquarters and guide you to the gorillas.

Several habituated gorilla families live across the Virunga Mountains. Once rangers assign your group to a family, you trek to their location and spend one hour observing them—unless you choose the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which allows more time.

Rwanda has 10 habituated families, allowing up to 80 trekkers per day. Uganda has 20 families—19 in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and one in Mgahinga—offering 160 permits daily. These limits protect both the gorillas and their fragile habitat.

After registering (bring your passport), rangers divide visitors into groups of no more than eight. Accompanied by rangers and optional porters, you hike through the jungle to meet the trackers and, eventually, the gorillas. Sometimes you’ll find them within an hour; other times, the trek can take up to five hours—it all depends on the gorillas’ movements that day.

Once you reach the gorilla family, you’ll spend one magical hour with them. Some gorillas remain calm and curious, while others move away or climb trees. Every encounter is unique and entirely on the gorillas’ terms.

How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking?

The difficulty varies. If the gorillas stay close to the trail, the trek may feel manageable. If they move deeper into the forest, the hike becomes more challenging.

You trek directly through jungle terrain, often on steep, muddy, and slippery slopes—especially during the rainy season. These are mountain gorillas, after all. A moderate level of fitness helps, and good hiking boots are essential.

If you’re less confident physically, you can request assignment to a closer gorilla family, though availability isn’t guaranteed. You can also hire porters (around $20 per trek, plus tip) to carry your bag or assist on difficult sections.

Travellers with limited mobility can hire a gorilla chair, carried by porters, though this option is costly (approximately $350–$500).

Best Time of Year for Gorilla Trekking

You can trek gorillas year-round in Uganda and Rwanda. The best conditions occur during the drier seasons: June to September and December to February.

Trekking during the rainy season is still possible, but trails become muddier and more slippery. However, off-season permits may occasionally cost less.

Uganda vs Rwanda: Which Is Better?

Gorilla trekking delivers an equally powerful experience in both countries. In my experience, the encounters feel very similar.

The biggest deciding factor for most travellers is cost. Rwanda’s permits cost nearly double Uganda’s, making Uganda the more budget-friendly option for many.

Gorilla Permit Costs (as of July 2024)

Gorilla permits fund conservation efforts and help protect gorillas and their forest homes.

• Uganda: $800
• Rwanda: $1,500

Discounts may apply for East African residents and during off-season periods.

The Democratic Republic of Congo offers cheaper permits, but ongoing security concerns and additional travel costs often make Uganda the safer and more practical choice. Demand for Uganda permits is high, so Wild Planet recommends booking 6–12 months in advance.

Other Permit Options: Gorilla Habituation Experience

Uganda offers a Gorilla Habituation Experience, allowing four hours with a gorilla family instead of one. While still expensive at $1,500, it offers excellent value for extended observation.

This experience takes place in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi, with only eight permits available per day, so advance booking is essential.

Do You Need a Tour?

You must trek with official rangers, but you don’t technically need a full tour package. That said, organising permits, transport, and accommodation independently can be time-consuming and stressful.

Wild Planet simplifies the process by arranging permits, accommodation, and transport—or by offering fully guided group or private itineraries for a seamless experience.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking

• Passport
• Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
• Thick hiking socks
• Long trousers and long-sleeved top
• Rain jacket
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Gloves (optional)
• Small backpack
• Camera
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Water and snacks
• Packed lunch
• Walking poles (optional, available for hire)
• Face mask

Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Money?

Absolutely—100%. Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that few people ever forget. Beyond the magic of the encounter itself, your permit directly supports conservation efforts, helping protect these incredible animals for future generations.

With Wild Planet, you’ll experience gorilla trekking responsibly, ethically, and in a way that truly honours the gorillas and their environment.