There are 5 major national parks in 3 countries where you can go gorilla trekking in Africa.
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda
- Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
- Virunga National Park in DR Congo
- Kahuzi Biega National Park in DR Congo
Let us look at these gorilla destinations below.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Go gorilla trekking in Uganda in one of the two destinations, which are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
Below, we look at the different Gorilla tracking experiences in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla NP.
ENJOY GORILLA TREKKING IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK FOREST
Bwindi Forest National Park offers unforgettable African gorilla trekking tour experiences on a Uganda safari!
According to the last Gorilla census, Uganda’s Bwindi Forest National Park (one of the best Uganda national parks) has the highest number of endangered mountain gorilla population in the world, with about 459 individuals out of the last 1,063 remaining in the world, according to UWA.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has 25 habituated families spread in the four sectors of Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga, and Ruhija.
This makes Uganda the most popular gorilla walking destination, alongside Rwanda and the democratic republic of Congo.
Below, we look at the different Gorilla sectors of Bwindi Park
Gorilla Walking in the Buhoma Sector of Bwindi
Buhoma is the northern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable NP, and it is the most popular trailhead for Uganda gorilla treks. It is at a lower altitude (1,400 m) than other sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, meaning that trekking to trek mountain gorillas in Buhoma is moderately easier.
Gorilla Families in Buhoma Sector
- Mubare Gorilla Family
- Habinyanja Gorilla Troop
- Rushegura Gorilla Troop
- Katwe Gorilla Troop
- Binyindo Gorilla Troop
- Muyambi Gorilla Family
- Kanywanyi Gorilla Troop
Gorilla Treks in Ruhija Sector of Bwindi
The Ruhija sector is situated within the East of Bwindi Impenetrable NP and it is easily accessible from Buhoma and Kabale.
This sector has 4 fully habituated families to see at this sector of Bwindi, include
- Bitukura
- Oruzogo
- Kyaguriro
- Mukiza Family
Mountain Gorilla Walking in Rushaga Sector of Bwindi
Rushaga is in the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable NP. It is home to about 10 habituated families, which is the highest population of families in the park.
- Mishaya Family
- Nshongi Family
- Bweza Family
- Kahungye Family
- Busingye Family
- Bikyingi family
- Rwigi Family
- Mucunguzi family
- Tindatine Family
- Kutu Group
Gorilla Trek in Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi
The Nkuringo sector is also in the southern part of the park and it has 4 Uganda gorilla groups that are all fully habituated.
- Nkuringo
- Bushaho
- Christmas
- Posho
Gorilla Permit Prices in Uganda:
- $800 for foreign non-residents
- $700 for foreign residents
- UGX 300,000 for East African citizens
it is important to note that in Uganda, tour operators usually charge an additional fee of US $60 to US $100 per gorilla permit they arrange on behalf of clients.
The thrilling Ugandan Gorilla trekking holiday involves a small group of 8 people hiking through dense forests to observe mountain gorillas in their habitat.
Led by expert guides after a briefing at the park headquarters, the journey can take hours, culminating in a magical, one-hour encounter with a habituated gorilla family, which is an awe-inspiring wildlife experience marked by silence, respect, and wonder.
UGANDA GORILLA HABITUATION EXPERIENCE IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Other than gorilla tracking, Bwindi Impenetrable NP also offers a remarkable Gorilla habituation experience in the Rushaga sector.
Gorilla habituation is the process by which wild gorillas are slowly introduced to the continuous presence of humans over a period of 3 years until they get used to it.
The experience is similar to the gorilla tracking process, with the only exception of spending 4 hours with the Uganda gorillas instead of one, and with member numbers being limited to only 4 visitors at a time.
You will meet a guide at the park headquarters, who will guide you through the different rules and regulations for the Gorilla habitat.
Afterward, you will proceed with your team, supervised by a group of researchers and rangers, into the forest to look for a wild family that is under habituation.
The opportunity to meet them will grant you the exceptional ability to come closer to and relate with their humanlike day-to-day activities, for example, feeding, grooming, and playing, among others.
Gorilla habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable NP costs $1,500 for foreign non-residents, $1,000 for foreign residents, and $750,000 for East African Citizens, including Ugandans.
AFRICAN TREKKING GORILLA TOURS IN MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK
Mgahinga Gorilla NP, a small park, protects one habituated family, which is the Nyakagezi Family. This adds to a total of 26 habituated families in Uganda, East Africa.
Mgahinga Gorilla NP in southwestern Uganda, Kisoro district, provides one of the most peculiar gorilla experiences that you can combine with other African safari activities, for example, golden monkey tracking, nature walks, and birding, among others.
The Nyakagezi family has about 9 members, including the silverbacks, black bucks, subadults, females, and infants.
Members of the Nyakagezi family include Biningo, Kaboko, Mark, Kaboko, Munezero, Mafia, Majembere, Nyiramwiza, and Ndungutse
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda—Gorilla Tours & Safaris in Rwanda
Our tailor-made Rwanda gorilla tour packages, ranging from 3-day to longer treks, take you for a remarkable Rwanda gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park.
African gorilla tours in Rwanda are the major Rwanda safari activity, attracting most visitors.
Rwanda protects over 300 endangered mountain gorillas out of the 1,063 estimated to survive in the world, according to RDB.
The American primatologist and conservationist Dian Fossey made the endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda famous by researching them at the Karisoke Research Centre.
She first habituated the Susa family, which is the oldest and most famous, and the family with the highest number of Rwanda gorillas.
All Rwanda gorilla tours occur at Volcanoes National Park, which is in the Virunga Conservation Area, popular for having modern facilities and higher chances of spotting mountain gorillas.
On Rwanda safaris, gorilla walking in Volcanoes National Park (the best of Rwanda national parks) is the most famous and top safari activity in Rwanda.
The activity will lead you to meet one of the families of the park for amazing Rwanda gorilla treks.
Volcanoes National Park has 12 habituated families, some of which include:
| 1. Susa, A Gorilla Group 2. Karisimbi family, also known as the Susa B family 3. Umubano Group 4. Amahoro Family 5. Agashya Family | 6. Sabyinyo Family 7. Kwitonda Family 8. Ugenda Family 9. Bwenge Family 10. Hirwa Group, etc. |
With your permit, which costs $1500 and is preferably booked up to 6 months in advance due to their limited availability, only 8 people in a single group will head out to the park headquarters as early as 7:00 am, and your ranger will guide you through the important guidelines before heading to the park for this thrilling gorilla trekking in Africa experience.
You will explore the beautiful wildlife, for example, the birds, animals, and different plant species, among others.
When you meet one of the families, you will spend one hour with them as you explore their human-like behaviors like feeding and grooming and also take their photos to keep as memories.
The activity will allow you to experience these human-like creatures up close and later get a certificate for completing this thrilling activity.
Enjoy the best gorilla tracking adventures in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, especially in the dry season when the Rwanda gorilla treks are on dry tracks, thus making the primates easier to find.
Also, you may find comfortable accommodation options in the park that range from budget to midrange and luxury.
For a memorable gorilla trekking safari in Africa, you can combine tracking Rwanda gorillas with golden monkey trekking and wildlife experiences at Akagera National Park.
Gorilla Trekking in Congo—Gorilla Tours & Safaris in DR Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo protects two gorilla species. The best Congo safaris feature the endangered mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park and the eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Congo gorilla treks during Congo safaris take you to the only country in Africa that offers both mountain and lowland gorilla trips, making it the most affordable destination for gorilla safaris.
MOUNTAIN GORILLA TREKKING IN VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, CONGO
Virunga National Park, the oldest national park in Africa and the best of the DR Congo national parks, protects the endangered mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation Area.
The DR Congo gorilla trekking tour in Virunga National Park is a remarkable experience and one of the top African safari activities in DR. Congo.
Virunga National Park protects over 300 endangered mountain gorillas and 8 habituated families that you can watch on your gorilla-watching tours. These Virunga Congo gorilla troops are
- Kabirizi Family
- Bageni Family
- Rugendo Family
- Mapuwa Family
- Munyaga Family
- Lulengo Family
- Humba Family
- Nyakamwe Family
To track gorillas in Virunga National Park, situated in the Virunga Mountains, you will need a tracking permit, which costs $400 for foreign non-residents and $200 for foreign residents and East African citizens.
The gorilla safaris in Virunga National Park begin with a short briefing at the park headquarters. You will then follow the guidance of your ranger into the forest.
Following captivating paths with numerous wildlife species like birds and animals, you will eventually meet a gorilla group and spend one hour with them as you study their way of life.
As much as it is possible to visit the park at any time of the year, the dry season is considered the best time to go mountain gorilla trekking safari in Virunga National Park due to the dry tracks that make tracking much easier.
Virunga National Park in the famous Virunga Mountains offers some of the best accommodation options, ranging from budget to midrange and luxury, to support your comfortable stay while in the park.
EASTERN LOWLAND GORILLA TREKKING IN KAHUZI BIEGA NATIONAL PARK
Kahuzi-Biega National Park protects the endangered Eastern Lowland gorillas, and trekking them began in 1970.
There are 5 habituated families in Kahuzi-Biega National Park out of the other 12 Congo Gorilla families, and these include the
- Chimanuka Group
- Mpungwe Family
- Bonnani Family
- Nganwa Group
- Mugahuka Family
You will meet one of these Kahuzi-Biega Congo Gorilla groups as you track the gorillas in the forest with your ranger and guide.
Tracking the Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park costs $400 for non-residents, $200 for foreign residents and East African citizens, and $20 for democratic republic of Congo nationals.
The best months to go for a Congo Gorilla trek in Kahuzi-Biega National Park are between December and March, June and September, which are the dry months.
However, the wet season also offers unique gorilla-watching experiences.
Some of the best places to stay at Kahuzi Biega National Park include L’Orchids Safari Club, Coco Lodge Bukavu, Lakeside Hotel Bukavu, Hotel Begonias Bukavu, and Exodus Bukavu, among others.
The Experience of Gorilla Trekking in Africa
Trekking mountain gorillas begins between 7:00 am and 8:00 am with a briefing from the rangers at the park headquarters concerning the Gorilla tracking rules.
From here, you will be grouped among 7 other trackers and led through the beautiful forest to meet a Gorilla family.
Gorilla tracking can last from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the movement of the giant apes. Once you spot a habituated family, you are only allowed to be in their presence for one hour, for an experience of a lifetime. It is the right time to take all the pictures for remembrance of the Gorilla holiday, though never forget to keep your flashlight off.
Afterward, your guide will lead you back to the park headquarters, where you will enjoy your lunch and then receive a certificate for completing your Gorilla trek.
The Star Attractions of an African Gorilla Tracking Tour
1) Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla Beringei Beringei)
African gorilla safaris offer unforgettable encounters with endangered mountain gorillas in the mist-covered forests of Bwindi in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mountain gorillas, which share about 98% of their DNA with humans, are critically endangered, with only around 1,064 individuals remaining—mostly found in the montane rainforests of DRC, Uganda and Rwanda.
These dense forests become particularly challenging to navigate during the rainy season due to muddy terrain.
Mountain gorillas are distinguished by their thick, long black fur adapted for cold, high-altitude environments, muscular build, and relatively shorter arms.
Gorillas are primarily herbivores, consuming up to 75 pounds of vegetation daily, including leaves, fruits, roots, bamboo, and shoots.
They are nomadic, building fresh nests from leaves and twigs each night as they move through their habitat.
Trekking involves hiking through dense jungle terrain with expert guides to locate habituated gorilla families.
Once found, visitors spend one awe-inspiring hour watching them nest, feed, forage, and care for their young—a close, emotional experience with one of the world’s most iconic primates.
2) Eastern Lowland Gorillas (Grauer’s Gorilla)
Eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park introduces travelers to the largest gorilla subspecies on the continent.
These gorillas are bulkier than their mountain relatives, with larger hands, a more pronounced jaw, shorter fur, and a stockier build. They thrive in the lowland tropical rainforests of eastern Congo.
The trek involves scenic walks through lush jungle landscapes, leading to quiet, less-crowded encounters.
Observing these gentle giants in such a remote and untouched setting offers a more immersive and raw wildlife experience for adventurous travelers.
Gorilla Tour Types Held in Africa
- Day Tours – Brief gorilla trekking experiences, typically starting from major cities like Kigali (Rwanda) or Kampala (Uganda), are ideal for travelers with limited time.
- Multi-Day Holidays—Extended tours offering deeper exploration, often combining gorilla trekking with other wildlife encounters and cultural experiences.
- Luxury Gorilla Tours – Premium safari packages featuring upscale lodges, private transfers, and tailor-made itineraries for a comfortable, exclusive adventure.
- Budget Gorilla Tours—Cost-effective options with shared transport and modest accommodations, perfect for travelers seeking an affordable yet rewarding experience.
What to Expect On A Gorilla Trekking Safari in Africa
- Physical Fitness Requirements
Gorilla treks vary in difficulty based on terrain and gorilla location. A reasonable level of physical fitness is recommended, as hikes may involve steep, uneven paths through dense forest.
Treks typically start between 7:00 and 8:00 AM with a mandatory briefing. The total duration can range from 2 to 8 hours, depending on how far the gorilla family has moved.
Each trekking group is limited to a maximum of eight participants, ensuring minimal disturbance to the gorillas and a more personal experience. Treks are led by skilled guides and trackers.
Travelers can hire porters to carry backpacks or assist with difficult terrain, which is especially helpful for longer or more demanding treks.
Once the gorillas are located, visitors are allowed up to one hour to quietly observe and photograph the habituated group in their natural setting.
- Expert Guides and Rangers
Professional guides and armed park rangers accompany every trek, offering insights into gorilla behavior, ecology, and the surrounding environment while ensuring your safety.
- Official Observation Period
You’ll be granted a full hour with the gorilla family and presented with a trekking certificate after the experience as a memento of your visit.
- Supporting Conservation Efforts
Participating in gorilla trekking directly supports conservation initiatives and local communities, helping protect these endangered primates and promoting sustainable tourism.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Vs Rwanda vs DR. Congo
The gorilla trekking tour experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, and the democratic republic of Congo all provide amazingly unique experiences. Based on your interests for a trip, you can choose the best destination to go to for your trip.
This will allow you to choose the best safari experiences for your African Gorilla safaris.
Other than gorilla trekking tours, a Uganda holiday provides more wildlife safari activities to add to your safari experiences and adventures in many national parks to experience the wildlife, scenery, birds, etc.
On the other hand, the democratic republic of Congo and Rwanda safari experiences mostly provide prime tours for travelers.
- Accessibility & Distance:
Rwanda (Volcanoes NP) is more suitable for travelers who would like to experience shorter safaris and tours, as it is just about 2 hours to drive from Kigali International Airport. This is because it is a small country with great infrastructure compared to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Number of habituated families:
There are more habituated families in Uganda than in Rwanda and the democratic republic of congo. Uganda also has two national parks to trek gorillas, thus giving travelers the chance to have more guaranteed experiences.
Mountain gorillas naturally live in hilly areas; therefore, trekking them means moving to higher altitudes. However, some national parks are at a lower altitude than others.
Uganda’s Mgahinga NP, Rwanda’s Volcanoes NP, and DR Congo’s Virunga NP are all in the Virunga Conservation Area, which is a mountain area.
Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable NP is, however, at a much lower altitude, thus making it a much less strenuous place to trek gorillas.
DRC has the cheapest Gorilla permit, which is $400, compared to Uganda, which is $800, and Rwanda, which sells permits for $1500. This thus makes DRC the best place to trek gorillas for budget travelers.
. Security:
Rwanda and Uganda are generally stable and peaceful, whereas the Democratic Republic of Congo faces ongoing instability due to the presence of rebel groups.
Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations in Uganda, Rwanda, And Congo
All three gorilla-walking countries—Uruguay, Kenya, and the democratic republic of congo—have the same gorilla trekking rules and regulations for travelers as they go and while they are with the Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat.
Below are the different rules and regulations to follow before and while for your Africa Gorilla treks
Before meeting the Gorillas
- Make sure that you move to the park headquarters with your Gorilla permit as proof of payment.
- Only travelers who are 15 years of age and older are allowed to track the Mountain Gorillas.
- It is advisable not to go to walk with gorillas if you have a cough or the flu to avoid affecting the Mountain Gorillas.
- It is important to wash your hands before you go on Gorilla trek.
- You will be placed in a group of 8 people to go meet one gorilla family so that there is no overcrowding around the Gorillas, which could stress them.
- While moving in the forest to find a family, be sure to maintain silence so you can experience more.
- In case you empty your bowels, all human waste, including toilet paper, should be buried 30 cm below the ground.
- Most importantly, it is advisable to follow the instructions of your guide while on safaris and tours.
Rules when you meet the Mountain Gorillas
- When you finally meet a family, you are allowed to stay with them for one hour.
- You are advised to stay 7 to 10 meters away from the Mountain Gorillas.
- Do not mimic the Gorillas.
- You are not allowed to smoke around the endangered Gorillas.
- Feeding the Gorillas is also prohibited.
- Littering is also prohibited while in the park and while with Gorillas.
- While taking the photos of the Gorillas, it is important to remove the flashlights.
By following these rules and regulations, the safety of both humans and gorillas is maintained during trekking excursions!
World-Class African Hotels and Safari Lodges for Gorilla Trekking
Travelers on African gorilla tours can choose from a wide range of accommodations across Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, catering to various preferences and budgets—from luxury lodges to cozy eco-camps.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari Lodges
Top options near Bwindi and Mgahinga include:
- Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Springs
- Midrange to Budget: Buhoma Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
Rwanda Gorilla Lodges
Popular stays near Volcanoes National Park:
- Luxury: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge
- Midrange to Budget: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Amakoro Songa Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Volcanoes Hotel
Congo Gorilla Accommodations
Ideal for treks in Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega:
- Virunga Area: Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp
- Bukavu/Kahuzi-Biega Area: Orchids Safari Club, Coco Lodge Bukavu, Hotel Horizon Bukavu, Exodus Bukavu Hotel
These lodges offer convenient access to trekking sites, excellent hospitality, and stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
The Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo
Though these safaris can be done year-round, the dry season is the best time to explore the amazing Mountain Gorillas of these countries. This is because primates live in dense and steep mountainous areas
Therefore, the dry season makes the grounds drier, thus making them easier to pass through than the wet season, when the grounds are wet and muddy, thus making them harder to pass through so remember to wear sturdy hiking boots.
What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Africa?
It is therefore important to discover the best clothes to wear for your gorilla safaris in Africa. Clothes that cover your body to keep it from the harsh conditions of the wild are much preferred.
The most important clothes to wear or pack include
- Trousers and long-sleeved shirts
- Hiking boots
- a rain jacket or poncho
- Sunglasses
- Cape or hut
- Garden shoes
- Long socks, etc.
Gorilla Trekking Packing List for Gorilla Tours in Africa
On the other hand, there are various important things to pack for your African gorilla treks.
These include
- Cameras
- Binoculars
- Sunscreen lotion
- Travel documents
- Insect repellent
- Bottled water
- Sunscreen lotion
- Walking stick
- Waterproof backpack, among others.
Gorilla Trekking Safari Operators
Numerous tour companies specialize in organizing gorilla trekking adventures, providing comprehensive packages that include trekking permits, accommodation, transport, and professional guides. Below is a selection of reputable Uganda-based gorilla safari operators:
- Wild Gorilla Safaris
- Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd
- Safari Uganda Safaris
- Gorilla Safaris and Tours
- A Uganda Safari
- Africa Safaris Tours
- Gorilla trekking Uganda
Best African Gorilla Tours – Popular Africa Gorilla Safaris
- 3-day Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda
- 4 days Uganda Gorilla Safaris Tour & Wildlife Tour Package in Queen Elizabeth National Park for tree-climbing lions and other wildlife safaris
- 4 days Uganda Gorilla Safari Tour to Bwindi & Lake Mburo National Park
- 5 days Gorilla Safari Uganda & Wildlife Safari to Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, & Lake Mburo National Park
- 5 days Gorilla Safaris Uganda & Wildlife safari Holiday in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- 6 days Uganda Gorilla Safaris Tour & Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
- 6 days Gorillas in Bwindi, Volcanoes Rwanda & Wildlife in Serengeti National Parks
- 7 days Uganda Gorilla safari, Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park and Wildlife Safari Tour in Queen Elizabeth National Park (home of tree-climbing lions), Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park
- 8 days Gorilla Uganda safari, wildlife safaris, and chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park/Kibale National Park.
- 10 days, Uganda, Rwanda, the democratic republic of Congo, and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park
- 12 days, Uganda Trip – Gorilla Walking, Chimpanzee Trekking, Wildlife & Culture
In conclusion, therefore, African gorilla safaris in Uganda are incredible! However, other gorilla tours in Africa safari destinations like Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will also grant you unique Gorilla walking adventures, especially the opportunity to experience two Gorilla species, which are the Mountain Gorillas and the Eastern Lowland Gorillas.
Contact us now and let us plan your African gorilla safaris to any of these three nations for lasting memories!
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