Gorilla Trekking
Few experiences shift something inside you quite like standing just metres away from a wild mountain gorilla.
Rwanda vs. Uganda for gorilla trekking
Africa Tailormade crafts seamless gorilla trekking journeys across Rwanda and Uganda. While both destinations offer remarkable encounters with endangered mountain gorillas, the experience differs in landscape, accessibility, trekking conditions, and overall travel style. This guide helps you understand those differences and choose the journey that best suits the way you want to travel.
Destination Comparison
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Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Best for travellers who want a refined, easy, and time-efficient gorilla trekking experience.
The shortest travel times
Reach Volcanoes National Park in ±3 hours from Kigali, with no long transfers.
Most luxurious lodge options
Rwanda offers Africa’s highest-end gorilla lodges with world-class service.
The simplest logistics
Simple routes, smooth permits, and quick access make planning stress-free.
Polished, well-managed experience
Rwanda is known for exceptional hospitality and a consistently refined feel.
Why Choose Rwanda?
Easy access
A quick 3-hour drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park keeps travel simple and smooth.
Reliable trails
Well-maintained trekking routes provide consistent, safe pathways through the forest.
Gorilla density
Approx. 12 habituated gorilla families offer excellent chances of meaningful wildlife encounters.
Luxury comfort
Ideal for travellers who want high-end lodges, shorter travel, and a polished experience.
Great for newcomers
Ideal for first-timers, families with teens, or those pairing gorillas with East Africa safari.
Worth the premium
Permit cost: Higher than Uganda but worth it if convenience and comfort are top priorities.
Volcanoes National Park
- Location: Northern Rwanda, part of the Virunga massif
- No. of Gorilla Families: Approx. 12 habituated families
- Landscape: Misty volcano slopes, bamboo forests
- Known for: Dian Fossey’s research legacy & smooth logistics
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s crown jewel – a compact, scenic region where travellers trek along the foothills of towering volcanic peaks. With Kigali just 2.5–3 hours away, this is the easiest and most accessible gorilla trekking destination in Africa.
Expect gentle forest trails, superb guiding, and a polished guest experience – ideal for guests who want a high-comfort, high-impact gorilla encounter.
Combine your Rwanda Gorilla Trek with Other Destinations
A gorilla trek is just the beginning. Extend your adventure with destinations that add wide-open plains, Big 5 game viewing and calm, scenic downtime – turning your Rwanda trip into a well-rounded East African escape.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Best for travellers who value a more adventurous, immersive gorilla trekking experience in Uganda’s wild rainforests.
Tougher trekking
Steeper slopes and longer forest routes make Uganda a more demanding trek.
Wilder rainforest
Dense, untouched jungle creates an immersive rainforest trekking experience.
Better value
Lower permit costs and longer stays make Uganda ideal for budget-friendly trips.
Chimpanzee add-on
Kibale Forest offers thrilling chimp encounters to pair with your gorilla trek.
Why Choose Uganda?
A Wilder Tek
Trekking can be steeper, longer and more rugged, making Uganda ideal for adventurous travellers.
More affordable
Gorilla permits are more budget-friendly, helping reduce overall trip costs without losing impact.
Deeper immersion
Uganda’s rainforest feels raw and atmospheric, perfect for travellers seeking a wilder forest experience.
Varied regions
You can trek in Bwindi or Mgahinga, each offering a distinct landscape and trekking experience.
Easy add-ons
Pair your trek with Queen Elizabeth National Park or Kibale Forest for a well-rounded itinerary.
Budget Friendly Stays
Accommodation options are generally more budget-friendly than other gorilla trekking destinations.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Location: Southwestern Uganda
- No. of Gorilla Families: Over 20 habituated families
- Landscape: Dense rainforest, steep valleys, rugged, ancient jungle
- Known for: The highest density of mountain gorillas in the world
Bwindi is Uganda’s flagship gorilla destination – a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to more than 450 mountain gorillas. The forest is thick, dramatic, and utterly alive, with over 120 mammals and 11 primate species beyond gorillas (colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, chimpanzees, baboons).
Combine your Uganda Gorilla Trek with Other Destinations
Your Uganda gorilla trek can flow into a wider story of wildlife and landscapes. From river shores to chimp-filled forests and calm, misty lakes, these combinations create a journey that feels layered, diverse and beautifully paced.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda
Murchison Falls
Uganda
Kibale Chimp Trekking
Uganda
Masai Mara
Kenya
Packing for Gorilla Trekking
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Gorilla Trekking Packages
Browse these sample itineraries to get inspired and see what a gorilla trekking experience can look like. At Africa Tailormade, we design each trip to suit your schedule, preferences, and interests.
Gorilla Trekking FAQ's
Is gorilla trekking safe?
Yes, gorilla trekking is considered very safe. Treks are led by highly trained rangers, and visitors only track gorilla families that are fully habituated to human presence. Strict protocols are in place to protect both guests and the gorillas.
How close will we get to the gorillas?
You’ll usually observe gorillas from about 7 metres, which is the official minimum distance. That said, gorillas sometimes move closer on their own, creating incredibly intimate (and unforgettable) encounters.
What’s the best time of year for gorilla trekking?
The best time for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, when trails are less muddy and hiking is easier:
- Rwanda: June – October and December – February
- Uganda: June – August and December – February
Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, but these months offer the most comfortable conditions.
What's the minimum age for a gorilla trek?
The minimum age for gorilla trekking in both Rwanda and Uganda is 15 years old, as set by national park authorities.
Am I guaranteed to see gorillas on a gorilla trek?
While wildlife sightings are never 100% guaranteed, gorilla trekking has extremely high success rates, often close to 98–99%. Rangers track the gorilla families daily, making sightings very likely.
Can I go gorilla trekking if I’m not very fit?
You don’t need to be extremely fit, but a reasonable level of mobility helps.
- Rwanda is generally easier, with shorter, less strenuous hikes
- Uganda tends to be more physically demanding, with steeper and longer treks
Porters are available and highly recommended to make the experience more comfortable.
Why are gorilla permits so expensive?
Gorilla trekking permits fund vital conservation efforts, including:
- Gorilla protection and research
- Ranger salaries and training
- Habitat preservation
- Community development projects
Permit fees play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term survival of mountain gorillas.
Ready to plan your gorilla experience?
Whether you’re dreaming of Rwanda’s volcanic peaks or Uganda’s misty forests, our specialists craft seamless, personalised itineraries that match your travel style, budget, and sense of adventure.