Gorilla trekking Uganda Rwanda are one of the highlights of all visits to Uganda and Rwanda. Mountain gorilla tours are certainly the main reason why there are so many mountain gorillas visiting these three destinations. Trekking gorillas is defined as a walk through the tropical forests of Africa to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Tours to Africa (Uganda & Rwanda)
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Gorilla tour, Chimpanzee trek, wildlife Safari, Uganda Culture
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Best Time for Gorilla trekking Uganda Rwanda
Gorilla trekking Uganda Rwanda is available all year round in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. The best times for Africa gorilla trekking tours are June, July, August, September, and December. This is because there is less rain and the park is dry, making hiking and gorilla watching easier. In Bwindi, the average annual temperature is 11 ° C in the morning and 23 ° C in the afternoon.
- January and February: In the low season it is less crowded. Little or no rain
- March, April, May: In these months it rains a lot. The hardest part when traveling is that the slopes are slippery.
- June, July, August: High season. It is important to buy in advance as you will not have enough subscriptions. Best time for the gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda.
Best Time Gorilla trekking Uganda Rwanda
The best time to go gorilla trekking in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February.
These months offer the best trekking conditions—less rain, drier trails, clearer views for photography, and a higher chance of easily finding gorillas. Since it’s peak season, booking permits and accommodation early is recommended.
The wet seasons, from March to May and October to November, bring more rain but also unique benefits. The forests are lush, birdlife is abundant, and there are fewer tourists, creating a more intimate experience.
Trails can be muddy, but gorillas often stay closer to the trailheads, and lodge rates are generally lower—making this a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
Gorilla trekking Uganda Rwanda Tours
How Much Will Africa Gorilla Trekking Tours Cost?
The cheapest gorilla safari, of course, costs around $ 1270 depending on the number of people. Super-luxury rates range from $ 4,000 to $ 6,000 per person. Judging by the ratings of most gorilla trekking tours by marvel Gorilla Adventure most tourists prefer the mid-range and are reasonably priced rather than budget.
- Book a gorilla trekking safari tours in Africa in the off-season to save on these costs.
- If you are not interested in Uganda;
- Click here to see the Rwanda Gorilla Trekking or the Congo Gorilla Safari.
- Otherwise, continue with the rest of the article.
- You may be wondering why gorilla trekking safaris cost is high. and why are they worth the money.
Where to Go for Gorilla Trekking Tours in Africa?
You can see gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. However, keep in mind that gorillas are mainly divided into mountains and plains and contain two other subspecies. Rwanda and Uganda are recommended for mountain gorillas and the Republic of the Congo is recommended for lowland gorillas. It is possible to find mountain gorillas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But in some areas, it has been difficult due to domestic instability. Some tourists think they can find gorillas even if they choose a safari in Tanzania! This is a mistake.
However, Tanzania and Kenya can be a great addition to a gorilla trekking safari trip to Africa. Especially during the wildebeest trip where herds of animals cross the Mara River to the Serengeti plains. On Google, you will find searches like Kenya Gorilla Travel. There are no gorillas in Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa. This is a multipurpose Africa safari and it is always recommended to visit it, especially in East Africa. In general, lowland gorillas are small, with distant gray-brown fur and distinct browbones. While mountain gorillas are large, with dark black fur. Mountain gorillas are one of the most abundant primates in the world after Chimpanzees. With fewer than 800 living in the wild in Africa. In contrast, in the Republic of the Congo alone, there are more than 100,000 western lowland gorillas.
Best Gorilla Trekking Tour Destinations in Africa
Where to Go for Gorilla Trekking in The Pearl of Africa – Uganda?
Uganda has two gorilla safari sections, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mugahinga Gorilla National Park. There are a total of 18 gorilla groups or families and only one group can be tracked per day. Over 17 gorilla groups in the Bwindi jungle, making it the perfect place to see mountain gorillas. Bwindi is an ancient forest with 90 mammals and 11 primates.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Impenetrable Forest of Bwindi National Park is a wonderful forest on the slope stacks of Albertine Rift Valley, it is 331 kilometers. The rainforest is one of the few people that thrived in the last ice period in Africa, which belongs to rare mountain gorillas.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park roars high in the clouds, at an altitude of between 2,227 m and 4,127m. As its name suggests. It was created to protect the rare mountain gorillas that inhabit its dense forest and is also an important habitat.
Africa Luxury Gorilla Trekking Safari for Excursions
The most luxurious gorilla Trekking tours in Africa takes place in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla permits cost $ 1,500 per person, but a luxurious nine-day Rwanda safari costs over $ 15,000. If you sleep in luxury lodges like Rwanda’s Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, and Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. In Uganda, Clouds Lodge, Mahogany Springs, and Gorilla Forest Camp took the crown.
Low-Cost African Gorilla Trekking Tour | Gorilla trekking Uganda Rwanda
The cheapest gorilla pass is $ 450 in Congo and $ 800 in Uganda. Budget accommodations on the Uganda Gorilla Tour in Bwindi National Park start at $ 100 per night. Choose from Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, and Buhoma Community Rest Camp. In Rwanda, the Mohabra Hotel is the cheapest.
Rwanda or Uganda. Where to Gorilla Trekking
This is a very difficult question as they are all forest gorillas! Almost the same environment. It is not recommended to compare Uganda with Rwanda as Uganda has more games than Rwanda. In addition to mountain gorillas, you can visit Murchison Falls and or see primates in the Kibale National Park. Keep in mind that gorilla passes in Rwanda cost $ 1,500 per person. Which is twice the cost of a Gorilla permit in Uganda – $ 800 per person.
The pass offers a group of 8 people per hour with a mountain gorilla family. Provided you are threatened by the prize, you will be rewarded with an hour to enjoy watching gorillas with gratitude. As they contribute to the protection of mountain gorillas from this perspective. Bare in mind that only 80 people can see gorillas in their natural habitat every day. Their habitat is so fragile that it leaves a trail every time you walk through this forest. Uganda is a great place to see gorillas.
Gorilla trekking Uganda Rwanda
EXCELLENT Based on 30 reviews Posted on Stephanie WongVerified A MARVELlous Gorilla Adventure experience! I spent 8 unforgettable days traveling with Marvel Gorilla Adventure. Originally, I had planned just 4–6 days to see the gorillas and chill at Lake Bunyonyi, but thanks to Herbert’s efficiency in planning and flexibility with my last-minute booking and changes, I ended up with a perfectly tailored 8-day itinerary that fit my budget and exceeded my expectations. This was all booked within 24hrs and only 2 days before i headed off for my 8 day adventure. From the very first morning, when Zack and Bob cheerfully picked me up at 6:30am, I felt completely looked after. They made sure I was comfortable, kept my coffee, wine, and cigarette stash in check, and always found authentic local food spots along the way for our lunches. Their warmth and friendliness made every moment enjoyable. Both of them were incredibly knowledgeable—Bob like an encyclopaedia of Uganda’s wildlife, culture, and landscapes, and Zack a constant beam of positivity. Their sharp eyes were astonishing, spotting elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, warthogs, and countless birds long before I could find them with binoculars and were so patient when I could not spot something in front of me and they had to really point many times or move my head to the right direction. 😅 Some of my favourite memories was went they spot something, ask me to sit and hang tight and we drove off because they spotted animal action like lions, giraffes, elephants, hippos about to cross the road! It was just like watching a Nat Geo documentary but Live! I will always remember the beaming look on Zack and Bob when I was out of the forest after spending time with the gorillas because they were so happy for me! They were like the dynamic duo! I was so lucky to have them both! Besides the wildlife experience, I loved the meal times meals and stories with this dynamic duo. They added to my amazing experience filling it with excitement, learnings and friendship. Saying goodbye was bittersweet—I miss them already—but as the saying goes, don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. Marvel Gorilla Adventure gave me memories I’ll cherish forever, and I can’t recommend them highly enough for your next trip to Uganda - be it a trek to the waterfalls, the game drives and of course the amazing gorilla adventure!Posted on Departure39308121187Verified Fantastic experience! What a beautiful experience! Marvel helped us to organize the entire trip, from airport pickup to a road trip where they accommodated every single one of our stop requests (beer, beer, beer!), and stayed at lodges with breathtaking views. The safari and gorilla trekking were incredible and unique experience.Posted on Thomas TVerified Gorillas, safari and a lot of fun Kherbert (aka Marvel) has been a fantastic guide, ranger and driver who managed to organize a smooth and enjoyable trip in line with our limited available time. From border crossing to local restaurants and from sharing fun facts to accommodating our special needs, we always felt safe and in very good hands! Highly recommended!Posted on Andrea RVerified Gorilla trekking Thanks to Marvel we had the possibility to experience the encounter with Gorillas in Bwindy impenetrable forest. Everything has been organized perfectly, from the transfers, to the hotels booking, Safari etc. Best guide in all Africa, I really suggest booking a trip with Marvel ♥️Posted on Michele GVerified Uganda, we’ll be back 🇺🇬🖤 Our journey in Uganda was a powerful, authentic, and deeply moving experience. Guided by our true hero, Marvel, we lived moments that will stay with us forever. The trekking experience in Bwindi was the beating heart of the adventure: walking through the forest, surrounded by mud, silence, and anticipation, until the unforgettable encounter with the gorillas. Spending time in their magnificent presence, observing them up close in their natural habitat, was an extraordinary privilege, humbling and emotional beyond words. We also enjoyed three unique safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, each one different and breathtaking in its own way. Between adventures, we embraced the rhythm of Africa with well-deserved beer beer beer breaks moments to relax, reflect, and share the excitement of the day. What truly made this experience even more special was the Ugandan people: warm, welcoming, kind, and genuinely generous. Professional, perfectly organized, and authentic in every detail.Posted on GrigioVerified Uganda, we’ll be back 🇺🇬🖤 Our journey in Uganda was far more than just a safari — it was a powerful, authentic, and deeply moving experience. Guided by our true hero, Marvel, we lived moments that will stay with us forever. The trekking experience in Bwindi was the beating heart of the adventure: walking through the forest, surrounded by mud, silence, and anticipation, until the unforgettable encounter with the gorillas. Spending time in their magnificent presence, observing them up close in their natural habitat, was an extraordinary privilege, humbling and emotional beyond words. We also enjoyed three unique safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, each one different and breathtaking in its own way. Between adventures, we embraced the rhythm of Africa with well-deserved beer beer beer moments to relax, reflect, and share the excitement of the day. What truly made this experience even more special was the Ugandan people: warm, welcoming, kind, and genuinely generous. Their smiles and hospitality added a human richness to the wild beauty of the country. Professional, perfectly organized, and authentic in every detail.Posted on Nastassia777Verified Amazing experience! Всё прошло прекрасно, согласно программе тура. Меня забрали утром в Кигали и отвезли в парк Бвинди, а на следующий день вернули обратно в Кигали в отель. Тур гид Закеаус (Zacheaus) и водитель Кендрик (Kendrick) были внимательными, полное сопровождение везде. Как девушка, путешествующая в одиночестве я чувствовала себя в безопасности. Невероятно классный опыт сходить в джунгли и посмотреть на горилл в их естественной среде обитания. Everything went perfectly according to the tour itinerary. I was picked up in Kigali in the morning and taken to Bwindi National Park and the next day I was returned to my hotel in Kigali. Tour guide Zacheaus and driver Kendrick were attentive and fully supported throughout. As a girl traveling alone I felt safe. It's an incredibly cool experience to go into the jungle and see gorillas in their natural habitat.Posted on Alberto CVerified Mejor experiencia en África Increíble ver a los gorilas y los monos dorados. Khebert y Lili fueron guías fantásticos. El trato, la experiencia, el hotel, todo fue de maravilla!Posted on Isabel AVerified Amazing experience with Marvel Gorilla Adventure! We had an unforgettable trip with Marvel Gorilla Adventure to see mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Uganda. Everything was perfectly organized, from the logistics to the accommodations. Our guides, Khebert and Lilly, were fantastic—professional, friendly, and very knowledgeable. Lilly spoke Spanish, which was a big plus for our group and made everything even more enjoyable. The gorilla trek was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and seeing the golden monkeys was the cherry on top. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a truly special adventure!Posted on Manon CVerified Unforgettable experience If it was possible, I would rate this tour operator a 10/10! We (my 2 friends + myself) made quite a last-minute trip to Uganda and had limited budget, but Herbert managed to still exceed all of our expectations and made us fall in love with this beautiful country and its nature. Herbert is a very kind, thoughtful and professional guide and you will feel so safe and relaxed during the whole adventure. Furthermore, Herbert takes beautiful pictures of the clients and the animals! Our driver was Bob, also very kind and very professional, and besides that he’s very funny and playful too. He made us all laugh so many times! Herbert and Bob made this an unforgettable trip and I would recommend them to everyone! You’ll have an amazing time 😍Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Gorilla Trekking Uganda FAQs and Rwanda Gorilla Safari Questions
⟶ Marvel Gorilla Adventures FAQs
How Difficult Is the Gorilla Trekking Tours in Africa?
Gorilla Trek has a numerical rating from 50 to 100. Hard Rating: Medium Many factors influence the difficulty of gorilla trekking. The most common is physical fitness. Others include weather conditions and the weight of the bag. It is possible to ask which group of gorillas determines your fitness.
Porters are important, trekking with gorillas is not too difficult, some people did it in the 60s and 70s. So how daunting is this walk? First, 60% of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is more than 6,600 feet above sea level. The height of the entire park ranges from 3,904 to 8,553 feet. In some areas, there are steep slopes. Depending on the gorilla’s family, the experiment can last from 2 to 6 hours. Gorilla tracking rules for Post covid visitors
Since these monkeys share 98% of our genes, gorillas can become infected with the coronavirus. Covid 19 poses a major threat to gorilla survival as gorillas can contract the flu and other airborne diseases.
Look At a Distance Of 7 Meters from The Gorilla. | Gorilla trekking Uganda Rwanda
- The age limit is 15 years and over.
- I only see gorillas for an hour.
- It is important to wear a mask. Avoid sneezing.
- Sterilization and compliance with other SOP guidelines.
What Can You Expect from A Africa Gorilla Trekking Safari?
On the day of your flight, expect to leave your comfortable bed early and arrive at the briefing point by 7:30 am. After the briefing, each of the eight tourists is assigned a different tracking method. When looking for a gorilla, head into the forest with your guide and ranger.
In the forest, you can see monkey seeds, butterfly seeds, mammals, and more. Sometimes the jungle is tough and requires a good level of strength. Expect a muddy sweat at the end of the day. If you see a gorilla, you can take a picture with your camera or iPhone, but avoid the flash. Otherwise, you can charge the gorilla.
You will spend 40 minutes to an hour with these gentle giants. It will be a life-changing experience. After your trip, you can choose to return to your accommodation or try Bunkamura Bunkamura.
How About a Gorilla Habituation Experience?
Mountain gorilla habituation is training wild gorillas to get used to humanity. Gorilla was trained for three years by researchers and park rangers. During the training, you can join a group of researchers and park rangers. Only 4 visitors are allowed. This makes it stand out. Gorilla habituation experience costs $1,500 per person per day in Uganda. The extremely exciting thing about this experience is that you are actively getting used to the gorillas!
How To Obtain a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in Bwindi Primitive National Park or Mgahinga National Park. However, due to the asymmetry of the Mgahinga gorillas, most of the tracks sold are for Bwindi Forest. A Mountain gorilla trekking pass in Uganda can cost up to $ 800. In one day, around 72 people travel to Bwindi to see the gorillas, and only eight can see a particular gorilla family.
It is highly recommended that you book a gorilla permit with a safari agent – Marvel Gorilla Adventure. The most glaring mistake is booking a gorilla family away from your chosen accommodation. Roads to the Bwindi Forest and the different regions are often difficult. This is a remote location. If you want to do your gorilla trek to save money, it can cost even more.
Price of the Africa Gorilla Trekking Tour Pass/Permit
- The Uganda Gorilla Pass costs $ 800 (1 hour on a gorilla).
- Residence permits for Uganda Gorillas cost $ 1,500 (one day of experience). A Rwandan gorilla permit costs $ 1,500.
Gorilla Trekking Process in Africa
Many travelers who have tried gorilla trekking realized that the gorilla permit reservation process was tiring. And opted for a quicker and less stressful option of booking a trekking permit through a local Uganda safari operator. These tour operators typically charge a $ 60 to $ 100 fee per pass. But Marvel Gorilla do not charge for the purchase of a gorilla pass when using Our services such as transportation.
Tell us the date of your Uguganda anda tour and set the date of your trip with the gorillas. Marvel Gorilla Adventure will let you know if the desired date is available for your flight and make a temporary booking.
We will send you our bank details so you can even send a gorilla pass or pay with a credit card. You will receive a confirmation email regarding the transfer. Don’t forget to ask your bank to debit your account for bank charges for your transaction.
If you book the rest of your tour through us, we don’t need the extra money for the gorilla pass. For the registration of your permit, we will send you a copy of your passport.
Gorilla Trekking Safari in the Volcanic National Park
Rwandan gorillas are found in the Virunga Mountains Park, known as the Volcanoes National Park. A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $ 1,500. Rwanda has 17 gorilla families. Sousa Group is perfect for gorilla tours in Rwanda. The best time to visit Rwanda is late June, July, and August. Volcanoes National Park is one of the eight Virunga mountains. Primates are found in Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Muhavura and Mgahinga.
Following The Golden Monkey to Africa
Besides gorillas, the golden monkey chase is the third best primate trekking activity after chimpanzees. The golden monkeys are all found in Mugahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, all in the Virunga Mountains.
What Should I Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Africa?
Don’t forget Gorilla Trekking’s hiking gear guides, and quality hiking boots if you’re hiking or climbing. A layer of warm fabric for cool nights and rain gear that’s cold and wet are increasing in this plateau. The light jacket is a must-see. Gloves, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and knee-high trekking collars are important. You have to find the best trekking shoes for gorilla trekking. Learn about African safari outfits and the best cameras and binoculars to use on the African safari.
What does a Mountain Gorilla Look Like?
Males are generally twice the size of females, stand 6 feet tall, and weigh 350-500 pounds. These have strong, long, and muscular arms. Males are called silverbacks because their back hair turns a bit silver as they mature. That’s why it’s called the Silverback. Men are ten times stronger than the strongest boxers, even with doping. Silverback arms can reach up to 7 feet.
Gorillas have longer and darker hair than low gorillas because they survive in colder climates and higher altitudes. They are between 40 and 50 years old. Mountain gorillas mostly stay on the ground but sometimes climb trees because they can support them, but like children, young gorillas play with trees. An interesting fact is that gorillas and humans share 98% of their genetic makeup.
