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Rwanda Safaris – Gorilla Tours & Wildlife Experiences

2023 Rwanda Safaris: Gorilla Tours & Wildlife

Undertake a 2 days Uganda gorilla tour to Bwindi national park at great discounts  by Africa Adventure Safaris, a reliable travel agent. Read More

More about our safari offers

We offer gorilla tours in Rwanda’s    Volcanoes National park , home to the highest population of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation Area. The park shelters 10 gorilla families which are ready for trekking at $1500 per permit.  African Parks together with Rwanda Development Board are responsible for gorilla safaris in Volcanoes National park. The gorilla groups in Rwanda include Agashya, Hirwa, Amahoro, Karisimbi, Umubano, Sabyinyo, Pablo, Titus and Susa A gorilla families. Volcanoes National park spreads over 160 square kilometers . However, RDB is expanding the park by 23% which is 37.4 square kilometers which will create more room for the increasing numbers of mountain gorillas.

In Uganda, gorilla trekking takes place in two national parks. These are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National park. Uganda gorilla permit prices depend on the traveler’s nationality. Each permit costs $700 for foreign non residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX250,000 for East African citizens.

Bwindi Forest which is home to the world’s total gorilla population is divided into  four regions (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga & Nkuringo). You can trek in any one region or book our 4 Days Uganda double gorilla safari gives you chance to trek two different gorilla families in two regions of your choice.

Bwindi gorilla safaris also comprise of gorilla habituation experience which allows you four hours in the company of the endangered gorillas.  The 2-3 years gorilla habituation experience costs $1500 allowing visitors to spend 4 hours with the wild primates. You can also visit to trek Nyakagyezi gorilla family in Mgahinga Gorilla National park

Congo gorilla safaris involve trekking mountain gorillas in Virunga National park and Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National park. A permit to trek gorillas in Congo costs $450 which make this country the best option for budget travelers. You can also do Mt Nyiragongo hiking experience to extend and make your Congo safari a lifetime experience.

We offer rescue services in case of any eventuality while on a gorilla tour  experience or any other wildlife tour ensuring a peaceful and memorable gorilla tracking experience. Africa Adventure Safaris is at your service to reserve gorilla permits as well as customizing suitable gorilla safari packages to Rwanda, Uganda and Congo at a discount!  We pride ourselves in employing experienced staff with indigenous knowledge about wildlife, people and general tourism ideas in Uganda, Rwanda, Congo and the whole of East Africa.

Refer to our travel reviews on gorilla safaris in Rwanda, DR Congo and Uganda.

FLYING SAFARIS

Africa Adventure Safaris runs fly-in safaris for  visitors with limited time and those who do not want to drive for long hours.  We arrange domestic flights connecting to all national parks in Uganda and Rwanda easing access making travel as fast as possible. Our flying safaris include:

1 Day Uganda Gorilla Tour 

This entails a chartered flight from Kajjansi airstrip in Entebbe to Kihihi airstrip near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park. The 45 minutes flight to Kihihi eases your connectivity to Bwindi Forest saving you roughly 10 hours of driving from Entebbe.  After trekking, travelers can fly back to Kampala for a departure flight to another destination or just chill at their hotel in Kampala.

1 Day Uganda Gorilla Trek from Kigali

On this trip, travelers fly into Kigali Rwanda and then connect to Uganda via any of the land borders. Cyanika border in Kisoro district easily connects to Rushaga sector home to the highest number of gorilla families (Mishaya, Nshongi, Kahungye, Bweza, Busingye). On the other hand, Katuna border in Kabale district easily connects you to Buhoma sector in the northern region of Bwindi Forest. In Buhoma, you can trek Mubare, the oldest gorilla family in the whole of Bwindi Forest which was habituated in 1991 and opened for trekking in 1993.  Other gorilla groups in Buhoma include Habinyanja, Rushegura, Katwe and Binyindo. The 1 Day Uganda gorilla trek begins very early at 3:3000am with a pick up  from Kigali and transfer to Bwindi Forest

4 Days Kidepo Flying Safari

This is another popular flying safari in Uganda. Kidepo Valley National park is the most remote game park in Uganda and hence the least visited. However, the 4 Days flying safari simplifies  this long distance. On the first day of the four days, you fly to Kidepo and do an evening game drive, Day 2 is for full day game viewing and community tour, Day 3 is for nature walking and game viewing while Day 4 is for flying back to Entebbe.

We offer  gorilla safaris in Volcanoes, Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla,  and Virunga National Park

Top Safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo (Gorilla Safaris & Wildlife)

Combined gorilla safaris for example the 9 Days Uganda Rwanda gorilla safari , which cuts across different gorilla national parks are recommended for those who have enough time. If you have more time in Uganda, you can do a gorilla habituation experience which allows you to spend four hours with the wild gorillas undergoing training. Uganda Wildlife Authority is currently issuing 4 habituation permits on a daily basis at $1500 for each permit. The experience takes place in the Rushaga sector, south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park.

Game viewing

Africa Adventure Safaris also offers guided game-viewing trips in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania. The morning, day, and night game drives in the open savannahs of Africa offer you spectacular views of various wild animals.  The top destinations for game viewing in Uganda include Murchison Falls National park which is the oldest and largest park in the Pearl of Africa sheltering a high concentration of wild animals seen roaming in the wilderness. Queen Elizabeth National park is the second largest park in Uganda and home to the endangered tree-climbing lions which live in Rushaga sector south of the p[park. Explore the big five game in Akagera National Park.

Located in eastern Rwanda, Akagera is the only savannah Park in the Land of thousand Hills, a must-visit for anyone visiting this beautiful country. Kidepo Valley Park in Uganda is the least visited destination in Uganda which rewards travelers with a true feeling of the African wilderness. Traveling to Tanzania, you will enjoy the annual wildebeest migration experience in Serengeti National Park. On your African game safari, expect to see a variety of wild animals such as elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, rhinos, waterbucks, giraffes, impalas, warthogs, kobs, wildebeests, hippos, zebras, okapis among others. Game viewing in most parks is normally accompanied by a boat cruise and a community visit to the nearby local communities

Golden monkey trekking A visit to see golden monkeys is a remarkable experience, an addon to mountain gorilla trekking and other wildlife experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. Scientifically known as  (Cercopithecus kandti), the Golden monkey is a specie of the old world monkey that survives in the Virunga mountain regions in Mgahinga Gorilla National park Uganda, and Volcanoes National park in Rwanda. Travelers who have visited golden monkeys before rate this primate encounter as a “lifetime” experience. The endangered primates are known for their active and playful behaviors which make their encounter. You will need a golden monkey trekking permit which costs $100 inclusive of the park entrance fee, conservation fee, and government taxes. The permit allows you to be with the endangered golden monkeys for an hour counted from the time you see them. Golden monkey habituation experience allows you more hours (half a day) with the wild monkey undergoing training.

Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee trekking rewards you with an up-close encounter with Man’s closest relative.  The experience ranks second to mountain gorilla trekking and it brings quite a high number of travelers to Africa. Sharing over 89% of human genes, chimpanzees are the closest relative to human beings hence worth visiting. Kibale Forest National park in Uganda is the top destination for chimpanzee trekking in Africa. The rain forest is known as the “primates capital “of Africa due to the high number of primates inhabiting there.  In addition to chimpanzees, Kibale forests shelters other 12 primates which include Vervet monkeys, Blue monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Red tailed monkeys, Grey-cheeked monkeys, Olive baboons, L’Hoset monkeys, Red and black colobus monkeys among others.

Nyungwe forest national park in southwestern Rwanda is another popular destination where chimpanzee trekking takes place.  The other places where you can see chimpanzees include Karizu forest, Ngamba island, Kyambura gorge, and Budongo forest both in Uganda. The chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale Forest offers you a 4-hour encounter with the endangered primates. The experience is normally accompanied by other activities such as nature walks, bird watching and community tours among others.

Bird watching tours Are you a birder and looking to explore different bird species? Africa Adventure Safaris offers customized birding trips across Africa. Join our guided birding safaris to  Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo exploring the notable bird species some of which are rarely found anywhere else in the world.  The top birding spots in Uganda include lake Victoria, Mabamba swamp, kazinga channel, Budongo forest, and Entebbe botanical gardens. Rwanda birding trips are well done in along the Akagera River, the shores of Lake kivu, and Nyungwe forest national park. In Congo, birding is done in Garamba national park, Okapi national park, Bwindi Lulimbi, and Lendu plateau. Expect to see various bird species such as the Shoebill stork,  African darter, Yellow-billed stork, Common bulbul, yellow-billed kite, red bishop, grey crowned crane, pied crow, Egyptian goose, hamerkop, Grey heron, African grey hornbill, pied crow, and cattle egret among others.

Mountain Climbing We offer you customized mountain climbing safaris in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Our mountaineering trips take you to the summit of snow-capped Margarita, the highest peak of Mount Rwenzori located in western Uganda. Our mountaineering trips also entail hiking volcanoes in the Virunga Conservation area. The most hiked volcanoes in the Virunga Massif include Mt karisimbi which is the tallest volcano standing at 4,507 meters above sea level situated in the borders of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The iconic volcano can be hiked in two days with an overnight on the mountain slopes.  Mount Nyiragongo located in Virunga National park is an active stratovolcano that last erupted in 2021. The summit of Nyiragongo Volcano shelters the world’s largest lava lake which makes it a natural wonder. Other mountains to hike t include Mt Elgon, Mt Muhabura,  Mt Bisoke, Mt Gahinga, Mt Sabyinyo, and Mt Mikeno among others.

Cultural encounters In addition to wildlife, Africa Adventure Safaris offers guided cultural tours to explore and learn about some indigenous tribes in Uganda and Rwanda.  The most visited local tribes include the Batwa pygmies and the IK people in northern Uganda. The Batwa cultural trail in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a not miss on your Uganda safari. In this experience, the Batwa guides lead travelers into Mgahinga Forest to learn about the traditions, norms, and customs of these short people.  The Batwa will demonstrate their forest activities such as hunting, fruit gathering, picking flowers, and medicinal herbs, and visiting Ngarama cave. The gorilla guardian village in Rwanda introduces you to the traditions of  Rwanda. Travelers take part in local activities such as peeling matooke, preparing local foods, babysitting, brewing local beers, and many others.

Watch: Game drive tour in Murchison Falls National Park

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5-Day /4 Nights Rwanda Gorilla & Lake Kivu Tour

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• Hiking & Trekking
• Gorilla Trekking
• Christmas & New Year

• Wildlife Trekking

“I was not disappointed. The tour promised a number of items and never failed to deliver.”

“The experience was fantastic, accommodation was perfect, I had a fantastic 8 days in Rwanda.”

• Sightseeing

“Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is indeed worthy doing and was very much excited to do it.”

• Trek for cheeky chimpanzees in Nyungwe
• See the similarities of these human-like creatures
• Watch gorilla families interact with their babies

“This 9 day tour really opened our eyes to both the beauty and the historic tragedies of Rwanda. We were taken to literally every corner of Rwanda's gorgeous countryside.”

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4 Days Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Safari

This 4 days Rwanda gorilla and golden monkey trekking safari takes you to Volcanoes National Park well known for Gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Drive through the unwinding hills in rural areas into the home of endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkey. Your safari begins from Kigali urban settings in to the village setting of Musanze, this park is a habitat to variety of primate species that you may encounter during your trekking. You will also be to encounter a number of bird species and other wildlife. This is a life time dream safari. Request a Quote

Day 1: Transfer from the airport to the hotel

Upon arrival at Kigali international airport and passing through the immigration process, you will be welcomed by our safari driver who will, brief you shortly and transfer you to the booked accommodation. Dinner and overnight stay at Serena Hotel Kigali (luxury hotel) or Chez Lando Hotel (Mid – range hotel) or Quiet Haven Hotel (Standard hotel). Meal Plan: Dinner.

Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park. Travel time +2hrs

Begin your day with a delightful buffer breakfast before we later head for a city tour to visit Kigali genocide memorial ground where over 250000 victims of genocide incidence of 1994, were buried in a mass grave as a respect to their souls. There are short video clips to watch, as you as well move around and see some of the remains, and later being transferred to Musanze near Volcan0es National Park where you will your dinner and overnight stay. Dinner and overnight stay at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (luxury hotel) or Le Bamboo Gorilla Lodge (Mid – range hotel) or The Garden Palace Hotel (Standard hotel). Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Experience

Early morning cup of coffee, then prepare for the gorilla trekking briefing from the park headquarters and thereafter, you will enter the jungle with your packed lunch to search the shy mountain gorillas and enjoy their life style in their real home. After meeting the gorillas, you can sit around these great apes for a whole hour watching their social life as you take pictures. On a gorilla safari, a reasonable degree of fitness is required as well as walking shoes, packed food and mineral water, insect repellent, sun screen and hut. The gorilla tracking experience takes half or whole day depending on the movements of these primates. After this gorilla tracking experience you will return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you will spend the day just relaxed at you bungalow, enjoying a relaxed atmosphere overlong the volcanoes. Dinner and overnight stay at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (luxury hotel) or Le Bamboo Gorilla Lodge (Mid – range hotel)or The Garden Palace Hotel (Standard hotel). Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 4: Golden monkey trekking &Transfer to Kigali airport.

Today after you warm early morning breakfast, you will be picked by our safari driver guide who will transfer you to the park headquarters for briefing with your packed lunch and start off you day golden monkey trekking in search for these shy primates in the jungle. Just like the gorilla trekking experience, the same applies to golden monkey trekking though no so hectic like gorilla trekking. You will later return to the lodge for lunch and later transfer to Kigali to your lodge or to the airport to catch up with your evening flight to your home country. End of service!

This safari package includes. Request a Quote

• Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
• Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
• 1 Gorilla permits ($1500), per person to be paid in advance
• 1 golden monkey permit, per person
• En-route lunches
• Services of English speaking driver/guide
• Bottle of mineral water during safari

The package excludes expenses of personal nature like: Air fare, Visa, drinks, laundry, tips to local guides, telephone, porter fee while trekking, personal insurance, personal shopping bills and cigars.

This is a 4 day safari which starts and ends in Kigali, Rwanda. One gorilla permit for Parc Nationale des Volcanoes is included in the cost but the other gorilla trackings require other permits to be paid at time of booking.

Having a chance to see some of the last remaining 1063 mountain gorillas in the world is a wonderful experience. It offers you an opportunity to track gorillas two times.

Parc Nationale des Volcanoes in Rwanda has five habituated gorilla families and tracking most groups in the afro-montane forest usually takes a few hours. You can also climb a volcano, visit the remains of Dian Fossey's grave or visit the endangered golden monkey.

• Day 1:  Meet i n Kigali, drive to Volcanoes National Park
• Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Parc National des Volcans
• Day 3:  Second mountain gorilla tracking or golden monkeys trek, or hike to one of the volcanoes 
• Day 4:  Return to Kigali for City Tour & Departure

Day 1: Volcanoes National Park

Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide. Transfer to Volcanoes National Park with private vehicle and driver.

Your guide will take you on a tour of the new and vibrant capital city of Kigali. The new prosperity features a number of thriving markets and features the mountain terrain famous in Rwanda. A sober contrast to its recent history.

For survivors and others whose families were murdered in Rwanda´s genocide 1994, the memorial sites and centres are places of dignified remembrance for loved ones lost. It is also a place of reflection and learning for the wider community, both in Rwanda and internationally.

Ranging in altitude from 2,400km to 4,507 the Volcanoes National Park (French: Parc National des Volcans) is dominated by the setting of volcanoes after which it is named. Best known to the outside world as the place where for almost 20yrs the American primatologist Dian Fossey under took her pioneering studies of mountain gorilla behaviour.

Day hikes to see the gorilla families can be strenuous on tracks climbing through the forest, and time is very limited once contact is made with the gorilla families. It is a rare and memorable experience to visit with these giant cousins of man.

Our accommodation is ideally positioned for those who want to watch animals in their habitat, specifically the endangered Rwanda mountain gorillas that still roam these areas.

Share in the cuisine of Rwanda, which is served with the hospitality for which we all return to African countries. Take walks, learn more about the gorillas, and absorb the gorgeous surrounding landscape.

Accommodation options in Volcanoes National Park (all on full board basis)

Upper Luxury: Virunga Lodge | Silverback Sabinyo Lodge | Bishop's House Rwanda

Luxury level: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Moderate:   Gorilla Solution Lodge

Low Budget: Muhabura Lodge

Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Have breakfast and go to ORTPN offices for briefing after that set off in the forest for gorilla trekking.

A thrilling trek through the refined foothills of the Virungas provides inspiring views in all directions. Then, suddenly, the trail enters the national park, engrossing trekkers in the strange closeness of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colorful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey and besieged with fresh spoor of the mountains' elusive populations of buffalo and elephant.

Through gaps in the forest canopy, the marvellous peaks are sighted, easily easy to get to and among the uppermost in Africa, indicating an ascent. Gorilla trekking is quite strenuous but a worthwhile on encounter of these gentle giants. The enthusiasm of your coming across with these apes will wipe away your intricacy of the strenuous trek.

Spend time watching gorillas, watch the adults feeding their young ones, brushing and resting as the youngsters play from vines in a pleasurably playful display.

Accommodation options available

Moderate:  Gorilla Solution Lodge

Day 3: Second Gorilla Tracking Experience or Optional Activities like golden monkey tracking, hiking to Sabinyo, Cultural village tour

Either go gorilla tracking again (on payment of supplement at time of booking of USD1500 per person), or visit the golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park or climb the Visoke/Muhavura volcanoes, or trek to Dian Fossey's grave, or visit the local school, community projects or walk to Lake Bulera.

Day 4: Kigali City Tour & Departure

Following breakfast, you will leave for Kigali.

Go for a city tour including visits to the market, a pottery project, handicraft shops, the Franco-Rwandan cultural centre and the genocide memorial.

Have lunch en-route and then transfer to the airport.

• Meet and greet service with full briefing
• All accommodation on full board basis as indicated
• All transport in a 4WD safari vehicle customised for safari
• Two gorilla tracking permits per person with related park fees
• Bottled water in the vehicle
• The services of our good English speaking driver guide

Talk to Our Rwanda Safaris Expert

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Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safaris with Maranatha Tours & Travel

From the magnificent views of the green rolling hills of Rwanda, there is no destination for a classic  African gorilla safari  like the “Land of a Thousand Hills”. Rwanda is an exciting African safari destination for  gorilla trekking tours  in Volcanoes National Park, golden monkey tracking, Dian Fossey tomb hike, chimpanzees tracking in Nyungwe forest, rich cultural tours, wildlife viewing, visiting genocide memorial sites, hiking the Karisimbi and  Bisoke mount Volcano , bird watching safaris and so much more.

Rwanda tourism  has moved a long way from the negative history of the horrific genocide to becoming a favorite holiday destination in Africa. Her unique advantage unlike other  gorilla trekking  destinations like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Virunga National Park, Volcanoes National Park is located just 2 hours drive from the Kigali international airport. This makes  gorilla trekking in Rwanda  more convenient, less strenuous, and cheaper than other mountain gorilla safari destinations. A Rwanda gorilla safari makes it very possible to go for a one – two-day short gorilla trek for tourists with less time and on a tight budget.

POPULAR GORILLA TOURS

1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour

This is the shortest gorilla trekking tour, only possible in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. It is on a fixed time schedule but very possible to see gorillas on this trip.

2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour

2 Day Rwanda gorilla trekking tour starting from Kigali with a genocide memorial site tour and watching gorillas in Volcanoes national park, situated in Musanze province

3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

3 Day Rwanda gorilla trekking tour includes a Kigali city tour to the genocide memorial sites, trekking with gorillas in Virunga volcanoes national park and Ibyiwacu culture

2 Days Gorilla Excursion & Mount Hiking

2 Day gorilla watching Rwanda in Virunga region and Mount Bisoke hike up the Bisoke Crater Lake. Shortest gorilla & Hiking tour in Rwanda

6 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Nyiragongo

6 Day Rwanda gorilla safari in Volcanoes national park and hiking mountain Nyiragongo to lava lake in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Contact us today and book this trip

14 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari Holiday

14 Days gorilla safari holiday starting from Kigali Rwanda to Uganda and back to Rwanda; activities include, gorilla trekking, chimps, wildlife viewing

4 Days Rwanda Double Gorilla Trekking

4 Days trekking with Rwanda gorillas in Volcanoes national park twice. This tour also takes you to visit the Ibyiwacu cultural village and twin lakes of Burera & Ruhondo

17 Days Nyirangongo Hiking & Gorillas

17 Days Best of Rwanda Congo & Uganda. Tour attractions include wildlife viewing, gorilla tours, mt Nyiragongo hiking, chimps tracking, cultural tours

5 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Chimpanzees

5 Days Primates safari in Rwanda and Uganda, starting from Kigali to Kibale national park for chimps tracking and Gorilla watching in Volcanoes NP Rwanda

Highlights of a Rwanda Safari

• Volcanoes National Park  offers mountain gorilla trekking, golden Monkey tracking, hike the Dian Fossey grave site situated between mount Karisimbi and mount Bisoke to see the remains of the research Karisoke which is featured in the movie “Gorillas in the Mist”. Hiking mount Bisoke and Karisimbi.
• Diverse Cultural experience –  safaris in Rwanda  take you to explore the Gisozi and Nyanza and Nyamata genocide memorial sites. Visit the Ibyiwacu cultural village
• The Congo Nile trail
• Nyungwe Chimpanzee Tracking, canopy walk and Colobus monkey tracking in Nyungwe forest
• Visit Lake Kivu the largest freshwater lake in Rwanda and tour Nyamitundi coffee making plant

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Every Tour is Important We pay keen attention to every aspect of the tour chosen. Client’s interest, suggestions, and needs are our priority to come up with the best adventure holiday for our clients.

Very Good & Passionate about our work We have first-hand information on Rwanda Uganda Safari destinations. We employ devoted and passionate staff who have gained experience in local tourism. We use experienced local tour guides, passionate about their work.

Expert assistance right when you need it We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you with all your travel questions to satisfaction.

Personalized service and competitive prices We can customize you your tour itinerary to add all your areas of interest. Whether you need to combine Uganda with Rwanda or Congo, we shall help you plan your personal itinerary to suit your dream Rwanda vacation

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The Ultimate Rwanda Experience.

Visit Rwanda for memorable gorilla trekking tours and Rwanda Safari Tours. We have vast experience in organising and flawlessly executing wildlife tours in East Africa including wildlife game drives, guided nature tours, gorilla tracking safaris, chimpanzee tracking tours, bird watching tours , cultural tours, mountain hiking safaris, day tour excursions and so much more. We are also well known for the best car hire services in Rwanda . We have a fleet of well maintained safari vehicles that will surely best suit your preferences and we have a team of skilled tour guides that will make sure you make the most of your safari with us. Contact us today for an epic safari experience.

Visit Remarkable Rwanda.

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Uganda Flying Safaris are ideal for tourists who prefer to forego lengthy drives during their Uganda Safari experiences. For those who have a limited amount of time for their safari, this is a great way to reduce travel time. The last several years have seen changes in Uganda; it is now simpler to travel to national parks, and the most of them provide daily flights at reasonable prices. We offer fly-in safaris to all popular tourist destinations..

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Rwanda National Parks.

Rwanda is one of the major tourist destinations in Africa and as such the country’s national parks are teeming with unique wildlife species including the rare mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Most wildlife species in Rwanda can be found in Akagera National Park where game drives can be done. Nyungwe Forest National Park is popular for Chimpanzee Tracking expeditions as well as the canopy walk. You can also visit Gishwati Mukura National Park for some epic bird sightings and much more.

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2 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari

• 2 Days Mgahinga Gorilla Safari
• 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour
• 4 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorillas
• 7 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari
• 12 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife
• 15 Days Explore Uganda & Rwanda
• 4 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari
• 6 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Wildlife
• 5 Days Uganda Gorillas & Chimps Safari
• 5 Days Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari
• 7 Days Uganda Gorillas, Wildlife & Chimps Safari
• 8 Days Gorilla Trek Africa
• 8 Days Uganda Explorer’s Safari
• 10 Days Gorillas, Chimps and Game Safari
• 12 Days Uganda Wildlife & Primates Safari
• 14 Days Uganda Safari Adventure
• 15 Days Best of Uganda Safari

1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek

• 2 Days Gorilla Trekking
• 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour
• 4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour
• 4 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkeys
• 5 Days Gorillas & Akagera Wildlife
• 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari
• 5 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Chimps Safari
• 7 Days Gorillas, Wildlife & Chimps Safari
• 10 Days Gorillas & Big Game Safari
• Lowland Gorilla Safaris
• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Mgahinga National Park
• Volcanoes National Park
• Mountain Gorillas
• Best Time for Gorilla Trekking
• Safari Lodges
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• Why Choose Us
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Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo

99% sightings guaranteed on all our gorilla trekking tours in uganda, rwanda and congo. for over 10 years, so far we have had no failure to see the gorillas on even single gorilla treks.

Welcome to Go Gorilla Trekking, a local tour operator based in Africa offering the best gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda , Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo . Experience the magic of gorilla trekking in the tropical rain forests of Bwindi and the Virunga Mountains on one of our carefully planned gorilla tours that are offered all year round. At Go Gorilla Trekking, we run gorilla watching trips differently! Guided by ecotourism guidelines and sustainable tourism practice s, we create magical trips to see the spectacular mountain gorillas in their natural habitat within various countries in Africa.

Travel with us to the remote side of Africa and enjoy gorilla tracking in different national parks; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo. All our tours are conducted in comfortable 4X4 safari vehicles and are guided by professional and experienced local safari guides . On all tours, clients stay at the best select comfortable lodges (whether you choose budget or high end) that will bring you back to nature! Get started with planning your next gorilla safari in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa or Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills.

Last Minute Gorilla Treks for 2024 and Early Bird Offers for 2025

We offer unbeatable price offers on gorilla trekking safaris in Africa. This is due to that since we are a local company, we offer great value safaris at fair prices with no overhead costs to travelers. Here are our best last minute deals for 2024 and early bird offers for 2025. Need a custom trip? Feel free to call +256 772 072909 or email us to start planning your safari!

Top Uganda Gorilla Treks

Uganda is the perfect destination for those looking to gorilla treks and wildlife safaris. Indeed Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has become the adventure capital for gorilla trekking in Africa. Here are some of the best gorilla tours carefully crafted to include other adventures such as game viewing, chimpanzee tracking etc.

2 Days Mgahinga Gorillas

3 Days Gorilla Habituation

• 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari

4 Days Double Gorilla Trek

4 Days Uganda Gorillas & Mburo

5 Days Gorillas & Chimps

7 Days Uganda Safari

10 Days Great Apes & Game

Rwanda Gorilla Treks

We run several gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills. These trips start from Kigali and range from day trips to longer safaris that feature multiple gorilla visits in the gorillaland. Here are some of the top safari offers;

2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek

3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek

This trip to the Volcanoes combines gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking.

4 Days Gorillas & Golden Monkeys

5 Days Gorillas & Wildlife Safari

5 Days Gorillas & Chimps Trek

Fly-in Safaris

At Go Gorilla Trekking, we have made it possible to reach the destinations where gorilla watching is done by organizing flying safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga National Park. Save time and explore more in less time. Our trips are safe, affordable and will make your next vacation even better! See more for less on one of our flying safaris below;

4 Days Uganda Gorillas & Chimps

6 Days Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife

See the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest, chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park on this 6 Days Uganda Tour.

5 Days Bwindi Gorillas & Ishasha Region

3 Days Bwindi Fly In Safari

Travel by air to the famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. You will fly to either Kihihi in the north or Kisoro in Southern Bwindi. Read More

4 Days Uganda Fly In Safari

Go gorilla trekking twice on this 4 Days (3 Nights) Fly-In safari. You will track the mountain gorillas in two different sectors in Bwindi Forest. Read More

6 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari

This 6 Days Uganda Safari highlights visits to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi to see gorillas, chimpanzees and wild game. Read More

Get Started with Planning your Trip

Looking for a custom holiday in Africa? All gorilla tours featured on our website can be tailor made to suit group or individual interests. Would you like to include any other adventure activity in your trip itinerary?

Book for 2023, 2024 & 2025 Gorilla Tours with Confidence

We are working on wherever we can to offer as much flexibility and support to travelers as possible. We have attained more flexible policies to make travel easier such as flexibility in changing travel dates, reduced deposits to confirm trips and flexibility on rescheduling the gorilla permits. Book your next gorilla trek in advance and secure your spot for 2024 and 2025.

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We would love to hear from you. Fill in the brief form below to get a free quote or advice for your gorilla trek. You can email us directly via [email protected] or reach us on WhatsApp via +256772072909.

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Top Gorilla Trips from Kigali

Planning to fly to Kigali of Rwanda? We have several trips departing from Kigali, the Capital of Rwanda. Here are the top sellers from Kigali going through Rwanda, Uganda or DR Congo.

• 1 Day Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park
• 2 Day Mgahinga Gorilla Safari
• 2 Day Bwindi Gorilla Safari
• 2 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek
• 4 Days Bwindi Gorillas & Lake Bunyonyi

Top Gorilla Treks from Kampala

Would you like to start your trip from Kampala or Entebbe? We have several gorilla tours that start from Kampala or Entebbe leading you through the gorilla empire of Uganda, Rwanda and Eastern DR Congo.

• 3 Day Bwindi Gorilla Trek
• 4 Day Bwindi Gorilla Trek
• 4 Days Bwindi Gorillas + Kibale Chimpanzees
• 5 Days Bwindi Gorillas, Wildlife & Chimpanzees
• 7 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife

We are Go Gorilla Trekking, a local safari company operating from both Uganda and Rwanda. We invite you for an amazing encounter on a gorilla trek in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We are an outdoor adventure travel company specializing in organizing gorilla safaris in Uganda , Rwanda and Congo . With over 9 years experience in organizing gorilla safaris in Africa, we create the best gorilla trekking expeditions into the tropical rain forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga Region at unbeatable prices!

All our gorilla tours are planned by a team of professional and proficient staff with vast experience in creating interesting and memorable tours. Planning for a trip to see the mountain gorillas in the wild or would you like to track the lowland gorillas in Central Africa? Booking a trip with us will be an outdoor experience like no other one you have ever had! Read more about us and our ethos.

Promotional Safaris

We are now pleased to announce last minute gorilla trips and discounted gorilla safaris . Save by checking our early bird safari offers by booking with us today! Check out the available deals on Uganda safaris from Experience Africa, our sister company and request for availability of any of our tours by contacting us on +256 772 072909 or via contact form .

USEFUL INFO

• PLAN YOUR SAFARI
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How To See Gorillas In Rwanda – Complete Guide

UPDATED 01 AUGUST 2021

RWANDA TRAVEL GUIDE ALL YOU NEED TO PLAN A MOUNTAIN GORILLA TREK

“In all my travels, I’ve never seen a country’s population more determined to forgive, and to build and succeed than in Rwanda.”  Rick Warren

We went to Rwanda for the mountain gorillas. We left with our pre-conceived notions about Sub Saharan Africa in tatters.

The primates are magnificent. The story of Rwanda’s climb out of the dark and devastating chasm of genocide to be counted among the safest and most progressive countries in the developing world is no less impressive.

If safety concerns are holding you back from embarking on that bucket-list mountain gorilla trek, you should know that Rwanda ranks 31 on the WEF Safety and Security index 2019 .

Our visit was an add on to our longer Tanzania itinerary, and one that we dithered over due to the high cost. We are so glad we took the plunge. Then again, our gorilla safari permits cost us exactly half of what it would today.

The subject of human intrusion into the habitat of this endangered species is a real worry. It is my understanding that the pros of wildlife tourism – properly handled – far outweigh the cons.

The gorilla story, as also the success of tiger conservation in India, are cases in point. Community development is critical in anti poaching efforts and poor countries are hugely dependent on tourism dollars to fund them.

There have been reports of Coronavirus lockdowns and the attendant loss of livelihoods increasing instances of poaching across Africa and Asia. Proof that wildlife tourism and conservation are interdependent even with allowances for corruption.

This guide is focused on the mountain gorilla experience with a link to my post on the genocide. I’ve tried to include every little detail that you’ll need to get up close to those gentle giants of the wild.

THINGS TO DO IN RWANDA

The two featured stories linked to below cover two primary things to do in Rwanda:

1. A Gorilla safari in the Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga Mountains.

2. A city tour and visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

Rwanda – Rubbing Shoulders With Silverbacks!

All about our trek with mountain gorillas in Rwanda. One precious hour with the silverbacks that is our most memorable Rwanda travel moment.

The Extraordinary Renewal Of Rwanda

The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a powerful tribute to the victims of genocide. It is also a testament to the tenacity of a people and their remarkable rise up from that dark and devastating chasm into hope and renewal.

MORE THINGS TO DO IN RWANDA

As an add on to a Tanzanian safari, we just had three full days dedicated to the silverbacks. Rwanda has so much more to offer. Allow ten to twelve days to experience most of it. This is a good ten day itinerary.

• Track more primates, including chimpanzees, in Nyungwe Forest National Park , one of the oldest rain forests in Africa. It is also home to 1,068 plant species, 140 orchid, 320 bird and 120 butterfly species.
• Visit a tea plantation. We were surprised by the excellent quality of Rwandan tea served at the Serena hotel in Kigali.
• Visit the reconstruction of a traditional king’s ‘palace’ in Nyanza.
• Visit the Ethnographic museum in Huye .
• Kayak on lake Kivu at Gisanye
• Go on an overland safari in Akagere National park where the big 5 of Africa have been successfully re-introduced.
• Visit Dian Fossey’s Research Centre and grave at Karisoke .
• Tour the Musanze Caves .

OUR RWANDA ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival Kigali. Transfer to hotel. Overnight Kigali. City tour including visit to genocide museum. Day 2: Drive (approximately two hours) north to Ruhangeri. View twin lakes. Overnight Ruhengeri (Musanze) Day 3: Gorilla trekking day! Visit to Musanze market. Return to Kigali late afternoon / early evening. Overnight Kigali Day 4: Dawn departure to KIG airport to board Coastal Air flight to Arusha, Tanzania.

The gorillas were undoubtedly the highlight. The genocide memorial is unmissable for the insight it provides into Rwanda’s recent history. The two other things that stood out in our all too brief itinerary were the drive up to the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo and the market in Musanze where we got to interact with a few locals.

WHAT WE’D DO DIFFERENTLY

I would have liked to have at least one extra day in Ruhangeri to be able to visit Dian Fossey’s grave in Karisoke. It’s a 30-minute drive from the park headquarters and then two or three hours hike (one way) through the forest

Most people – with deeper pockets than ours – reserve two mornings for the Gorilla safari and one afternoon for the golden monkeys (also in the same park). We would have liked to do the same but at $750 per person (at the time) for the gorilla trek and an extensive Tanzanian safari to follow, we settled for the one night in Ruhangeri. We were fortunate to have gotten to the gorillas early on our safari day.

GORILLA TREK INFO

Gorilla permit cost – rwanda or uganda.

The most expensive part of a Rwanda trip is the gorilla safari permit that has now been doubled to US$1500 per person . Visitors planning to visit all three national parks can avail the discounted price of US$1050.

The costs are geared to keep visitor numbers low while aiding their much lauded conservation and community development efforts whose results have indeed been spectacular. But it is a huge blow to low budget wildlife enthusiasts.

If gorilla tracking is your primary focus, costs in Uganda are much cheaper at US$700 . The longer distance to be covered between Entebbe and Bwindi National Park (it takes nine hours by road as opposed to two hours from Kigali to Musanze) that entailed an extra night’s stay made it less favourable for us in 2014 when the difference was around US$150 per person. It might be worth considering now.

You can also fly from Entebbe to Bwindi in just over an hour. Remember to factor in the extra costs. The treks in Uganda are said to be relatively more arduous, although that will depend more on luck and the gorilla family you are allotted. Uganda also offers a Gorilla Habituation Experience which costs US$1500 but you get to spend four hours with the gorillas vs one hour on a regular trek in both countries.

GORILLA TREK DETAILS

Gorilla trekking is highly regulated keeping in mind the safety of visitors as well as the health of the silverbacks.

• Only twelve families are habituated to humans. A maximum of 8 visitors are allowed to visit a single family of habituated gorillas per day in oder to minimise contact and risk of disease.
• Viewing time is limited to one hour.
• Gorilla Trek permits can be purchased directly on the Rwanda Development Board site or through safari/tour operators.
• Permits are limited so you need to book well in advance if your dates are not flexible.
• Minimum age for a gorilla trek is 15 years.
• Once confirmed permits cannot be cancelled, changed or transferred.
• Those showing visible signs of illness after having travelled all the way to Ruhengeri. They will not be allowed to join a trek and will be offered a 50% refund.
• Visitors who fail to track gorillas the whole day as a result of the Gorilla group’s movement shall be given another chance or receive full refund on their permit. 
• However, those who would have tracked the whole day and failed to make contact with a gorilla family for whatever reason will be refunded 75% of the tracking fee.
• You’ll need to indicate your preferred type of trek – Easy, Medium or Hard – in advance. Gorilla families will be allotted accordingly.
• It is a moderately high altitude trek, so expect to get slightly breathless in the steeper parts.
• If on a tour, your driver will drive you to the briefing point at the RDB Tourism & Conservation offices in Kinigi. Registration time is 7am. You’ll be served beverages and biscuits and get to watch an Intore dance troupe perform.
• The driver will then drive you to the departure point and wait there for your return.
• If you aren’t on a tour and are not self driving, your hotel will be able to hire transport. Cost will depend on distance to the park.
• Each group will be accompanied by a guide, some armed guards and several trackers who’ll help hack through the jungle. A group of forward trackers stay connected via radio. You can also hire porters for a small fee.

GORILLA VIEWING RULES:

• Opt out if you have the slightest sign of a cold or flu coming on. You’ll get a 50% refund if you show visible signs.
• Maintain a distance of 7 meters (about 22 feet) from the gorillas. And do not touch any of the gorillas even if they approach you.
• Do not eat or drink around the gorillas. And do not spit in the park. Use tissues and bring them back!
• Cover your mouth and turn away from the gorillas if you feel the need to cough or sneeze.
• Do not talk loudly in the presence of the gorillas.
• Turn off your flash and avoid sudden movements so as not to startle them.
• Staring is rude even in the wild. If a gorilla, especially the lead male, approaches you, stay still and adopt a submissive crouch with eyes downcast.
• Respect the fact that you are a guest of the gorillas. Do not leave behind wrappers or litter of any kind.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO RWANDA

Rwanda fast facts.

• Capital :  Kigali
• Currency :  Rwandan Franc – RWF ( Latest exchange rate. )
• Language(s) :  Kinyarwanda, French, English and Swahili
• Population :  13 million
• Area: 26,338 sq km (10,169 sq miles)
• Electricity Voltage: 230V
• Electricity Sockets: Type C and J

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO RWANDA

Rwanda enjoys temperate weather with temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 30°C (86°F). The Virunga mountains are the coldest. Kigali is in the middle with average temperatures around 21°C (70°F).

Primate tracking in Rwanda is possible year round. The dry season between June to September and mid December through Jan is recommended for gorilla tracking. The wet season through March and April apparently affords better Chimpanzee sightings.

GETTING TO RWANDA

Many American, European, Middle Eastern and Asian airlines operate flights to Kigali. We flew Qatar Airways from Chennai to Kigali and returned from Dar es Salaam.

RwandAir is the flag carrier that connects many African destinations. We flew onward to Arusha (in Tanzania) with Coastal Aviation.

Search for the best flight connections on Skyscanner .

VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR RWANDA

Since 2018, travellers from most countries are eligible for free visa on arrival for stays up to 30 days. Citizens of countries not on the prescribed list can also avail visa on arrival for a fee ranging from $30-$100. Credit cards are accepted. Check latest visa regulations on the Rwanda immigration website .

Travellers wishing to visit Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda simultaneously can apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) on arrival. It can also be availed online, pre-departure, at this Rwanda EGovt services portal or from Rwanda Diplomatic missions abroad. If acquiring the EATV visa before travel, your first entry point must be the country through which you applied for the visa.  The East Africa Tourist Visa costs US$100, is valid for 90 days and is multiple entry (if staying within the three countries).

VACCINATIONS

Rwanda is yellow fever free, so a yellow fever vaccination certificate is not required for travellers coming from yellow fever non-endemic countries and those without an active transmission outbreak. Check out this list in case you are travelling to or from any of the countries in the endemic list . And please check your home country advisory for travel to Africa.

India requires citizens travelling to Rwanda to be vaccinated against yellow fever and carry an international certificate as proof. Failing to do so might entail institutional quarantine upon your return.

Here’s a list of GOI authorised yellow fever vaccination centers across the country. Some of them only function a few days a week so make sure you book an appointment well in advance. You’ll need to carry your passport. Current charges are ₹300/- per dose. It is valid for ten years.

WHERE TO STAY IN RWANDA

Kigali has a variety of mid-range options. We stayed in the Kigali Serena which was pure comfort.

Ruhengeri/Musanze is limited in the mid price range. It’s either over the top – think US$1500 – US$3000 per person per night! – or very basic.

We opted to stay in Mountain Gorillas lodge in Kinigi , close to the Volcanoes Park entrance. It is rather basic for the price, and food, at the time, was nothing to write home about. But the setting is picturesque and cottages large and comfortable, if a bit cold. They light log fires in the rooms every evening and place hot water bottles in the super comfortable beds. Our request for an electric portable heater was instantly met. All things considered, a solid choice given the limited offering. Going by current reviews it continues to be the most popular mid range option.

The Ingagi Park View Lodge and Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge are new properties that appears to have good reviews.

Amohoro Guest House , owned by people who run a safari outfit of the same name, is a great low budget option close to town.

With the trek fee hike and the burgeoning of several high end properties, Rwanda is clearly positioning itself as a luxury safari destination. If budget is no consideration the Bisate Lodge , Singita’s Kwitonda Lodge , Virunga Lodge , Sabinyo Silverback Lodge and One & Only Gorilla’s Nest are all stunning properties in fabulous settings that will organise transfers and multiple experiences for you.

The Bishop’s House , a beautiful new property located in Musanze town (approx. a 25min ride to the park.) appears marginally less pricey.

Check availability and accommodation options for other towns and parks in Rwanda in Booking.com or Expedia.com

WHERE TO EAT

Most lodges catering to the gorilla trek crowd are all inclusive. A few decent restaurants service those staying in or around Musanze. Pailotte seems to be a favourite.

Kigali has a relatively buzzing restaurant scene. Disclaimer: The restaurant we ate at on our first night is currently closed. We dined at the Serena on our final evening. The following are highly recommended by seasoned traveller friends whose opinions I trust.

• Mocha Cafe – What to order: Hummus topped with meat, Yemeni chapatis, avocado sandwich, Yemeni coffee.
• Repub Lounge – African, Fusion. Request table with view. What to order: Sambaza (fried sardines), Liboke Chicken, Vegetarian Matoke Stew
• Alfa Organics – Vegan – What to order: Wraps, sandwiches, Tofu ‘eggs’, smoothies.

RWANDA TRAVEL TIPS

Getting around rwanda.

We used JK Safaris to work out all the logistics of our trip from booking our hotels and permits to our onward flight tickets. They did an excellent job. Rwanda Eco Tours also comes highly recommended.

You can easily organise a trip independently. Book your gorilla permits well in advance and then get your hotels to organise your transfers. Guides are not really required if you have a knowledgeable English speaking driver.

If on a budget, and hotels are unable to organise transfers, you can hop on a Virunga Express bus to Musanze for under 2000 francs. You can get your lodge to arrange transport to and from the gorilla trek briefing centre in Kinigi next morning. Read entry above for trek details.

Self-driving around Rwanda will require an international driving licence. Most of the main roads are well paved but the smaller rural roads are not and can get pretty messy during the rains.

Although there are many car rental companies that charge more or less the same rates, make sure the vehicles are roadworthy and the air conditioning in order. You’ll need to allow plenty of time to change vehicles if it does not meet your standards. Limoz was the company recommended by our Kigali hotel.

Employing a local driver might cost just marginally more than driving yourself and save you much of the hassle.

PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR A GORILLA TREK

Generic travel items including electronics and photography gear are covered in my essential packing list . Listed below are a few things you’ll need for the gorilla trek.

• Sturdy shoes with good grip. Good sneakers are fine but waterproof shoes might be handy in case it rains. Hiking socks that you can tuck your pants into can keep bugs from crawling up your legs. Most hotels and lodges can arrange for gaiters for a small fee. You shoes will invariably be coated with mud. Hotel staff usually offer to clean them upon your return.
• A pair of gloves – gardening gloves are best – will protect your hands from scratches.
• Weather can change from warm and humid to wet and cold, but you’ll have to contend with nettles, so long pants and long-sleeved shirts are a must. Not too thin. I had two layers on. Stick to neutral colours.
• A light jacket and waterproof outer layer in case of rain.
• A small backpack for documents, snacks and water. Carry non messy snacks like sandwiches, energy bars or fruit.
• Tap water is not safe to drink. Filtered water dispensers are common in hotels. While bottled water is plentiful and reasonably priced in most places, carrying refillable water bottles and portable water filters would be eco friendlier options.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS WHILE TRAVELLING IN RWANDA

• Local currency is preferred but USD is accepted in larger establishments at a pinch. Just make sure you are carrying newish bills dated 2008 or later.
• Have a reasonable cash back-up. It is best to change money in Kigali. Smaller towns might not have ATMs. Credit card usage while apparently on the rise is still limited to larger establishments. You’ll need cash for local markets.
• Non-biodegradable plastic is banned in Rwanda. Any plastic bags in your possession can be confiscated at border checkpoints and might incur fines.
• It is mandatory to buy travel insurance with adequate medical cover before you arrive. We never travel without insurance.
• Taking photographs of military buildings and of army personnel in town is prohibited.
• Drones will need to be pre- registered by a Rwandan national .
• Tipping, usually in cash, is discretionary. Preferably in local currency since exchanging small bills is not an easy task for porters and service staff. A ballpark figure for tipping guides is the equivalent of $10 per day and for drivers around $2 per day.
• Homosexuality isn’t illegal, but it isn’t widely accepted either. LGBT travellers are advised discretion.
• The genocide is a sensitive subject. Be respectful and refrain from joking about it or bringing it up in irrelevant conversations.

ESSENTIAL READING

Explorers & Conservationists Of The Virunga Volcanoes (PDF EBook) A Good Man In Rwanda (BBC Story) Portraits of Reconciliation (Photo Essay) The Triumph Of Evil (Reports & Interviews) Left To Hell (Book)

RWANDA ON YOUR RADAR? 📌 PIN FOR LATER

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This is not a sponsored post. The Urge To Wander is part of the affiliate programs of some of the resources mentioned on these pages and will earn tiny commissions from qualifying purchases without any extra cost to you. Disclosure policy .

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Foods to Try

Best Restaurants in Kigali

Volcanoes National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Akagera National Park

Gishwati Mukura National Park

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Rwanda Airports Guide

Day Trips From Kigali

7-Day Itinerary

Things to Do in Rwanda

Things to Do in Kigali

Top Museums in Kigali

How to Go Gorilla Trekking

How to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

ksumano / Getty Images

What to Expect

What to wear, how to get a permit.

• How to Budget

Other Attractions

Best time to go.

• Getting There

The African continent is renowned for its once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters. Few are more memorable (or so frequently featured on traveler bucket lists) as coming face-to-face with mountain gorillas in their natural environment .

There are approximately 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the wild, divided across two distinct populations. The first lives in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park . The second, larger population lives in the Virunga Mountains, at the point where the boundaries of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) meet. Each country has its own national park in the Virungas. Respectively, these are Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Virunga National Park. 

Of these, Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is considered the best option for gorilla trekking. It is a safer country to visit than the DRC, with more developed infrastructure and a better choice of reliable tour operators. Meanwhile, Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is much smaller than its neighbors, and home to just one habituated gorilla troop. This means that there are far fewer trekking permits available, and, because the troop often moves across the border, there is a chance of missing the gorillas completely. 

Although Rwandan permits are considerably more expensive than Ugandan ($1,500 versus $700), they sell out less quickly, making it more likely that you will be able to travel on your chosen dates. Additionally, a day trip from Kigali is possible, which cuts down on extraneous costs.

From the best time to go to our favorite tours, here's what you need to know to plan your gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park.

Volcanoes National Park has 12 gorilla troops that have been habituated for tourist encounters. Each one is made up of at least one alpha male, or silverback, and his harem of females and juveniles. Your adventure starts at the park headquarters in Kinigi at 7 a.m., when your group will be assigned to a troop and given a briefing on rules for visiting the gorillas. These rules include maintaining a distance of around 22 feet, and not hiking when sick with any contagious diseases that could infect the gorillas. Basic rules for safe interactions will also be outlined, from not using flash photography to keeping voices low and movement to a minimum. 

Your group will be the only one to interact with your allocated troop on the day of your visit. The maximum number of people in each group is eight, ensuring that the experience is kept as unobtrusive as possible for humans and gorillas alike. As nomadic creatures, gorillas spend their days on the move, foraging for the vast quantity of vegetation required to support their huge size. Because of this, it is difficult to predict exactly where each troop will be from one day to the next, although they tend to stick to a preferred general area. Much of the trekking experience consists of hiking through the misty forest to find them—a process that can take anywhere from 30 minutes to five hours or more. Generally, troops are assigned according to the fitness levels of each group and porters are available to help carry cameras and backpacks. 

Once your guide has located the troop, you will spend up to an hour sitting quietly within a few feet of them, watching as they continue to go about their daily routines unfazed by their human visitors. Encounters are strictly kept to this time limit to ensure that each troop is impacted on as little as possible. Gorillas are our closest relatives after chimpanzees and bonobos, sharing 98 percent of our DNA. As such, much of their behavior feels familiar—whether it’s a mother grooming her infant, or juveniles play fighting with one another while the adults forage for food. 

The climate in Volcanoes National Park is both cool and wet, so whenever you travel, you should be sure to dress appropriately. This means plenty of layers so that you can stay warm when sitting with the gorillas, but strip off when hiking. It also means waterproof jackets and pants, and sturdy hiking boots or shoes with sufficient grip for slippery, uphill terrain. There are plenty of stinging nettles, so thick-woven clothing and gaiters are also recommended. If you’re susceptible to sunburn, bring sunglasses, a sunhat, and sunscreen for when the sun makes an appearance in between downpours. 

With eight people permitted to visit each of Volcanoes National Park’s 12 habituated gorilla troops every day, there are only 96 permits available for any given date. This means that they sell out months in advance and getting hold of one can be quite competitive. Do not wait to book your permit until you are in Rwanda. Instead, book your permit first and then build the rest of your itinerary around it. You can purchase your permit independently through the Irembo government website ; however, the site is in Kinyarwanda and most visitors prefer to have their chosen tour operator navigate the process.

How to Budget 

Rwanda is often hailed as the world’s best destination for gorilla trekking. However, it is also the most expensive with permits costing $1,500 per person. Ten percent of this fee goes towards local community initiatives and may also be used to compensate farmers if the gorillas venture onto their land and damage their crops. This helps to keep the relationship between conservationists and residents amicable, as well as increase local support for gorilla conservation. 

In addition to the trekking permit, you will need to consider the cost of flights, accommodation, transportation, meals, tips, and optional extras. Often, the easiest way to budget is to book an all-inclusive package with a company that specializes in gorilla safaris. This way, you will know the total cost well in advance and have plenty of time to save up without worrying about unexpected expenses. Having said that, package prices vary considerably depending on the style of accommodation and other variables. Read on for our pick of the best package tours for all budgets. 

With trekking permits costing $1,500 per person, there’s no such thing as a cheap Rwandan gorilla trekking tour. However, locally owned company Katona Tours caters to budget travelers by offering an in-and-out experience that starts and ends in Kigali on the same day (eliminating the cost of accommodation in Volcanoes National Park). $1,850 per person includes transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle, the services of an English-speaking guide and driver, your gorilla trekking permit, park entrance fees, and lunch at the local Muhabura Hotel. 

For a more immersive experience, consider extending your stay in Volcanoes National Park with this four-day itinerary from Intrepid Travel . It also begins and ends in Kigali, starting with a tour of the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Then, you’ll sleep overnight at a lodge on the outskirts of the national park before heading out on your gorilla trekking adventure the following day. The third day is reserved for other park activities, including visiting the Karisoke Research Center and tracking golden monkeys. On the last day, you'll head back to Kigali for a walking tour of the city. $4,835 includes transportation, accommodation, most meals, your trekking permit, and both activities in Kigali. 

South Africa-based luxury travel company andBeyond offers luxury gorilla trekking packages starting from $5,504 per person. Lasting five days and four nights, the tour starts and ends in Kigali and includes one day dedicated to tracking the gorillas and a second reserved for tracking golden monkeys (at an additional cost). Accommodation is included and involves stays at the luxurious Kigali Serena Hotel and Virunga Lodge. Also covered are your airport meet-and-greet, gorilla permits, most meals, soft and alcoholic drinks, scheduled transfers (including the exclusive use of a luxury vehicle), a nature walk, and a complimentary post-hike massage. 

Although gorillas are top of the wish list for most visitors, a hike through Volcanoes National Park also yields an opportunity to spot many other interesting species. These include endangered golden monkeys (of which there are two habituated troops), forest elephants, black-fronted duikers, buffaloes, forest hogs, and more than 200 bird species. Many of the park’s birds are endemic to the Albertine Rift, making them especially sought-after by keen birders. 

Also of interest is Karisoke Research Center , where legendary primatologist Dian Fossey began her 18-year research project on mountain gorillas in 1967. It’s also where she wrote her seminal book, "Gorillas in the Mist," made many discoveries about gorilla behavior that continue to form our understanding of the species today, and was eventually murdered in 1985. Today, visitors can tour the research center to learn more about the valuable work being carried out by resident scientists, as well as conservation initiatives put in place to ensure the future of the park’s gorillas. It is also possible to hike to Dian Fossey’s grave. 

Due to its proximity to the equator and its high elevation, temperatures in Volcanoes National Park stay consistently cool throughout the year. Expect average daytime temperatures of around 61 degrees F, and chilly nights that can drop as low as 43 degrees F. Rain and mist are also ever-present, although less so in the drier months from June to August. Lighter rainfall at this time of year makes it the best time to visit for gorilla trekking since the terrain is easier to navigate and the gorillas themselves are often more active. October, March, and April are the wettest months and are typically best avoided.

Getting There 

For most international visitors, the main port of entry to Rwanda is Kigali International Airport (KGL), located roughly 6 miles east of the Rwandan capital. From there, it’s just over 70 miles and a little under three hours by road to Musanze, the park’s closest town. Then, it’s another 30-minute drive to the park headquarters at Kinigi, from where all gorilla trekking tours depart. Most visitors either hire a car and driver to get to Volcanoes National Park or choose an organized tour with transfers included.  

Tourist visas are required for most nationalities and can be purchased on arrival at Kigali International Airport or any land border. You can opt for a single entry tourist visa (priced at $50 and valid for 30 days), or the East African Tourist Visa, which costs $100 but lasts for 90 days and permits entry into Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya.  

Before traveling to Rwanda, remember that the CDC recommends a variety of vaccinations, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and rabies . Proof of yellow fever vaccination is an entry requirement if you are traveling from any country where this disease is prevalent. Additionally, malaria medication is recommended for travel throughout Rwanda. Be sure to book a consultation with your physician to discuss which option is best for you.

World Wildlife Fund. "Wild mountain gorilla numbers grow to more than 1,000." Retrieved on December 6, 2021.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Rwanda." Retrieved on December 6, 2021.

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Visit Rwanda with Gorilla Tour Rwanda

We are Rwanda’s fairest Safari tour Company, organizing unforgettable safari holidays through the best Eco-rich destinations in Rwanda and Uganda. With all the beautifully untamed wilderness and unique wildlife including the rare Mountain Gorillas, natural rivers and lakes, well-protected wetlands and dense tropical rain forests. Our guided safaris range from short-day trips to multi-day guided tours. Our customized packages include Gorilla trekking, wildlife tours, cultural tours, nature walks, mountain trekking, and Primates Safaris among others. We organize packages for both individual travellers and bigger groups, including the whole family. You can conquer the wild thrills of Rwanda on an adventure, and visit the gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park, an extension of the great Virunga ranges. Relax and explore the impenetrable forests of Bwindi in Uganda , and experience the pioneer-style adventure of an African adventure. Each adventure offers a unique opportunity to leave the towns and discover the remote, far-off Africa and experience one of the natural areas left in the wildness.

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Tucked in between the iconic safari destinations of Kenya and Tanzania, Rwanda offers guests some of the best primate tracking on the planet – set against the backdrop of its endless green hills and soaring mountainsides.

With over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, it’s no surprise that the majority of guests visit Rwanda to track and view this highly endangered species. Rwanda is superb for primates in general, including the fun-loving Sykes monkey, the Golden monkey and the boisterous chimpanzee in the Nyungwe Forest.

Despite a turbulent past, Rwanda is a safe and friendly destination – testament to the resilience of its people. For guests seeking a deeply enriching safari, Rwanda offers an experience that is difficult to find anywhere else.

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Gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Go on a once-in-a-lifetime journey trekking through the forested slopes of Rwanda’s Virungas Volcanoes in search of the world’s largest population of wild mountain gorillas.

Immersed in this dramatic natural setting, you will have the incredible opportunity to savour every second quietly observing intriguing interactions between gorilla family groups in this world-renowned national park.

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On our WILDwatch platform , you can learn all about this much-beloved species and see the incredible things our guides and guests have experienced on their wild journeys in East Africa. It is the place where memories live on and a passion for wildlife is nurtured.

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Co-founders and editors of African magazine Anja Hanke and Jelena Moro talk about all things conservation and describe their experiences trekking gorillas in Rwanda. Find out about the threats to the survival of mountain gorillas, hear what is being done to ensure their survival and come along as Anja and Jelena describe their gorilla trekking adventure.

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Gorilla Tours to Rwanda, Uganda & Congo

1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour

The 1 day Rwanda gorilla tour is suitable for visitors who are on a short safari but at the same time are interested in trekking the endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda. The tour is best done when a visitor spends a night in Rwanda before the day of trekking. The exercise starts very early in the morning, kicking off with briefing at the park headquarters. You will leave your hotel in Kigali at 4:30 am, for a 2-hour picturesque drive to Volcanoes National Park in the northwest of Rwanda. On arrival, you will have your breakfast before proceeding to the park headquarters at Kinigi for the briefing by the park warden.

Trekking mountain gorillas on a 1 Day Rwanda gorilla tour

At 8:30am the tour guide will transfer you to the starting point of the gorilla trek. The gorilla groups are allocated to the guests for tracking at random except when there are some exceptional factors to consider like age. Usually trackers who are advanced in age are allocated a gorilla family considered to be not far away from the starting point. However, our experienced guides have over time mastered the movement of the gorillas as well as having a good relationship with the park wardens. They normally talk to them before time and express the clients' interests and ability to forge a way for a successful gorilla trekking encounter.

The trek may last from 1-6 hours depending on the movement of gorillas. Travellers are advised to disclose their trekking abilities to park wardens and guides so they can be allocated the suitable gorilla family. However, be rest assured that you are guaranteed to meet a gorilla family in the park on your 1 day Rwanda gorilla tour at all costs. 

What to expect on your 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour

10 gorilla families have been habituated in Volcanoes park and are visited by trekkers everyday. These are Hirwa, Agashya, Umubano, Susa A, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Kwitonda, Amahoro and Titus gorilla family. Each gorilla family is visited by a group of eight people everyday. Visitors are permitted to spend one hour in the presence of gorillas according to gorilla trekking guidelines . 

What else to do and see in Volcanoes national park

Besides gorilla trekking, visitors can enjoy a variety of other experiences in Volcanoes national park. These include bird watching, golden monkey trekking, nature walks, community tours, volcano hiking (Mt Karisimbi & Bisoke) as well as hiking to Dian Fossey tomb. Trekkers can also make a brief tour to Musanze caves. 

On return, your driver will transfer you back to Kigali for drop off at your hotel or at the airport for a scheduled flight back home. Inquire

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3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari

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Gorilla tours in uganda, rwanda & congo trekking with gorilla holidays.

Are you looking to experience Gorilla trekking tours in Uganda & Rwanda? - We offer great journeys to the “Gorilla kingdom”, the home of mountain Gorillas in Africa for an intimate experience with the giant, yet so humble primates. Trekking or Gorilla tracking, it really does not matter what you call it but getting up close and personal with the Mountain Gorillas - standing just 6 meters away from its might, is just an awe moment. Gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo is a bucket list adventure and one that lasts a lifetime for many that have experienced it. Mountain Gorillas are highly endangered species; endangered due to habitat loss, diseases, and poaching for different reasons. Previously, it was estimated that only 880 gorillas existed in the entire world.

These numbers have gradually increased from the most recent Gorilla census in 2018 and the world Mountain Gorilla population now stands at a litle over 1,063 members of which, 459 are found in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. These great apes are found in the Virunga mountain ranges shared among Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC (Congo) as well as Uganda's Bwindi impenetrable forest national park which is known to possess more than half of the entire world's population of mountain Gorillas, making it a prime destination for Uganda Gorilla Tours and Gorilla trekking safaris alike

Gorilla Trekking Safaris & Tours in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo

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11 days classic uganda safari, gorilla trekking uganda vs rwanda vs congo.

There is a bit of a debate about where to go for Gorilla trekking and many ask whether to go trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. What isn't debatable however is the clear fact that mountain Gorillas are only found in the Virunga mountains - shared between Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo and comprised of Mgahinga National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park as well as Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park which is famously known to possess more than half of the entire world's mountain Gorilla population.

The decision of where to go trekking with these peaceful giants in their natural habitat comes down to a number of factors including time, budget, and supporting logistics. Rwanda Gorilla trekking is considered to be easier because the gorillas are usually seen after just a few hours of trekking but the altitude is higher so you still need to be relatively fit and considering that Volcanoes is a mountainous park, it is ascending from the start. The terrain and clearing however is more open which allows for better gorilla watching and photography when you find them.

Mgahinga National Park on the Ugandan side of the mountain has only one habituated gorilla family that visitors can see - the Nyakagezi group and thus not many people prefer it. Uganda Gorilla trekking primarily takes place at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park with up to 20 habituated gorilla families to date. Being a dense tropical rainforest, it can rain at any time in Bwindi even in the dry months and there are no trails so the trek can be more challenging and when the gorillas are feeding in the bushy areas, it might be a bit difficult to take clear pictures and your gorilla watching experience might be slightly impacted.

Gorilla trekking in Congo takes place at Virunga National Park which is Africa's oldest national park with unmatched biodiversity but safety is a challenge because of the recent and constant instabilities in Eastern Congo which scares away many tourists. Congo Gorilla trekking is usually combined with a visit to Mt. Nyiragongo - an active Volcano with the world's largest lava lake. Trekking in Congo and visiting Nyiragongo is a massive, overwhelming experience but safety is still a big concern and the activities are usually on and off because there are many uncertainties which makes planning a trip to Congo difficult - but we always do our best to advise and help you plan.

Logistically, Rwanda is a clean and safe country with high-end facilities and a good road network so it mainly targets high-end tourists because a Gorilla permit costs $1,500 compared to $800 in Uganda and $400 for Congo. When it comes down to price, Uganda is an absolute winner because the country is safe with diverse, moderately priced facilities and a good road network but the distances between points are longer so you spend more time in the vehicle.

Because of the instability in Congo, the challenges are many and it is very advisable to stay in Gisenyi on the Rwandan side of the border and only crossover to take part in the activities. Mountain gorilla trekking is an incredible, life-changing experience so it will really not matter much where you do it; you will still be contributing to their survival and you will live with the experience your entire life! Let us help you plan.

Best Time of year; when to go Gorilla trekking?

Having made a choice of where to go for Gorilla trekking in Africa, this is probably the first thing that comes to mind when planning the next steps. Thanks to its pleasant temperatures, Uganda is a year-round destination - same for Rwanda and Congo. But, of course, peak and low seasons can make a world of a difference when taking crowds and budget into consideration. Generally speaking, December/January through to February, and from June through to mid-September are peak tourist seasons thanks to the drier climate. However, if you're looking to go on a budget safari, then consider traveling during the wetter time of the year. The most rain falls in October-November and April-May, and you might see quite a drop in the cost of going on a safari in Uganda and Rwanda, but this doesn't mean that you won't be able to enjoy it. Low season means fewer crowds and more wildlife viewing.

At Gorilla Holidays Uganda, it is our ultimate pleasure to welcome you to Africa and assist you to achieve your dream Gorilla safari in Uganda, Rwanda Gorilla trekking, or Gorilla tours in Congo. A visit to the gentle giants in each of these places is an adventure of a lifetime and goes a long way in ensuring their survival. The money you pay for the Gorilla permit goes into their conservation and having the locals as porters and selling their produce to the Safari lodges and tourists uplifts their livelihoods and motivates them to protect the gorillas instead of poaching. We offer 3 Day Gorilla Safaris to Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo as well as combined Gorilla tours including game parks for wildlife tours, walking safaris, cultural tours, and adventure trips.

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Gorilla Trekking Uganda, Rwanda & Congo Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1: What is Mountain Gorilla trekking? Gorilla trekking is a 2-6 hour hiking experience in pursuit of habituated mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Distinguished for being the biggest primate species on earth, it is a subspecies of the eastern gorilla. Mountain gorillas and humans share 98% common DNA.

They live in groups/families, each with 4-32 members on average. As an adaption to their habitats where temperatures drop below freezing, mountain gorillas have thicker fur compared to other great apes. Today, there are less than 1,300 left on Earth. This follows a series of threats that have shrunk their populations immensely over the years; especially hunting, decades of wars, diseases, and habitat destruction.

2: Where do mountain gorillas live? These gentle giants are found in only four tropical rainforests in the whole world, all of which are at an elevation of 8,000 to 13,000 feet above sea level. Three of these are found in the Great Virunga Massifs, a range of extinct volcanoes that lie at the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda respectively. These are Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and Virunga National Park respectively. The remaining live in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a 331 km2 jungle located on the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley in South Western Uganda.

3: What is the cost of gorilla trekking? While gorilla trekking in Uganda costs $800 for foreign non-residents and $700 for foreign residents, in Rwanda it is $1,500 for foreign non-residents and $500 for African residents. The pricing of these gorilla permits is largely influenced by the fact that Rwanda primarily targets upmarket clients and thus positions itself as a premium destination.

This in turn necessitates using a rate that is more appealing to this segment. Please note that the mentioned rates of permits in Uganda and Rwanda are particularly for gorilla permits, park entry, conservation fees, and ranger guides. The total cost of the adventure further depends on the type of accommodation, transportation mode, and additional activities of interest. Though gorilla tracking in Congo is much cheaper, going for $400, very few tourists visit it due to the political insecurity in the country. Please note that all activities in Virunga and Nyiragongo are still indefinitely suspended and you can only visit the Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

4: How easy or difficult is gorilla trekking? Gorilla trekking unfolds in high-altitude montane parks where landscapes slightly vary, therefore offering fairly different experiences. While some parts of the climb have rugged terrains, others have relatively gentler terrain.

In some parts, the trails are en-route marshy/boggy stretches, while in others it is en-route thick bushes that have to be cleared to make a way through. Long story short, just as there are easy options for people who wish to have a laid-back hustle-free experience, there are also options for those who wish to have a tough climbing challenge.

Our team of passionate travel consultants is more than happy to help you with further planning accordingly. Should you require caretakers who can give you extra support while in the forest, there are lots of porters for hire at the starting point of the activity. For a fee of $15-20, they will carry your day-pack and assist you in difficult areas throughout the day.

5: When should one book Uganda and Rwanda gorilla permits? Due to the overwhelming demand that both Uganda and Rwanda are currently getting for gorilla permits, it is advisable to book them in advance, at least two months before the trekking date. The gorilla permits are very competitive especially in the high season June to September and December to February, the background to this being that only 96 visitors can visit the gorillas in Volcanoes per day, and only 176 can visit the ones in Bwindi and Mgahinga.

Lifetime Gorilla Tour Experiences!

Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo offer the most convenient, budget and luxury gorilla trekking experiences. Mountain gorillas are found in Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Virunga National Park. Want to vist gorillas in Africa? Send us an inquiry below.

How to See Silverback Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda

Use these tips and list of recommended tour operators to plan a trip to see the famed silverback gorillas in uganda or rwanda..

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There are only about 1,000 mountain gorillas, like this one, left in the wild.

Photo by Shutterstock

If you talk to someone who has been fortunate enough to visit the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda, you’ll be treated to an enthusiastic, if not rhapsodical, explainer on why the experience is both magical and moving.

To be sure, trekking through emerald rain forests searching for one of humankind’s closest relatives is nothing short of spectacular. It’s also rare.

Today, only about 1,000 mountain gorillas are left, making the species critically endangered. The sole way to see them ( there are none in zoos ) is by trekking in certain East African national parks (Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda). That trek also needs to be with a certified guide for your protection and the protection of the gorillas. From costs and permits to tour providers who can organize it all, here is how to plan a gorilla trekking trip.

How much does it cost?

The price for a full tour, including permits, guides, lodging, and additional add-ons can vary wildly, but expect to spend per person around $1,000 on the low end and $15,000 on the high end for a gorilla trek. Prices can vary depending on if which country you’re trekking in—permits are $700 per person in Uganda but $1,500 per person in Rwanda—your accommodation type, the tour provider you select, and whether there are other excursions planned for the tour (like additional treks or safaris).

The permit price helps the countries with protection and conservation efforts—particularly important, considering the mountain gorillas are critically endangered. Generally speaking, 15 percent of the money collected from gorilla permits goes to the government, 10 percent to the local communities, and 75 percent to gorilla conservation.

Most operators include the price of the permit in the overall tour, but be sure to double-check with your company. At the very least, your tour should include lodging and meals.

What is likely not included is the tip for the guide and the porter (should you choose to use one). For guides, $25 per traveler is recommended. For porters (someone who carries your backpack and helps provide an extra hand when crossing trickier parts of the forest, like going up muddy hills or over large fallen trees), the going rate is a minimum of $15. Even if you’re fit and aren’t carrying much, most guiding companies recommend getting a porter. Although $15 may not seem like much to you, the sum is hugely important to them. It also helps the locals benefit from ecotourism, which in turn shows them the value of protecting the gorillas. Some of the porters are actually former poachers who have come to realize that there’s greater value in conservation.

Sometimes trekkers will follow gorillas as they move through the forest and other times, they can sit and watch them relax.

Photo by Bailey Berg

When is the best time to see the gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda?

While it can be argued that there is no bad time to come face-to-face with these incredible animals, certain months are better than others—specifically during the dry seasons of December through February and June through August. Heavy rains throughout the rest of the year can make trekking trails, which can have steep slopes, muddy and slippery. Those are not ideal conditions for an all-day outdoor excursion. That being said, it’s easier to get permits during the low season.

If you’re planning to travel during peak season (June–August), it’s good to book as far in advance as possible, as there are only eight permits permitted each day for each habituated gorilla family (meaning they’re used to seeing humans). There are a total of 104 daily permits in Uganda and 80 in Rwanda.

How long are gorilla treks?

No two gorilla treks are the same. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 hours to find a family in the rain forest, and once there, visitors are allowed one hour with the gorillas.

What is the difference between gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda?

While both Rwanda and Uganda offer fabulous gorilla treks, there are a few small differences to consider when deciding which country to visit.

One of the big draws of going to Rwanda is how close Volcanoes National Park is to Kigali International Airport—it’s about a two-hour drive. If you’re short on time, it may be the better option. In Uganda, it’s about nine hours from Entebbe International Airport to either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It is also possible to fly into Kigali and cross the border by land into Uganda—Mgahinga National Park is just on the other side of the border, about four hours away.

Gorilla families

In Rwanda, you can only see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, where there are currently 10 habituated gorilla families , ranging from 11 to 33 members. The gorillas here are the descendents of those Dian Fossey first studied (specifically the Susa family, which is also the largest group and one of the hardest to track). In Uganda, it’s possible to see gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where there are 12 families ranging from 9 to 26 members, and Mgahinga National Park, where there is only one family of nine gorillas (though it does have the highest percentage of silverbacks per family, with four). Because there are more families in Bwindi, it’s usually easier to get permits for there.

Trekking and difficulty

As for the actual trekking, Rwanda is considered less steep and slippery than in Uganda, but it is at a higher elevation, which can be challenging.

Additional experiences

As of February 2022, guests can visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund before or after their trek to get a better understanding of the great apes. The campus includes three main buildings—a research center, education center, and a gallery where visitors can learn about the gorillas and Dian Fossey—plus housing for 30 visiting students and researchers.

What to expect on a gorilla trek

Even if you’re trekking during the dry season, remember that it is a rain forest and there’s still a possibility of a downpour. Expect the trails to be fairly muddy. It’s a good idea to wear hiking boots with ankle support and knee-high gaiters or rainboots (the latter is what all the guides wear) to keep your socks dry and your feet more or less blister free. Also be sure to pack a raincoat.

On the day of your gorilla trek, you and everyone else with a permit will meet at a staging area. Here you’ll be put into groups and assigned a family to trek to. If you have mobility issues, now is the time to let the guides know—they typically try to appoint the most fit with the gorilla families that are the most challenging to reach, while those who may need to move at a slower pace are assigned to families easier to find. This is also when you’ll be briefed on safety measures.

From here you’ll go to the park entrance, where you’ll be able to hire a porter.

Trekking for gorillas often means hours of hiking through dense forest on steep, narrow paths, always behind your guide. Earlier in the day, groups of trackers set out to find the various families. During your trek, the guide will be in constant communication with the trackers to assess where they gorillas may be heading and determine the best spot to try to meet them.

Once your group finds your gorilla family, you have one hour to spend with them. During that time, you may observe them looking for and eating food, playing, sleeping, or grooming each other. While the gorillas are gentle, it’s important to keep a safe distance and follow the instructions of your guide. You’re allowed to take as many photos as you wish, as long as you don’t use flash. We recommend setting your camera aside for at least part of the encounter—this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that goes by all too fast, so try to be present. After your hour is up, you’ll hike back out.

A gorilla photographed munching on vegetation during a trek.

Best gorilla trekking tours

Here are a few companies we recommend if you’re considering booking a trip.

Volcanoes Safaris

Departure dates year-round from $3,975. [email protected], volcanoessafaris.com .

For 25 years, Volcanoes Safaris has led great ape (mountain gorilla and chimpanzee) ecotours from four of its lodges in Rwanda and Uganda. It’s something the company is passionate about—one of its properties, Virunga Lodge in Rwanda , even has a permanent exhibition honoring the primatologist Dian Fossey.

Guests can opt to participate in a four-day trip that focuses on one park and one lodge, or they can do a 6-, 7-, 8-, or 10-day circuit of Volcanoes Safaris lodges to see multiple parks and primate families.

Cox & Kings

Departures are year-round from £5,650 (US$7,086). coxandkings.co.uk .

While the mountain gorillas may be the marquee animal, they’re not the only wildlife encounter you’ll have on Cox & Kings’ nine-night “ Primates of Uganda” safari.

Beyond doing a one-day trek to commune with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, guests also can see monkeys and chimpanzees at Kibale National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park (as well as forest elephants, tree-climbing lions, gazelles, hippos, and buffalo). Clients can opt to do a private tour or join a group.

G Adventures

Departures are offered from June to March (no departures in April and May), starting from $4,479. gadventures.com .

Combining some of the most iconic experiences in East Africa, G Adventures’ 12-day Masai Mara & Gorilla Adventure starts with a safari drive in the famous Masai Mara National Reserve to look for the Big Five. From there, it’s off to Kibale National Park for chimps and then Queen Elizabeth National Park to spot primates, warthogs, elephants, and more. The tour wraps with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Intrepid Travel

Regular departures June–October, plus select dates in February and April. Prices from $3,922. Intrepidtravel.com .

Intrepid’s six-day Premium Uganda & Rwanda has the Goldilocks seal of approval for those who want something that’s not too short and not too long. And, unlike many other tours, guests have the option to add a second day of trekking to see another gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Intrepid also offers longer tours that incorporate time with the mountain gorillas, including Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda (9 days), Premium Uganda, Rwanda & Kenya (13 days), and Gorillas & East Africa Safari (18 days), among others.

Departures year-round, starting at $2,950. go2africa.com .

This Africa-based tour operator offers everything from 5-day hikes that focus on the mountain gorillas of one park to epic 15-day journeys that combine some of East Africa’s most dizzying wildlife experiences (like gorilla trekking, viewing the Great Wildebeest Migration, and scanning the horizon for Africa’s Big Five at Ngorongoro Crater).

Go2Africa has also partnered with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to develop four new experiences aimed at giving travelers a richer, more immersive gorilla trekking encounter. The experiences include getting a behind-the-scenes tour of the facilities, trekking with a researcher, getting a private master class on gorilla conservation, and picking the brains of Fossey Fund staff during a private cocktail hour. They are booked by Go2Africa and the funds go back to the Fund as donations to support children’s outreach programs.

Extraordinary Journeys

Customized departures are available year-round. Prices vary. 212-226-7331, extraordinaryjourneys.com .

Safari specialists at this luxury travel company can craft unique itineraries for those who would prefer to only travel with friends and family. They are able to build itineraries in Rwanda or Uganda (or both), as well as other African nations like Botswana, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, and beyond.

Abercrombie & Kent

Departures for small group tours available from August through October (private tours offered year-round), prices starting at $10,995. abercrombiekent.com .

This luxury tour operator’s Uganda: Gorillas and Beyond 2022 tour starts with a cruise up the Nile River to look for water birds, hippos, and crocodiles. From there, it’s off to Kibale National Park to spend time with its famous chimpanzees, followed by two days of game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where Uganda kobs, Cape buffalo, elephants, and lions make frequent appearances in camera viewfinders. Finally, to cap off the extraordinary 11-day trip: trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Abercrombie & Kent also offers the option to have private, customized itineraries for clients who would prefer not to travel with others.

National Geographic Expeditions

Departures in February, June, August, September, and December in 2023. Rates for a double occupancy room are $16,495. nationalgeographic.com .

National Geographic Expeditions is known for featuring truly immersive experiences, and its Great Apes of Uganda and Rwanda is no exception. Over the course of 11 days, guests will travel with National Geographic–funded primatologist to see gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys, as well as meet the scientists at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

>>Next: These Visionaries Are Helping to Protect the Planet for Tomorrow’s Travelers

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda, Bwindi Forest, Gorilla Safari Tours

Updated  3rd May 2024

A Gorilla Trek is a highlight of all visits done in Uganda and Rwanda and certainly mountain gorillas are the major reason as to why very many people visit these 2 destinations. Find information about gorilla trekking holidays to see gorillas in the wild, how to acquire a permit, as well as tour companies arranging such treks. Gorilla trekking is defined as a hike to the tropical forests of Africa to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

BREAKING NEWS: UGANDA GORILLA PERMIT COSTS $800 FROM JULY 1ST 2024

When to go to see the mountain gorillas in africa.

Gorilla trekking can be conducted all year around in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. The best time to go gorilla trekking in during the months of June, July, August, September and December. This is because there are less rains and the parks are drier, making it simple to hike and see the gorillas .In Bwindi the average temperature throughout the year is 11°C/52°F in the morning and 23°C/73°F in the afternoon.

• January and February: Low season offering less huge crowds. Very little or on rain.
• March, April and May: Its rains a lot during these months. Most challenging during the trek, the slopes are slippery.
• June, July & August: Peak season, its important to buy your permits early since they run out. Best time for gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda.

Best Gorilla Tour Companies in Uganda

1. Insight Safari Holidays 2. Wild Whispers Africa 3. Kori Safaris There are so many gorilla safari tour operators in Uganda and Rwanda. How to choose a tour company will depend on various factors including price, availability of gorilla permits, online reviews and recommendations on various websites.

Where To Stay ?

Choosing the best safari lodge or accommodation will depend on how much you can afford. Some lodges charge as high as, $2500 while the budget ones can pocket as low as $ 50 for a double room. Its all about the facilities, location, food, services and so much more.

Average Cost of Hotels & Lodges in Uganda

• $50 to 100 for budget accommodation
• $150 to $200 for mid range
• Luxury from $300 to $2500 per night.
• book close to the tracking point, ask your tour operator.

Best 5 Gorilla Safari Lodges in Uganda

• Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, from $760
• Gorilla Height Lodge from $ 700
• Mahogany Springs from $ 240
• Gorilla Safari Lodge from $ 233
• Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge from $ 173 See our list of safari lodges here >>

How much does a Gorilla Safari Cost in 2024?

1 day gorilla trekking uganda costs about $1100, 2 days gorilla safari costs about $ 1280, 3 day gorilla tour costs about $ 1450.

Of course, various tour operators will give you quotes, roughly the cheapest gorilla safari should have a price of about $ 1100 of course depending on the number of people. The super luxury should be cost you between $ 4000 to $ 6000 per person. Based on reviews of most gorilla tour operators in Uganda, most tourists prefer the mid-range, not so budget, but affordable.  Booking your safari during the low season should get those costs lowered! In Case you are not interested in Uganda , Click here for Rwanda Gorilla Trekking or Congo Gorilla safaris , otherwise, proceed with the rest of the article.

You may wonder why a gorilla trekking safari is expensive and whether it is worth the money. Here is the breakdown. A Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $ 800 and 75% of the money raised is to conserve the gorilla surviving population. The government pockets 15% while 10% is meant for the local communities around the parks. As you purchase the  Uganda gorilla permit , note that the cost includes park entrance fees, gorilla watching for an hour, advance trackers and ranger fees.

Other Trekking Costs To Consider

Cost Of Food Food and Drinks about $50 per day. Most Tour Operators include meals and soft drinks.

Transport Costs Air ticket from your country should cost $ 500 to $ 2400. Chartered flights from airport to close to gorilla trekking points, $ 600. Hiring a car should cost you about $80 per day.

Cost of Items For Packing insect repellents, sunscreen and more.

Visa and Border Crossing East African tourist visa costs $100, which can take you on safaris in Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda.

Cost of Porters $ 20 dollars, and  $500 to hire a Sedan chair for porters to carry you.

Tips On Cutting Costs

• Do not travel alone.
• Stay in best budget lodges.
• Choose Uganda over Rwanda.
• Avoid public transport buses do not leave on time.
• Avoid chartered flights.
• Book Your gorilla tour during low season.

 Where Can I See Gorillas in Africa?

You can see gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. However, note that gorillas are mainly divided into the mountain and the lowland with a couple of other sub-species in that. We suggest Rwanda, Uganda for views of the mountain gorillas and the Republic of Congo for the lowland gorillas. It is also possible to find mountain gorillas within the DR of Congo however due to the instabilities within the country, it has been challenging in some areas.

Some tourists think that you can find gorillas even where you opt for safaris in Tanzania ! This is wrong. However Tanzania and Kenya can be a great addition to your safari tour especially during the great wildebeest migration where herds of animals cross the Mara river into the Serengeti plains! On google, you find searches as Kenya gorilla trekking. There are no gorillas in Tanzania, Kenya or South Africa. These are multi destination safaris which we always encourage you to visit especially in East Africa.

Generally, the lowland gorillas are smaller and have brownish-gray far coats and a distinct brow ridge, whereas the mountain gorillas are larger with darker black coats. The Mountain gorillas are the most uncommon primates in the entire world with less than 800 surviving in the African wilderness. on the contrary there are more than 100,000 lowland gorillas just in the Republic of Congo.

Where to Go For Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda has 2 sections for gorilla safaris namely, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In total there are 18 gorilla groups or families and you can only track only one group a day.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has 17 gorilla group making it the best place or park where you can see the gorillas in the wild. Bwindi tours gives you access to  90 mammal species, 11 primates including the black and white colobus monkey.

Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Groups

• Ruhija Trek : with gorilla families, Mukiza, Oruzogo, Bitukura and Kyaguliro
• Buhoma Trek : Habinyanja, Katwe, Mubare, Rushegura
• Nkuringo Trek : Christmas, Nkuringo, Bushaho
• Rushaga Trek : Kutu, Bikingi, Mishaya, Bushigye, Kahungye, Rwigi, Bweza, Nshongi, Mucunguzi

Mgahinga Gorilla Family In Mgahinga Park, you can track the Nyakagezi group which is surrounded by the Slopes of Virunga Volcanoes, Mt. Muhavura(4,127m) Mt Gahinga (3474m) Mt. Sabinyo(3645m).

Luxury Gorilla Trekking Safari

The most luxurious gorilla tours are done in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. While a gorilla permit costs $ 1500 per person, a 9 day luxury Rwanda safari costs over $ 15,000 when you sleep in luxury lodges like Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge in Rwanda. In Uganda, Clouds Lodge, Mahogany Springs and Gorilla Forest Camp take the crown.

Budget Gorilla Tours in Africa

The cheapest gorilla permit costs $450 in Congo and $ 800 in Uganda. Budget accommodation in Bwindi National Park for Uganda gorilla tours costs from $100 per night. Choose between Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge and Buhoma Community Rest Camp. In Rwanda, hotel Muhabura is the most affordable.

What Country Provides the Best Option for Seeing The Mountain Gorillas ?  Comparing Uganda vs Rwanda

This is quite a tricky question since they are all mountain gorillas living in the forests! Almost same environment. Comparing Uganda to Rwanda is not a good idea since Uganda has more wildlife than Rwanda. Besides the mountain gorillas, you can visit Murchison Falls, or see other primates in Kibale Forest National Park. If its about the cost, please note that, Gorilla permits within Rwanda were recently increased up to $1500 per individual and then in Uganda they go each for USD 800.

The permit offers you one hour with the mountain gorillas in a group of 8 people. In case you are threatened by the price look at it in this point of view that you are contributing to the conservation of mountain gorillas and as a form of thank you, you will be rewarded with an hour in the midst observing and enjoying their company.

Keep in mind that just 80 people are allowed to see the gorillas in their natural habitat each day. Because their habitat is very fragile, every time you walk in this forest you leave a footprint. Conclusion, Uganda is the best place to see gorillas.

Packing List For Gorilla Tours in Africa

• Waterproof hiking boots.
• Insect repellents.
• Light weight rain jacket.
• Binoculars,
• Bottled water
• Boots: hiking boots,
• Gloves, old pair of gardening gloves
• Long pants or trousers
• Energy snacks.

How Difficult is Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla Trekking has a numerical rating of 50 to 100 Difficult Rating: Moderate Hike

There are many factors that influence the  gorilla trekking difficulty  and the commonest is your physical fitness. Others include weather conditions and your pack weight. It is possible to ask for a gorilla group that will march your fitness levels. A porter is important, Gorilla Trekking is not very hard, some people in their 60’s and 70’s have done it.

So how strenuous is the hike? To begin with 60% of Bwindi Impenetrable National park has an elevation of over 6,600ft. Elevation of the entire park is from 3,904 to 8,553 ft. It has steep slopes in some areas. The experience takes between 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorilla family.

Gorilla Tracking Rules For Post Covid Visitors

With these apes sharing 98% of our genes, its possible that gorillas can get corona virus. Gorillas can catch flu and other airborne diseases making Covid 19 a big threat to the survival of the gorillas.

• Observe a distance of 7 meters away from the gorillas.
• Age limit of 15 years or more stands.
• You are allowed only 1 hour to see the gorillas
• Wearing of masks is important
• Avoid sneezing.
• Sanitize and observe other SOP guidelines.

What To Expect on A Gorilla Safari

On the day of your trek, expect to leave your comfortable bed early enough, am move to the briefing point by 7:30am. After briefing, tourists will be allocated different tracking routes, each 8 tourists. Head to the forest accompanied by guides and rangers as you begin you search for gorillas.

In the forest, you may see monkey species, butterfly species, mammals and so much more. Sometimes the forest is challenging and a good level of fitness will be required. At the end of the day, expect to be muddy and sweaty.

Once you see the gorillas, its okay to take photos with your camera or iPhone but avoid flash or else the gorillas might charge. You will spend between 40 minutes and 1 hour in company of these gentle giants. It will be such a life changing experience. After the trek, head back to you accommodation or opt for a cultural village experience of the Batwa pygmies.

How About The Gorilla Habituation Experience?

Gorilla habituation is the training of wild gorillas to get used to humankind. Gorillas are trained by researchers and park rangers for a period of 3 years. Its during the training that that you can join the group of researchers and park rangers. Only 4 visitors are allowed. This makes it special. The cost of gorilla habituation is $1500 per person per day. The most exciting reality about this experience is that you actively engage in the  gorilla habituation !

How To Get A Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda

Within Uganda, Gorilla trekking is conducted in Bwindi  Impenetrable National Park or in Mgahinga National Park. But because of the inconsistency of gorillas in Mgahinga, majority of the sold permits are for Bwindi NP. In Uganda, every gorilla permit goes for US $ 700. In the past years, April, May and November used to cost US $ 450.Please note that these offers no longer exist. On a single day, nearly 72 people travel into Bwindi to see gorillas and only 8 people are allowed to see  a gorilla family. We strongly encourage you to book your gorilla permit with a safari agent, the most prominent mistake is to book a gorilla family which is far away from your choice of accommodation! The routes to Bwindi and its various regions are often tricky; this is a remote area. If you would like to do the gorilla trek on your own so as to save costs, you might end up incurring more. Safari guides have been trained to help you with this.

Gorilla Safaris Permit Price

• Uganda gorilla permit costs $ 700 (1 Hour with the gorillas)
• Uganda Gorilla Habituation Permit Costs $1500 ( A full Day Experience)
• Rwanda gorilla permit Costs $ 1500
• Congo Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs $ 400
• East African Citizen ,pay 250,000 shillings for the permit

Several travelers intending to trek gorillas have found this process  tiring and they have opted to the quicker less tiring option of reserving their trekking permits through a local Uganda safari operator. These tour operators normally add an extra fee of US$60 to US$100 for each permit. These gorilla tour companies won’t charge you for purchasing a gorilla permit in case you are going to use their other tour services such as transfers however if you simply want only a permit from them then they will put an extra charge of up to US$100 per gorilla permit they book, since they need to make calls, pick the permit, from Uganda Wildlife Authority and deliver it to you and other administrative costs.

The process is more like the above, although the tour agencies normally speed up the reservation so you will be able to confirm your gorilla permit faster.

• You inform them of the dates for your tour to Uganda and specify the date for trekking the gorillas
• They will inform you if your preferred dates are available for trekking and also temporarily book them.
• They will send you our bank details so that  you can transfer the money for the gorilla permits or even pay by credit card.
• They will send you an acknowledgement email for the money transfer. Please remember to instruct your bank to deduct the bank charges for the transaction from your account. they don’t ask for any extra money for the gorilla permit if you are reserving the rest of your tour through them. Any additional costs will be for services like telephony and transport that will be incurred when acquiring the permit.
• You will send a copy of your passport availing the details which will be used to register for your permit. Normally they need just your full names, nationality and the passport number
• Your names will be registered and then we acquire the gorilla permit. On receiving the payment they will buy the gorilla permit but then having this permit doesn’t 100% guarantee you seeing the gorillas although chances of seeing them are about 98%

Important to note is that tour operators in Uganda through their joint organization of AUTO normally buy as much as 80% of the permits for a time of up to two years to the intended date of trekking the gorillas. Each of the member agencies can buy as many as 20 permits in a single month. However individuals as well as those not under the AUTO umbrella can buy at most two gorilla permits every month three months before the intended month of the gorilla trekking when the reservations open on the very-first working days from Monday to Friday of that month. Permits that aren’t sold on opening of the booking days are resold the next day without any limit put on the number of permits sold by a single operator or even individual person.

Other Primate Safaris In Africa

Besides the mountain gorillas, you can track the Chimpanzee in Kibale Forest National Park or the golden monkey in Chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and a number of other monkey species in Uganda. After your gorilla safari, you can visit the tree climbing lions of Ishasha, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and PianUpe Reserve for the very best of wildlife safaris in Uganda.

Kibale Forest National Park Chimpanzee Tracking

Queen Elizabeth National Park Wildlife Safari & Chimpanzee Trek

Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Safari

Golden Monkey Tracking in Africa

 What To Wear ?  Choosing the right Clothing

Gorilla Trekking gear guide, Good quality walking boots if trying any hikes or even climbs, warm layers of cloth for the cold evenings and clothing for wet weather remember it becomes cold and wet at this high altitude. A light weight jacket is a must. Gloves, long sleeved shirts, trousers, Knee high hiking gaiters are important. You need to find the best hiking boots for gorilla trekking. More on Safari clothing wear on an African safari as well as the best camera and binoculars to use on an African safari.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking, How do Gorillas look like ?

Usually The Males are two times the size of the females, they may grow to 6 ft tall and even weigh 350 -500 pounds.  These are strong, with long arms and muscular.  The males are referred to as the silverback because as they mature the hair on their back turns somewhat silver, hence the name Silverbacks.  The strength of the males is ten times stronger compared to the strongest boxer, even taking ste roids.  The arms of silverbacks can stretch to 7 feet.

Mountain Gorillas possess longer plus darker hair compared to their lowland counterparts because they stay in colder climates and higher altitudes.  Their life span is between 40 and 50 years. The mountain gorillas mainly stay on the ground although they will climb a tree occasionally given that it can support them, however just like children, their young play in the trees. A fascinating fact is that Gorillas plus Humans are share 98% of their genetic composition.

The majority of Gorillas which you may have seen in a zoo are the lowlands gorillas of western Africa, and the mountain gorillas are actually a subspecies known as Gorilla beringei beringei.    These can only be found  in the wilderness of the Virunga highlands of Rwanda within Volcano Park. Visit Rwanda , Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as well as Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and the Virunga National Park found in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These parks are found only 48 km from each other.  Within Uganda as well as Rwanda these parks can be accessed easily, while in the Democratic Republic of Congo due to the rebel activities that happened, there was a probable threat to the lives of visitors.

There are more than seven hundred and eighty six mountain gorillas in the whole world.  Uganda hold close to half of their total population, and the majority of them live in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, whereas the others are found in Mgahinga Gorilla Park, however these at times cross over to Rwanda.  Fortunately the Gorillas are growing in numbers because of the protection they are offered from the government of Uganda which also included efforts of the adjacent communities to the parks to whom part of the USD 600 fee of Gorilla tracking permits charged from foreign visitors to Mgahinga as well as Bwindi is offered.

How Do Mountain Gorillas Feed ?

Uganda has two places where these Mountain Gorillas may be seen, one is Mgahinga Gorilla Park; a stunning park and a component of the Virunga chain of towering volcanoes that extend into the DRC and Rwanda, and then in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest supports the hugest Population of Mountain Gorilla.  It is a ancient forest also called the “Place of Darkness.”  The tree cover makes it very dark within this forest.  The forest’s altitudes are between 1,160m and 2,607m above sea level. The Bwindi plus Mgahinga each possess varying characteristics as well as similarities. The Bwindi isn’t an extinct volcanic region while the Mgahinga is.

Mgahinga Gorilla Park sits on higher altitudes and the Mountain Gorilla move up and feed on some of the afro-montane vegetation.  Typically the endangered Mountain Gorillas eat large quantities of flowers, leaves, fruit, roots, bamboo and shoots in season.  The Adults can consume up to 75 pounds each day.

The day of a Mountain Gorilla starts at 6 am up to 6pm with a snooze around lunch time.  Uganda receives Light just past 6 am and darkness falls around 7pm. These move every day to different locations where they make nests using twigs plus leaves and spend their night.  Some people have found these reasonably comfortable, just enough to actually slumber in.

Are Mountain Gorillas Dangerous Species?

Visitors into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest frequently inquire if mountain gorillas are dangerous?  Although dominant and very strong, these are gentle as well as shy, and in addition the mountain gorillas which visitors see within Uganda have been habituated.  In other words they are habituated to people, which process that takes close to 2 years.  Dian Fossey actually was against the idea of visiting mountain gorillas which is done today, however it’s the money collected that survival of this endangered species, and seen their number increase over the recent years.

While mountain gorillas are threatened they do attack so as to protect their very own.  When different Mountain Gorilla groups meet, there is a fight between the leader Silver backs to death.  Recently 2 Silver backs fought within Democratic Republic of Congo and the rangers had to intervene.

Mountain gorillas exist in groups which differ in size from 2 – 30 or 40, however commonly in groups of 10.  There is no specific mating season while babies are born through the year.  The Males begin breeding at around 15 years while the females start giving birth between 10 and 12 years.  Females can give birth after every 2 to 3 years giving birth to 4 – 6 offspring through their lifetime.  Males leave their group at about 11 years of age, while a little over half of the females will leave their group.  Mountain gorillas communicate through sounds like roars, grunts and shouts, and 25 sounds currently have been documented by researchers.

Suggested Gorilla Trekking Tour Packages

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Rwanda Gorilla Permit in 2024,Discount to $1050, Booking, Cost & Availability

How To Get To Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Uganda For Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Watching in Rwanda and Uganda

Bwindi Lodges Uganda, Bwindi Accommodation, where to stay

Best Gorilla Trekking Companies, Top 20 Tour Operators, Uganda & Rwanda

Uganda Birding in Bwindi, Birdwatching Tours in Uganda

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Mountain Gorilla Families of Uganda, The Habituated Gorilla Groups

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Cycling Tours in Uganda, Bwindi Biking Safari

What Else to do after a Gorilla Safari, Chimpanzee Trekking, Lake Bunyonyi,

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Tours in Rwanda is here to tailor-make for you personalized luxury gorilla and wildlife safaris in Rwanda, and also combined with Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. More so for travelers on business trips in Kigali can book some of our short gorilla safari excursions like 01 day gorilla trek Rwanda , 02 day Rwanda Gorilla , 03 day gorilla Rwanda , 02 day Uganda gorilla and 03 day double gorilla trek Uganda .

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Our Rwanda team has passion and extraordinary enthusiasm of offering unforgettable gorilla tours in our home. Travel with us as we are gorilla safari experts and advisors, best prices for gorilla safari excursions staying in eco – friendly safari lodges and camps.

Top Rwanda Tours in 2024 – 2025

Planning to go gorilla safaris and wildlife tours in Rwanda, we recommend visiting Volcanoes, Nyungwe and Akagera where you will experience romantic, family and friendly holidays visiting mountain gorillas, wildlife, cultural places, Lake Kivu and twin lakes at the foots of Volcanoes slopes.

03 Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour

04 Day Double Gorilla Trek

05 Day Wildlife & Gorilla Safari

05 Day Chimp & Rwanda Gorilla

07 Day Rwanda Safari Holiday

09 Day Rwanda Gorilla Holiday

30% discount (US$ 1,050) for combined trips within National Parks in Rwanda (Gorilla Trekking, Akagera and/or Nyungwe National Park) for at least 3 days during the months of November-May.

15% discount (US$ 1,275) on conference delegates who stay pre & post MICE events to see gorillas.

There are however, some new packages introduced. These include: US$ 15,000 for personalized & exclusive mountain gorilla visits for a requested targeted Gorilla family.

–  US$ 30,000 for a minimum of 3 visitors for 3 consecutive days (Behind the scenes)

Combo Tours

Encounter East African combo tours in Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and Tanzania offering gorilla and wildebeest migration in Mara – Kenya and Serengeti – Tanzania.

Visit Rwanda and experience gorilla tours and Iby’Iwacu cultural village in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and after visit Uganda

07 Day Rwanda Congo

Enjoy Rwanda Congo safari – 07 Day that will take you the Virunga chain that is Volcanoes and Virunga and experience double gorilla safari

08 Day Rwanda Kenya

Enjoy Rwanda Kenya safari visiting to most of the loved places to experience the gorilla safaris in Rwanda and then transfer to Maasai

08 Day Rwanda Tanzania

Welcome to Rwanda the land of thousand hills and famously known for gorilla trekking safaris in the volcanoes National Park

Rwanda Lodges & Exclusive Camps

We offer diverse range of experiences in Rwanda working with different type of accommodations. We tailor-make safari itineraries matching with individual tastes and interests. We work with best hotels, safari lodges and camps in Rwanda cities and safari parks.

Go Places & Rwanda Tourist Destinations

Planning to see Rwanda’s most epic and iconic destinations? Here are the most interested places to visit from national parks to the remote retreats in Rwanda villages. Whatever your travel priority is, our Rwanda safari experts will tailor-make your unforgettable holiday combing most of Rwanda’s best.

Contact our travel expert and will advise you on where to go in Rwanda. Planning to witness the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, wildlife in Rwanda – East Africa, visit the Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park respectively.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Gishwati Forest

Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village

Azizi Life Experience

Intore Dance

Flying Trips

Contact tours in rwanda.

We pride our self on being a one stop shop that is able to meet all of our client’s needs. Our goal is to arrange remarkable Safaris to Rwanda, on schedule, and on budget along with outstanding customer service.We understand that time and cost are crucial so we strive to go above and beyond our client’s expectations.

Our Contact Phone:

+256751915622

Our Contact Email:

[email protected]

Our Office Location:

Kigali, Remera - Rwanda

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