The Number 1 resource for information on Gorilla Trekking in Africa.
Welcome to Gorilla Trekking Guide, an online resource for travelers planning to take a gorilla safari in Africa. Find all the travel information you need to know about gorilla tracking in selected countries. Featured are the best places to go, how to plan and book a gorilla trek, travel ideas, travel tips and advice to help you enjoy a perfect trip.
Looking to taking a gorilla safari? We also list some of the discount gorilla safaris to Uganda, Rwanda or Congo as well as contacts for trusted and reliable gorilla trekking tour companies around the world.
At Gorilla Trekking Guide, Our aim is to provide free, independent and inspiring advice to help you prepare for an amazing gorilla watching experience in Uganda, Rwanda, DR Congo, Congo and Africa at large!
On this page, our getting started section, we have also provided summary information on the most frequently asked questions by visitors and trekkers alike, as well as provided links to detailed articles within the site where you can find more specific information.
Please feel free to use the quick links to navigate to key sections below.
Gorilla Trekking
Watching the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is one of the encounters an adventure traveler would have a wish list before he/she gets enough of travelling due its captivating experience yielded from the gorilla trekking expedition.
Are you planning to visit the mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo? Whether you want to join a scheduled gorilla safari, need help planning your own personal adventure, or wish to join one of the upcoming gorilla tours, our exclusive information will help you find you the best trip.
If you have already planned a trip to Africa, discover the information you need to plan a successful trip and travel safely for your gorilla safari. If you haven’t planned your trip to Africa, see our suggestions of different destinations to combine with your trip. If you wish to join a group, visit safari specials and then contact us to help you find the tour that is best for you.
Quicklinks
Gorilla Trekking – A brief history and overview about gorilla tourism
Where to Go Gorilla Trekking – Trails and Alternatives
When to Go – Best time to track gorillas in Rwanda
Preparing for a Gorilla Trek
- Gorilla Permits – How to Buy Gorilla Permits
- Altitude Sickness, Acclimatization and Training
- Costs of a Gorilla Safari and Tour Operators
- Travel Insurance – What Kind of Insurance is Needed for Trackers
- Packing for a Gorilla Trek – Packing List for Men, Women, Photograpers
- Books and Guides – Recommended Guidebooks & Resources
- FAQs About Gorilla Tracking
Travel Advisor
Need information on the “how to’s” of gorilla trekking? How to dress? What to expect? We hope you find the answers you need to plan a wonderful life experience. We are committed to providing quality information about gorillas, conservation and timely updates about gorilla trekking. We also provide educational information on gorillas and the latest updates and developments where gorilla trekking is carried out. We support tour operators that practice the guidelines mandated by the tourism agencies that work in conserving gorilla to ensure their safety and promote ecotourism.
Where to Go Gorilla Trekking
Many people ask about where to go Gorilla Trekking. Gorillas are only found in Africa and you can go to different countries where you can see the mountain gorillas in the wild. However not all countries that host the gorillas have developed gorilla tourism.
Gorilla tracking is one of the best adventures one can ever take on the African continent. Just inside Africa in a beautiful region of East Africa a home to huge rain jungle forests and a place for a rich rare primate species that famed to the world as the most impressive primate-“The Mountain Gorillas”. The gorilla trekking destinations provide safe gorilla experience to visitors around the world from morning briefing to the time of meeting the Silverback and its family members. The logic of tracking mountain gorillas in Africa is simple, chooses right dates, chose an agent to prepare your trip and later fly to a right international airport for your gorilla trekking encounter. Seeing gorillas isn’t as exciting as trekking them in the jungle. If your Idea is to track mountain gorillas, check out the only three countries worthy visiting just for Mountain gorilla tracking safaris.
The most popular countries for gorilla trekking are;
- Uganda – Here you can see the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park
- Rwanda – Here you can see the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
- Congo – This country has both mountain gorillas and western lowland gorillas. The mountain gorillas can be visited in Virunga National Park while the western lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega,
- Central African Republic – Home to western lowland gorillas
- Gabon –
Uganda the Pearl of Africa
One of the grand gorilla trekking destinations in Africa, this gorilla country is a home to over 400 mountain gorillas that reside in Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
Forest walks and hikes in the jungle forest are fantastic as you keep eyes out for other primates, birds, mammals, and butterflies among others. Bring your comfortable walking shoes since the time to see gorillas is estimated between 2-8 hours. Packed lunch and drinking water is another essential for every gorilla trekking safari in Uganda. While you are with the gorillas, make the best use of the 1 hour duration and take enough photos, videos as you observe the true beauty of these hug giants.
Park briefings start at 8.am so wake up early and have you breakfast in time, assemble at the park headquarters and get knowledge on how to behave with gorillas before entering the forest for the search of a particular gorilla group you have been assigned for the trek. However, Uganda offers discounted gorilla permits for the Month of April, May and November though gorilla permits cost $700 dollars per trek for all other months of the year.
DRC Congo – A Magical land of Nature
The recent history of DRC hasn’t been very amazing but the country is very safe for travel and tourism with several gorilla trekking tours going to Virunga national park each day. The beautiful magical land of nature is also a home to the most active volcanoes in the world Nyiragongo found just a few kilometers away from the gorilla forest and tourists find it easy to combine both gorilla trekking and volcanoes hiking.
However, this is another mountain gorilla trekking country in Africa offering classic wildlife encounters year round at affordable costs. Exploring the forest jungle filled with green vegetation of entangled grass and trees is something you will love and remember for a life time. The ambience itself cools you down making you feel the beauty of nature and its surrounding.
Congo gorilla permits cost $400 per trek but its discounted to $200 during low season months best time for those looking for budget gorilla trekking tours.
Rwanda the Land of Thousand Hills
Explore the great land of thousand hill in the well conserved bamboo forest of Volcanoes National Park a place to find not only mountain gorillas but also golden monkeys, birds , Diany Fosey Tomb, Iby’wachu cultural village, birds and much more.
This is considered one of the best luxury gorilla trekking destinations for those looking for exceptional wildlife encounters. The country has a private package for families that want to see mountain gorillas as a team at only $15000 for the entire family.
Under this package, you track your own gorilla family without being joined by other tourists. A list of Rwanda tourist attractions can’t be complete without Mountain gorillas being the prime attraction for the country. Be sure to grab your Rwanda gorilla permit at only $1500 per track if you want to track gorillas in exclusive Luxury.
When To Go Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking can be taken anytime of the year. Visitors hike to the gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo any time of the year. Though most visitors prefer to go gorilla trekking during the dry season, it is also possible to see the gorillas during the rainy season. The rainy seasons are March to April/May and October to November while the dry season runs from mid-December to late – February or June to late-September during the dry seasons.
When to Go for Gorilla Trekking
There are ostensibly two main seasons in East and Central Africa, homes to the mountain gorillas. These are the dry season and the Wet Season.
The dry season starts from December to March and June – September
The Wet Season starts from April – May and October & November
The most popular time to track the mountain gorillas is the time when there is low rains. Therefore the dry season is the favorite time of the year to track the gorillas. However, it should be noted that gorilla trekking can be done all yaer round. If you would like to have a personalized experience tracking during the low months gives you an edge! You will track the gorillas in groups less than 8! Remember 8 is the maximum number of tourists who are allowed to visit a habituated gorilla family! There are great reviews from some tourists who have gone gorilla trekking in ths low season months!
It is important to note that weather is unpredictable in Uganda and Rwanda. There is always a possibility of encountering rain somewhere on the trail, regardless of season. That is why you shoudl always pack the right gear – Don’t forget to carry good waterproof rain gear in your bag. Fog, particularly in the early morning, is also common in Bwindi and Virunga Mountains so it is important to move with the right clothing!
So in summary:
June – September: Dry, most popular time to trek (Busiest months June, July and August)
October – November: Wet, but quieter than the busy season and worth considering as months to trek
December – Mid March: Dry months – Great time to go gorilla trekking
Mid march – May: Wet, but quieter than the busy season and worth considering as months to trek
For detailed information on each park weather, including useful historical rainfall, temperature and wind charts see our article best time to visit section.
Quick Guide to Gorilla Trekking
The Activity
- What Is Gorilla Trekking
- How Difficult is Gorilla Trekking
- Places to Go Gorilla Trekking
- Preparing for a Gorilla Trek
- Is Gorilla Trekking Safe
- Rules & Regulations
Planner
- Gorilla Safaris & Tours
- When to go Gorilla Trekking
- How to Book a Gorilla Trek
- Gorilla Trekking Companies
- Gorilla Trekking Permits
- Planning a Gorilla Trek
Gear
- What To Wear on a Trip
- Best Lens For Photography
- Best Shoes For Gorilla Trekking
- Best Clothing For Gorilla Trekking
- Best Pants For Gorilla Trekking
- Best Camera For Gorilla Trekking
Blog
- Is Gorilla Trekking Worth It
- Comparing Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Vs Rwanda
- Is Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda Safe
- Is Gorilla Trekking Worth The Money
- Is Gorilla Trekking Safe
- Is Gorilla Trekking Safe
Gorilla Trekking Planner
How much does it cost to see gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda ?
A gorilla permit costs $ 500 in Uganda and $ 750 in Rwanda. The cheapest safari you can ever get is close to $ 1300 per person. Some tourists prefer to contact UWA or ORPTN for the permits directly but its far better if you went through a travel agent. Remember that there are different gorilla groups and in Uganda, you need to get a permit which corresponds to where you will be staying.
What Clothes to Wear ?
You are definitely going to be in a forest. This means you will need khaki clothes covering your body, and for your foot wear, you will need trekking boots, rain jacket and so much more. On your checklist or packing list of what to carry, your camera is a must, drinking water and a few snacks if possible.
Where to stay?
There are various lodges close to the National parks for all budgets, affordable, mid-range, luxury or even super luxury, it all depends on the cost and what you are likely to spend on. Gorilla Trips to Uganda and Rwanda and gorilla viewing and sightseeing tours.
Prices
How Much Is Gorilla Trekking?
In order to see the mountain gorillas, one need to book gorilla permits well in advance. The gorilla permits cost USD600 in Uganda, USD750 in Rwanda and USD 450 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Travelers can also book a fully inclusive gorilla safari offered by tour operators. Most gorilla trips range from day trips to week+ adventures.
Costs & Tour Operators
There are several tour operators offering gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Looking for a day trip or a longer safari? We will help you find the perfect gorilla trekking trip from reliable and trusted tour operators specializing in creating gorilla trekking trips who will work with you to match your travel interests and your lifestyle with the vacation of your dreams. Check out the Tour Operators and get packing!
- Experience Magical Luxury Gorilla Safaris in Africa
- How to Track Mountain Gorillas on Budget
- Things to Know About Gorilla Trekking
- How to Ensure Safety on a Gorilla Trek in Africa
- Enjoy Cultural Encounters in Bwindi Forest
FAQ
- When is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking
- How Much is Gorilla Trekking?
- What is Gorilla Trekking
- How hard is gorilla trekking
- What to Bring on a Gorilla Trek
- What is the Age Limit for Gorilla Tracking?