Frequent Adventure Questions
Gorilla Trekking can vary in difficulty depending on the location of the Gorilla family and the terrain. Some treks may involve several hours of hiking through dense forests, steep slopes, and potentially muddy conditions.
A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, including the ability to walk for several hours over uneven terrain. We use our connections within the National Park Ranger community to accommodate different fitness levels by assigning Adventurers to Gorilla families that are located closer or in easier-to-reach areas.
Local Porters can also be hired to assist with carrying daypacks, which can significantly ease the physical exertion.
Learn more in our Complete Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda (2025/26)
Yes, Gorilla Trekking is generally considered safe when conducted with experienced guides and following the park rules. The habituated Gorilla families are accustomed to human presence and are not typically aggressive.
Adventurers are always accompanied by armed National Park Rangers who are there for safety and to help track the Gorillas. It's crucial to listen to your guides' instructions at all times.
Learn more in our Complete Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda (2025/26)
Many travellers ask us for the 'best' month to visit, but the truth is that Gorilla Trekking is excellent all year round. Because Uganda and Rwanda sit on the equator, temperatures remain comfortable and consistent throughout the year.
While there are two traditional dry periods (June to September & December to February), do not feel limited to these dates.
The months of March to May and October to November are fantastic times to trek. The vegetation is at its most lush, and many of our clients prefer the solitude of the forest during these quieter months.
Important Reality Check: It is vital to remember that Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes National Parks are tropical rainforests. Rain is part of the ecosystem and can occur on any day of the year, even in the 'dry' season. Do not let the calendar dictate your trip - with the right gear, the experience is magical 365 days a year.
Learn more in our Complete Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda (2025/26)
The chances of encountering Gorillas during your trek are very high (approx. 99%). National Park Rangers and Trackers are incredibly well-versed with the local movements of the Gorillas and they set out early in the morning to locate the Gorilla families and confirm their presence, increasing the likelihood of a successful sighting.
Learn more in our Complete Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda (2025/26)
We often recommend experiencing Gorilla Trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda if your time and budget allow, as each country offers a distinct perspective on encountering these magnificent primates.
Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park generally offers a more rugged and adventurous trek through diverse landscapes and has a larger Gorilla population. Notably, permits are much cheaper than in Rwanda and Uganda also offers the unique Gorilla Habituation Experience for extended viewing (4 hrs).
Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park often features easier trekking due to more open vegetation and has more developed tourism infrastructure, which is potentially easier for combining with other activities in a smaller geographical area.
Important to note: Book Gorilla Permits well in advance, especially during peak season (June, July, August). A Reputable Tour Operator will handle all logistics like permits, transport, and accommodation for a seamless experience.
Learn more in our Complete Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda (2025/26)
Yes, children must be at least 15 years old to go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. This is because of the trek's physical demands and the maturity needed to follow the strict guidelines around the gorillas.
If you have more specific questions, feel free to contact us directly.
Learn more in our Complete Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda (2025/26)
As of April 2025, the cost of a Gorilla Trekking permit (1 hr with the Gorillas), per person, is:
Uganda (prices per person):
International non-residents - USD 800
International residents - USD 700
Other Africans - USD 500
East African Citizens - 300,000 UGX (approx. USD 80)
Uganda also offers a Gorilla Habituation Experience permit (4 hrs with the Gorillas) at a higher cost:
International non-residents - USD 1,500
East African Citizens - 800,000 UGX (approx. USD 210)
Rwanda (prices per person):
International non-residents - USD 1,500
International residents - USD 500
Other Africans - USD 500
East African Citizens - USD 200
The Gorilla Habituation Experience is not available in Rwanda.
Learn more in our Complete Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda (2025/26)
In Uganda, Gorilla Trekking primarily takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Both National Parks are located in the southwest of the country.
In Rwanda, Gorilla Trekking is conducted in Volcanoes National Park, situated in the Virunga Mountains, in the northwest of the country.
Learn more in our Complete Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda (2025/26)
The main difference is time and intimacy:
Standard Trekking (USD 800): You spend 1 hour observing a fully habituated gorilla family. This is the classic experience available in both Uganda and Rwanda.
Gorilla Habituation Experience ($1,500): Exclusive to Uganda's Rushaga sector, this allows you to spend 4 hours with a family that is still in the process of being habituated. You join researchers and rangers, offering a deeper, more scientific insight into gorilla behavior. It is ideal for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Learn more in our Complete Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda (2025/26)
Yes, photography is encouraged, but Flash Photography is strictly prohibited as it disturbs and agitates the gorillas. We recommend bringing a camera that performs well in low light (high ISO) and a fast lens (f/2.8), as the forest can be quite dark. You must also be prepared to protect your gear from rain.
Learn more in our Complete Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda (2025/26)
Absolutely. Combining both countries offers the ultimate primate experience. You can trek in the dense, ancient jungles of Bwindi (Uganda) and then cross the border to experience the open bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda).
We specialize in these cross-border itineraries and handle all the logistics, including the East Africa Tourist Visa, which covers travel between Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya.
Learn more in our Complete Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda (2025/26)
You can book bespoke combined Gorilla Trekking and birding safaris directly with us. We specialise in itineraries that maximize your time in the Albertine Rift. As an example, we can combine a morning of Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi (home to 23 Albertine Rift endemics) with guided birding excursions to spot the African Green Broadbill in Ruhija or the Shoebill Stork in Mabamba Swamp.
Learn more in our Complete Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda (2025/26)
Our headquarters are located in Najembe, within Mabira Forest, placing us in the Center of Uganda. From this central hub, we operate guided wildlife tours across the entire country, including the nearby Jinja (source of the Nile) and expeditions north to Murchison Falls or west to the primate parks.
While you can book your tour at our HQ in Najembe (Mabira Forest), the actual trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the southwest. Our team in Uganda handles all the logistics, permits, and transport to get you to the gorillas seamlessly.
Learn more in our Complete Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda (2025/26)