An Unforgettable Encounter with Giants of the Forest

One of the world’s most profound wildlife experiences— each Journey to the gorillas offers a unique trekking landscape and experience.

Where to Go Gorilla Trekking

Uganda

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it one of the best places on earth for gorilla trekking. Over 20 habituated gorilla families are available for trekking across four main sectors, each offering a unique experience:

• • Buhoma Sector: The park’s northern gateway and the first area where gorilla tourism began in Uganda in 1993. Buhoma is known for relatively gentle terrain, established lodges, and a variety of community activities such as Batwa cultural walks and village visits.
  • Ruhija Sector: Located in the eastern part of Bwindi, Ruhija is known for its high altitude (around 2,350 metres), cooler temperatures, and breathtaking forest views. Treks here often offer chances to spot unique Albertine Rift endemic bird species along the trails.
  • Rushaga Sector: Situated in the south, Rushaga boasts the highest number of habituated gorilla families, offering greater permit availability. It is also the only sector offering the Gorilla Habituation Experience, where you spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group alongside researchers and trackers.
  • Nkuringo Sector: Also in the south, Nkuringo is known for its challenging treks along steep terrain but rewards visitors with stunning panoramic views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the rugged Bwindi canopy. Treks here are deeply rewarding for fit hikers seeking solitude and immersion.
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Part of the Virunga massif, this park offers intimate treks with fewer crowds and the chance to combine gorilla trekking with golden monkey tracking.

Rwanda

• Volcanoes National Park

Famous for its ease of access from Kigali and stunning backdrop of volcanic peaks, with well-established trekking infrastructure and rich cultural experiences nearby.

Democratic Republic of Congo

• Virunga National Park

Africa’s oldest national park, offering the most affordable gorilla trekking permits. Treks here often combine with Nyiragongo volcano hikes for a true adventure circuit.

What to Expect

Led by expert rangers and trackers, you will hike through dense rainforest and rugged mountainous terrain in search of a habituated gorilla family. Treks can range from a short 30-minute walk to several hours, depending on where the gorillas nested the previous night.

Once you find them, you will spend a precious hour observing their lives up close – from dominant silverbacks keeping watch, to mothers nurturing their infants, playful juveniles tumbling around, and the entire troop interacting peacefully in their forest home. The experience is silent yet powerful.

Why Gorilla Trekking Matters

Gorilla trekking is more than just a wildlife encounter. Your permit fees directly support:

• Conservation efforts protecting these critically endangered primates.

• Community development projects benefiting local people living around the parks.

• Anti-poaching initiatives and ranger welfare, ensuring the gorillas’ survival for generations to come.

Permit Fees (as of 2025)

• Uganda: $800 USD per person (Foreign Non-Residents)

• Rwanda: $1,500 USD per person

• DR Congo: $400 USD per person

Permits are limited and must be secured well in advance, especially during peak seasons. They include ranger guides, park entry, and conservation fees.

Activity Details

• Duration: 2–6 hours (including 1 hour with gorillas)

• Age Limit: 15 years and above

• Fitness Level: Moderate to high; trails can be steep, muddy, and at altitude

• Group Size: Maximum 8 visitors per gorilla family

What to Bring

• Sturdy hiking boots
•  Long trousers and long-sleeved shirt
• Light rain jacket
• Drinking water and energy snacks
• Gloves (optional for gripping vegetation)
• Camera (no flash photography)

Best Time to Go

Gorilla trekking is available year-round, but the dry seasons from June to August and December to February offer more comfortable hiking conditions with less slippery trails.