Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and many of our travelers have questions about their trek before they depart. Here, find answers to the most frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda, and get started planning your journey.
- Where can I go gorilla trekking?
- How long does gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda take?
- What is gorilla trekking like?
- How close can I get to the mountain gorillas?
- How difficult is gorilla trekking?
- When should I book my trek?
- Will I get to see the mountain gorillas?
- Is gorilla trekking safe?
- Can I take photographs of the mountain gorillas?
- What is the best time of year for gorilla trekking?
- How many people are in a gorilla trekking group?
- How old do you have to be to track gorillas?
- How much do gorilla trekking permits cost?
- How many days do I need for a gorilla trekking safari?
- What should I wear when gorilla trekking?
- Uganda vs. Rwanda: What’s the best place to go gorilla trekking?
- What else is there to do on my safari in Uganda or Rwanda?
- What other activities can I do after gorilla trekking?
- Is gorilla trekking good for conservation?
- Should I hire a porter for my gorilla trek?
- How much should I tip on a gorilla trekking safari?
- Is gorilla trekking worth it?
Where can I go gorilla trekking?
Hornbill Treks & Safaris specializes in gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.
In Uganda, trekking is available in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is available in Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans).
As the name suggests, these gorillas live in the mountain forests of East Africa. Just over half of the mountain gorillas reside in Uganda, with the remainder in Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
How long does gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda take?
Though exact trekking time can vary, on average, gorilla trekking typically takes three to six hours total in Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes three to five hours on average. Once you find the mountain gorilla family you’ve been assigned, you’ll get to spend up to an hour with them in their native habitat.
What is gorilla trekking like?
Visiting the gorillas in their natural habitat is an experience that often leaves our guests speechless. To see a detailed sneak peek at what it’s like to spend a day gorilla trekking, explore our post, Gorilla Trekking: The Experience.
How close can I get to the mountain gorillas?
All visitors are asked to keep a 7 meter distance from the mountain gorillas, but the gorillas aren’t always aware of that!
How difficult is gorilla trekking?
There’s no denying that gorilla trekking is a physically challenging experience. Depending on your location, treks can reach an altitude of 2,000m and cover slippery terrain in the forest. Each day, gorilla trekking groups are formed based, in part, on fitness. Harder-to-reach gorilla families are assigned to those looking for more of an adventure, while gorilla families located nearby may be assigned to those who need it.
If you are affected by mobility issues or require a wheelchair but still wish to make the trek, please ask us about accessible options for gorilla trekking.
Whether you are trekking in Rwanda or Uganda, we recommend hiring a porter to carry your pack, camera, etc. In addition to lightening your load during the hike, hiring a porter employs local people and helps the community benefit from conservation efforts.
When should I book my gorilla trek?
Permits are limited and can sell out quickly, so advance booking is advised. If you have some flexibility in your travel dates, we recommend booking at least 6 months ahead of your trip, or farther out if you’re traveling with a larger group, or have a specific travel date or lodge in mind. Contact us to start planning and our expert team will handle it for you.
Will I get to see the gorillas?
Nothing is guaranteed in nature, but it’s unusual for a trekking group not to see the gorillas. Trackers set out earlier in the day so each group knows where it’s heading in search of the gorillas.
Is gorilla trekking safe?
It’s always important to remember that wild animals are wild animals, and behave accordingly. That said, gorillas are peaceful creatures, despite their size and strength. And although they are wild animals, all habituated gorilla families visiting during the treks have been carefully habituated to become accustomed to humans. Trekkers are often surprised to see that the gorillas largely ignore the visitors as they go about their day.
Can I take photographs of the mountain gorillas?
Yes! Flash photography is not allowed, but trekkers are otherwise welcome to take photographs during their time with the gorillas. Of course, we also recommend putting the camera away for a bit, too, to just enjoy the experience in the moment!
When is the best time of year to see the gorillas?
Gorilla trekking is a year-round activity. While rain is always a possibility in the lush mountain forests, the drier months tend to be June to September and December to February. These months typically overlap with the high season in Uganda and Rwanda, meaning that permits and lodges are in higher demand, as well.
How many people are allowed in a gorilla trekking group?
Up to eight visitors per day are typically allowed to visit each gorilla family, plus the park ranger, porters, and trackers who assist along the way. There are multiple habituated families in Uganda and Rwanda.
How old do you have to be to track gorillas?
Both Rwanda and Uganda require that trekkers are at least 15 years old.
How much do gorilla trekking permits cost?
- As of 2022, in Rwanda, a gorilla trekking permit costs USD$1500 per permit.
- In Uganda, a gorilla trekking permit costs USD$700 per permit.
- A trekking permit for the gorilla habituation experience, available in the Rushaga sector of Uganda’s Bwindi National Park, costs USD$1500.
These prices can shift over time, so contact us for the most up-to-date permit costs as you plan your Hornbill safari.
How many days do I need for a gorilla trekking safari?
Depending on your flight’s arrival time, a gorilla trekking safari typically requires a minimum of three days in Rwanda or four days in Uganda. That includes travel time to and from the park, as well as the day spent trekking.
What should I wear for gorilla trekking?
For gorilla trekking, it’s best to wear hiking boots, comfortable mid-weight trousers for hiking, a t-shirt (plus long-sleeved top or fleece for layering), rain jacket in case of rain, and a light daypack/backpack. Of course, don’t forget the insect repellant.
Some trekkers also like to bring outdoor/hiking gloves (optional) and a walking stick. Hand-carved wooden walking sticks are usually available to borrow at the trailhead as well. When packing, keep in mind that days in the mountain regions of Uganda & Rwanda often start and end with cooler temperatures.
For more on what to pack for your African safari, check out our Ultimate Safari Packing List.
Uganda vs. Rwanda: What's the best place to go gorilla trekking?
Both Rwanda and Uganda offer a conservation-focused trekking experience that can easily be paired with a wildlife safari and visits that bring you in touch with local culture.
A quick side-by-side comparison might look like this:
Rwanda has earned a reputation for its ultra-luxe lodges, has permits available at a higher price point, and can work especially well for a shorter trip. Trekking is available at Volcanoes National Park only. Other primate trekking options throughout the country are available as well.
Uganda offers two different parks for gorilla trekking (Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park), has permits available at a more accessible price point, and offers an array of luxury and mid-range lodges.
For a more detailed look at gorilla trekking in Uganda vs. Rwanda, see this in-depth comparison.
What else is there to do on my safari in Uganda or Rwanda?
In Uganda, gorilla trekking pairs easily with game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park & Lake Mburo National Park, chimpanzee treks in Kibale Forest National Park, and visits to Lake Bunyonyi. Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley are just a few of the other prime wildlife destinations available for travelers to Uganda. Explore more ideas for a safari in Uganda here.
In Rwanda, travelers can easily combine gorilla trekking with game viewing in Akagera National Park, primate trekking and nature walks in Nyungwe Forest, visits to Lake Kivu, and cultural & historical excursions to Kigali. Check out a few of the possibilities for safari in Rwanda here.
To plan a custom safari from scratch at no extra cost, just contact us.
What activities can I do after gorilla trekking?
Whether you take in a cultural visit in the afternoon after your trek, or add an extra day for a longer guided hike in the region, there’s so much to see and do as part of your gorilla trekking safari.
In Uganda, activities include…
- Visits with the local Batwa tribe
- Community walks & cultural excursions
- Golden monkey trekking (Mgahinga Gorilla National Park)
- Guided nature walks & hikes to nearby waterfalls, the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, or through the forest (varies depending on location)
- Birding
- Canoeing & boating excursions on Lake Mutanda, accessible from southern Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
In Rwanda, activities include…
- Visits to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
- Golden monkey trekking
- Guided nature walks & hikes to the Buhanga Eco-Park, the Virunga volcanoes, or Dian Fossey’s gravesite
- Community walks & cultural excursions
- Visit to the Musanze Cave
- Birding
Some of these activities can be included in the afternoon after your trek, while others require additional time in the park.
Is gorilla trekking good for conservation?
In the 1980s, there were fewer than 400 mountain gorillas estimated worldwide, and their survival was in doubt. As of 2022, there are an estimated 1,063 mountain gorillas in the wild, and the population continues to grow.
While they still face numerous challenges, their success story is largely due to the efforts of dedicated rangers and conservationists, cooperation with local communities and governments, and interest from international travelers.
Permit fees for gorilla trekking support the work being done to protect and conserve the mountain gorillas. Engaging in community-based tourism initiatives, hiring a porter for your trek, and staying at a local lodge all help hardworking local community members benefit from the gorillas’ conservation, too.
Should I hire a porter for gorilla trekking?
When gorilla trekking, porters are available for hire before you begin your trek. The cost is typically USD $15-20, paid directly to the porter after the trek. If you would like to hire a porter, you can let your guide know and they can assist with this.
Porters can carry your daypack for you and also lend a hand on the steeper parts of the hike. Hiring a porter also supports the local economy and encourages local involvement in conservation of the gorillas. For a relatively small fee, it’s an excellent way to lighten your load during the trek and have a direct impact in the local community.
How much should I tip the porter or guides when gorilla trekking?
A successful trek relies on the park rangers, trackers that help locate the primates, and security personnel. If you wish, you might opt to tip USD$5-15 per traveler, given to the Chief Guide in sight of the rest of the group, and ask the Chief Guide to distribute it to the other rangers & trackers in the group. Or, you can tip each person individually.
If tipping a porter, it is best to simply add the tip with their payment.
Whenever possible, tips in local currency are especially appreciated when trekking, as it is easier for the recipients to put it to use.
Is gorilla trekking worth it?
Being in such close proximity to mountain gorillas in the wild is truly an unforgettable experience…and we consistently hear from our travelers that their trip was a “once-in-a-lifetime moment.” Without a doubt, it’s the kind of experience that becomes a part of our travelers’ life stories.
If you’re still deciding if it’s the right fit for you, learn more about what the gorilla trekking experience is like here, or contact us to explore the possibilities for your safari. We look forward to welcoming you on your adventure.
Explore our safaris in Rwanda and Uganda to find more inspiration for your next journey. Have more questions? Contact us to learn more and start planning your gorilla trek.
