Best well planned Luxury & Affordable Gorilla Trekking Safari Tours

Gorilla trekking safari packages in Rwanda vs Uganda expedition

Amazing gorilla trekking safaris are one of the world’s top tourist bucket list & must do activities on any African safari. Gorilla trekking is uniquely done in Uganda, Rwanda & D.R. Congo where the Muhavura mountain the natural habitat for the gorillas makes a border point among these three countries. One of the most iconic of these species are the silverbacks which are the elder males which have gray hair on their backs. Silver backs are the dominant males that protect, lead and guide the family on movements and directions. The 2-6 hours’ gorilla trekking safari is one of the most exciting world trips to go after in a life time. Sessions on gorilla trekking safaris are done in a series by the guides starting from early morning hours when the gorillas are just waking up.

What’s the cost of a gorilla trekking permit?
What next after finding the gorillas
Gorilla trekking rules & preparation tips
What to wear on a gorilla trekking safari
What’s the distance to gorilla trekking parks?

Where to see mountain gorillas in Africa?

Mountain gorillas are a unique gorilla species specifically found in the Virunga massif of Rwanda, Uganda and D.R. Congo which are a cousin species to the lowland gorillas of Kahuzi-Bienga national park still in D.R. Congo. Mountain gorilla trekking in the Virunga massif is done in three main parks; Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga national park in D.R. Congo, Mgahinga national park in Uganda and also in Bwindi Impenetrable national park which is located in western Uganda and not part of the Virunga massif.

On record, the highest number of mountain gorillas are found in Volcanoes national park and Bwindi Impenetrable national park each of which have almost 50% of world’s remaining endangered mountain gorillas. Volcanoes national park has more than 15 gorilla groups for example Susa group, Agashya group, Sabyinyo group, Amahoro group, Kwitonda group, Umubano group, Kirisimbi group etc. Bwindi impenetrable national park also has more than 15 gorilla groups in for different sectors of Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Ruhija sectors that harbor mountain gorilla families for example Nkuringo group, Bweza group, Bitukura group, Mukiza group, Mubare group, Katwe group, Habinyanja group, Christmas group etc.

Why book gorilla trekking tickets in advance?

You are advised book tickets in advance time of 3-6 months before the trekking date to have a chance of taking on this activity for there’s a limited number of visitors that are assigned to each gorilla family per day. The tickets are sold on the basis of first come, first serve.

For every permit you pay for and every visit you make to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys destinations, you directly contribute to the efforts of conservation and preservation of these endangered species; We salute all those that have embarked on this journey before.

Great gorilla trekking safari packages in Rwanda

Rwanda has the most accessible trekking routes to these magnificent gentle giants (mountain gorillas) in its Volcanoes national park, an activity which also involves trekking up the volcanic mountains along with the entertaining golden monkeys, walks around the Ellen DeGeneres campus of Dian Fossey fund museum and eco research center, spotting of various bird species among other activities.

Amazing gorilla trekking safari packages in Uganda

Uganda is the best gorillas trekking destination seen after a trek up the ranges of the Muhavura mountains and through thick montane rain forests. The biggest population of the gorillas that is 53.9% of the world’s less than 800 of these gentle giants lives in the Bwindi Impenetrable national park forests and Mgahinga National park of Uganda. The parks have 15 gorilla families that can be tracked and habituated (all day tracking). A brief talk of the history of the parks and behavior of the gorillas precedes the trek to equip you with more knowledge of how to engage with the mountainous giants. Adventurous gorilla trekking in Uganda comes along with golden monkey tracking, bird species and Albertine endemics in the tropical montane forests.

Top gorilla trekking safari packages

1 day gorilla trekking Uganda safari

1 day gorilla trekking Uganda safari starting from Kigali, Rwanda is an amazing experience to encounter with the endangered mountain gorilla species. You embark on a journey from Kigali to Uganda's Mgahinga national park or southern Bwindi sector of Rushaga on a 3 hours drive for a more affordable gorilla trekking experience. Gorilla permits in Uganda go for $800 cheaper than the $1,500 Rwanda gorilla permits. During gorilla trekking, you'll also enjoy birding with Albertine rift endemics, great blue turacos, African pigeons, African gray parrots, seeing other primates like black and white colobus monkeys, blue colobus monkeys, butterflies etc.

1 day Rwanda gorilla trekking safari

1 day gorilla trekking Rwanda is a famous luxury destination in the easily accessible Volcanoes national park. The park is also known for world class luxury lodges for example One&Only & wilderness Bisate lodges. With more than 400 mountain gorilla individuals, you have 99% chances to encounter these gentle giants. Short stay tourists and first time travelers can easily access the park on a 2.5 hours drive from Kigali to Kinigi where Volcanoes national park is located. Primate trekking lovers must add a day on their itinerary to Volcanoes national park. Along tracking gorillas, you also enjoy volcanic feature scenes, birding, colobus monkeys etc.

Gorilla trekking safari from USA/ Canada

2 day gorilla trekking Rwanda safari

Short 2 day gorilla trekking Rwanda is a top affordable primate travel experience that also allows you to have a Kigali city tour. The 1st day after arrival, you enjoy a Kigali city tour going to famous sites for example genocide memorial site, coffee shops, local markets, art & crafts shops. From the city tour, you then continue to Kinigi near Volcanoes national park and wait for the next day's gorilla trekking experience. The gorilla tracking session takes between 4- 6 hours while during the hiking through the montane tropical forests, you'll also enjoy birding forest species, other primates like golden monkeys, colobus monkeys, butterflies, caves, reptiles, numerous tree species, volcanic sightings and features.

2 day Uganda gorilla trekking safari

The 2 day gorilla trekking Uganda has its arrival and departure at Kigali in Rwanda. After arriving, depending on time, if you arrive early, you'll first enjoy a Kigali city tour before heading across the border into Bwindi impenetrable or Mgahinga national parks' lodges. The next day, you wake up so early and head to the park headquarters and prepare for gorilla tracking session that may take 6 hours. After the gorilla trekking experience, you head back to Kigali, Rwanda for departure. During the hike through the tropical forests, you enjoy other primates scenes like colobus monkeys, chimps, golden monkeys etc., birding, volcanic feature scenes, Batwa culture tour

2 days Fly- in Uganda gorilla safari

Considering a short and fast luxury 2 day gorilla trekking Uganda safari, this itinerary is an immediate answer for your Africa primate safari. From Entebbe airport, you fly to Kihihi if you are to track in Bwindi impenetrable or Kisoro airstrip if you are to track in Mgahinga national park. You enjoy a brief afternoon game drive in Queen Elizabeth N.P before heading to Buhoma sector. Next day's itinerary starts with the early morning mountain gorilla trekking experience after which you immediately head to the airstrip to fly back to Entebbe. Expect birding, crater lakes, wildlife & primates during hiking & game drives

Gorilla trekking from Scandinavia to Uganda/ Rwanda

4 days gorilla trekking Rwanda safari

4 days primate trekking Rwanda safari in the Volcanoes national park in Kinigi. The 4 day primate tracking experience in the Virunga massif focuses on Volcanoes national park activities highlighted by gorilla trekking and golden monkeys tracking. After the Kigali city tour on the 1st day, day 2 is the gorilla trekking experience and a Batwa culture tour. Day 3 takes you back into the Virunga massif bamboo forests to encounter hundreds of playful golden monkey families after which you head to the Ellen DeGeneres campus of the Dian Fossey fund for more knowledge at gorillas and environmental conservation efforts. You also enjoy birding tropical forest species, butterflies, unique tropical tree species, reptiles

Gorilla trekking from Morocco to Uganda/ Rwanda safari

5 day Uganda gorilla and primates safari

Amazing excellent 5 days primate and wildlife Uganda safari offers some of the best of Africa safari sightings. This itinerary includes the world's largest living apes while mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable/ Mgahinga national parks and chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu forest reserve. Chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu precedes safari game drives in Queen Elizabeth national park. Along the game drives and trekking sessions, you have sightings at numerous bird species, boat cruises, the great rift valley and the escarpments, mtn. Rwenzori snow caps, crater lakes etc.

7 days Uganda- Rwanda primates' safari

A multi national great Africa adventure of 7 days Uganda- Rwanda primate tracking and wildlife experience is top recommended for beginners and seasoned world travelers. The 7 days Uganda- Rwanda safari offers gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest, golden monkeys tracking in Volcanoes national park, walking safari in L. Mburo N.P and game drives in Queen Elizabeth N.P. This trip offers some of the Africa's best physical features/ volcanic sceneries and wildlife for example crater lakes, mtn. Rwenzori snow caps, the great rift valley, Kazinga channel boat cruises, escarpments, world's largest hippo pods, shoebills, flamingos, elephants, buffaloes, lions etc.

Gorilla trekking from Egypt/ Cairo to Rwanda/ Uganda

6 days gorilla trekking & wildlife Uganda safari

The 6 days gorilla trekking & wildlife Uganda safari focuses mainly on visit to Bwindi impenetrable N.P and Queen Elizabeth N.P. This is one of the most chilly safari itineraries given both destinations being located near each other thus highly recommended for beginner travelers. Top unique highlights to watch out for on this safari are; mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, tree climbing lions, shoebills, Kazinga channel boat cruises, Flamingos, the great rift valley & escarpments, crater lakes, mtn. Rwenzori snow caps, hippos, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, colobus monkeys...

10 days Gorilla & wildlife Rwanda safari

An excellent 10 days gorilla trekking & wildlife Rwanda safari is a complete nation tour taking you to the most popular tourism destination in the country. The itinerary features chimp tracking & canopy walk in Nyungwe forest N.P, beaches of lake Kivu, mountain gorillas & golden monkeys in Volcanoes N.P, game drives & boat cruise in Akagera N.P and finally the Kigali city tour. Akagera N.P is home to Africa's big 5 (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos) and other amazing wild game for example giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, antelopes, hippos etc. Along primate trekking & game drives, you also enjoy birding, city tour, nature walks, culture tours, local market visit, coffee shops, nature walks, boat cruises etc.

10 days primate trekking & wildlife Uganda safari

The 10 days Uganda primate trek & wildlife adventure safari features very exciting safari excursions in the East Africa region for example mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkeys tracking, chimpanzee tracking, Africa's big 5 (lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, elephants), R. Nile boat cruises to encounter the Murchison water falls (the world's strongest water falls), tree climbing lions, flamingos, shoebills, highest Rothschilds' giraffes, antelopes, warthogs etc. The 10 day Uganda safari offers some of the continent's top outstanding geographical features for example the great rift valley & escarpments, crater lakes etc.

12 days Rwanda- Uganda Gorillas & wildlife safari

Great adventure of 12 days Rwanda Uganda primate trekking & wildlife safari offers top regional sightings commonly found in these 2 countries. Uganda is known as the primate capital of the world with the highest number of mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys. Visit Kigali city tour which is Africa's cleanest city and walk through its local markets, art & crafts shops, genocide memorial site etc. Akagera N.P is one of Africa's parks where you easily find Africa's big 5 (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes). Murchison falls N.P is anchored by the world's strongest water falls on the ancient river Nile and also harbors the world's highest Rothschild's giraffe population and boa cruises on the river Nile.

15 day Uganda Gorillas & wildlife safari

2 weeks/ 15 days gorilla trek & wildlife Uganda safari is gem for Africa safari travelers especially with inspiration for Uganda's unique geographical features and outstanding wildlife. The 15 days Uganda gorilla trekking and wildlife experience takes you in the country's most popular game parks with great unique sightings. Be excited to get to Bwindi impenetrable for mountain gorillas, Mgahinga N.P for golden monkeys, Kibale forest for chimpanzees, tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth N.P, Africa's big 5 (lions, buffaloes, elephants, rhinos, leopards) etc. Bird watching is an exciting activity as Uganda has the highest number of bird species in the regions with unique species for example shoebills, flamingos, Albertine rift endemics, Guinea- Congo biome species, kingfishers, herons, black headed gulls, secretary birds, kori bustards etc.

16 days gorilla trek, R. Nile & Masai Mara safari

For multi nation travelers in the East Africa savanna region, the 2 weeks/ 16 days gorilla trek, R. Nile & Masai Mara safari on a Uganda- Kenya expedition is a perfect itinerary for Africa wildlife lovers. The safari starts in Uganda featuring mountain gorilla trekking, river Nile, chimpanzees, Murchison falls (the world's strongest water falls) before crossing to Kenya for the best bird watching, wildlife and wildebeest migration in Masai Mara game reserve. 2 weeks multi national travel in Uganda and Kenya focuses on primate trekking and wildebeest migration in Masai Mara game reserve. Uganda is a world primate capital with Bwindi Impenetrable forest to watch mountain gorillas & chimpanzees in Kibale forest N.P with the highest number of these primate individuals & as the largest living apes on the planet. Game drives in various Africa top concentrated game parks like Masai Mara game reserve you'll enjoy numerous wildlife game sightings.

19 days gorilla trek, R. Nile, Masai Mara & Diani safari

19 days gorilla treks, R. Nile, wildlife & Diani tropical holiday is a multination long Uganda- Kenya wildlife safari that also winds up with a white sand beach holiday. The best way to end an Africa safari, is with a tropical white sand beach holiday on the Indian ocean coast for great chilling moments before departure. Starting with adventure in Uganda, you'll enjoy the country's most unique primates and wildlife for example mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, buffaloes, elephants, leopards, giraffes, warthogs, antelopes, hippos, nile crocodiles etc. and excursions at the source of the river Nile. Into Kenya's wildlife parks, you'll continue to see more of Africa's big 5, Africa's ugly 5, wildebeest migration in Masai Mara game reserve and finally head to Diani white sand beaches for great chilling experiences.

21 days gorilla trek, R. Nile & wildlife safari

Another long 3 weeks/ 21 days Uganda gorilla trekking & wildlife safari adventure focuses on the country's national parks with special geographical & wildlife sightings. Uganda is a renown for great outstanding world wildlife records for example the highest number of; mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, hippos and Rothschild's giraffes. The country's grasslands, forests, swamps, lake & river banks host up to 25% of the Africa's bird species making is a top birding destination with special species for example shoebills, flamingos, secretary birds, kori bustards, kingfishers, grey crowned cranes, Albertine rift endemics etc. With 100% excellent chances of encountering mountain gorillas, tracking gorillas is a top highlight of this 3 weeks Uganda safari along Africa's big 5 (lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, rhinos), zebras, giraffes, hippos, nile crocodiles etc.

23 days gorilla trekking Rwanda-Uganda-Kenya safari

3 weeks/ 23 days Rwanda, Uganda & Kenya safari is highly recommended for long safari travelers highlighting unique scenes in the region for example mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, R. Nile, Murchison water falls, chimpanzees, wildebeest migration, flamingos, mtn. Kilimanjaro snow caps, Africa's big 5 (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes) etc. Special about this itinerary, is double chimpanzee tracking experience and the winding up of a safari with a chilly tropical white sand beach holiday. The 23 days gorilla trekking & wildlife Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya safari starts from Kigali, Rwanda to Nairobi/ Mombasa, Kenya. This multi nation tour in East Africa is an excellent Africa travel safari as it offers top sightings in the region to the Indian ocean coast at the tropical white sand beaches.

24 days gorilla trek, R. Nile, Serengeti & Zanzibar safari

Excellent gorilla trekking & wildebeest migration experiences on the 24 days Uganda- Tanzania safari is a recommended top multinational Africa travel itinerary. The 24 days safari combines gorilla treks, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, Africa's big 5 game, wildebeest migration, bird watching, wildlife game drives and finally head to Zanzibar island for amazing tropical white sands, resorts and island chilly holidays. What to look out for on the 24 days Uganda- Tanzania safari are; mountain gorillas at Bwindi impenetrable, golden monkeys at Mgahinga N.P, the River Nile, crater lakes, the great rift valley, wildebeest migration in Serengeti N.P, Murchison water falls, Ngorongoro crater, mtn. Rwenzori, mtn. Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar island beaches and resorts. Other special destinations on this safari include Queen Elizabeth N.P with tree climbing lions, hippos, crater lakes, Semuliki N.P with hots springs, source of the river Nile for bungee jumping, water rafting etc.

Uganda gorilla trekking & wildlife safaris

5 day Uganda Gorilla & primates safari

Great summer gorilla trekking safari package on a 5 day Uganda primate trekking and wildlife tour is a top recommended experience for world travelers. This affordable 5 day gorilla treks & wildlife safari starts and departs from Kigali, Rwanda into Uganda which has cheaper gorilla tracking permits. While in this western side of Uganda, you see a lot of geographical features and wildlife with less straining travel for example mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, crater lakes, chimpanzees, boat cruises, birding, world's highest hippo pods, nile crocodiles, the great rift valley, mtn. Rwenzori snow caps, elephants, tree climbing lions, buffaloes, antelopes, leopards, flamingos, shoebills, kingfishers, pelicans, Albertine rift endemics etc. While in Kigali, you will enjoy a city tour to local markets, coffee shops, genocide memorial site, art & craft shops before departure.

3 days Rwanda Gorilla trekking safari

3 days gorilla trekking Rwanda safari is a great relaxed short and exciting Africa safari. The 3 days Rwanda gorilla trek safari is a focused mountain gorilla tracking tour in the Volcanoes national park. Volcanoes national park is also the only destination in Rwanda with the endangered mountain gorillas and is easily accessible throughout the year. On day 1, you arrive and head to Volcanoes national park have a rest as you prepare for the next day's primate trekking experience. 2nd day starts with a pre-trek briefing before the tracking activity starts. After gorilla trekking, you will then visit Ellen DeGeneres campus of the Dian Fossey fund which is a renown mountain gorillas and environment conservation center. Along mountain gorilla trekking experience, you will also enjoy bird watching with special species like the blue turacos & Albertine rift endemics, colobus monkeys, reptiles, butterflies, caves, crater lakes, volcanic features

5 days Rwanda Gorilla trekking & wildlife safari

The 5 day gorilla trekking & wildlife Rwanda safari is a focused Africa's big 5 (lions, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos, elephants) and the endangered mountain gorillas. Volcanoes national park in the Virunga massif is one of the world's unique destinations where to find the endangered mountain gorillas. Akagera national park is home to Africa's big 5 (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes) in Rwanda along other great sightings of cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, antelopes, hippos, nile crocodiles, warthogs, monkeys, water bucks and numerous bird species. Volcanoes national park has almost 50% of the world's remaining endangered mountain gorillas. After tracking gorillas, you'll also visit the Ellen DeGeneres campus of the Dian Fossey fund that was set up to uphold conservation efforts towards mountain gorillas & the environment.

How to get to gorilla trekking parks?

It will take 10 hours to drive from Entebbe international airport to Bwindi impenetrable national park in Uganda; with another option to use Kigali international airport from Rwanda taking 4 hours only. And only 3 hours to drive from Kigali international airport to the Volcanoes national park in the northwest of the country. Both countries are relatively doing well in terms of security and higher priority is given their tourism sectors.

Cost of gorilla trekking safari

Habituation is only done at Bwindi impenetrable national park giving an opportunity to visitors 4 hours per day with the Gorillas at a charge of $1,500 (tourists), $1,000 (foreign residents).

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800 for tourists (FNR- foreign nationals/residents), $700 for foreign residents (FR), $500 for individuals from the rest of Africa.

A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 for foreign nationals, $500 for foreign residents in Rwanda, rest of Africa and African nationals and $200 for East African residents and Rwandan citizens.

What next after coming across the mountain gorillas?

As soon as you locate these mountain gorillas, you will be allowed to stay with them for over an hour as you are having photos, observing, asking questions and so on. However, during this session, you are not allowed to eat anything, drink, and take photos when the flash lights are on.

You are not allowed to get too close to the gorillas and also advised to wear a mask if you’ve got one a regulation aimed at protecting the primates from catching viral or bacterial respiratory diseases like flue or cold.

When the one hour of staying around a particular gorilla family elapses, you are asked to get back to the lodge and leave the jungle for the gorillas.

Best time for Africa gorilla trekking safaris

Amazing gorilla trekking safaris are done throughout the year and in both dry/ sunny and wet/ rainy seasons. Dry/summer seasons of late May- August and December- February usually invite high traffic in the trekking parks given high travelers and the tracking trails being dry therefore passable with ease. Wet/ Rainy seasons will require you to have gumboots, studded hiking boots, walking sticks and rain coats to prepare for the untimely rainfall, muddy & slippery tracks. These rainy seasons are also top seasons for bird watching enjoying more than 200 numerous bird species for example Albertine rift endemics, Rwenzori endemics, tropical forest species along palearctic European and north Africa immigrant species that arrive from September till April.

Rules & preparation tips for gorilla trekking;

Tropical countries have unpredictable climate, rain gear is a must have
Gorilla trekking is restricted to people of 15 years and above only.
Insect repellent
Recommended clothing – long trousers and long sleeved sweaters or shirts while in the forest to avoid insect and plant stings.
Sturdy hiking boots are essential, especially ones you have used before.
Drinking water, however eating, drinking and smoking near the gorillas is strictly forbidden – your guide will communicate designated time and place.
Photography is permitted, although you must not use flash
Porters are available to help you carry your day-pack for a small charge.
You will not be allowed to trek gorillas if you have communicable disease like flu or cough

What to wear on a gorilla trekking safari

Long khaki trousers.
Long sleeved shirts
Camera
Sturdy water proof hiking boots
Water bottle
Insect repellent
A wide brim hat
Hardy gloves
Sunscreen
Poncho | light weight rain jacket
Face musk
Thick socks