Complete guide
Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Mountain gorillas live in only two places on earth: the Virunga volcanoes and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Both sit across Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda and Rwanda offer safe, well-run treks, and this page helps you choose between them.
What a gorilla trek involves
A gorilla trek is a guided walk into montane forest to find a habituated gorilla family, a group that has spent years getting used to human visitors. Park trackers set out earlier and radio the group's position. You follow with a ranger guide and, if you wish, a porter.
The walk can last from about an hour to most of a day, depending on where the family slept. When you reach them, you stay for one hour at a distance of several metres. Groups are limited to eight visitors per gorilla family each day, which keeps the encounter calm for you and for them.
Where you can trek
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. A UNESCO World Heritage forest that shelters about half of all mountain gorillas, with trekking in several sectors.
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda. The smallest of the three, on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, with golden monkeys nearby.
- Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. A short drive from Kigali, and the home of Dian Fossey's research.
Why your trek protects the gorillas
Mountain gorillas are listed as Endangered. Their numbers have recovered from fewer than 300 in the early 1980s to just over 1,000 today, and permit fees are a main source of funding for the rangers, vets and community projects that keep that recovery going. Following the rules is part of the same effort. See our rules and etiquette guide.
Plan your trek in five steps
- Choose the country. Our Uganda or Rwanda comparison sets out the differences.
- Choose the month. Read the best time to go.
- Check your fitness. See how difficult gorilla tracking is.
- Understand the permit. Our permit guide explains how booking works.
- Ask us for a quote. Send your dates and we reply with a plan for your group.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see gorillas all year round?
Yes. Trekking runs in every month. The drier months have firmer trails, while the wetter months are quieter.
How close do you get to the gorillas?
Rangers keep visitors several metres away, but gorillas sometimes move closer on their own. Follow your guide at all times.
Do I need a permit?
Yes. Every visitor needs a permit for their trek date. We buy it for you once we have confirmed your dates.
Ready to trek? Ask for your quote.
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