Unforgettable Africa Gorilla Trekking Safaris & Tours in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo 2025/2026

Where to go For Africa Gorilla Trekking Tours in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo 

AFRICA GORILLA HABITUAION EXPERIENCE

There are 4 major Africa gorilla trekking national parks in 3 countries to go for Gorilla tracking experiences. These are

1.     Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda

2.     Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda

3.     Virunga National Park in DR Congo

Let us look at these gorilla destinations below.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Uganda 

Africa gorilla trekking in Uganda occurs in one of the two destinations, which are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.

Below, we look at the different Gorilla tracking experiences in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla NP.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Forest 

This Park offers unforgettable africa gorilla trekking experiences on a Uganda safari! According to the last Gorilla census, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable NP (on of the best Uganda national parks) has the highest number of endangered Mountain Gorillas in the world, with about 459 individuals out of the last 1,063 remaining in the world. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has 23 habituated families spread in the four sectors of Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga, and Ruhija.

This makes Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest the most popular Gorilla walking destination, not just in Uganda but also in Rwanda and DR Congo.

Below, we look at the different Gorilla sectors of Bwindi Park

Gorilla Walking in Buhoma Sector of Bwindi

Buhoma is the northern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable NP and it is the most popular trailhead for Uganda gorilla treks. It is at a lower altitude of (1,400 m) than other sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, meaning that to trek Mountain Gorillas in Buhoma is moderately easier.

Gorilla Families in Buhoma Sector

1.     Mubare Gorilla Family

2.     Habinyanja Gorilla Family

3.     Rushegura Gorilla Family

4.     Katwe Gorilla Family

5.     Binyindo Gorilla Family

6.     Muyambi Gorilla Family

Gorilla Treks in Ruhija sector of Bwindi

The Ruhija sector is situated within the East of Bwindi Impenetrable NP and it is easily accessible from Buhoma and Kabale.

This sector has 4 fully habituated families to see at this sector of Bwindi, include

1.     Bitukura

2.     Oruzogo

3.     Kyaguriro

4.     Mukiza Family

For a Gorilla permit that you can purchase either through a tour operator or directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, foreign nonresidents can get one at $800, foreign residents at $700 and East African citizens at 300,000 Uganda shillings.

Mountain Gorilla Walking in Rushaga Sector of Bwindi

Rushaga is in the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable NP. It is home to about 10 habituated families, which is the highest population of families in the park.

1.     Mishaya Family

2.     Nshongi Family

3.     Bweza Family

4.     Kahungye Family

5.     Busingye Family

6.     Bikyingi family

7.     Rwigi Family

8.     Mucunguzi family

9.     Tindatine Family

10.   Kutu Group

Gorilla trek in Nkuringo sector of Bwindi

The Nkuringo sector is also in the southern part of the park and it has 4 Uganda safari gorilla groups that are all fully habituated.

1.     Nkuringo

2.     Bushaho

3.     Christmas

4.     Posho

Africa Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Other than Gorilla tracking, Bwindi Impenetrable NP also offers a remarkable Gorilla habituation experience in the Rushaga sector.

Gorilla habituation is the process by which wild gorillas are slowly introduced to their continuous presence until they get used to it. The experience is similar to the gorilla tracking process, with the only exception of spending 4 hours with the Uganda gorillas instead of two.

You will meet a guide at the park headquarters, who will guide you through the different rules and regulations for Gorilla habitat. Afterward, you will proceed with your team into the forest to look for a wild family that is under habituation.

The opportunity to meet them will grant you the exceptional ability to come closer to and relate with their humanlike day-to-day activities, for example feeding, grooming, and playing, among others.

Gorilla habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable NP costs $ 1,500 for foreign nonresidents, $1000 for foreign residents, and $750,000 for East African Citizens, including Ugandans.

African Gorilla Tours in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla NP protects one habituated family, that is the Nyakagezi Family. This adds to a total of 24 habituated families in Uganda, East Africa.

Mgahinga Gorilla NP in southwestern Uganda, Kisoro district, provides one of the most peculiar gorilla experiences that you can combine with other African safari activities, for example, golden monkey tracking, nature walks, and birding, among others.

The Nyakagezi family has about 9 members, including the silverbacks, black bucks, subadults, females and infants.

Members in the Nyakagezi family include:

Biningo, Kaboko, Mark, Kaboko, Munezero, Mafia, Majembere, Nyiramwiza, Ndungutse

Rwanda Gorilla Tours 

Our tailored-made Rwanda gorilla tour packages take you for a remarkable Rwanda gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park.

African Gorilla tours in Rwanda is the major Rwanda safari activity attracting most visitors. Rwanda protects over 300 mountain gorillas out of the 1063 estimated to survive in the world.

The American primatologist and conservationist, Dian Fossey, made the mountain gorillas in Rwanda famous by researching about them at the Karisoke Research Centre.

She first habituated the Susa family, which is the oldest, most famous, and the family with the highest number of Rwanda gorillas. All Rwanda gorilla tours occur at Volcanoes National Park, which is in the Virunga Conservation Area.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda 

Gorilla walking in Volcanoes National Park (the best of Rwanda national parks) is the most famous and top safari activity in Rwanda. The activity will lead you to meet one of the families of the park for amazing Rwanda gorilla treks.

Volcanoes National Park has 14 habituated families, some of which include:

With your gorilla permit, you will head out to the park headquarters as early as 7:00 am and your ranger will guide you through the important guidelines before heading to the park for this thrilling gorilla trekking in Africa experience.

You will explore the beautiful wildlife, for example the birds, animals, and different plant species, among others.

When you meet one of the families, you will spend one hour with them as you explore their human-like behaviors like feeding and grooming and also take their photos to keep as memories.

The activity will allow you to experience these human-like creatures up close and later get a certificate for completing this thrilling activity.

Enjoy the best gorilla tracking adventures in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park especially in the dry season when the Rwanda gorilla treks are on dry tracks, thus making the primates easier to find.

Also, you may find comfortable accommodation options in the park that range from budget to midrange and luxury.

For a memorable Africa gorilla trekking tour, you can combine tracking Rwanda gorillas with golden monkey trekking and wildlife experiences at Akagera National Park.

Congo Gorilla Tours in Africa 

The Democratic Republic of Congo protects two gorilla species: the mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park and the eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Gorilla treks in Congo safaris take you to the only country that offers both mountain and lowland gorilla trips in Africa yet the most affordable Africa gorilla safari destination.

Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park Congo

Virunga National Park, the oldest national park in Africa and the best of Congo national parks, protects the mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation Area.

Congo gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is a remarkable experience and one of the top African safari activities in DR Congo.

Virunga National Park protects over 300 Mountain Gorillas and 8 habituated families that you can watch on your gorilla-watching tours. These are:

1.     Kabirizi Family

2.     Bageni Family

3.     Rugendo Family

4.     Mapuwa Family

5.     Munyaga Family

6.     Lulengo Family

7.     Humba Family

8.     Nyakamwe Family

To track gorillas in Virunga National Park, you will need a gorilla permit, which costs $400 for foreign nonresidents and $200 for foreign residents and East African citizens.

The gorilla safaris in Virunga National Park begin with a short briefing at the park headquarters. You will then follow the guidance of your ranger into the forest.

Following captivating paths with numerous wildlife species like birds and animals, you will eventually meet a gorilla group and spend with them one hour as you study their way of life.

As much as it is possible to visit the park at any time of the year, the dry season is considered the best time to go mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park due to the dry tracks that make tracking much easier.

Virunga National Park offers some of the best accommodation options, ranging from budget to midrange and luxury, to support your comfortable stay while in the park.

Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park

Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park 

Kahuzi Biega National Park protects the endangered Eastern Lowland gorillas, and trekking them began in 1970.

There are 5 habituated families in Kahuzi Biega National Park out of the other 12 Gorilla families and these include the

1.     Chimanuka Group

2.     Mpungwe Family

3.     Bonnani Family

4.     Nganwa Group

5.     Mugahuka Family

You will meet one of these Gorilla groups as you track the gorillas in the forest with your ranger and guide.

Tracking the Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park costs $400 for nonresidents, $200 for foreign residents and East African citizens, and $20 for Congo nationals.

The best months to go for a Gorilla trek in Kahuzi Biega National Park are between December and March and June and around September, which are the dry months.

However, the wet season also offers unique gorilla-watching experiences.

Some of the best places to stay at Kahuzi Biega National Park include L’Orchids Safari Club, Coco Lodge Bukavu, Lake Side Hotel Bukavu, Hotel Begonias Bukavu, and Exodus Bukavu, among others.

The Gorilla Trekking in Africa Experience 

Trekking Mountain Gorillas begins between 7:00 am and 8:00 am with a briefing from the park rangers at the park headquarters concerning the Gorilla tracking rules. From here, you will be grouped among 7 other trackers and led through the beautiful forest to meet a Gorilla family.

Gorilla tracking can last from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the movement of the giant apes. Once you spot a habituated family, you are only allowed to be in their presence for one hour, for an experience of a lifetime. It is the right time to take all the pictures for remembrance of the Gorilla holiday, though never forget to keep your flashlight off.

Afterward, your guide will lead you back to the park headquarters, where you will enjoy your lunch and then receive a certificate for successfully completing your Gorilla trek.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Vs Rwanda and DR Congo 

The Gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo all provide amazingly unique experiences. Based on your interests for a trip, you can choose the best destination to go to for your trip.

This will allow you to choose the best safari experiences for your African Gorilla safaris.

• Additional activities:

Other than gorilla trekking tours, a Uganda safari provides more wildlife safari activities to add to your safari experiences and adventures in many national parks to experience the wildlife, scenery, birds, etc.

On the other hand, the Congo and Rwanda safari experiences mostly provide prime tours for travelers.

• Accessibility & Distance:

Rwanda is more suitable for travellers who would like to experience shorter safaris and tours. This is because it is a small country with great infrastructure compared to Uganda and DR of Congo.

• Number of habituated families:

There are more habituated families in Uganda than in Rwanda and the Congo. Uganda also has two national parks to trek gorillas, thus giving travelers the chance to have more guaranteed expressions.

• Terrain/Landscape:

Mountain gorillas naturally live in hilly areas; therefore, trekking them means moving to higher altitudes. However, some national parks are at a lower altitude than others.

Uganda’s Mgahinga NP, Rwanda’s Volcanoes NP, and Congo’s Virunga NP are all in the mountainous Virunga Conservation Area, which is a mountain area.

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable NP is, however, on a much lower altitude, thus making it a much less strenuous place to track gorillas.

• Cost:

DRC has the cheapest Gorilla permit, that is $400, compared to Uganda, which is $800, and Rwanda, which sells permits $1500. This thus makes DRC the best place to track Gorillas for budget travelers.

Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo 

All three gorilla walking countries—Uruguay, Kenya, and the Congo—have the same gorilla trekking rules and regulations for travelers as they go and while they are with the Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat.

Below are the different rules and regulations to follow before and while for your Africa Gorilla treks

Before meeting the Gorillas

• Make sure that you move to the park headquarters with your Gorilla permit as proof of payment.
• Only travellers who are 15 years of age and older are allowed to track the Mountain Gorillas.
• It is advisable not to go to trek gorillas if you have a cough or the flu to avoid affecting the Mountain Gorillas.
• It is important to wash your hands before you go on Gorilla trek.
• You will be placed in a group of 8 people to go meet one gorilla family so that there is no overcrowding around the Gorillas, which could stress them.
• While moving in the forest to find a family, ensure to maintain silence so you can experience more.
• In case you empty your bowels, all human waste, including toilet paper, should be buried 30 cm below the ground.
• Most importantly, it is advisable to follow the instructions of your guide while on safaris and tours.

Rules when you meet the Mountain Gorillas

• When you finally meet a family, you are allowed to stay with them for one hour.
• You are advised to stay 7 to 10 meters away from the Mountain Gorillas.
• Do not mimic the Gorillas.
• You are not allowed to smoke around the endangered Gorillas.
• Feeding the Gorillas is also prohibited.
• Littering is also prohibited while in the park and while with Gorillas.
• While taking the photos of the Gorillas, it is important to remove the flashlights.

The Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo 

The dry season is the best time to explore the amazing Mountain Gorillas of these countries. This is because primates live in dense and steep mountainous areas

Therefore, the dry season makes the grounds drier, thus making them easier to pass through than the wet season, when the ground are wet and muddy, thus making them harder to pass through.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Africa 

It is therefore important to discover the best clothes to wear for your Gorilla safaris in Africa. Clothes that cover your body to keep it from the harsh conditions of the wild are much preferred.

The most important clothes to wear or pack include

• Trousers and long-sleeved shirts
• Hiking boots
• a rain jacket or poncho
• Sunglasses
• Cape or hut
• Garden shoes
• Long socks, etc

Gorilla Trekking Packing List For Gorilla Tours in Africa 

On the other hand, there are various important things to pack while for your African Gorilla treks.

These include;

• Cameras
• Binoculars
• Sunscreen lotion
• Travel documents
• Insect repellent
• Bottled water
• Sunscreen lotion
• Walking stick
• Waterproof backpack, among others.

Best African Gorilla Tours/Safari Packages 

3 days Mountain Gorilla trekking Uganda

4 days Uganda Gorilla Safaris Tour & Wildlife Safari Package in Queen Elizabeth National Park for tree-climbing lions and other wildlife safaris

4 days Uganda Gorilla safari tour to Bwindi & Lake Mburo National Park

5 days Gorilla Safari Uganda & Wildlife Safari to Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, & Lake Mburo National Park

5 days Gorilla safaris Uganda & Wildlife safari Holiday in Queen Elizabeth National Park

6 days Uganda Gorilla Safaris Tour & Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park

6 days Gorillas in Bwindi National Park Volcanoes Rwanda & Wildlife in Serengeti National Parks

7 days Uganda Gorilla safari, Chimps in Kibale National Park and Wildlife Safari Tour in Queen Elizabeth National Park (home of tree-climbing lions), Murchison Falls National Park Kidepo Valley National Park

8 days Gorilla Uganda safari, wildlife safaris, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park/Kibale National Park.

10 days, Uganda, Rwanda, the DR of Congo and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park

Best Uganda Safari Lodges in Uganda 

The best lodges to stay in while for your Gorilla trips in Uganda include the following:

Budget Lodges: Bwindi Guest House, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, The Crested Crane Bwindi Hotel, Gorilla Close Up Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, etc.

Midrange Lodges: Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Agandi Lodge, Bwindi Bakiga Lodge, Bwindi Gorilla Valley Lodge, etc

Luxury Lodges: Buhoma Lodges, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge, etc

In Mgahinga Gorilla NP, you can stay Mount Gahinga Lodge, Traveler’s Rest Hotel, Mutanda Lake Resort, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions About African Gorilla Tours

How Difficult is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda? How Hard is the Gorilla Trek?

The Uganda gorilla tour is less strenuous compared to other gorilla safari countries like Rwanda and DR Congo. This is because Uganda’s gorilla destinations are at a much lower altitude than those of other countries, like Rwanda and DR of Congo.

Is it Safe to go Gorilla Tracking in Uganda?

Yes, Uganda is a safe country to go for Gorilla expeditions. On your gorilla-watching adventures, armed park rangers and guides will lead you through the forest and the park itself is safe.

How Much is the Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda?

A Gorilla permit in Uganda costs $800 for foreign nonresidents, $700 for foreign residents and 300,000 Uganda shillings for East African citizens.

How Much Does it Cost to go Gorilla Trekking in Africa?

The cost of african gorilla tours depends on various factors for example

1. Country of travel: Each country has different expenditures, especially due to the cost of the gorilla permits. Rwanda sells Gorilla permits at $1500, Uganda sells it at $800 and DR Congo sells gorilla permits at $400 for foreign nonresidents.

Additionally, the country’s services like transport, accommodation, and activity costs differ depending on the country’s policies.

2. Cost of Gorilla Permit: The gorilla permits add immensely to the cost of an African gorilla safari.
3. Number of days spent on the safari: The more days a person spends on a safari, the more they pay for their trips.
4. Additional activities done on the safari: A tourist who has travelled to only do gorilla walking will pay less than a tourist who does other safari activities in addition. For example, game drives, birding, and nature walks, among others,.
5. Accommodation costs: This depends on whether a traveler stays in a luxury, midrange, or budget accommodation.

Is Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safe?

Rwanda is a safe country to track gorillas because the country is ranked among the safest countries in Africa. Even while you trek with mountain gorillas, you are well guarded by the rangers and the guides, who are always armed.

Why is gorilla trekking so expensive?

Gorilla walking is quite expensive for the purposes of gorilla conservation, as they are an endangered species. The money collected is used to conserve the endangered gorillas and their natural habitat by employing and paying locals to protect them from poachers.

On the other hand, Gorilla Trekking’s money is used to support local communities and their projects, for example, education, medical care, and farming, among others.

How much is the Rwanda Gorilla Tour?

A Rwanda Gorilla Tour will cost about $2500 to $5000 per person, depending on whether their safari is luxury, midrange, or budget. The costs will also be affected by a number of factors, for example, accommodation, the number of days spent on the trip, accommodation costs, and the number of safari activities done.

What is the best country for gorilla trekking in Africa?

All three countries—Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—are safe for Africa gorilla trekking safaris and tours. However, due to favorable tourist conditions, high safety measures by the government, and the general cleanliness of the country, Rwanda is considered the safest country to visit among the three Africa Gorilla trekking destinations.

Is gorilla trekking worth the money?

Yes, Africa gorilla trekking is worth the money for safari goers. The adventure will allow you to experience the beauty of getting close to the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Is Gorilla Trekking in Congo Safe?

Gorilla trips in Congo is safe and has been possible for many other travelers to the country who have fully enjoyed their experiences.

Do I Need a Visa to Gorilla Trek in Africa? 

Yes, you need a visa to visit Africa for your african gorilla tours. East African tourist visa can take you to track mountain gorillas in Uganda and enjoy wildlife safari in Kenya. On the other hand, you can also purchase a Tanzania visa to enjoy Serengeti National Park

In conclusion, therefore, African gorilla safaris in Uganda are incredible! However, other gorilla tours in Africa safari destinations like Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will also grant you unique Gorilla walking adventures, especially the opportunity to experience two Gorilla species, which are the Mountain Gorillas and the Eastern Lowland Gorillas.

Discover the gorilla trekking tours in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo by reaching out to us, one of the best gorilla tour operators to book your gorilla experiences!