Unforgettable Africa Gorilla Trekking Safaris & Tours in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo 2025/2026
Enjoy unique tailor-made africa gorilla tours such as Uganda gorilla safaris & tours offering memorable gorilla trekking in Uganda , in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda gorilla tours taking you gorilla trekking in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, Congo gorilla safaris & tours featuring Congo gorilla trekking in Congo's Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Parks. We await to take offer the ultimate Africa gorilla trekking adventures in unforgatable Africa gorilla safari destinations!!
For over 13 years, Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd has organized tailor-made and value-for-money gorilla safaris in Uganda, leading you to the best Uganda gorilla trekking destinations. Our gorilla treks in Africa also feature Rwanda gorilla tours in Volcanoes National Park, Congo gorilla safaris in Virunga national Park, & Kahuzi Biega National Park in Congo.
Gorilla safaris in Africa can only be experienced during Uganda gorilla tours, gorilla tours in Rwanda and Congo gorilla tracking safari trips.
In Uganda, you can experience Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Rwanda has mountain gorillas only in Volcanoes National Park, while Congo protects Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park and lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
These endangered Mountain Gorillas are endemic to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and Virunga Conservation Area, which spans Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and Congo’s Virunga National Park.
Uganda has a total of 20 habituated gorilla families, Rwanda has a total 14 habituated gorilla groups; and Congo has 8 habituated families in Virunga National Park and 3 habituated families in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Contact Our Dedicated Expert Uganda Gorilla Safari Team and Book Affordable Africa Gorilla Treks From the Best Tour Operators. Together With You, We Shall Tailor Your Memorable Uganda Gorilla Safaris for 2024 & Beyond!
The Uganda gorilla tours and itineraries below are combined with amazing African wildlife viewing, community, beautiful scenery tours and much more awaiting you to adventure.
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.
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 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:
1. Susa, A Gorilla Group
2. Karisimbi family, also known as the Susa B family
3. Umubano Group
4. Amahoro Family
5. Agashya Family
6. Sabyinyo Family
7. Kwitonda Family
8. Ugenda Family
9. Bwenge Family
10. Hirwa Group
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
7 Days Uganda Primate Safari Tour
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.
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
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.
Cost of Gorilla Permit: The gorilla permits add immensely to the cost of an African gorilla safari.
Number of days spent on the safari: The more days a person spends on a safari, the more they pay for their trips.
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,.
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, Africangorilla 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!
All Uganda Gorilla Trekking Frequently Asked Questions
Planning for gorilla trekking in Uganda? Carefully check out out popular frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking Uganda safaris.
Uganda is one of the 3 countries in East Africa holding Mountain Gorillas besides Rwanda within Volcanoes National Park and the Democratic Republic of Congo within Virunga NP and it also has Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega. Among these 3 Gorilla watching destinations, Uganda holds the highest number of Mountain Gorillas within its two national parks, Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
A Gorilla permit is an official document that permits you to trek Gorillas on your Gorilla tours. Gorilla permits are purchased from Uganda Wildlife Authority and you can use a tour operator or tour company to help you get the Gorilla permit. Always buy your Gorilla permit in advance as they can be scarce in the peak season.
Uganda has 160 permits available daily as only 8 people with Gorilla permits track a Gorilla family. This makes it the highest number of Gorilla permits among other destinations for gorilla trekking safaris. If lucky, discounted gorilla permits can be available in the low seasons.
The cost or price of a Mountain Gorilla trekking permit is $700 per person (non-residents), there are discounted Gorilla permits for foreign residents as they go for $600, and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens per person. A Gorilla permit is inclusive of park entrance fees in all the Gorilla tracking destinations on your Gorilla tour.
Many tourists ask themselves how to book a Gorilla permit in Uganda. You can buy a Gorilla permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and you can use the services of a tour operator (Tour Company). Once you purchase the Gorilla permit, you can collect it from the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices or the tour operator (Tour Company) will sign in at the park headquarters for you on the day of trekking. Uganda tour operators will do for you a nice job in getting you the Gorilla permits and this will prevent you from the hustles. They are more resourceful as they can get you last-minute Gorilla permits which may be difficult for you, especially in the peak season. Tour operators can help you acquire discounted Gorilla permits, especially in the low season. Always purchase your Gorilla permits in advance to avoid any inconveniences.
There is no fixed price for a Gorilla safari cost for gorilla trekking holidays as different tour operators offer different quotations based on the safari factors like the Gorilla permit cost, number of people on the Gorilla tour, accommodation class to use, mode of transport, etc. However, expect the cheapest to cost around $1100 per person. A luxurious Gorilla safari package is expected to have an additional cost between $400 and $700 per person on your Uganda safari.
One can go gorilla trekking in Uganda or Gorilla watching on a budget and get lifetime experiences. Gorilla tours are not as expensive as most people think. Below is how you can trek Mountain Gorillas on a budget;
Target the low season; this is when most lodges in Gorilla safari destinations are at discounted rates. If lucky, you can land yourself discounted Gorilla permits.
Consider budget accommodation; besides the Gorilla permit which is standard, book budget accommodation during the gorilla trip.
Join a group tour; this means that most of the expenses on your Gorilla trip will be shared.
If possible, use public transport as it is cheap
Gorilla treks last from around 2-8 hours as you trek Mountain Gorillas in the tropical rainforests. Once you spot a Gorilla group on your Gorilla trek, you are allowed to be in the presence of the gentle giants for one full hour. This outstanding hour is of a lifetime as you get to enjoy apes playing, and feeding, and you can be amused by the size of the Silverback. However, if you want more time with the apes when on your Gorilla tracking holidays, then you can engage in Gorilla habituation. This activity gives 4-full hours to be with the Uganda Gorillas.
Gorilla trekking holidays in Uganda safaris cannot be done in one day. Gorilla treks and Gorilla habituation experience take a minimum of 3 days as the Gorilla destinations are distant from the airport. Usually, day 1 of the Gorilla trip is for traveling, day 2 is for the Gorilla trek starting at the park headquarters, and day 3 is for returning.
Gorilla watching and gorilla habituation is an all-year Uganda safari activity though the best time is during the dry season which is also the peak season. This is usually from June to August and December to February. In the dry season, the Gorilla treks are dry making the trails dry and accessible and photography is rewarding. In the wet season, the rains are heavy making the trails slippery and the wet months are from March to May and from September to November. Also, tourists can go Gorilla trekking in Uganda and if lucky, you can get discounted Gorilla permits for tour operators.
For amazing Gorilla walking safaris, you require a few essential items that you need to carry with you always and some of these include;
Gorilla permits
A good camera with extra batteries
Binoculars
The Poncho/rain jacket
Insect repellents
Walking sticks
There are clothes (wear) you can choose to put on so that your Gorilla treks are successful. Below is what to wear before you go Gorilla walking;
Light hiking boots
Long-sleeved trousers and shirts
Garden gloves
Hat or cap
Sunglasses
Oh yes, trekking Gorillas on a Uganda safari is safe and you are guaranteed security in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Also, the Mountain Gorillas on your trek are fully habituated meaning that they recognize human presence. When you go to trek Mountain Gorillas in the jungle, you are also escorted by armed ranger guides who protect you at all costs. Also, there is an 8-meter gap left between you and the Mountain Gorillas making it more secure.
Yes, Gorilla tours in Uganda are worth it and worth the money as no price equals meeting the Gorillas face to face. During your Gorilla tracking on a Uganda safari holiday, you will meet the Gorillas feeding, and caring, and the size of the Silverback is just outstanding. The gentle giants that you will see on the Gorilla trek are one of the remaining apes in the world and their looks will leave you amazed as their looks are charming.
Gorilla tracking is not as difficult as it may sound though the gorillas are found in mountainous forested areas and gorilla treks in search of these great apes can go up to 8 hours, scrambling through dense vegetation up steep, muddy hillsides, sometimes to altitudes of more than 3500 meters. The Gorilla trek trail can be challenging, but once you meet them face to face, then it will all be in the past as you get memorable experiences of being with the Gorillas.
Sightings cannot be guaranteed as Mountain Gorillas are wild animals and make movements at any time they feel like. However, the viewing chances are over 90% and there has been no case of anyone missing to see the primates. If you miss the sightings, then the Gorilla tracking can be re-arranged for you the next day.
Both destinations offer amazing Gorilla tours and that's why we recommend that you visit both destinations. Below is a simple comparison;
Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is situated near the Kigali Airport meaning that one can enjoy a 1 day Rwanda Gorilla trek to see Rwanda Gorillas which is impossible in Uganda.
Uganda sells 160 permits a day though the Rwanda Development Board only sells 96 Rwanda Gorilla permits for those going to trek Rwanda Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
A Gorilla permit in Uganda costs $700 though a Rwanda Gorilla permit from the Rwanda Development Board to track Rwanda Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park costs $1,500. However, it is also hard to get discounted Gorilla permits in both destinations.
A Rwanda Gorilla trek can be combined with wildlife safaris in its only savannah park Akagera National Park and Uganda has 4 amazing savannah national parks namely Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Lake Mburo Park.
Comparing the two destinations for Gorilla watching depends on one's time and budget though you can trek in both countries when you acquire an East African tourist visa.
Several tour operators can organize for you Gorilla holidays on your African safari within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park and Mgahinga Park and the most rated is Wild Gorilla Safaris.
The Gorilla safari packages are tailor-made to ensure that you get the best experience when you meet Gorillas in their natural setting. They also include other national parks for memorable African safari experiences. Enjoy the Best-priced Gorilla Safari Packages in Uganda.
2 Days Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi National Park
3 Days Gorilla Walking Bwindi Uganda Safari - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park Gorilla Trip
3 Days Gorilla Tracking Safari - Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
4 Days Uganda Safari - Gorillas Trek in Bwindi National Park & Queen Elizabeth National Park Wildlife Tour
5 Days Uganda Tour - Gorilla watching in Bwindi National Park and chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
6 Days Uganda Tour - Gorillas in Bwindi Forest & Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
7 Days Safari in Uganda - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gorillas, Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth Park & Lake Bunyonyi
10 Days Uganda Safari Gorilla walking in Bwindi National Park, Wildlife, Chimpanzees & Community Tours
There are several reasons for you to visit Gorillas in Uganda and below are some of these reasons;
Uganda has half of the world's surviving Mountain Gorillas meaning that you are guaranteed sightings
Gorilla tours in Uganda are cheaper
Uganda is a safe country for all tourists on Gorilla holidays
When you buy a Gorilla permit, you contribute to Gorilla conservation
As a tourist, you will meet the endangered primates that share over 95% of DNA with humans
You see more primates along the Gorilla trek like Golden Monkeys
Splendid African Safaris Cares! Our Community Projects
We founded Christ Our Vision Child Care (COVCC) to help respond to the overwhelming number of orphaned and vulnerable children we met in our community, and when we realized the small private assistance we tried to offer these kids was not enough.