Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda 2025 / 2026
Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda 2025 / 2026
Seeing some of the last remaining endangered mountain gorillas up close is one of the most-incredible wildlife experience on the planet. These majestic creatures are only found in three countries that is Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and they thrive only in four national parks, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park.
Our tailored gorilla trekking tours offer an exclusive opportunity and a once in a lifetime privilege to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat, in the tropical rainforests.
Gorillas are social beings living in family groups led by a dominant silverback male, they are also majestic in size and highly intelligent. Gorillas communicate through a repertoire of up to 25 distinct sounds including humming, singing, grunts and rumbles. They are very intelligent and are known to create and use tools, it is very fascinating watching them building nests on grounds or trees using branches and leaves, which they use both during day and at night.
With not more than 1,063 individuals left on the planet, mountain gorillas are listed as critically endangered, according to the IUCN Red List.
Mountain gorillas share strong family bonds and the family divides its day between rest periods and traveling or feeding, covering a small home range on any given day. Because they are closely monitored on a daily basis, tracking them is manageable, join our daily gorilla trekking safari will leave an indelible mark on your conscience and inspire a deeper connection with nature and a renewed commitment to conservation.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is not just a primate journey but a soul-stirring connection with these magnificent creatures and their natural world.
Where to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda 2025 / 2026
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Home to half of the mountain gorillas remaining in the world, Uganda is arguably the best destination for gorilla trekking with two destinations that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the most popular gorilla trekking destination.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the southwest of Uganda covering hills and valleys, the emerald forest is home to 20 habituated gorilla families open for gorilla trekking. The park is divided into four sectors’ Buhoma Sector, Nkuringo Sector, Ruhija and Rushaga where gorilla trekking takes place.
Gorilla treks are done in small groups of up to eight people to spend an hour with these gentle giants, an once-in-a-lifetime experience that is on top of bucket lists for most safari goers.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – the smallest national park in Uganda is home to only one habituated gorilla family –Nyakagezi known for migrating to Rwanda and Congo. Mgahinga sits high in the clouds, at an altitude of between 2,227m and 4,127m.
The park’s most outstanding features are three extinct volcanoes that form part of the magnificent Virunga range, which lies along the border between Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s crown jewel offering the most-accessible gorilla trekking adventure in the world. Located approximately 3 hours from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda in Ruhengeri.
Also known as Parc Nationals Des Volcans, Volcanoes National Park is a prime destination for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, offering visitors a unique opportunity to see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The park’s history is closely linked to the efforts of American Primatologist Dian Fossey, who founded the Karisoke Research Center within its boundaries in 1967.
Dian Fossey devoted her life to studying and protecting mountain gorillas from poaching and habitat loss. Her work garnered international attention to the plight of these primates and significantly contributed to their conservation.
When to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda 2025 / 2026
Generally, gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is a year round however July to October and late – December to February which are optimal dry seasons in Rwanda and Uganda. The trails are less muddy, the vegetation is sparser, and the gorillas tend to stay in the lower altitudes, making them easier to spot.
Also the dry season offer clear views and favorable photography conditions.
The dry season coincides with the Peak Season gorilla trekking meaning higher gorilla trekking permits and lodge costs.
From March to May and October to November are wet seasons, gorilla trekking is more challenging but still possible. The trails can be more slippery resulting into more challenging trekking. However, the wet seasons have its advantages such as reduced prices and fewer crowds, while the forests are lush and green.
What to Expect on Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda 2025 / 2026
After breakfast at your lodge either in Uganda and Rwanda, you will meet your guide and be driven to the park headquarters to meet your park rangers and the team accompanying your trek. Here, you will be provided with a briefing about the gorilla group assigned to you and how to behave when you are with the group.
You then depart often by road or foot to your starting point and enter the emerald rainforest. Your trek can take about 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas and where they spent their previous night, through varying vegetation levels, often including bamboo forests, giant stinging nettle zones and some steep muddy slopes.
Once your group finds the gorillas, you are permitted to spend a maximum of one hour with the gorilla family. Sometimes they will be in small-sub groups, with sub-adults playing in a forest clearing, or lounging and feeding as a family, and sometimes they will be on the move. Just like any other wildlife experience, gorilla trekking is impossible to predict, but we have never had guests report anything other than absolute delight and amazement at the experience.
Time with the gorillas (one hour) passes quickly and your park ranger will signal when it is time to depart. You will trek back to the starting point where your guide and vehicle will await. Return to your lodge for a hot shower and rest, before enjoying a celebratory dinner recalling the day’s incredible encounter.
Fitness and Etiquette on Gorilla Trekking 2025 / 2026
Gorilla trekking is a physically demanding adventure that can take about one to 8 hours maximum. You will be hiking up and down steep slopes, on muddy trails and through thick vegetation, often high altitudes.
It is very vital to start exercising at least six months before your trip to prepare for gorilla trekking, by hiking with a backpack and getting used to the pair of shoes you plan to wear. During the intimate gorilla encounters, keep a minimum distance of 7 meters (23 feet) from gorillas, do not touch, feed or provoke them, also avoid making eye contact, pointing or using flash photography as it may aggravate the gorillas.
Because of our close DNA Composition, gorillas are vulnerable to human diseases and visitors with colds or infections will not be allowed to take part in gorilla treks.
When speaking, keep your voice low and refrain from making sudden movements or noises. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a memorable encounter and contribute to their conservation and protection. Always remember, you are a guest in the forest.