Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda

Hey primate lover! Dreaming of your first mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda? Looking for an unforgettable weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of City life? Is a gorilla trekking safari just the thing on your mind? Alba Wonders Africa figured you may have some questions and are here to help you ease your way to the jungle. So, let’s go! Mountain gorilla trekking adventures in Uganda and Rwanda have become one of the most phenomenal safari activities or popular weekend escapades in recent times. The growing number of these majestic Giant Apes, thus increased habituated gorilla families, the meticulously planned packages, as well as the well-managed accommodations promise an unforgettable safari of peaceful rejuvenation.

Whether you are a seasoned gorilla photographer, a first-time safari goer, or a family seeing an unforgettable gorilla trekking tour, this guide provides everything you need to know, from where to go, when to go for the adventure, how to plan, what to expect, and where to stay.

Is Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda safe?

With more and more trained naturalists (trackers, armed Rangers, and guides) as well as strict guidelines, a mountain gorilla trekking tour in Uganda and Rwanda isn’t just an enjoyable experience, but is safer than ever before. Simply follow the guidelines of your guides, and you will be fine.

Mountain Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Uganda is one of the most popular gorilla trekking safari destinations, with the highest mountain gorilla concentration in the World. These majestic Giant Apes can be tracked from two locations- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, with a combined 25 habituated gorilla families. This means a total of 200 gorilla permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority each day for this country.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four trekking regions/sectors in different locations of the Park- Buhoma to the North, Ruhija to the East, Rushaga and Nkuringo to the south. Each of these sectors has its own habituated gorilla families, and you will be pre-assigned permits for each of these sectors. Also, the permits can’t be changed for whatever reason.

Whether you choose Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for your mountain gorilla trekking adventure, a gorilla permit, valued at $800 per person for foreign non-residents, $700 per person for foreign residents, and Shs. 300,000 per person for East African Citizens is required. To book your gorilla trekking permits, Alba Wonders Africa safari specialist will request your full name (as per passport), Nationality and passport number, Age, and your preferred trekking date/s and area.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Spanning 160 square kilometers, Volcanoes National Park is the only place where mountain gorilla trekking is done in Rwanda, with a population of about 350-400 mountain gorillas. This Protected Area boasts a rich mosaic of dense bamboo forest, Afro-Alpine, and verdant rainforest that make it a jaw-dropping destination for primate enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

This Park has 12 habituated gorilla families, and for these, only 96 gorilla permits are issued each day by the Rwanda Development Board for Rwanda gorilla tours.

When it comes to accommodation during Rwanda gorilla trekking tours, you can choose from Bisate Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, the Bishop’s House, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Amakoro Songa Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, Muhabura Hotel, and many others.

What to expect on your mountain gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda and Rwanda

All mountain gorilla trekking adventures start at the very early hour of about 7:30 am with a briefing at the Park Headquarters. You will go through a 30-minute briefing process from a Park ranger guide to learn about the rules and regulations to be followed while tracking and spending time with the Giant Apes in their natural habitat.

Only one gorilla trekking tour is available each day and starts at 8:00 am with a walk or transfer (by vehicle) to the trailhead (starting point) of the habituated gorilla family you have been allocated. The search for mountain gorillas lasts anywhere between 30 minutes and 6 hours, depending on the location of the habituated gorilla family, and is climaxed with a one-hour encounter (to watch and take photos) of the Giant Apes as they go about their daily routines.

After the one-hour interaction with these majestic creatures, you will then retreat to the base and back to the Lodge for your next adventures.

When to go for mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Mountain gorilla trekking tours in Uganda and Rwanda occur year-round, although the most popular season is between June and September, and then December to February in all the National Parks. Broadly speaking, these months are referred to as the “best season” because forest trails and Park roads are drier, less muddy or slippery, because of reduced rainfall levels. Additionally, the forest is sparser, hence making it less challenging to navigate while searching for the majestic Giant Apes in their natural habitat.

If you wish to combine gorilla trekking with bird watching excursions, then the wet season- March to May and October to November would be perfect to book your mountain gorilla trekking tour. As a photographer, you will also enjoy going gorilla trekking in these months when the vegetation is lush and fresh, and the air is cleaner and clearer.

However, be prepared to contend with the dense vegetation, as well as the muddy and slippery forest trails and Park roads, resulting from increased rainfall levels.

What you need to pack/carry for your mountain gorilla trekking tour in Uganda and Rwanda

While everyone will advise you to pack according to the season you intend to go for your mountain gorilla trekking tour, this isn’t entirely true because mountain gorillas live in the forests, high in the mountains. This means that rains are expected at any time of the year.

All in all, we recommend packing short and long-sleeved shirts, long safari pants, a rain jacket, a waterproof backpack for storing everything you will need during your mountain gorilla trekking tour, a reusable water bottle, a first aid kit (with tweezers, Band-Aids, gloves, anti-fungal cream, anti-blister cream, and others), an insect repellant, a camera, a pair of binoculars, a hat and sunglasses, sunscreen, sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, cotton socks, and many others.