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Featured Safaris Packages 2025
Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda & Rwanda
Vast landscapes. Iconic wildlife. Africa’s magic isn’t just in its safaris—it’s in every beat of its vibrant culture, the warmth of its people, and the raw beauty that takes your breath away.
While much of the world feels like it’s been mapped out, parts of Africa remain gloriously untouched. Picture this: winding dirt roads, serene mud-brick villages, lush rainforests, and miles of untamed nature. It’s the kind of adventure that awakens the explorer in you. But don’t worry—you’re not leaving comfort behind. Africa’s lodges and national parks serve up incredible meals, cozy beds, and even WiFi to keep you connected (if you want to be).
A safari in Africa is more than a trip—it’s a story you’ll tell forever. Whether it’s trekking through Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to meet the mighty mountain gorillas, every moment is unforgettable. Uganda offers spectacular landscapes like the Rwenzori Mountains, thrilling wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the breathtaking waterfalls of Murchison Falls National Park. Rwanda complements this with the Big Five in Akagera National Park, serene vistas of Lake Kivu, and the vibrant culture of Kigali.
Best Quality Gorilla Safaris
At Empathy Tours, we specialize in crafting one-of-a-kind gorilla trekking experiences centered on Uganda and Rwanda. Our expert team, a blend of passionate locals and seasoned expats, handles every detail of your journey, ensuring your adventure is seamless and unforgettable. Our adventures extend to wildlife safaris, bird-watching expeditions, and cultural tours that celebrate East Africa’s vibrant diversity. Travel comfortably and safely in our secure safari vehicles, designed to deliver unforgettable experiences across Uganda’s renowned national parks and beyond.
So, pack your bags, lace up your boots, and let’s trek the path less traveled. Africa is calling!
Why you should go gorilla trekking?
Embarking on a gorilla safari in Uganda or Rwanda allows you to stand face-to-face with one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. Since mountain gorillas share around 98% of our DNA, the time spent observing them in their natural habitat often ranks as a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter. Because these gorillas cannot survive in captivity, you won’t find them in any zoo. It’s no wonder that gorilla trekking has become the most popular wildlife adventure in Uganda and Rwanda.
Empathy Tours serves as your one-stop provider for discounted gorilla safaris and Big Five excursions throughout East Africa. We also arrange exceptional trips in Tanzania and Kenya, and our team is available 24/7 to ensure a seamless experience.
Gorilla Habituation Experience
The process of habituation is key to making gorilla trekking possible. Here, rangers spend time acclimating wild gorilla groups to human presence, ensuring these majestic animals remain calm and approachable when visitors arrive. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has successfully habituated over 20 gorilla groups, making it the premier location for this unique experience.
A gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi lasts about four hours per day. The fee is $1,500 per person—comparable to a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit—and offers a rare opportunity to contribute to this crucial wildlife conservation process. Currently, only two gorilla families are undergoing habituation in Bwindi, making this an incredibly special, hands-on adventure. Skilled guides and trackers will lead you through dense forests, following subtle clues left behind by the gorillas until you finally encounter these captivating creatures. Check out our dedicated gorilla habituation safaris below.
Rwanda vs. Uganda Gorilla Safaris
While the trekking experience is similar in both Uganda and Rwanda, there are distinct differences to consider. Rwanda’s gorilla permits cost $1,500 each, making it a more expensive option. Uganda’s permits are priced at $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens.
Travel times also vary. It takes about three hours to drive from Kigali International Airport to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. In contrast, driving from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda can take around 10 hours, though the drive from Kigali to Bwindi is approximately six hours. Rwanda’s upscale lodges and shorter travel times appeal to those seeking a luxury experience, while Uganda’s larger gorilla population and relatively lower permit costs attract a wide range of travelers. Both countries maintain a stable, secure environment for visitors.
Rwanda Gorilla Safaris
Volcanoes National Park, located in northwest Rwanda, is home to roughly 12 habituated gorilla families, with an estimated population of about 350 mountain gorillas. This park is part of the broader Virunga Massif, a region renowned for protecting these rare primates. Only one group of eight trekkers may visit each gorilla family per day, and interactions are limited to one hour to minimize stress on the animals.
Gorilla permits cost $1,500. This investment not only grants you an extraordinary experience but also contributes to vital conservation efforts for these remarkable creatures.
Uganda Gorilla Safaris
Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park boasts the world’s largest population of mountain gorillas, with over 20 habituated families available for trekking. The park is divided into four sectors—Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo—and permits are allocated according to these sectors. With so many gorilla families, your chances of a successful sighting are extremely high. Popular groups include Rushegura, Mubare, Bitukura, Habinyanja, Kyaguriro, Oruzongo, Nshongi, Mishaya, and Nkuringo.
In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African nationals. Due to limited availability, it’s best to book your permit at least six months before your intended trek.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking involves hiking through forests to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. In Uganda, this activity is primarily conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, while in Rwanda, it takes place in Volcanoes National Park. Trekkers are guided by experienced rangers to locate habituated gorilla families, allowing for a safe and educational wildlife encounter.
The Gorilla Habituation Experience offers visitors the opportunity to spend extended time—up to four hours—with a gorilla group that is undergoing the habituation process. This experience is available in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and provides deeper insights into gorilla behaviors and the efforts involved in acclimating them to human presence.
The optimal time for gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda is during the dry seasons:
- June to September
- December to February
During these periods, trails are less muddy, and the trekking conditions are more favorable. However, gorilla trekking is available year-round, and each season offers unique experiences.
As of 2024, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit is:
- Uganda:
- Foreign Non-Residents: USD 800 per person
- Foreign Residents: USD 700 per person
- East African Citizens: UGX 300,000 per person
- Rwanda:
- Foreign Non-Residents: USD 1,500 per person
- Foreign Residents in Rwanda and other African countries: USD 500 per person
- Rwandan Nationals and Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states: USD 200 per person
These rates have been extended through December 2024 to encourage tourism and provide more affordable opportunities for African nationals and residents.
It’s advisable to book your gorilla permit at least 3 to 6 months in advance, especially if you plan to trek during the peak seasons (June to September and December to February). This advance booking ensures availability, as permits are limited to protect the gorillas and their habitat.
A gorilla permit typically includes:
- Park entrance fees
- Services of professional guides and trackers
- One hour with a habituated gorilla family (or up to four hours for the Habituation Experience)
It does not cover transportation, accommodation, or personal expenses.
The duration of a gorilla trek can vary widely, typically lasting between 2 to 6 hours. This time frame includes the hike to locate the gorillas and the return journey. Once the gorillas are found, visitors are allowed to spend one hour observing them.
The likelihood of encountering mountain gorillas during a trek is very high, with success rates over 95%. This high probability is due to the daily monitoring of gorilla groups by park rangers and trackers.
The minimum age requirement for gorilla trekking is 15 years. This restriction is in place to ensure the safety of both the participants and the gorillas.
Essential items to pack include:
- Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots
- Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers
- Rain jacket
- Gardening gloves (for handling vegetation)
- Insect repellent
- Hat and sunscreen
- Waterproof backpack
- Energy snacks and sufficient water
Proper preparation enhances comfort and safety during the trek.
Yes, it’s feasible to trek Uganda’s gorillas by flying into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. Then drive from Kigali to Bwindi