Uganda

Uganda is one of the best places for gorilla trekking, hosting more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most famous destination, with several habituated gorilla families available for trekking. It is known for challenging hikes through thick jungle and rewarding encounters with gorillas in their natural environment. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, smaller but equally rewarding, is located in the Virunga Mountains on the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla group.

Rwanda

Rwanda is renowned for its organized and accessible trekking experiences. Volcanoes National Park, part of the Virunga Massif, offers a more luxurious trekking experience with well-developed infrastructure. Trekkers here enjoy stunning views of volcanoes and easier logistics, though permits are more expensive compared to Uganda.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

The DRC offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience for adventurous travelers. Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest national park, is home to a significant number of mountain gorillas. Trekking here often feels more rugged and wild compared to Uganda and Rwanda. Kahuzi-Biéga National Park is unique because it offers trekking opportunities for eastern lowland gorillas, a subspecies larger than mountain gorillas.

Uganda

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs USD $800 per person per trek. This applies to both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda also offers a unique Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi, allowing trekkers to spend up to four hours with a gorilla family. This special permit costs USD $1,500 per person.

Rwanda

Rwanda offers a premium gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park, with permits priced at USD $1,500 per person per trek. The higher cost is tied to Rwanda’s positioning as a luxury gorilla trekking destination with strong conservation initiatives and world-class tourism services.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Gorilla trekking in the DRC is the most affordable. A permit in Virunga National Park costs around USD $400 per person, while trekking eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biéga National Park is about USD $400–$450 per person. However, availability may vary depending on regional security and park operations.

The Terrain

Mountain gorillas live in dense tropical forests and high-altitude regions. In Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the terrain is rugged with steep hills, thick undergrowth, and sometimes muddy trails after rain. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is also mountainous, with bamboo forests and volcanic slopes, while Congo’s Virunga and Kahuzi-Biéga National Parks require navigating through rainforest vegetation and sometimes swampy ground. The hikes can last anywhere from 1 to 6 hours or more, depending on where the gorilla family is located that day.

Altitude

Since gorillas live at elevations of 2,200 to 4,000 meters (7,200–13,100 ft), altitude can make trekking more tiring for some visitors. The air is thinner, meaning you may get fatigued faster, especially if you are not used to hiking at high elevations.

Physical Fitness

You don’t need to be an athlete to trek, but a moderate level of fitness is recommended. Trekkers should be comfortable walking long distances on uneven ground, sometimes uphill for extended periods. Porters are available for hire to carry backpacks and provide support on difficult stretches.

Weather Conditions

The forests are humid and rain is common even in the dry season, which makes trails slippery and more challenging. Good hiking boots, waterproof clothing, and walking sticks (often provided by guides) are essential.

Overall Difficulty

Gorilla trekking is considered moderately challenging. Some treks are short and relatively easy if the gorilla family is near, while others can be strenuous if the gorillas are deeper in the forest. However, the pace is usually slow and guides make regular stops, so most reasonably fit travelers—including older adults—successfully complete the trek.

Tracking Time

Mountain gorillas move daily in search of food, so their location changes constantly. Before tourists set out, park rangers track the gorillas at dawn and relay their positions. Some families may be found within an hour’s walk from the trailhead, while others require longer hikes of 4–6 hours through dense forest and steep terrain. In rare cases, treks can stretch close to 7–8 hours if the gorillas are far away.

Time with Gorillas

No matter how long the hike takes, once you reach the gorilla family, you are allowed a maximum of one hour with them. This rule is strictly enforced to minimize stress and human impact on the gorillas. During that hour, you can observe, take photos, and experience their behavior up close.

Overall Duration

Including the briefing at the park headquarters before departure and the return hike, a full gorilla trekking experience usually takes half a day. Most groups are back at their lodges by early afternoon.

Dry Seasons – Peak Trekking Time

The June to September and December to February periods are considered the best times for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. During these months, rainfall is minimal, making trails less muddy and less slippery. The weather is more predictable, and since vegetation is thinner, spotting gorillas becomes slightly easier. These are also the busiest months, so permits need to be booked well in advance.

Wet Seasons – Fewer Crowds and Greener Landscapes

The March to May and October to November months bring heavier rainfall. Trekking during this time is more challenging because trails are muddy, slippery, and rivers may be swollen. However, the advantage is that the parks are less crowded, accommodation rates are often lower, and the forests look lush and vibrant. Some travelers enjoy the solitude and richer birdlife that comes with the rainy season.

Temperature and Conditions

Since gorillas live in tropical highland forests at altitudes of 2,200–4,000 meters, temperatures are cool year-round, averaging 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). Even in the dry season, expect occasional showers—after all, it’s a rainforest habitat.

When you go gorilla trekking, strict rules are in place to protect both the gorillas and the trekkers. The official guideline is to keep a distance of at least 7 meters (about 23 feet) from the gorillas at all times. This distance helps minimize the risk of transmitting human diseases to gorillas, who share over 98% of our DNA and are therefore highly vulnerable to illness.

That said, gorillas are wild animals and do not always follow the rules. Sometimes curious juveniles or even dominant silverbacks may approach trekkers more closely. In such cases, you are instructed to remain calm, avoid sudden movements, and not touch the gorillas. The rangers will guide you on how to behave, often telling you to crouch low, avert direct eye contact, and let the gorilla move past you.

It’s important to note that while you may feel tempted to get closer for a better photo, respecting the 7-meter rule is essential for both your safety and the wellbeing of the gorillas. Your one hour with them will still feel incredibly intimate, as you’ll be able to observe their facial expressions, watch infants play, and listen to their sounds within a very natural setting.

Safety with the Gorillas

Mountain gorillas are peaceful and shy by nature, and the groups that tourists visit are “habituated,” meaning they are accustomed to human presence after years of gentle exposure. Rangers lead each trekking group and know how to interpret gorilla behavior, keeping both visitors and animals safe. As long as you follow their instructions—such as keeping the 7-meter distance, avoiding direct eye contact with silverbacks, and staying quiet—encounters are calm and unforgettable.

Park Regulations and Guidance

Every trek starts with a briefing, where rules are explained in detail. Group sizes are small (usually a maximum of 8 trekkers), which minimizes disturbance and ensures safety. Armed escorts accompany treks, not because of gorillas, but to ensure protection from any unexpected dangers in the forest.

Health and Disease Safety

Because gorillas share over 98% of their DNA with humans, they can catch illnesses from us. That’s why travelers who are sick with flu, colds, or other contagious conditions are not allowed to trek. Face masks are often required during gorilla viewing to reduce risks further.

General Travel Safety

In Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC, trekking takes place in secure, designated conservation areas. Uganda and Rwanda are considered particularly stable and tourist-friendly. While DRC offers incredible experiences, it is best suited for adventurous travelers due to its occasional security challenges—though guided treks inside Virunga or Kahuzi-Biéga are still well-managed.

Why the Limit?

The cap of 8 people is based on conservation science. Gorillas are highly sensitive to human presence, and keeping groups small helps reduce stress, noise, and the risk of disease transmission. Smaller groups also make it easier to maintain the required 7-meter distance and ensure a calm, respectful encounter.

The Experience

With only eight trekkers, plus guides, trackers, and sometimes porters, the viewing feels personal and uncrowded. Each trekker has space to observe, take photographs, and enjoy the one-hour encounter without overwhelming the gorilla family. This also makes the trekking adventure feel more exclusive and special.

Conservation Benefit

Limiting numbers helps balance tourism with gorilla conservation. Permit fees (often $800–$1,500 each) contribute directly to protecting gorillas, paying park staff, and supporting local communities. The strict quota system ensures that gorilla tourism is sustainable long-term.

Why the Age Restriction?

The rule is set mainly for safety and conservation reasons. Gorilla trekking often involves long, challenging hikes through steep and muddy forest terrain, which can be too difficult for younger children. More importantly, gorillas are wild animals, and young children may panic, cry, or behave unpredictably during an encounter, which could agitate the gorillas. There’s also the risk of children transmitting human illnesses to gorillas, as they are more vulnerable to infections.

Are There Exceptions?

Occasionally, in Uganda, exceptions have been made for 14-year-olds who are physically fit and accompanied by parents, but this is rare and requires special permission from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). In Rwanda and DRC, the age rule is usually enforced without exceptions.

Family Alternatives

For families traveling with younger children, many lodges and safari operators offer alternative activities during the trek. Kids can enjoy guided nature walks, cultural visits, or storytelling experiences while parents are trekking. This ensures everyone has a memorable safari experience.

Conservation and Protection Costs

Mountain gorillas live in fragile ecosystems that require constant protection from threats like poaching, habitat loss, and disease. A large share of the permit fee goes to funding ranger patrols, anti-poaching units, veterinary care, and research programs that ensure gorillas survive in the wild. Protecting them is resource-intensive, and tourism provides the main source of funding.

Limited Permits for Sustainability

Only a small number of permits are issued daily—8 people per gorilla family per day. This limit ensures minimal human impact on gorillas but also means permits are rare and highly sought after. The limited availability naturally drives the cost up, making each encounter exclusive while safeguarding gorilla health.

Community Support and Revenue Sharing

Part of the trekking fee goes to local communities living near the gorilla parks. This provides jobs, builds schools, funds health centers, and reduces human-wildlife conflict. By making gorilla tourism profitable, communities are motivated to protect gorillas rather than view them as threats.

Difficult Logistics and Terrain

Gorilla trekking takes place in remote, mountainous rainforests, such as Bwindi in Uganda or Volcanoes in Rwanda. Maintaining trails, ranger posts, and infrastructure in such challenging environments is costly. Safari operators also invest in trained guides, trackers, porters, and quality lodges to ensure visitor comfort and safety in these hard-to-reach areas.

Exclusive Wildlife Encounter

Unlike a game drive where hundreds of tourists might see the same pride of lions, gorilla trekking is intimate and strictly controlled. Spending one hour with fewer than 8 people in the company of a wild gorilla family is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and its rarity adds to the value.