Gorilla Trekking From Nairobi – Ultimate Safari Experience
If you are in Nairobi and dreaming of seeing mountain gorillas in the wild, you’re in luck. While Kenya itself doesn’t host gorilla populations, it serves as a perfect starting point for an unforgettable gorilla trekking safari into neighboring Uganda or Rwanda.
With modern road networks, short flights, and expert safari operators, you can easily combine Kenya’s savannah wildlife with the dense rainforests where gorillas roam. Here’s how to plan your gorilla trekking adventure from Nairobi—and make it the ultimate East African experience.
Where to Go Gorilla Trekking From Nairobi
There are two main destinations for gorilla trekking if you’re starting from Kenya:
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Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park)
Uganda is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. From Nairobi, you can reach Entebbe or Kisoro by air, or take an overland route via Busia or Malaba.
- Bwindi is the most popular gorilla trekking destination, with four tracking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.
- Mgahinga is smaller but offers an equally thrilling and less crowded experience.
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Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park)
Located in northern Rwanda, this park is only a 2-hour drive from Kigali. It’s perfect if you’re short on time. From Nairobi, fly to Kigali, then connect by road.
Volcanoes National Park is known for its well-maintained trekking trails, shorter hike times, and strong tourism infrastructure.
How to Get There from Nairobi
✈️ By Air
- To Uganda: Fly from Nairobi (JKIA) to Entebbe International Airport, then take a domestic flight or road transfer to Bwindi or Kisoro.
- To Rwanda: Fly directly from Nairobi to Kigali International Airport (approx. 1.5 hours), then drive to Volcanoes National Park.
🚐 By Road
Overland travel is possible but more time-consuming. It can take 12–16 hours depending on your destination and border clearance. Ideal for adventurous travelers or those adding stops in western Kenya, Lake Victoria, or Jinja (Uganda).
Permit Costs (2025)
- Uganda: $800 per person for a 1-hour trek
- Uganda – Habituation Experience: $1,500 for up to 4 hours
- Rwanda: $1,500 per person
- DR Congo (via Rwanda/Uganda): $400–$500 (only if safe for travel)
Permits are limited and must be booked well in advance.
Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking
- Dry Seasons: June–September and December–February
- Trails are more manageable, and wildlife is easier to spot
- Rainforest conditions still apply—expect some mud year-round
If you’re combining this with a Kenya safari, these months are perfect for seeing the Great Migration in the Masai Mara and mountain gorillas in the same trip.
Suggested Gorilla Safari Itineraries From Nairobi
5-Day Trip – Rwanda
- Day 1: Flight from Nairobi to Kigali
- Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 3: Gorilla trek and return to Kigali
- Day 4–5: Explore Kigali or add golden monkey trek
6-Day Trip – Uganda
- Day 1: Flight to Entebbe
- Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi via domestic flight or drive
- Day 3: Gorilla trek
- Day 4–6: Optional Lake Bunyonyi, Queen Elizabeth NP, or return
Custom itineraries often include chimpanzee tracking, boat safaris, or cultural village visits.
Why Combine Gorilla Trekking with a Kenya Safari?
- Wildlife diversity: See gorillas in Uganda/Rwanda and big cats, elephants, and wildebeests in Kenya
- Regional flights are short and affordable with carriers like RwandAir, Uganda Airlines, and Kenya Airways
- Cultural richness: Maasai, Batwa, and other groups offer authentic local encounters
- Full East African circuit: Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Bwindi, and Volcanoes in one epic journey
Plan Your Tour
Start by deciding which country you want to visit for your gorilla trek—Rwanda for convenience and comfort, or Uganda for variety and value. Book permits early, check visa requirements for each country, and work with a trusted safari operator.
A Nairobi-based starting point offers flexibility, international flight options, and access to both classic savannah safaris and rainforest adventures. Whether you’re a photographer, nature lover, or thrill-seeker, gorilla trekking from Nairobi offers the best of East Africa in one journey.
