Gorilla Safaris in Africa: Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Gorilla safaris in Africa offer one of the most thrilling and intimate wildlife experiences on the planet. Trekking to see mountain gorillas in the wild is a highlight of any African adventure. Uganda and Rwanda stand out as the premier destinations for this rare encounter.
Both countries share the dense forests that house endangered mountain gorillas, but each offers a unique experience shaped by its culture, landscape, and tourism infrastructure.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Uganda is home to two key gorilla trekking areas: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is the more famous and larger park, hosting nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Trekking here involves a guided hike through thick jungle, sometimes steep and muddy terrain. Once you reach a gorilla family, you spend a magical hour observing their behavior—watching infants play, adults groom, and the silverbacks assert their presence.
Uganda’s gorilla trekking permits currently cost $800 per person. The country also offers chimpanzee trekking and diverse wildlife safaris, making it an ideal choice for a varied adventure.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a well-established gorilla trekking destination. The park is part of the Virunga Mountains, a chain of volcanoes shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rwanda has invested heavily in gorilla tourism infrastructure, providing excellent lodges and smooth logistics. Gorilla trekking permits here cost $1,500 per person, reflecting the high demand and premium experience.
The trek usually lasts a few hours through misty forests with panoramic views of volcanoes and crater lakes. Like Uganda, trekkers spend one hour with the gorillas.
Choosing Between Uganda and Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking
- Cost: Uganda is more budget-friendly with lower permit fees and accommodation costs. Rwanda’s prices are higher but come with luxury options.
- Accessibility: Uganda’s Bwindi is accessible by road from Kampala and Entebbe, while Rwanda’s Volcanoes Park is close to Kigali International Airport.
- Experience: Both offer excellent wildlife viewing and conservation efforts, but Uganda’s wider range of parks lets you combine gorilla trekking with big game safaris and chimp tracking.
Planning Your Gorilla Safari in Africa
To ensure a smooth gorilla trekking safari:
- Book your gorilla permits at least 3 to 6 months in advance.
- Prepare physically for forest hiking in wet and rugged conditions.
- Choose a reputable tour operator to handle permits, accommodations, and guides.
- Combine your gorilla trek with other safari experiences for a fuller trip.
