Gorilla Trekking – Africa’s most extraordinary encounter

Only about 1,000 mountain gorillas remain in the wild, all of them in the forests of Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC. Seeing them is rare, and every permit directly helps protect them and their habitat. Few wildlife encounters compare to sitting a few metres from a family of mountain gorillas.

What to expect

Misty volcano views, warm and welcoming people, and luxurious forest lodges that give back.

Planning the trip

Logistics can be tricky. Permits are limited, non-refundable and best booked months ahead, and boutique luxury lodges fill up quickly.

Every step is worth it

Treks start early and average three to four hours, sometimes longer, through steep, muddy terrain. Reasonable fitness makes all the difference.

An hour you'll never forget

For one unforgettable hour, you'll watch a gorilla family up close as youngsters play, mothers groom and the silverback keeps watch.

Luxurious forest retreats

Premier stays are conservation-focused and nestled close to the trek starting points, featuring majestic views across the mist-draped Virunga volcanoes and Bwindi Rainforest.

Hard-earned indulgence

These lodges are true havens to return to, with luxury spas and facilities designed for deep relaxation after the trek.

Tourism that makes a difference

Every permit helps local communities thrive, and you'll feel it in the warmth of people proud to share their country, culture and conservation success.

Gorilla Trekking Destinations

Both Rwanda and Uganda are exceptional, and the right choice depends on your time, budget and how you'd like to combine your trek.

Rwanda

Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is home to about half of the world's mountain gorillas, spread across roughly 13 families on the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. It lies a short drive from Kigali, so you can easily fit it into a short trip, and it has some of Africa's finest gorilla lodges. Golden monkeys and Dian Fossey's former research camp are close by, and it's easy to add chimpanzees in Nyungwe, a safari in Akagera or time on the shores of Lake Kivu.

Read more

Uganda

Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lives up to its name, with steep, ancient rainforest that feels wild and remote. It's home to 20 gorilla families, 8 to 11 of which can be visited, spread across four areas of the park. Most travellers reach Bwindi by light aircraft from Entebbe. Uganda rewards those with a little more time, adding chimpanzee tracking in Kibale and classic safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park for one of Africa's most varied primate journeys.

Read more

More experiences to add to your gorilla trek

A gorilla trekking safari is so much more than an hour spent in the forest.

  • Chimpanzee and Golden Monkey Tracking

    Expert guides lead you through ancient rainforest in search of chimpanzees in Nyungwe and Kibale, and playful golden monkeys found only in the Albertine Rift

  • Step into village life

    Rhythmic Intore dancing at Iby'iwacu and Batwa storytelling near Bwindi offer a joyful, personal glimpse into the traditions that shape life here.

  • Enjoy a big game experience in Akagera National Park

    Rwanda's only Big 5 park combines lakes, savannah, and wetlands, and makes an easy safari add-on after your time with the gorillas.

  • Join researches on a gorilla habituation experience

    In Bwindi, you can spend up to four hours with researchers following a gorilla family that is still getting used to people.

  • Zinkiol, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

    Hike to Dian Fossey's grave

    Hike to Dian Fossey's grave at her former Karisoke research camp, or visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund's Ellen DeGeneres Campus near Volcanoes National Park.

    Image Attribution: Zinkiol, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

  • Experience the difference your trip makes

    Your permit does more than protect gorillas. Visit village schools, health clinics and women's cooperatives supported by park revenue, and meet the people behind them.

  • Plant a tree, leave a legacy

    Some lodges invite guests to plant an indigenous tree, helping to restore the forest the gorillas call home.

  • Take time to unwind

    There's nothing better than trading muddy boots for a massage after the trek, with spa treatments, sunrise yoga and peaceful forest surroundings to restore body and mind.

  • See the tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park

    Uganda's most popular safari park is famous for the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha and boat trips along the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel.

  • End your trip in Exotic Zanzibar

    Escape the jungle for white sand and warm Indian Ocean waters, just a short flight away. Explore historic Stone Town, snorkel Mnemba Atoll or simply do nothing at all.

LET US HELP YOU SHAPE YOUR SAFARI

Gorilla trekking takes careful planning

From securing limited permits to timing flights, transfers and treks so everything runs smoothly. Our consultants have planned dozens of gorilla adventures and have trekked to see the gorillas themselves. Our long-standing lodge partnerships also give you preferential access to the region's most sought-after luxury stays.

We’ll bring the right places and experiences together to create a journey that works for you.

Chat Now
Call +18342-278-9664
Email Us