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Budget Gorilla Trekking Uganda 2024/2025 Friendly Uganda Gorilla Safaris & Tours

Gorilla Safaris Uganda | Budget Gorilla Trekking Uganda

Enjoy Gorilla Safaris Uganda or simply Uganda gorilla trekking adventures with Friendly Gorillas Safaris – an experienced and trusted gorilla trekking company.

Our website provides trusted information about Uganda gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.

Read more about Uganda Gorilla Trekking Costs, Trekking Uganda Gorilla Families, What to Pack for a Gorilla Hike, Best Time to Visit Mountain Gorillas, Mountain Gorilla Diet, and Booking Gorilla Trekking Permits.

Our gorilla trips are classified as budget, mid-range, and luxury depending on the kind of lodging you select during your gorilla safari. Send us an inquiry, and we’ll get back to you with the greatest deal on your selected trip package.

Check out our available Uganda gorilla tours, Rwanda gorilla tours, and Uganda safaris.

What you need to Know about Uganda gorilla trekking tours

While gorilla trekking seems more costly than other wildlife safaris, an encounter with Uganda or Rwanda mountain gorillas is the ultimate wildlife experience. Yes, Rwanda/Uganda gorilla trekking permits are expensive, but an hour spent with mountain gorillas is priceless!

The permit fee is high because a majority of the money raised goes into conservation efforts, such as paying park rangers, promoting the work of gorilla doctors who ensure the apes’ perfect health, and inspiring the local communities.

A gorilla permit costs US Dollars 700 in Uganda, US Dollars 1500 in Rwanda, and US Dollars 450 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Because of the large numbers of people who want to see gorillas and since there is only a specific number of people allowed to see a given gorilla family per day, Mountain gorilla permits tend to sell out because there are only around 1000 mountain gorillas left in the wild and therefore, it is also necessary to obtain a gorilla permit for at least three months before the gorilla tracking date.

Equally, it’s important to note that Uganda is home to more than half of these mountain gorillas, with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo sharing the other half.

Mountain gorillas are classified as endangered by organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to their low population worldwide.

When it comes to gorilla safaris in Uganda or Rwanda, the debate about which country is better for a gorilla safari is based on personal opinion (even bias) and continues without resolution. Each country has advantages over the other, in our experience running gorilla and wildlife safaris, the choice of where to go gorilla tracking is entirely yours.

Some of our gorilla safari clients choose to visit the gorillas in both Rwanda and Uganda in order to learn more about the variations in tracking mountain gorillas in these two fascinating countries.

Aside from regular gorilla tracking, mountain gorilla habituation is a two-year phase that helps Mountain Gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to become accustomed to human presence. This helps a group of mountain gorillas to remain with or near humans without being aggressive or escaping (unless they are provoked). Around 20% of mountain gorillas in Uganda are habituated.

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Commonly asked Uganda Rwanda gorilla safari questions

What is the right time to see the gorillas in Uganda/Rwanda?

Mountain Gorilla Tracking includes walking through dense woodland, steep hills, and mud-strewn roads in search of adorable mountain gorillas. This activity is more enjoyable than it seems.

Uganda gorilla trekking or habituation experience can be done at any time of year however, the perfect time to go on a Uganda gorilla safari is just after the rainy season has finished, for a more satisfying experience. The countryside and gorilla parks are still stunningly green and less dusty at this time of year.

How long does Uganda gorilla Trekking take?

The period of gorilla tracking in Uganda or Rwanda is determined by the gorilla family assigned to you; the activity can last anywhere from 2 hours to 8 hours. We suggest that you mentally and physically brace yourself for your gorilla trekking trip.

To avoid overworking yourself during the trek, We normally suggest a packing list and lodging options to all tourists who are planning to track mountain gorillas.

To ensure a smooth gorilla trekking experience, before you head out into the forest, the guides and wardens at the gorilla trekking parks will usually give you a briefing on the dos and don’ts of gorilla tracking.

Uganda/Rwanda Gorilla Safari packing list

It’s not easy to spend more than half a day in the jungle forest! To ensure an enjoyable and stress-free gorilla habituation experience, we recommend you only pack essential items.

Some of the most essential items include; Hiking boots/shoes, gardening gloves, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts/blouses, sunglasses, hats, rain jackets, and insect repellants should. Importantly, do not forget to bring plenty of water and energy-boosting snacks to keep you going. If you are to successfully undergo a gorilla habituation experience, it’s highly recommended that you bring a porter and a walking stick.

What are the chances of seeing the gorillas? 

When it comes to Uganda gorilla trekking or Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, you are guaranteed to see the gentle giants. We have never heard of anyone returning without having seen gorillas. Over 95% of the time, you’ll be able to see them since gorilla families are pre-tracked and the last known location is recorded by the guide rangers, this is the case. This way, you won’t have to spend the whole day looking for the assigned gorilla family.

After your gorilla-watching excursion, you may participate in a variety of Uganda or Rwanda safari activities, such as cultural encounters, birding excursions, and visiting Dian Fossey’s tomb to learn about her gorilla conservation and security efforts.

During your Uganda Gorilla safaris, you will meet other primates such as chimps, baboons, and golden monkeys that live in Uganda and Rwanda’s gorilla parks.

After this, you can further go on a safari to view other jungle animals in other national parks and reserves. If you enjoy nature walks, white water rafting, cultural visits, bird watching, and mountain hiking, Uganda or Rwanda is the place for you. Friendly Gorillas Safaris has tailor-made packages that combine gorilla safaris with other activities.

When can I book my Uganda-Rwanda gorilla permit?

When you intend to go gorilla trekking in Uganda/Rwanda, you must book your gorilla permit as soon as possible. For the best experience, we strongly propose you acquire your gorilla trekking permit at least three months prior to the tracking date.

It’s worth mentioning that without this permit, you won’t be allowed to access the park, so you shouldn’t confirm travel dates until you’ve secured a gorilla permit. If you have confirmed your trip, you must pay the gorilla permit fee to the company in order for them to be secured.

Booking gorilla permits, particularly during peak season, can be difficult, but Friendly Gorillas Safaris can assist you in obtaining them quickly and putting together your entire gorilla tracking itinerary – making it pretty enjoyable.

Beyond acquiring permits for you, we will assist you in arranging transportation, lodging, and obtaining gorilla permits. The gorilla permits are included in the total costs of all the trips we tailor.

In Rwanda, there are ten gorilla families, and a Gorilla trekking permit costs USD 1500 per person while a single gorilla tracking permit costs USD.700 in Uganda. In Rwanda, gorilla permits are obtained at the Rwanda Development Board offices in Kigali or Ruhengeri, which is close to the park.

Booking Gorilla Permits in Uganda – Gorilla Permit Cancellation Charges and Policy 

Only the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park offer gorilla trekking in Uganda and in total, Uganda has 12 gorilla groups/families available for tracking.

There are 11 gorilla families in Bwindi, but only one large gorilla family in Mgahinga. In Uganda, gorilla trekking costs USD 700 per person per day. Because of the relatively lower cost and security in Uganda, it receives a relatively higher amount of visitors interested in gorilla trekking. Although Rwanda struggles to sell permits, it receives many more visitors than it used to.

Rwanda/Uganda Gorilla trekking rules and Regulations

The rules and regulations of gorilla trekking are given out in a simple briefing every day before leaving for gorilla trekking at the headquarters of the respective gorilla national parks.

These rules developed gorilla trekking rules and regulations by the conservation bodies in Uganda & Rwanda. Gorilla trekking rules, also known as dos and don’ts, have been developed to ensure the safety of both the endangered gorillas and the travelers.

Gorilla tracking is the most common tourist activity in Africa, drawing large crowds to Uganda’s Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, as well as Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

To ensure a peaceful and enjoyable gorilla trek, travelers are encouraged to obey these guidelines. Mountain gorillas are a critically endangered species with over 99 percent human genes, rendering them vulnerable to human communicable diseases. Some of the rules apply before you encounter the gorillas, and others apply while you’re with them.

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Uganda, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Rwanda, and Congolese Institute for Conservation of Nature (ICCN) in the Democratic Republic of Congo are conservation organizations that enforce gorilla trekking rules and regulations.

The following are some of the gorilla trekking laws and regulations in Africa:
Before meeting the gorillas:

  • If you’re sick, don’t go trekking with the endangered mountain gorillas. Any tourist who exhibits symptoms of a cold, flu, or illness will be denied access to the endangered gorillas. Human diseases are contagious in mountain gorillas.
  • Mandatory temperature monitoring to ensure passengers are free of the killer virus during the coronavirus pandemic.
  • For proof, bring your gorilla permit and other travel documents.
  • Travelers under the age of 15 are not permitted to visit the gorillas (Gorilla trekking is a strenuous adventure that may be difficult for children).
  • Only eight people are permitted to visit each gorilla family.
  • Put on your mask.
  • Hand washing and sanitizing are needed before and after meeting the gorillas.
  • Only four people are allowed to meet a gorilla family during a gorilla habituation experience.
  • Keep the group together (do not move alone in the jungle)
  • Human waste, especially faeces, should be buried at a depth of at least 30cm (12 ft).
  • Do not litter in the park and follow the park ranger’s instructions. When in the jungle, pay attention to his/her advice.

When with the gorillas;

  • Keep a seven-meter distance between you and the endangered mountain gorillas. Maintain a social gap to prevent the spread of human-wildlife diseases.
  • Do not look the threatened gorillas in the eyes directly. Direct eye contact with gorillas irritates the critically endangered animals.
  • Cameras with flash should not be used. Before taking any photos, remember to turn off your flash.
  • When you’re with the gorillas, keep your voices down. These endangered species thrive in a tranquil environment.
  • Smoking is not permitted in the presence of these endangered mountain gorillas.
  • When you’re with the gorillas, don’t chew.
  • If you’re with endangered mountain gorillas, don’t drink anything.

Other rules that govern Gorilla tracking in National parks

  • When driving, do not wander from the marked paths.
  • Off-road driving is prohibited in Uganda’s and Rwanda’s savannah parks.
  • Camping is only permitted at designated locations in the park.
  • In national parks, horns and other loud noises are prohibited.
  • In national parks, dogs, cats, and other pets are not permitted.
  • Ammunition and weapons are not permitted in the park. Only rangers are permitted to carry firearms in the park. The weapons are used to scare wild animals away from humans in case of an assault.
  • Keep a safe place for your entrance receipts.
  • From time to time, you will be asked for verification.
  • While in the park, do not exceed a speed of 40 kilometers per hour. Speeding is strongly discouraged, and punishable.

What is gorilla habituation?

This is a gorilla encounter activity that allows you to spend four hours with the gorillas (rather than the usual one hour during gorilla tracking) while being guided by professional researchers and trackers.

The aim of this extraordinary experimental training or taming of wild mountain gorillas is to make them familiar and relaxed with humans. Both gorillas must go through a gorilla habituation experience before they are deemed free and available to trekkers.

Unlike trekking, where a traveler can only observe from afar, the experience allows visitors to participate in gorilla training. To meet the wild gorillas, visitors hike with a team of conservationists, gorilla doctors, researchers, and armed park rangers.

The team imitates gorilla behaviours such as chewing vegetation, walking on their arms, and scaling trees, which adds to the fun and enjoyment of the experience.

This $1500 experience in Uganda is for those who have already been on the regular tracking trip and now want to learn more about mountain gorillas. You’ll have spent four hours with the gorilla family and learned a lot by the time you leave.

Where to do Uganda Gorilla habituation

Only the Rushaga sector, south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is used for the experimental experience.

Anyone interested in participating in this magical experience should fly to the Rushaga sector in south-eastern Uganda. Two gorilla families (Bushaho and Bikingi) are reportedly undergoing habituation and will be available for trekking soon.

Mishaya family, Kahungye group, Busingye family, Bweza family, and Nshongi gorilla group are among the gorilla families that have already been habituated in the Rushaga region. The Rushaga sector has the most habituated gorilla communities, making it the best place in Uganda to go gorilla trekking.

Requirements for booking a gorilla permit.

Your tracking dates are based on your availability. Info about your passport number that should be submitted to your travel agent.

Gorilla permits are non-transferable, and you will be required to show identification at the park to ensure that your personal information matches that on the permit. Bank transfer or Pesapal are the two methods of payment (A payment link is sent to you).

More Information on Securing Gorilla Permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo

A gorilla permit is the only paperwork that allows you to observe gorillas and visit the theme parks. When booking your trip, Friendly Gorillas Safaris can ask for your passport information or a copy of your passport so that we can verify your age and language skills.

The age factor is significant because it decides whether you are qualified for gorilla trekking and whether you would need the services of a porter when visiting the park.

The copy of your passport will also assist the tour company in deciding if you need a multilingual guide.

What is included in the gorilla permit price?

The cost of a gorilla permit includes park entrance fees as well as the services of the rangers and guides who will accompany you on your gorilla tracking expedition. The rangers keep you safe by scaring away any wild animals with gunshots (rarely).

The cost of a gorilla permit does not include food, transportation, porters, or tips. Before traveling, make sure to book your gorilla permits and safari months in advance. This is especially critical during peak seasons.If you get a gorilla permit without making a reservation in June or August, consider yourself lucky.

Rwanda Gorillas Trekking: What to Expect

Here are a few highlights to look forward to during your visit to Rwanda. You’ll need to get up early in the morning, which means you’ll need to wait near the park entrance. At 7 a.m., your African gorilla guide will send you a briefing on safety precautions and etiquette.

The Rwanda Development Board provides over 80 gorilla tracking guides who are well-trained and speak English and French.  You walk to the forest with the rest of the group and begin the climb, which could be a bit challenging depending on your physical condition. Remember, these are mountain gorillas, so some hiking is needed.

The adventure will last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. The English-speaking forest guides are fantastic, and will lead you to a special ‘habituated’ mountain gorilla community that has no problem with human presence.

Although a mature silverback male gorilla can weigh up to 200kg, or three times the weight of an average man, the fear usually disappears once you see the group.

Usually, the gorillas would be scattered around a small patch of dense vegetation. They will continue their interactions and even eat without regard for their human guests, but they will keep an eye on you. Rarely, a playful youngster will boldly approach you with inquisitiveness, at times approaching so close that you must step away.

(You are not permitted to approach them closer than 7 meters; this is to protect the gorillas from infectious human disease.) Please carry along warm clothing.

How many mountain gorillas are left in the world?

There are only 1063 mountain gorillas left on the planet, and they can be found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

They are listed as an endangered species, and their wild survival is still in danger. They are scientifically known as Gorilla Beringei, and their bodies are usually well-built and muscular. Females can weigh up to 250 pounds, while males can weigh up to 390 pounds. Mountain gorillas live in groups or families of three to thirty individuals.

There is a dominant adult male, also known as a silverback gorilla, in every gorilla family. Female mountain gorillas have the same 8.5-month gestation cycle as humans.

Each day, only eight visitors are allowed to visit one habituated gorilla family group. Park guides will accompany tourists on a trek to see these endangered apes. There are 21 habituated gorilla families in Uganda, with 20 in Bwindi National Park and just one in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, there are ten gorilla families, and in Congo’s Virunga National Park, there are eight mountain gorilla groups/families.

Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo is safe and therefore you do not have anything to worry about! All treks to see these apes take place inside gorilla families that have already been habituated, which means they are used to human presence.

What is the difference between Gorilla tracking and Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking is a tourist activity that involves tourists traversing the jungle in search of mountain gorillas. If you want to go on this primate trip, you’ll need a valid gorilla permit. Depending on one’s level of physical activity, visitors can spend anywhere from 2 to 6 hours trekking to see gorillas.

Visitors join an assigned group of gorillas with a dedicated park guide in the lead during gorilla trekking meanwhile, Gorilla tracking is a term that refers to a monitoring system in which visitors look for a habituated gorilla community.

It differs from gorilla trekking in that it is usually carried out by park rangers or advanced organizations using a variety of techniques to help locate where gorillas can be and when they are found, what follows is trekking.

Rwanda gorilla trekking groups/families

Only Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans), a part of the larger Virunga mountains, is open to gorilla tracking in Rwanda.

Approximately 480 mountain gorillas live in the Virunga complex, which includes the southern area of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and some in Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park.

Rwanda gorillas are divided into two groups: those used for study or observation, and those used only by scientists and researchers.

The largest number of gorillas can be found in Beetsme and Pablo’s Shida’s.

There are also ten gorilla families that have been habituated for tourism purposes and are open to trekkers.

Every day, only 8 people are allowed to visit each of the gorilla groups, and each visit is limited to one hour. The Ugenda, Umubano, Susa party, Karinsimbi, Sabinyo, Hirwa, Amahoro, Bwengye, Group 13 (the Agasha group), and the Kwitonda are among these gorilla groups. Both of these are mountain gorillas, according to Eckhart and Lanjouw.

What Else To Do After Rwanda Gorilla Tours?

Nyungwe Forest National Park, Lake Kivu, and Akagera National Park are among Rwanda’s safari destinations. Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to 12 primate species, 300 bird species, and about 7 mammal species, making it one of Africa’s oldest forests.

Chimpanzee tracking, as well as birding, a canopy walkway, and hiking trails, are the main attractions. Elephants, lions, elephants, topis, zebra, antelope, monkeys, bushbuck, impala, and a number of other species can be seen in Akagera National Park. There are over 500 bird species to be found here.

Gishwati Mukura National Park is one of Rwanda’s newest parks.It becomes Rwanda’s third park, known for its primates and birdwatching.

When is the most suitable time to visit Rwanda?

Rwanda safari trips can be taken at any time, though the best time depends on your personal preferences as well as your tolerance for rainy weather.

The majority of tourists come to Rwanda for gorilla trekking, which is accessible all year. However, trekking in the Virunga Mountains, home to the gorillas, can be difficult due to the wet climate – particularly during the rainy season (March, April, October and November).

The driest months (June to August) are perfect for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, and hiking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is also recommended during these months. Most primates can be found in Nyungwe at any time of year, but chimps are easier to track during the rainy season because they prefer to migrate deeper into the forest when food becomes scarce.

What are the main reasons for visiting Rwanda and what are the main attractions?

Rwanda is a lovely little country best known for the 1994 genocide. The good news is that the country has largely recovered from this devastating incident and is now extremely secure and tourism-friendly.

Throughout this tumultuous time, the Rwandan authorities managed to keep their gorillas protected, and seeing these gentle giants has become one of Africa’s top attractions.

So, trekking mountain gorillas is by far the most popular tourist attraction in Rwanda, and most visitors come for that purpose alone, often combining a safari in Kenya or Tanzania with a few days in Rwanda. There is, however, much more to see and do in Rwanda than gorilla trekking.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is also worth seeing. This breathtaking high-altitude forest is shockingly open and home to 13 primate species, including chimps. Rwanda’s only savannah reserve is Akagera National Park.

It may not equate to the Serengeti or the Masai Mara, but this scenic park has a lot to give in terms of wilderness charm, and it is also home to the Big Five, thanks to recent reintroductions.

2023 / 2024 Guide For Mountain Gorilla Trekking In Africa
There’s nothing quite like sharing a few long moments with a mountain gorilla family: the first glimpse of black as a juvenile jumps off a nearby branch, a toddler clings to its mother’s back and a giant silverback rises to size you up. To make the most of this life-changing experience, planning ahead is essential.Uganda Gorilla Trekking is undertaken in two remarkable Protected Areas that include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The latter is undoubtedly the most sought-after option as the safari destination is haven to the highest concentration of these Giant Apes, in addition to being strategically located for luxury fly-in safaris and numerous accommodation facilities.

Your choice of gorilla trekking destination between these two places largely depends on the overall travel itinerary as well as the time available. Some factors such as chances of spotting and prices of gorilla permits are the same in these two Gorilla Parks.

If you are familiar with the map of Uganda, you will discover that the two Gorilla parks are in the extreme south-western side of the country, close to the Democratic Republic of Congo border in the west as well as Rwanda border in the south. To make this more beautiful and worthwhile, majority of Uganda’s tourist destinations are situated within the south-western side thus making it easier to combine gorilla and wildlife safaris for more unforgettable experiences.

Bwindi Uganda Gorilla Trekking

Being the premier destination for Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has the highest number of habituated gorilla families, which are accessed via four sectors/regions-Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rushaga and Ruhija. Each of these four sectors is marked by its own features, gorilla groups/families in addition to difficulty levels.

Leaving from any of the four trekking sectors/regions within the unfenced borders of the jungles, you connect with a group of 7 other trekkers for a guided forest walk in search of one of the 21 habituated gorilla families.

Treks are led by expert Uganda Wildlife Authority Rangers, who out of their many years of diligent work and passion introduce visitors to the unique ecosystem of the jungle as well as changing natural landscape while trekking for the Great Apes. The Ranger guides stay in constant communication with the trackers who have been following the Giant Apes since dawn. It is from the direction of trackers that the group guides will be easily ushered to the mountain gorillas.

The limit of 8 visitors trekking each habituated gorilla family is done to ensure the safety of the Giant Apes from different airborne pathogens in addition to increasing visitors’ chances of sighting the mountain gorillas because it was discovered that larger numbers usually scare away the shy animals. From the start, the formidable steep slopes and terraced hills of southwestern Uganda are clear proof of the challenging trek ahead of you. Remember that this is the natural habitat of mountain gorillas and getting there calls for moderate fitness levels to maneuver through the dense vegetation, muddy and slippery hills as well as rugged valleys.

The higher elevations as well as challenging terrains normally make gorilla treks difficult but the overall recompense is life-changing and worthwhile. When found, a silent wait in the dense vegetation is expected while watching the mountain gorillas 7 meters away. Watching them rustling leaves, wandering and playing, making calls as well as the plethora of other animals create the much-needed spice for gorilla trekking adventures.

Visitors have up to one hour to enjoy time in the presence of one of the World’s most sought-after creatures but if you feel this time isn’t enough, you can book for the more elaborate Gorilla Habituation Experience where you will have up to four hours of interaction with the gentle giants.

The accommodation options for this Park depend on the trailhead but include Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Mahogany Springs Camp, Nkuringo Safari Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Bwindi Volcanoes Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Lake Kitandara Camp, Bakiga Lodge, Ruhija Safari Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Silverback Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Gift of Nature Lodge, Sanctuary Forest Camp, Gorilla Mist Camp, Bwindi View Bandas, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, the list is endless.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Just a stone’s throw from the Rwandan border, the 34-square-kilometer Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another wonderful Uganda Gorilla Trekking destination and undeniably a wonderful choice for cross-over gorilla treks with Volcanoes National Park. Interestingly, it is the only place in the country where both mountain gorillas and golden monkeys are trekked. Given its location, it is also a fantastic choice for travelers that wish to trek gorillas in both Bwindi and Mgahinga, with the Nkuringo sector being the ideal place.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is more private and not thronged as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, besides treks not being so challenging. Given the existence of only one habituated gorilla family (Nyakagezi), permits are fewer (only 8 permits per day).

Generally, Mgahinga was once the over-flow safari destination for Bwindi although this has slowly shifted for two main reasons. One being the fact that neighboring Rwanda offers more costly gorilla permits (at $1500 per person), prompting travelers to cross the border to Mgahinga for gorilla trekking whereby permits cost $700 per person.

Another reason is that it is possible to combine two other magnificent sites-Lakes Mutanda and Bunyonyi. Also, the Virunga Volcanoes in the Ugandan side can only be hiked from this small Protected Area with over 8-10 hours of tireless but rewarding hikes.

All in all, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park takes only 10% of the country’s overall gorilla trekking adventures. However, accommodation options here are fewer but include Mount Gahinga Lodge, Travellers Rest Camp Kisoro, Amajambere Iwacu Camp, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, and Lake Mutanda Resort among others.

The best time for Uganda Gorilla Trekking is between the months of June and September as well as December to February, because they are the traditional dry seasons when forest trails are drier, more comfortable and easily accessible. The rainy season from March to May and October to November is usually marked by heavy downpours, dense vegetation and muddy/slippery forest trails making treks a little bit challenging. The good news however is that discounts are usually offered for accommodation and the Park is less thronged.

Permits for Uganda Gorilla Trekking cost $700 per person for the foreign non-residents, $600 for the foreign residents and Shs. 250,000 for the East African visitors.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

Encounters with mountain gorillas within Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park are cautiously undertaken with experienced trackers as well as guides who lead groups of 8 persons up Bamboo-blanketed slopes to search and spend time with the gentle giants. The Virunga massif that spans Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo is also haven to the beautiful Great Apes but trekking them in Rwanda is safer as well as relatively accessible.

With the total 604 mountain gorillas in the Virunga massif, about 300 of them are found in Volcanoes National Park and interestingly growing, owing to the good relationship between surrounding communities, the Government and different Conservation Agencies. Presently, a total of 12 habituated gorilla families live within the 160-square kilometer Volcanoes National Park. Each of these families comprises of at least one silverback, a number of females and infants.

A total of eight trekking permits are availed for each habituated gorilla family each day, thus encounters remain as private and uninterrupted as you would wish it to be. With only about 96 trekking permits issued every day in Volcanoes National Park, it is very advisable to book early-whether through Rwanda Development Board or a credible Tour Operator.

Persons with gorilla treks planned for this day are required to converge at Kinigi Park Headquarters by 7:00am for briefing as well as allocation into gorilla families on this particular day. The assignment is done based on levels of physical fitness, age and personal interests, obviously after getting acquainted with the rules and regulations of trekking the Giant Apes. The habituated gorilla groups trekked here are Muhoza, Susa, Bwenge, Amahoro, Umubano, Karisimbi, Agashya, Ugenda, Kwitonda, Sabyinyo, Igisha and Hirwa.

Guided treks up the different home ranges of gorilla families take between half an hour to three hours, sometimes less or more arriving elevations of 8000 to 13,123 feet above sea level. Given the physical demands, porters can be hired to offer support in carrying backpacks or holding your hands while hiking to higher areas.

When it comes to the best time for Rwanda gorilla trekking, it can be done all year round but it is more challenging in the rainy months of March to May as well as October to November when trails become messier, muddy and slippery. Majority of Rwanda gorilla trekking tours happen in the dry season-June to September and December to February when trails are drier, not slippery or more accessible.

Permits for Rwanda Gorilla Trekking cost about $1500 per person for the one hour encounter with the Giant Apes in their natural environment. However, 40% discounts are available for travellers who spend up to 3 days exploring either Akagera National Park for wildlife safaris or Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee treks, canopy walks and possibly guided forest walks. This therefore means travellers will pay only $1050 instead of the usual $1500 per person per trek and the money paid goes into strengthening the endless conservation efforts as well as supporting local community development.

When you talk of accommodation options during Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Volcanoes National Park has something for everyone-whether budget, midrange or luxury travellers. In recent years, Rwanda has been positioning as a luxury gorilla trekking destination and visitors who wish to stay like Royalty after the encounter with mountain gorillas can stay at Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge and One & Only Gorilla’s Nest while midrange options include La Palme Hotel, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Villa Gorilla, Best View Hotel, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel and the budget visitors have to book from Kinigi Guesthouse and Muhabura Hotel as the most popular options.

Congo Gorilla Trekking

Congo Gorilla trekking offers a whole different perspective and life experiences with Giant Apes because visitors meet not just one but two gorillas sub-species-the mountain gorillas and Eastern lowland gorillas, both part of the Eastern gorillas. As noticed, the first two mentioned countries (Uganda and Rwanda) only offer chances of seeing only the mountain gorillas.

Where Is Congo Gorilla Trekking Done From?
Gorillas of the Democratic Republic of Congo are found in different places but are mainly trekked in two phenomenal places, Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks.

Congo Gorilla Trekking In Virunga National Park

The majority of Congo Gorilla Trekking tours are undertaken in this incredibly popular 7800-square-kilometer safari destination in the Eastern side of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is because it shelters the mountain gorillas and this Protected Area together with Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park form part of the Virunga massif where over 604 gorillas are found.

Virunga National Park shelters about 250 of these endangered gentle giants occupying the stunning landscape marked by montane tropical rainforest. Of the over 20 gorilla families in this Park, only about 8 have been fully habituated for trekking by 8 travelers each, putting the number of available gorilla permits at 64 permits each day. Mapuwa, Rugendo, Bageni, Munyanga, Kabirizi, Humba, Lulengo, and Nyakamwe are wonderful trekkable gorilla families and to see them, visitors have to be equipped with valid gorilla permits.

On a daily, Congo gorilla trekking normally begin by 7:00 am with briefing and registration at Bukima Ranger Post (the official starting point for gorilla treks) where participants are offered the rules and regulations to be followed while walking in this jungle.

These walks are led by a team of armed Rangers and expert guides to offer the much-required information as well as security during these walks and last 1-4 hours before signals of getting closer to the Great Apes are sent and once contacts are made, one hour is all trekkers have for watching and taking photos of these endangered creatures. The limit to gorilla numbers and time spent in the presence of these gentle giants is placed to protect the mountain gorillas from airborne pathogens.

Congo Gorilla trekking tours within Virunga National Park also offer the base for travelers interested in hiking to the World’s largest Lava Lake on Mount Nyiragongo. Treks also offer opportunities of seeing other magnificent primate species that include black and white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, and blue monkeys among others.

The most popular places to stay during treks in this Park are Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp, Tchegera Island Camp, and Lulimbi Tented Camp.

Lowland Gorilla Trekking In Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Kahuzi-Biega National Park is the best choice for encountering the Eastern lowland gorillas (the biggest Great Apes, even bigger than mountain gorillas) that are surprisingly unique to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Of the 12 gorilla families available in this 6000-square kilometer Protected Area in Eastern Congo, only 5 have been habituated for trekking all year round and they are Chimanuka, Nganwa, Mugaruka, Bonnani, and Mpungwe. Treks in this Park begin with a briefing at the Park Headquarters and a grouping of travelers (into 8) before beginning the 1-4 hour’ walk through the slopes of Kahuzi and Biega Volcanoes.

Once these Giants are sighted, visitors have up to one hour to take photos and record videos while studying their unique behavior. As you walk through the changing vegetation types-Montane forest, swamplands, bamboo forest, dry savannah grasslands, and lowland forest, expect to come across blue monkeys, forest elephants, forest buffaloes, red-tailed monkeys, giant forest hogs, black and white colobus monkeys and many others. Travelers are offered a wide range of sleeping options outside Kahuzi-Biega National Park that include Orchids Safari Club, Coco Lodge Bukavu, Mount Kahuzi Hotel, Exodus Hotel, and Hotel Begonias among others.

When it comes to permits for Congo Gorilla Trekking (Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks), they cost $400 per person. This makes DRC the most affordable option for achieving once-in-lifetime opportunities of meeting face to face with gentle giants in their natural habitat. Congo gorilla trekking permits can be booked directly via ICCN Head offices and online platforms or via trusted tour operators.

For the best time to relish Congo gorilla trekking safaris, choose the dry season (December to February and June to September) because there are no or reduced rains to delay gorilla trekking adventures in the jungles. The rainy season-March to May and October to November experience fewer crowds because most travelers avoid the heavy rains that bring about muddy and slippery trails. However, remember that these two safari destinations are marked by tropical rainforests where rainfall is received almost all year round.

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Uganda Gorilla Trekking Vs Gorilla Habituation Experience

Uganda Gorilla trekking is an outdoor activity that takes you to the jungles of Bwindi in search of mountain gorillas.

After getting the, you have an hour with them. Gorilla trekking in the lush woods of Uganda and Rwanda is on the bucket list of every East African Safari visitor.

For the past 5 years, Friendly Gorillas Safaris have been arranging unforgettable journeys to gorillas. We take you through thick, misty, wet, and impenetrable jungles to explore your closest cousins 🙂

We are experts in organizing gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. Check out our blog for up-to-date information on gorilla permit fees and availability, which gorilla family to monitor, when is the ideal time to visit mountain gorillas, what to pack, how to get there, and what to stay in.

All our Uganda Gorilla trekking packages are pocket friendly Depending on your budget, go on a private or group gorilla safari, if you do not have a lot of time, a shorter Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali can be arranged instead.

Uganda Gorilla Habituation Experience

In contrast to Gorilla trekking,  Uganda Gorilla Habituation Experience is a Safari activity that involves a walk to the jungles to spend 4 hours with the mountain gorillas. Upon finding the gorillas, you spend up to four hours with a family of mountain gorillas.

Instead of spending just 60 minutes with the mountain gorillas, you have the chance to, see and photograph them interacting, playing, and grooming one another at a slower pace for the same fee as you would in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that exposes you to the intimate life of the gentle giants as you observe them connect and live in their jungle habitat.

Uganda/Rwanda gorilla habituation experience involves a deep into the forests with highly experienced trackers and guides in pursuit of these social creatures. Pick up the trail of clues they’ve left as they wander across the forest.

Following a difficult hike through the lush woods, you ultimately arrive at the family’s site. The moments you spend with these giants is long-lasting.

Private & Small group Tours

To give you ultimate gorilla trekking experience, we only run private or very small group tours.

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