Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda 2025/2026.
One of the main attractions that draws large numbers of tourists to Uganda and Rwanda in 2025–2026 is gorilla trekking, which entails people walking through tropical rainforests in search of endangered mountain gorillas and spending an hour with them in their natural habitat.
In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is conducted in Volcanoes National Park, whereas in Uganda, it is conducted in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Gorilla trekking is also practiced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the Virunga and Kahuzi Biega national parks, in addition to Uganda and Rwanda.
Trekking with gorillas in Uganda
Due to its abundance of mountain gorillas, which can be found in two national parks—Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park—both of which are situated in the southwest of the country, Uganda is regarded as one of the top sites for gorilla trekking.
Located in four sectors—Rushaga in the south, Ruhija in the east, Buhoma in the south, and Nkuringo in the south—Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to over 21 habituated gorilla families that are accessible for trekking every day. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to one habituated gorilla family, Nyakagezi, which is open for trekking.
The gorilla habituation experience, which involves training the wild mountain gorillas to become accustomed to human presence for hiking, is another service provided by Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The gorilla habituation experience, which is exclusive to the Rushaga area, gives guests the opportunity to spend four hours with the mountain gorillas.
Rwandan gorilla trekking
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, situated in Musanze Village in the northwest of the country, is the site of gorilla trekking. Volcanoes National Park is one of the top gorilla locations since it is home to approximately 11 habituated gorilla families that are accessible for daily hiking.
Experience trekking with gorillas
In Rwanda and Uganda, gorilla trekking begins at roughly 8:00 am with a briefing at the park headquarters regarding the rules and regulations to be followed. Following the briefing, you will be split up into groups of eight, and each group will be paired with a park guide who is familiar with the gorilla trekking trails and a habituated gorilla family to hike.
Because mountain gorillas prefer to roam around in search of food, trekking with them in Rwanda and Uganda can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Visitors will be rewarded with vistas of several bird species, plant and tree species, and other primate species while trekking.
Visitors will get the opportunity to spend an hour with the mountain gorillas after they have been identified. During this time, they will be able to observe the gorillas feeding, playing, resting, grooming, and nursing their young, snap pictures, and document the amazing moments.
Permit costs for gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda in 2025–2026
For visitors over the age of 15, the Uganda Wildlife Authority or Rwanda Development Authority issues gorilla trekking permits, which are legal cards or documents that permit them to visit any habituated gorilla family in either the Volcanoes National Park, the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, or the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and spend an hour with the gorillas in their natural habitat. While gorilla trekking licenses in Uganda cost 800 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 700 USD per person for foreign residents, and 300,000 UGX per person for East African citizens, they cost 1,500 USD per person for all nationalities in Rwanda.
How to reserve permits for gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda
By contacting the head offices via phone or email to inquire about permit availability, gorilla trekking permits can be directly reserved through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), a government agency responsible for tourism in Rwanda, or the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a government agency responsible for tourism in Uganda.
You may also reserve gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda and Uganda by contacting a reputable tour operator, for as All In Africa Safaris, and providing them with the date, month, year, and gorilla destination you want to visit.
After getting in touch with us, we will see if there are any permits available on the days you have selected. If so, you will be required to pay a deposit. Following payment, you will be required to provide copies of your passport information so that we can buy the permits on your behalf and provide you with a copy of the receipt as proof.
The best option, though, is to book your gorilla trekking permits through All In Africa Safaris, as we will not only arrange your permits but also your entire safari, including transportation to the gorilla destination, lodging for the duration of the safari, a full-time driver guide, post-gorilla activities, and other interesting places to visit during the safari.
The ideal time of year to visit Rwanda and Uganda for a gorilla trekking safari
In Uganda and Rwanda, gorilla trekking is possible at any time of year, but the best time to go is during the dry season, also referred to as the peak season, which runs from June to September and December to February. This is because the gorilla destinations receive less rainfall during this time, making access roads and gorilla trekking trails passable and making the trek easier.
In Uganda and Rwanda, gorilla trekking is also possible during the low or rainy season, which runs from March to May and October to November. This is because you can still see the mountain gorillas because it doesn’t rain all day. Permits are easily obtained during the rainy season because fewer people are visiting the national parks and some upscale lodges give discounts to guests, which appeals to those on a tight budget.
Accommodations for your Rwandan and Ugandan gorilla trekking expedition
During their gorilla trekking safari, tourists can stay at a variety of lodging options in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Volcanoes National Park, ranging from affordable to luxurious.
When planning their lodging, travelers should think about location and reserve lodges close to the starting point. They can also book their accommodations independently or through a reliable tour operator. Trekking with gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda in 2025–2026
Things to bring on your Rwandan and Ugandan gorilla trekking safari
Insect repellent to protect you from biting insects, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, garden gloves, hiking boots, energy snacks and drinking water, a camera and extra batteries, a pair of binoculars, a waterproof rain jacket or poncho, a walking stick, a warm sweater, and a waterproof backpack are some of the essentials you should bring or pack for your gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Volcanoes National Park.
After gorilla trekking, there are more safari things to undertake in Rwanda and Uganda.
Following the exhilarating gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda, tourists can partake in a variety of other fascinating activities, such as bird watching, guided nature walks, chimpanzee and golden monkey trekking, the Dian Fossey hike, game drives in savannah national parks, boat cruise safaris, mountain climbing, and cultural tours.
Do not hesitate to visit our website to reserve an inexpensive gorilla trekking package for 2025 or 2026, or get in touch with our knowledgeable tour advisors at All In Africa Safaris for additional information about gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda in 2025 or 2026.
