Gorilla trekking is a rare chance to see our closest animal relatives in their natural jungle homes. There are only two groups of mountain gorillas left in the world: one in the Virunga Volcanoes and the other in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Our gorilla safaris in Uganda and Rwanda offer you a unique opportunity to get up close with these incredible creatures. The treks may be muddy and humid (since you’re in the rainforest!), but once you spot a powerful silverback or a playful baby gorilla, all the effort will feel totally worth it. Gorillas are incredibly strong.

A male silverback can weigh over 200kg, is nine times stronger than an average human, and can bite more forcefully than a lion! Yet, mountain gorillas are surprisingly gentle and shy. They form close family bonds, care deeply for their young, and spend most of their waking lives peacefully foraging for plants to eat. A gorilla family divides its day between rest periods and travelling or feeding, covering a small home range on any given day. Tracking them is, therefore, reasonably manageable. Join us on gorilla trekking adventures of a lifetime. Let them leave an indelible mark on your conscience, inspiring a deeper connection with nature and a renewed commitment to conservation. This experience is not just a journey but a soul-stirring connection with these magnificent creatures and the natural world. 

Uganda is possibly the best destination for a gorilla trekking adventures in Africa, home to half the world’s mountain gorillas living in the wild. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in the southwest of the country covers hills and valleys and is home to over 25 gorilla families which are habituated for tourist visits. Small groups of up to eight people can go on a trek to spend an hour with these gentle giants, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience that many safari goers dream of.

Rwanda is another amazing place for unforgettable mountain gorilla safaris in Africa. In Volcanoes National Park, you’ll join an expert guide and a small group of up to eight people to visit a gorilla family that is used to humans. During your one-hour visit, you can watch and take photos of these gentle creatures as they interact, feed, play, and relax in their natural home.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the smallest national park in Uganda, offers a unique safari experience. It is home to one gorilla family that is used to humans, and their territory stretches across both Mgahinga and the nearby Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. This gorilla group has stayed in Uganda for the past three years, making it another fantastic spot for gorilla trekking.

The best times for gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda and Uganda are from late June to September and late December to February, during the dry seasons. The trails are less muddy, the vegetation is thinner, and the gorillas usually stay at lower altitudes, making them easier to spot. These dry months also offer clear skies and great conditions for photography. However, during peak season, trekking permits and lodge prices are higher. The wet seasons, from March to May and October to November, can be more challenging with slippery trails, but they do have perks. You’ll find lower prices, fewer tourists, and the forests are beautifully lush and green.

Gorilla trekking is a physically demanding adventure that can last from one to seven hours. You’ll be hiking on steep slopes, muddy trails, and through thick vegetation, often at high altitudes. (Check out our blog on gorilla trekking difficulty). During your encounter with the gorillas, keep a safe distance of at least 7 meters (23 feet), and avoid touching, feeding, or provoking them. Don’t make eye contact, point at them, or use flash photography. Since gorillas share so much of our DNA, they’re at risk of human diseases, so visitors with colds or infections won’t be allowed. Speak quietly and avoid sudden movements or loud noises. By following these rules, you’ll have a memorable experience and help protect the gorillas. Remember, you’re a guest in their home.

After a good breakfast at your lodge, you’ll be driven to the park headquarters to meet your ranger and the team for your trek. You’ll get a briefing about the gorilla family you’re going to visit and learn how to behave around them. Then, you’ll start your trek. The trek can last from a few hours or longer, taking you through different types of vegetation, including bamboo forests, areas with stinging nettles, and steep, muddy slopes. Once you find the first gorilla, you’ll have up to an hour to spend with the group. The gorillas might be in small groups, playing, eating, or relaxing together, or they could be moving around. It’s hard to predict exactly what will happen, but guests always describe the experience as amazing and unforgettable. The hour will fly by, and your ranger will signal when it’s time to head back. You’ll trek back to the starting point and receive a gorilla trekking certificate. Afterward, your guide will drive you back to the lodge for a refreshing hot shower, some rest, and a celebratory dinner to remember the amazing experience.