Where to See Gorillas in Africa
Gorilla trekking is an amazing wildlife experience where you can see gorillas up close in the wild. These great animals live only in a few African countries—mainly Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. They are a special part of Africa’s rich nature. Uganda and Rwanda are the top places for gorilla trekking. They are safe, well-organized, and offer some of the best chances to see gorillas. This guide will explain important things like how much it costs, how safe it is, what the land looks like, how hard the trekking is, and more.
You will learn about permit prices and other fees in each country. The guide will also talk about safety and how each country’s landscape affects the trek. Some areas are steeper, and some are longer, so it helps to know what fits your fitness level. There is also a lot more to do besides seeing gorillas. Both countries have other wildlife, fun activities, and beautiful places to visit. If you are thinking of traveling with children, we’ll explain if that’s a good idea and give tips for a smooth trip. It’s also important to go at the right time, so we’ll share the best seasons to visit.
You’ll also see how to combine your gorilla trek with other famous places in East Africa. No matter if you choose Uganda or Rwanda, you will have a wonderful adventure. This guide will help you understand everything you need to know and make the best choice for your trip.
Costs: Gorilla Trekking Uganda vs Rwanda
When comparing the cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, the price of the permit is a big difference. In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs $800 per person, which is more affordable for many travelers. In Rwanda, the permit costs $1,500 per person, which is much higher. Other costs are also different. Rwanda has more luxury hotels, but they are more expensive. Uganda has more mid-range options, which are better for people with a smaller budget. Transport in Rwanda is usually cheaper because the gorilla park is close to Kigali, the capital city. In Uganda, the gorilla park is farther away, so it takes longer and costs more to get there.
Overall, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is easier and faster to reach, making it a good choice if you don’t have much time. On the other hand, Uganda’s Bwindi Forest gives you a more wild and exciting adventure, with more things to see nearby. Both places are excellent for gorilla trekking—it just depends on your budget, time, and travel style.
Is it Safe to Go Gorilla Trekking?
Seeing a fully grown male gorilla, which can weigh about 200 kilograms and stand six feet tall, might sound a little scary. But don’t worry—gorilla trekking is very safe. There are clear rules and safety guidelines, and your guide will explain everything before the trek. There are also special steps taken to keep both visitors and gorillas safe. These rules help make sure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience without harming the animals or the people. Uganda and Rwanda are both safe countries to visit.
Landscape
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda offers a truly wild trekking adventure. This ancient rainforest lives up to its name—thick, lush, and untamed, with steep hills, tangled vines, and towering trees. Trekking here feels like stepping into a real jungle. The park’s altitude ranges from 1,160 to 2,607 meters, taking you through a variety of rich ecosystems. As you hike, you’re surrounded by misty greenery, moss-covered trunks, and the sounds of nature all around. It’s a deep dive into the heart of the wilderness. However, the dense vegetation can sometimes make it harder to spot the gorillas clearly. In contrast, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers a different but equally captivating experience. Set in the stunning Virunga Mountains, the landscape is more open, with bamboo forests, meadows, and sweeping views. The trekking trails are generally easier to navigate than in Bwindi. Sitting at a higher altitude—between 2,400 and 4,507 meters—the park offers better visibility of gorillas due to the lighter vegetation. Still, the higher altitude can be a challenge for some, especially those not used to hiking at such elevations.
Is Gorilla Trekking Difficult?
Gorilla trekking is relatively difficult, and the level of difficulty varies between Uganda and Rwanda. In Uganda, the treks are a bit more demanding because of the thick jungle, uneven ground, and steep slopes—especially in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. In Rwanda, the trails in Volcanoes National Park are usually easier to follow, with more open terrain, but the higher altitude can still make the trek tough for some people. In both countries, gorilla trekking requires a decent fitness level. Hikes can last anywhere from one to seven hours, depending on where the gorillas are located that day. The paths may include muddy trails, hills, and dense vegetation.
Other Things to Do Besides Gorilla Trekking
Many travelers like to add a gorilla trek to a longer safari trip. When it comes to safari choices, Uganda has more options than Rwanda. In Uganda, you can visit Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. These parks are great places to see popular safari animals like elephants, lions, buffalo, and giraffes. Uganda has four of the Big Five animals: lion, leopard, buffalo, and elephant. You can also see rhinos at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, but not in the main parks. Uganda is also one of the best places in Africa for chimpanzee trekking, especially in Kibale Forest. After all the adventure, you can relax at Lake Bunyonyi, a peaceful lake with beautiful hills. It’s a perfect place to rest after your safari.
Rwanda is smaller and not as well known for safaris, but it still has some amazing places to visit. Akagera National Park is a lovely park where you can see the Big Five animals in a quiet, uncrowded setting. If you love nature and primates, Nyungwe National Park is a mountain forest where you can see 13 different types of primates, including chimpanzees.
Can Children Go Gorilla Trekking?
In both Uganda and Rwanda, gorilla trekking is usually allowed only for people aged 15 and above. This age limit is in place for safety reasons and to make sure children are strong enough to handle the physical demands of the trek. However, in Uganda, there is a bit more flexibility. If a child is at least 13 years old, and their parents provide a signed consent letter, it’s sometimes possible to request special permission for them to join the trek. This decision is made case by case by the park authorities. If you’re traveling with younger children, don’t worry—both countries offer plenty of family-friendly activities, such as wildlife safaris, boat trips, nature walks, and cultural visits that everyone can enjoy
When to Go Gorilla Trekking
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. These months offer better trekking conditions, with less rain and firmer trails, making it easier to walk through the forest. In Rwanda, the short dry season from mid-December to early February is especially good for trekking. The weather is pleasant, the trails are less muddy, and there is a lower risk of malaria, making it a great time for an unforgettable adventure. Uganda is a good destination all year round because of its warm, tropical climate. However, the gorilla forests in Bwindi are always a bit wet and humid, even during dry months. So, it’s important to bring waterproof clothing and good hiking shoes, no matter when you go.
Accommodation Options in Rwanda & Uganda
Both Uganda and Rwanda offer great accommodation options for gorilla trekking, with something for every budget and travel style. Rwanda is known for having more high-end luxury lodges, perfect for travelers looking for comfort and top-notch service. Many of these lodges offer stunning mountain or lake views, although most are located a bit farther from the park entrance, so expect a short drive to the starting point of your trek. Uganda, on the other hand, has more mid-range and budget-friendly options, making it ideal for travelers looking for good value. Many lodges in Uganda are located right on the edge of the forest or even inside the park, giving guests a true jungle experience, surrounded by nature and the sounds of the rainforest.
