Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking is the leading tourist attraction in Uganda and Rwanda. The experience attracts thousands of travellers to both countries especially primate enthusiasts who want to meet face-to-face with these endangered gentle giants in their natural habitat. Mountain gorillas can only be found in 3 countries in the world; Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo.

These elusive massive primates live exclusively in the Virunga Mountains, a conservation area that cuts across these countries. Mountain gorillas are found in 4 national parks within the Virunga Mountains including Virunga national park (DR Congo), Volcanoes national park (Rwanda), Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda.

The gorilla trekking experience is almost the same in these destinations and both Rwanda and Uganda boast a 98% success rate in finding the gorillas on your trekking tour.

Selected gorilla trekking tours in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla trekking: Uganda vs Rwanda

Uganda and Rwanda are the two leading gorilla trekking destinations in the world. Both countries offer breathtaking gorilla trekking encounters to travellers who want to meet the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. However, there are a few aspects where these countries may differ as far as gorilla trekking is concerned. These include the gorilla permit, budget, distance and terrain.

The gorilla trekking permit

The gorilla trekking permit is the biggest expense and the most significant difference between Uganda and Rwanda. In Uganda, the gorilla permit is sold at $800 per person to foreign-non residents, $700 to foreign residents and UGX300,000 to East African citizens. In Rwanda, the gorilla permit is sold at $1,500 per person.

Distance to the park

Rwanda has a shorter driving distance from the airport to the park where gorillas are found (2-3 hours drive from Kigali international airport to Volcanoes national park). Driving from Entebbe international airport to Bwindi impenetrable national park takes about 9-10 hours. Those that can afford a charter flight, it takes approximately 1.5 hours. Due to the long distance from Entebbe to Bwindi, many visitors who want to trek gorillas in Uganda fly to Kigali and cross the border into Uganda on the road since Bwindi is closer to Kigali than Entebbe/Kampala (4-5 hours).

Cost of accommodation

Rwanda is generally regarded as a high-end gorilla trekking destination compared to Uganda. On average, the cost of accommodation is relatively higher in Rwanda than in Uganda. The budget for budget to luxury accommodation in Rwanda ranges from $600 to $3,500 while in Uganda it is $150 to $1,000.

The gorilla trekking experience

If you are looking for a more adventurous trek in a steep and rugged terrain, then Bwindi impenetrable national park in Uganda should be your choice. It is a thick ancient rainforest with steep ridges with tangled undergrowth. On the other hand, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, the trekking is generally considered easier because the terrain is less dense and it features more open bamboo forests. This is suitable for photography and for those with moderate fitness levels.

The gorilla habituation experience

This is exclusive to Uganda in Rushaga sector of Bwindi impenetrable national park. Visitors pay $1,500 per person to spend 4 hours in the presence of gorillas in the habituation trek instead of the standard 1 hour of gorilla trekking. You get a chance to spend half a day with researchers and trackers as you trail a wild gorilla group to make it get used to humans.

Gorilla groups/families in Uganda

Uganda is home to over half of the global population of mountain gorillas. As of 2026, there are 24-27 habituated gorilla families in Uganda with majority living in Bwindi impenetrable national park while 1 family stays in Mgahinga gorilla national park. These families are are organised into four trekking sectors namely; Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rushaga and Ruhija. Some of the habituated gorilla families in Uganda include; Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Katwe, Muyambi, Manyindo, Nshongi, Mishaya, Katwe, Bweza, Busingye, among others. Nyakagezi is the only habituated gorilla family that lives in Mgahinga gorilla national park as of 2026.

Gorilla families in Rwanda

Rwanda has 12 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes national park. All these groups are available for tourism and are carefully monitored by rangers and trackers every single day. Some of the commonly visited gorilla families in Rwanda include; Susa, Amahoro, Agashya, Umubano, Kwitonda, Hirwa, Bwenge, Uganda, Karisimbi, Igisha, Muhoza and Kwisanga

Best time to go for gorilla trekking

Both Uganda and Rwanda follow the same seasonal patterns as far as gorilla trekking is concerned. The ideal time explore the gorilla trekking experience in both countries is the dry season of June to September and December to February. Suitable conditions like firmer trails and less chance of rainfall present visitors with a great opportunity to meet gorillas with minimal inconveniences. The wet season of March to May and October to November has also got some benefits like low season discounts offered by some lodges and sometimes a gorilla permit is also discounted. However, you should be prepared for a muddier and more strenuous trekking.

What to pack for gorilla trekking

The packing list for gorilla trekking is now famously known as the “gorilla uniform” and it is essential regardless of the destination you visit. Some of the most essential items in the gorilla packing list include; gardening gloves to protect you from thorns and stinging nettles and help you with balance. Gaiters and hiking boots help you to navigate the muddy terrain as well as keeping ants and mud out of your socks. A long-sleeved shirt and trousers protect you from ants and scratches whereas items like a rain jacket, walking stick and drinking water can be provided or hired at the park. A good camera with extra batteries is one of the must-haves for you to capture the best moments of your gorilla trekking encounter.

So, which country should you choose for gorilla trekking?

Choose Uganda if you want better value, adventure or a more rugged jungle for your gorilla trekking experience. As of 2026, Uganda is also the only destination that offers the gorilla habituation experience where you can spend up to 4 hours in the presence of gorillas.

Choose Rwanda if you have less travel time, prefer luxury accommodation and infrastructure. Rwanda is also the ideal gorilla trekking destination for those who want a slightly less physically demanding