Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda: The Complete Guide

Spending one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family in the ancient forests of Bwindi or the Virunga Volcanoes is, for most people who do it, the most extraordinary wildlife experience of their lives. This guide covers everything you need to know.

Uganda vs Rwanda: Which to Choose?

This is the most common question. Both offer exceptional gorilla trekking — the choice comes down to budget, available time and what else you want to combine with the experience.

Uganda — Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

• Permit cost: USD $700 per person
• Best combined with: Queen Elizabeth NP, Kibale Forest chimpanzees, Murchison Falls
• Habitat: Ancient tropical rainforest — dramatic, primeval, challenging terrain
• Flying time from Nairobi: ~2 hours direct to Entebbe

Rwanda — Volcanoes National Park

• Permit cost: USD $1,500 per person (significantly higher)
• Best combined with: Kigali city, Nyungwe chimpanzees, Lake Kivu
• Habitat: Afromontane bamboo & Hagenia forest on volcanic slopes
• Flying time from Nairobi: ~1.5 hours direct to Kigali

Physical Preparation

Gorilla trekking involves hiking through dense rainforest for 1–8 hours at altitudes of 2,500–4,000m. You must be in reasonable physical health. Treks vary in difficulty — when booking, specify your fitness level and the park rangers will assign you to an appropriate gorilla family group.

What to Wear & Bring

• Long-sleeved shirt & long trousers (thick-weave, not flimsy)
• Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support
• Gardening gloves (for gripping stinging nettles)
• Rain jacket (it rains in rainforests)
• Camera without flash (flash strictly prohibited near gorillas)
• Small daypack with water and snacks

Rules of the Trek

• Minimum age: 15 years old
• Maximum 8 tourists per gorilla family per day
• 1 hour maximum time with the gorillas
• No flash photography
• Maintain a 7-metre distance (gorillas sometimes approach you — stand still)
• No trekking if you have a cold, flu or any infectious illness