Gorilla trekking in Africa only takes place in the three East African countries of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. If you happen to be on safari in one of these countries, visit the endangered mountain gorillas for beautiful and unforgettable memories.

Each of these countries gives a unique gorilla trekking experience. For instance, there are two subspecies of gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo harboring different national parks. In Virunga National Park visitors will have the privilege of encountering the endangered mountain gorillas and in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, the eastern lowland gorillas.

Uganda harbors over half of the world’s remaining gorilla population in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. In Rwanda, the endangered mountain gorillas can be sighted in Volcanoes National Park which is in the northwestern region of the country. Tracking gorillas in their natural habitat is one of the most interesting activities giving unforgettable memories in the world of nature lovers and those who cherish seeing animals.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda

The gorilla trekking experience in Uganda is one of the magical experiences that gives you a chance to meet the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Mountain gorillas in Uganda are only located in the protected areas of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks. These national parks are found in southwestern Uganda close to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo borders.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has the highest gorilla population in the entire East Africa with over 18 gorilla families. However, only 12 families are habituated and available for trekking and they are distributed in the four sectors of the park. These include the Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga gorilla sectors and they are disturbed in the different directions of the park.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda can also be done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which is the smallest national park in the country. The park is home to approximately 100 individual mountain gorillas. Mgahinga however offers more rewarding scenes as it is endowed with mountain gorillas alongside golden monkeys. Therefore, visitors get a chance to trek both the endangered mountain gorillas and also the rare golden monkeys. Mgahinga National Park has one dominant gorilla family called Nyakagezi which roams all over the park.

Price of a gorilla permit in Uganda

Gorilla trekking permits are documents that allow tourists to track gorillas in their natural habitats. These documents are only provided by Uganda Wildlife Authority a body that manages and controls protected areas in Uganda. Gorilla trekking permit prices vary according to nationality in that foreign non-residents pay USD 800, and foreign residents pay USD 700.

East African citizens and nationals pay UGX 300,000. Accessing Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks for gorilla trekking can be done either by road or by air. Traveling by road from Kampala takes about 9 hours with a stopover at the Equator through Mbarara to the parks.

Traveling by air to the national parks of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga takes about 2 hours from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrip. Traveling by air is always used by luxury travelers or travelers who have limited time but want to do gorilla trekking.

One can also do gorilla trekking from Rwanda, where you have to connect from the Katuna border then drive to Kabale and get access to Bwindi. This is done because gorilla permits in Rwanda are expensive compared to Uganda. Gorilla trekking can also be combined with wildlife viewing in Uganda or Rwanda.

How to Book a Gorilla Permit in Uganda?

Tourists can book their gorilla permits through authorized local tour operators who have direct access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority. It is advised to book a gorilla permit at least 2 months before your visit, this is because gorilla trekking is limited to 8 persons per day per gorilla family. You have to confirm your booking earlier so that your safari is properly arranged.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda is one of the best destinations in the world where you can enjoy your vacation or your safari. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park which is located in the northwestern part of the country. Rwanda has mastered the art of gorilla trekking experience and it is a high-end destination for gorilla trekking experience. Although the gorilla permits in Rwanda are more expensive compared to Uganda and Congo, they offer a more luxurious experience.

The annual ceremony of Kwita Izina in Rwanda at Kinigi on the foothill of Volcanoes National Park has so far made Rwanda’s gorilla trekking a unique exercise. Tourists from all over the world come through to give a baby gorilla a name, such a feeling can never leave one the same and this happens every September.

Visitors can access Volcanoes National Park by air with a helicopter which takes about 30 minutes to land in Musanze Airstrip. There are no direct flights to the park other than with a helicopter. Traveling to Volcanoes National Park by road is the most common means of transport and takes 2 hours from the capital Kigali.

Price of a gorilla permit in Rwanda

Gorilla tracking permits in Rwanda can only be issued by the Rwanda Development Board to different travelers who qualify to carry out this magical experience. The price for gorilla permits in Rwanda varies according to nationality and residency status. Non-resident foreigner permits go for USD 1500, and residents pay USD 500.

Rwandan nationals and African citizens pay USD 200. Rwanda’s gorilla permits are quite expensive compared to Uganda and Congo because the gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda is more luxurious.

How to book a gorilla permit in Rwanda?

Travelers who would wish to engage in a gorilla tracking experience in Rwanda can book their gorilla permits through an authentic local tour operator to purchase a gorilla permit. Gorilla trekking permits can only be obtained through the Rwanda Development Board office. Alternatively, tourists can book their gorilla permits through the Rwanda Development Board website.

On the day of tracking gorillas, you present the proof of payment and this will grant you direct access to these gentle giants.

It is always better to book a gorilla permit in Rwanda at least 6 months before you travel. This is because Rwanda has few gorilla families and competition for permits is quite high and they tend to get done in a short while. Rwanda has only 13 gorilla families in Volcanoes national park and each family has to be visited by 8 people per day for an hour.

Gorilla trekking in Democratic Republic of Congo

Gorilla trekking in Congo takes place in Virunga National Park which was established in 1925. This is the oldest protected area in Africa, located near Goma city in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is the only place in Congo to track the endangered mountain gorillas.

The rare eastern lowland gorillas a subspecies of gorillas can also be found in Congo in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Kahuzi-Biega National Park is located near the Rwandan border of Rusizi in Bukavu town. Despite the political turmoil in the country, gorilla trekking is thriving here because security in and around the parks has been improved.

What is the price of a gorilla permit in the Democratic Republic of Congo?

The gorilla permits in the Democratic Republic of Congo are the cheapest in all the three East African countries that harbor the endangered mountain gorillas. Just like in Rwanda and Uganda, gorilla permits in Congo vary by nationality and region. These permits cost USD 400 for non-resident foreigners, USD 200 for East African residents, and USD 20 for nationals.

How to book a gorilla permit in Congo?

Visitors can book a gorilla permit in Congo by contacting Virunga National Park offices directly in Goma by phone or through email. The second option is to book through a trusted local tour agency that has access to Virunga National Park offices to buy the gorilla permit. It is also advisable to book your permit before your visit at least 2 months ahead.

What is the best time to track gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo?

The best time to track gorillas in these countries is during the low rainfall seasons in the months of June and September, then December to February during the dry season. Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo have similar climate and weather conditions therefore the best time for tracking gorillas cuts across.

Dry season offers clear views of the mountain gorillas due to dry and clear weather than in the wet season where it tends to be foggy and misty in the trekking morning hours. The vegetation in the dry season is scarce thus not obstructing the view of the endangered mountain gorillas.