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Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda, Uganda & Congo

Primate Safari Experiences offers a once in lifetime opportunity to track the mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Get started with planning a gorilla trekking safari in Africa to meet the endangered gorillas in their natural habitat. Our trips focus on meeting our closest living relatives; both mountain gorillas & Lowland gorillas in their natural homes.

There are as few as 1000 mountain gorillas. The two populations of mountain gorillas live within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga Mountains that spread through Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. We also organise trips to the popular Kahuzi Biega National Park, the only place where you can meet the eastern lowland gorillas in the wild.

At Primate Safari Experiences ,we do offer; tailor made itineraries that meet your wish list, travel bookings for accommodation, Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits and car hire bookings. Also we offer mountain hiking services into the volcanoes, where you enjoy the most captivating, memorable moments of your life.

We are a local tour operator specialized in organizing primate watching safaris in East and Central Africa. Our safaris are tailored to include gorilla treks, chimpanzee safaris, golden monkey tracking, and other primates tours. Most of our trips can be tailored to include classic wildlife safaris, mountaineering, and cultural experiences within the destinations visited to maximize enjoyment of your African safari!

Where will you go for Gorilla Safaris in Africa?

Gorilla Safaris in Africa

Gorillas are endemic to the African continent and the three most popular destinations for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. We offer unique gorilla trekking expeditions in Africa. Our trips feature normal mountain gorilla trekking (of viewing the great apes for up to one hour) and gorilla habituation experiences (viewing the gorillas for up to four hours) in selected national parks.

Would you like to see the western lowland gorillas? We have launched gorilla trekking in Gabon in Central Africa and Odzala National Park in the Republic of Congo.

Get started with planning a once-in-a-lifetime adventure into the tropical rain forests of famous national parks that protect the primates in Uganda, DR Congo, and Rwanda. Contact our team via info@gorillatrekking.com. When you book your gorilla safari with us, your are benefiting from the years of experience from real primate watching safari specialsists who have personally experienced these experiences in the pearl of Africa countless times. We therefore know the right lodges for the right budget and experience, the right cars to suit the terrain, the efficient and cost reputable craft shopping areas. We therefore call on you to book with us today and benefit from this wealth of advice and experience.

Tailor Made Safaris

We do offer customized gorilla habituation tours to Kahuzi Biega & Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on an exclusive luxury Safari to enjoy the watching of the gorillas in the wild for 4 hours while on a luxury gorilla safari with experienced team of Primate Safari Experiences. Let the team help you plan your gorilla trekking and create memories that will last forever!

We GUARANTEE 99% you will see gorillas in the wild on your gorilla safaris in either Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic republic of Congo!! Get started with planning and booking your next gorilla trek with Primate Safari Experiences (PSE).

HOT DEALS FOR GORILLA TREKKING

RWANDA UGANDA 11 DAYS

Book an exclusive 11 days Rwanda Uganda gorilla & wildlife safari with Primate Safari Experiences to enjoy gorilla trekking.
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RWANDA CONGO 8 DAYS

Book a 8 days Rwanda Congo gorilla trekking & Nyiragongo Hiking in Virunga National Park with Primate Safari Experiences while on a gorilla Safari.
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OTHER POPULAR GORILLA SAFARI PACKAGES

5 DAYS RWANDA PRIMATES

A 5 Days (4 Nights) Rwanda Safari takes you to Volcanoes & Nyungwe forest to track both the mountain gorillas & chimpanzees.

3 DAYS BWINDI GORILLAS

This 3 Days (2 Nights) Uganda Gorilla Trek is the shortest possible safari to see Uganda’s Bwindi Gorillas starting in Kampala or Entebbe.

5 DAYS GORILLAS & CHIMPS

A 5 Days Uganda Primate Safari takes you to both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Kibale National Park to meet the great apes.

3 DAYS CONGO LOWLAND GORILLAS

A 3 Days (2 Nights) Gorilla Safari to Kahuzi Biega National park, the only place to see Eastern lowland gorillas in their natural habitat.

5 DAYS GABON GORILLA SAFARI

A 5 Days (4 Nights) Gabon trip that features western lowland gorilla trekking and mandrills tracking in Lope National Park.

4 DAYS BWINDI GORILLAS

A 4 Days Uganda Safari to featuring two gorilla treks in different gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Rwanda Gorilla Tours

1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek Safari

This trip starts very early in the morning from your Lodge so you get to the Volcanoes National Park in time for gorilla tracking.

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2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek Safari

This Itinerary include gorilla tracking only, this package is mostly done by visitors on short holidays, business and Conference visitors.

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3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour

This trip covers Gorilla and golden monkey tracking and Ibyi’wachu cultural village. Gorillas and golden monkeys are endangered.

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7 Days Rwanda Wildlife & Gorillas

Enjoy the wildlife and the boat cruise in Akagera National park, Volcano hiking, Gorilla tracking in Volcano National park.

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Uganda Gorilla Tours

3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari

3 days Uganda gorilla safari takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for mountain gorilla tracking starts and ends in Kampala.

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4 Days Uganda Gorilla Trek Safari

This 4 days tour to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Lake Bunyonyi starts and ends in Uganda’s capital of Kampala.

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7 Days Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife

This trip takes you to Kibale Forest for chimps, Queen Elizabeth National park for wildlife and Bwindi Forest for mountain gorillas as well.

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12 Days Gorillas & Rwenzori Trekking

Start with a gorilla trek in Bwindi forest before continuing to Queen Elizabeth NP for wildlife and end it with a Rwenzori hiking adventure.

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3 Days Eastern Lowland Gorillas

3 Days ultimate Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi biega national park located in eastern democratic republic of Congo for an ultimate watching of the eastern lowland gorillas.

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4 Days Gorillas & Nyiragongo Trek

Book this 4 Days Congo gorilla trekking & climbing Nyiragongo volcano in Virunga National Park with a local experienced tour company.

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5 Days Congo Gorilla Trekking Safari

Looking for 5 Days gorilla trekking safari in Congo to explore the mountain gorillas & eastern lowland gorillas? This is the perfect trip to book in Kahuzi Biega.

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8 Days Rwanda Congo Gorilla Trekking

Looking for 8 days Congo gorilla safari adventure ending in Rwanda Kigali. Includes magic mountain gorillas & Eastern lowland gorilla trekking.

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Places You Must Visit

BWINDI FOREST NATIONAL PARK

This is undeniably one of the outstanding reasons why Uganda receives a wealth of tourists from different parts of the World.

KAHUZI BIEGA NATIONAL PARK

Most tourists know Kahuzi Beiga for the Eastern Lowland Gorillas, but it is home to other Species enchant Wildlife enthusiasts.

VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

Apart from Mountain Gorillas, Volcanoes is home to Golden monkey primates, vervets, baboons and unique forest bird species.

LOANGO NATIONAL PARK

The lush habitats shelter a diverse range of Wildlife species including buffaloes, hippos, leopards, gorillas, elephants and more.

VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK

The oldest Game Park in Congo and lies on 7800 Sqkm of land famous for mountain gorillas, burning volcanoes and golden monkeys.

ODZALA NATIONAL PARK

Odzala is a bucketlist worthy haven for the Western Lowland Gorilla and an array of excellent wildlife while in the Congo.

How would you like to Explore Africa?

LUXURY SAFARIS

High End Travel
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GROUP SAFARIS

Travel With Children
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LUXURY SAFARIS

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Gorilla Trekking – Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking?

The best time  to visit the mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda is during the dry season. The dry season runs from December to March and June to October. During the dry season the trails are drier making gorilla trekking easier. Within the dry season, the mountain gorillas tend to stay at the lower altitudes, making it easier track and find the apes in their natural habitat. If you’re unable to visit during the dry season, don’t worry gorilla treks are possible year-round, and each season offers its own unique advantages.

How Safe is Gorilla Trekking?

Mountain Gorillas in the wild are not considered dangerous, as long as they feel comfortable and relaxed. Although powerful and strong, mountain gorillas have a gentle and shy nature. The mountain gorillas in Uganda & Rwanda, which travelers get to visit, have also become used to the presence of humans. The gorilla habituation process takes close to two years and the habituated gorilla family in particular are considered secure to be around.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you don’t have to be careful and adhere to certain regulations. You must obey all instructions given by your guide. Your Bwindi Guides have a strong knowledge of the gorillas, and will direct you as to where it’s secure to stand or sit.

Is Uganda or Rwanda Better for Gorilla Trekking?

The two most popular destinations for gorilla trekking are Uganda and Rwanda. Both countries host mountain gorillas and the opportunity to see them is equal. Uganda and Rwanda are best the countries for gorilla trekking in Africa because both countries inhabit similar rugged terrain and have similar habitats. Individual mountain gorilla groups vary in their accessibility and that is why it is important to be physically fit.

The regulations and quality of local guides and rangers is similar in Rwanda and Uganda but there are as many factors to consider in picking your location between one of these countries.

Am I Guaranteed to See the Mountain Gorillas?

The chances to meet the mountain gorillas on a guided trek are over 95%. One of the reasons why the chances of seeing mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda is high is that both countries have several gorilla families that are well-habituated and used to the presence of humans. As such, they will not run away in the presence of humans.

Uganda and Rwanda have invested in training their trackers and ranger guides who are in charge of locating these gorillas in the forests and guiding you to where they will be on the day of trekking. It is also important to note that in Uganda and Rwanda, the speed at which tourists move depends on the slowest person in the group. This means that even if you are slow or relatively unfit, the ranger guides will bear with you until you reach the gorillas.

Guide to Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking doesn’t come on a silver plate. It involves hiking through the tropical rain forests in order to find the mountain gorillas that are known to live in high altitude mountain areas in the Virunga Massif and Bwindi National Park. The activity involves following ecotourism guidelines that were set by conservationists to ensure that the mountain gorillas are conserved for the present and future generations.

What are the Best Parks for Gorilla Trekking?

In Africa there are more than 10 national parks where gorilla trekking can be done and here are the four best spots offering viewing opportunities; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda,Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo.

The gorilla families in Rwanda and Uganda are not in a zoo but roaming freely in a very large area of very dense forests.  However, there are some things you can plan for like your fitness, how much you want to spend on your trip, which gorilla family you want to see, and how much time you have on your holiday.

What Happens When We Don't Find Gorillas?

In the unfortunate event that gorillas are not found during your trek, your guide will inform you and explain the reasons behind the unsuccessful search. There can be several factors that contribute to not finding gorillas, such as the gorillas moving to a different location, thick vegetation obscuring their view, or adverse weather conditions.

What is the Rough Cost of a Gorilla Trek?

The rough cost of a gorilla trek include accommodation, activity fees and transportation fees.

The gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs US$700 for a foreign non-resident, US$600 for a foreign resident, UGX 250,000 for an East African citizen. The gorilla permit price was increased by US$100 therefore effective 1st July 2024. The cost of a permit for a foreign non-resident will cost US$800 and US$700 for a foreign resident, Rest of Africa US$500 and UGX 300,000 for an East Africa community Citizen.

A gorilla habituation permit in Uganda for a foreign non-resident US$1500 and US$1000 for a foreign resident, Rest of Africa US$1000 and UGX 750,000 for an East Africa community Citizen.

A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs US$1500 for all nationalities and in Democratic Republic of Congo a gorilla trekking permit costs US$400 for foreign residents.

What Should I Bring on a Gorilla Trek?

Evеrуоnе’ѕ gоrillа trekking еxреriеnсе will be different dереnding uроn the wеаthеr, the depth of your forest hike, where the gorillas are hanging out, as well as some оthеr factors. There are various items that tourists should pack or carry when for a gorilla trek including long sleeved clothes, hiking shoes, garden gloves, insect repellent, waterproof rain jacket, warm sweater, camera and extra batteries, energy snacks and drinking water, back pack, walking stick, a pair of binoculars, a hat and sunglasses among others.

Here is a comprehensive list of essential things to pack for a gorilla trekking expedition into Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo.

Do I Need to Tip on a Gorilla Trek?

Tipping guides and porters anything between $10-40 at the end of the gorilla trekking experience is a welcome act! Often times, there is one ranger guide per group, 2-3 trackers per group and 2-4 security personnel per group. The answer to this question is yes, tipping is allowed on a gorilla trek.

Tipping in the tourism industry is much recommended just as a token of appreciation to those that have been most helpful to you during your gorilla safari planning process, and all those that may have served you exceptionally well during your gorilla safari.

When Should I Book a Gorilla Trek?

A trip to see mountain gorillas is amazingly a lifetime experience you shouldn’t miss out. But when should you book your gorilla trek in Uganda or Rwanda? Gorilla trekking is presently a world’s most treasured safari activity in Uganda, Rwanda and DRC. Majority of travelers worldwide come mainly to see the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild.

Being one of the most sought-after adventure experiences, we encourage you to ensure you book your next gorilla trek early enough. When planning for a gorilla tour, a gorilla trekking permit is one essential tool you shouldn’t leave out. It is a must-have if you are to have a chance to track a gorilla family group in Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo.

But, to ensure you are part of the thrilling gorilla trekking experience, make sure you book your gorilla permit in advance. You can book your gorilla trek and gorilla permit as early as 4-6 months.

Stories & Resources

Important things to consider for Gorilla Trekking

Best time to go gorilla trekking in Africa - Gorilla Safaris The best time to trek gorillas in Africa is during the dry seasons, which vary slightly depending on the country. In Uganda and Rwanda, the optimal times are from June to September and December to February. These periods offer the most favorable weather conditions,Read More »Important things to consider for Gorilla Trekking

Where to see Gorillas in Africa

Where to see Gorillas in Africa - Gorilla Trekking. Planning a gorilla trekking experience in Africa but worried where to go gorilla trekking or the best places to see the gorillas in the wild while on an Africa Safari. The team of gorilla Trekking that has been tailoring gorilla safaris to Uganda, Rwanda and democraticRead More »Where to see Gorillas in Africa

Group Tours Vs Private Tours in Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is renowned for its mountain gorilla trekking experiences. When considering group tours versus private tours in Bwindi, there are several factors to take into account, including cost, flexibility, personalized experience, and social dynamics. Here are some details to help you compare the two options: Group Tours Group tours to… Read More »Group Tours Vs Private Tours in Bwindi

Discounted Gorilla Permits

Get Updated news about Gorilla Trekking Permits in African Countries of Rwanda, Uganda, DR Congo & Gabon.   In Uganda, Uganda Wildlife authority has released discounted gorilla permits for travelers visiting gorillas in December to march next year .