Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking in Africa is one of the most incredible experiences of our travels. Tracking mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is a lifetime experience. Not only because of the remote nature of where mountain gorillas reside but because of the hefty cost of going on a gorilla safari.

There are three countries to experience a gorilla trek: Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. We decided to pick a trek in Bwindi National Park, Uganda. Read our gorilla trek tour information to learn more about this unforgettable experience.

Content and photographs provided by Yana Kogan and Timon.

Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Our Experience on a Gorilla Trek

Gorilla Trekking in Africa
On the Trail

After an hour of walking on a proper trail carved through lush jungle, our armed guards and guide led us into the bush. There are rolling hills on each side, with more valleys on the other. Using machetes, they carve a path. We bushwhack over to the next valley before heading over to the next valley once again.

The guide is staying in constant contact with the trackers who are one mile ahead. Eventually, we get close enough to the trackers that we can hear their calls over in the next valley. The gorillas are close. The excitement builds. Just minutes later, we see a huge tree shaking. When we first see the mountain gorilla, panic ensues. Everyone rushes in, pointer fingers erect, cameras out, ready for a show.

Gorilla Trekking Rwanda
Hiking through the Jungle

Seeing the gorillas is not just everything we could have hoped for, it’s also more. To see their movements, their massive size, their interaction with one another, their facial expressions, their hands, and most of the time, their eating habits, is an experience we will never forget.

The mountain gorillas are stunning creatures that left a lasting impression.


About Gorilla Trekking

Gorillas in Rwanda: Silverback
Silverback Male Gorilla

These gorilla treks are to see the rare and endangered mountain gorillas. While there are lowland gorillas throughout Central and parts of Western Africa, there are only three countries in Africa to see the mountain gorillas. Only 880 in the world remain. You can find them throughout the Virunga mountains which border Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Each of these countries offers gorilla treks, within their own respective national parks, Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Virunga National Park. The gorillas all live within families, which can range in size from just a few to about 20 gorillas.

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How to Get There

Gorilla Trekking Uganda
Male Silverback Eating

Rwanda is the easiest place to access all four parks. While it is possible to fly to Kampala or Goma, Kigali is the easiest to get to these parks. As a result, trekking in Rwanda is most common and the easiest from a logistical standpoint, but it is the most expensive.

Just a two-hour drive from Kigali is Volcano National Park. Congo (D.R.C.) is not difficult to get to, where you can take a bus or car 3-4 hours to Gisenyi, Rwanda. From Gisenyi, you cross the border to Goma, where the Virunga trek starts from. Congo (D.R.C.) is the cheapest option, but of course, it requires you to go to Congo which comes with some safety risks.

Uganda is priced in the middle, but the most difficult to get to. Both Mgahinga and Bwindi are remote in the Southwest corner of the country. Both are a 6-7 hour drive from Kigali. However, Uganda contains the most gorillas, half of the remaining 880 mountain gorillas.


How to Pick a Gorilla Trek

Gorillas in Rwanda
Male Silverback

Location is obviously the first decision to make. Pick the National Park of choice then specific arrangements can follow. Tours can be arranged to start from Kigali. Private transfers can be hired or public buses (matatu) can be taken to each of the National Parks.

Due to the high demand for these treks, it is recommended to always book before arriving to have permits set for your specific dates of interest. Each park has different arrangements. In some cases, you can book ahead of the exact family you are going to see. In other cases, you arrive on the morning of your trek and the park will assign groups and your family for the trek.


Websites for Assistance with Picking Gorilla Families

Gorilla Trekking in Africa: Silverback male
Male Silverback
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Where to find Mountain Gorillas in the Wild

Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

Gorilla Trekking Rwanda: Young
Young Gorilla Hanging Out in Bwindi

Just across the border of Gisenyi, Rwanda is Goma, the base for all activities in Virunga National Park. The D.R.C. comes with some safety alerts as every few years there have been risks of rebel groups; however, besides a period in 2012 and 2013, Virunga has been safe and heavily protected.

Goma likewise has been safe and with thousands of U.N. soldiers present. Virunga is the cheapest option and easiest to get permits, especially with shorter notice. Goma is a large city with accommodations, restaurants, and supermarkets, yet surprisingly, it is expensive.

COST: Gorilla trek permits cost $400 USD per person

Where to Stay

Gisenyi, Rwanda has many options for rooms in town or lakeside, with rooms ranging from $12 USD to $20 USD.

Goma D.R.C. is a large city with many options one of the cheapest is Tony’s Guesthouse right in the center of town, with rooms from $20 USD to $35 USD.

Security Update 2019: Virunga is currently closed to tourists until further notice. For updates visit Virunga NP website.


Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Gorillas in Rwanda: Male Silverback
Male Silverback

Volcanoes National Park is next to the city of Ruhengeri more commonly known by its prior name of Musanze. A large town in Rwanda, Musanze caters to budget backpackers and high-end customers alike. Tours originate from Musanze just 16 km from the National Park in the village of Kinigi. Kinigi also has some lodging available. Rwanda is the busiest of these parks for Gorilla Trekking so make sure to book well in advance for your Gorilla permits.

COST: Gorilla trek permits cost $1,500 USD per person

Where to Stay

Musanze has several options for budget rooms. Fido’s Guesthouse offers rooms for $25 USD which includes a wonderful breakfast.


Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda

Gorilla Trekking Uganda: Female
Female Gorilla

Bwindi is a gem in the Southwest corner of Uganda. It contains Africa’s oldest rainforest and is a few hours from the border of Rwanda. Bwindi has beautiful rolling mountains surrounded by valleys rich in agriculture. Only a small village sits outside the park with options for accommodation and has everything from budget backpackers to upscale lodges.

COST: Gorilla trek permits cost $600 USD per person. During the low season in April, May, and November permits cost $450.

Where to Stay

Bwindi Backpackers offers camping at $10 USD, dorms at $15 USD per bed, and rooms starting at $30 USD. If you add the full board meal plan ($25 per person per day) and stay two nights, they will include a private transfer one way to or from Kigali.


Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda

Gorilla Trekking Uganda: Silverback
Silverback Male Gorilla on Guard

Mgahinga is the smallest of these parks. Bordering Rwanda, this park has three scenic Volcanoes, including Sabinyo, which borders all three countries. Mgahinga only has one habituated family; however, due to its less dense vegetation is known for better photography.

COST: Gorilla permits cost $600 USD per person

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Is it Worth Going on a Gorilla Trek?

Gorilla Trekking in Africa: Young
Young Gorilla Playing

For us, it was definitely worth it. Our experience was incredible and seeing these creatures in the wild was astonishing. What is also astonishing is the cost of the experience. We truly hope most of the money goes to help maintain a safe place for the mountain gorillas. Would we do it again? No, we think once is just fine.

That’s it – enjoy your Gorilla trekking in Africa!


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About the Author:

  • Yana and Timon

    Yana & Timon met at college in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating, they started their professional careers. They moved to San Francisco in 2010, a city they loved living in for nearly six years.

    After working and saving up money for several years, they quit their jobs and set off on an adventure of a lifetime. They started living a nomadic lifestyle in December 2015 and have not looked back since.

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