Mountain Gorilla Trekking Tours and SafarisDiscover Majestic Mountain Gorillas Up Close with Expert-Led Trekking Adventures

With a population of just over 1,000 individuals, mountain gorillas are one of the most endangered animals in the world. Although our closest living relatives, it is ironically man that poses the greatest threat to their survival. Civil war, poaching, habitat loss and human diseases all pose a threat to the survival of this iconic species.

However, the ever-growing number of tourists keen to see these great apes is proving to be an important factor in their conservation. Gorilla trekking is not only a wonderful experience allowing you to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, but helps contribute towards their protection. Gorilla numbers have recovered from a low of just 620 animals in 1989, largely thanks to the protection afforded by tourism revenues - the gorillas are worth more to the local people and the governments of their host countries alive than they are dead.

As their name implies, mountain gorillas inhabit forests high in the mountainous regions of central Africa. Their small population is split in two, with just over half living in the Virunga Mountains, bordering Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The rest live in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

We visit Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, part of the Virunga Conservation Area, on our Gorilla Express Tour. We also offer the option of gorilla trekking in Uganda as part of our Overland Safaris. Our trek either takes place in Mgahinga Gorilla Park, also part of the Virunga Conservation Area, or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Treks can last between 45 minutes and 8 hours, it depends entirely on where the gorillas are at the time of your visit. The park rangers always know where the gorillas are, as they constantly monitor and protect the animals.

Mountain gorillas can be seen year-round, therefore the best time for trekking is ultimately up to you. The dry seasons, from mid-December to February and from June to September, are considered the most comfortable times for trekking and the trails are in better condition.

However, there are some advantages of trekking in the wet seasons (March to May and October to December). During these months, gorillas tend to stick to the lower slopes as food is plentiful and temperatures are milder, therefore trekking times can be much shorter.

The cost and availability of gorilla permits varies by country and park. On our Small Group Overland Safaris we include gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. The Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Permit now costs USD $935 (trekking from 01 July 2024 onwards) and this cost includes bank transfer fees. The permit cost must be paid at time of booking.

On our Gorilla Express lodge accommodated safari in Rwanda, the cost of the gorilla trekking permit is included in the tour price. The gorilla trekking permit cost in Rwanda is currently USD $1500.

The reason that the permits are so costly is because each park only issues 10 permits per gorilla family per day, to ensure that the gorillas' exposure to humans is limited. 100% of the permit cost is used by the government to help finance patrols that are instrumental in protecting these apes from poachers and their lethal snares. So it might be costly, but you'll get to see these great apes and you'll be helping to conserve their population for future generations.

Please be aware that the Ugandan and Rwandan government can increase the permit and transfer costs without notice. Uganda increased its trekking fees in January 2024 with immediate effect and no notice was given. On The Go Tours are not in control of permit prices and cannot be held responsible for any increase in fees. If the political situation in this region changes, there’s a chance the itinerary would be amended, and an alternative scenario advised prior to departure if possible.

Please note: Due to the limited availability of the trekking permits, we are unable to guarantee your permit upon receipt of payment. Should we be unable to obtain your permit, you will receive a full refund.

To help you prepare for the once in a-lifetime experience of gorilla trekking, here's more detailed information about what you can expect.

The trek itself

The trek starts in the early morning and after border formalities you are transferred to a ranger’s station where the trek commences. Your rangers will lead you through cultivated lands, then into dense rainforest and as close as is allowed to a gorilla family.

The rangers monitor the gorillas on a daily basis and have a fairly good idea of where they are. However, they are free roaming animals, and their sighting cannot be guaranteed. Trekking can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 8 hours and can be quite strenuous, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.

Most people taking part in a gorilla trek take a small daypack to carry their water supply, food and camera equipment. Here are some other items we recommend packing for your gorilla trekking experience.

Comfortable hiking/walking boots: As you’ll most likely be trekking for a few hours to reach the gorillas, a good pair of boots is essential.

Trousers and a long-sleeved shirt: You’ll be ‘bushwhacking’ into a misty rainforest, so wear trousers and a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from the thick undergrowth and nettles.

Gloves: A pair of gloves will protect your hands when grabbing branches and vines, particularly a tough pair of gardening gloves.

Light rain jacket: Even if you’re visiting during the dry season, it’s a good idea to pack a light rain jacket. These tropical forests can be damp and rainfall can appear as if by magic and give you a good soaking.