What is Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking is a guided hike through dense forest to find and spend one hour with a habituated family of wild mountain gorillas. Unlike zoo encounters, this is a completely wild experience — the gorillas live freely in their natural habitat and have simply been accustomed to the presence of humans through a careful multi-year habituation process.

Only 1,063 mountain gorillas exist on Earth, found exclusively in the Virunga Massif (spanning Rwanda, Uganda and DRC) and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. A gorilla trek is therefore one of the rarest wildlife experiences available anywhere in the world.

Rwanda vs Uganda — Which is Better?

Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) offers more predictable treks — families tend to be found faster (1–4 hours), the park infrastructure is excellent, and the scenery of the volcano chain is dramatic. Permits cost $1,500 USD. Kigali airport to park takes about 2 hours.

Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest) offers a rawer, more adventurous experience. Treks tend to be longer and through denser vegetation. Uganda has more habituated groups (over 20 families). Permits cost $700 USD — significantly more affordable. Many travellers say Bwindi feels more authentic.

We recommend Rwanda for first-timers or those with limited time, and Uganda for those seeking a longer adventure or combining with other parks like Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls.

Physical Requirements & Fitness

Gorilla trekking is a moderate-to-strenuous hike. You should be able to walk for 2–8 hours over uneven, sometimes steep terrain at altitude (1,500–3,000m). There is no specific fitness requirement — people of all ages (minimum 15 years old) complete gorilla treks. However:

• Carry plenty of water and snacks — treks can last all day
• Porter services are available and strongly recommended for steep terrain
• Altitude can affect energy levels — arrive a day early to acclimatise
• Those with serious medical conditions should consult a doctor first
• Walking sticks / trekking poles are provided at the park

Gorilla Permits — Everything You Need to Know

• Rwanda: $1,500 USD per person per trek (includes one-hour visit)
• Uganda: $700 USD per person per trek
• Permits are limited — only 8 people per gorilla family per day
• Book 6–12 months in advance for peak season (June–September, December–February)
• Twija Africa Safaris secures your permit directly — no third-party fees
• Permits are non-refundable once booked, but can sometimes be rescheduled
• Children under 15 years are not permitted to trek

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, but the following seasons are optimal:

• June to September — Dry season, trails are firm, vegetation lower, excellent visibility. Most popular and most expensive period. Book well in advance.
• December to February — Short dry season. Comfortable temperatures, fewer tourists than June–September.
• March to May / October–November — Wet season. Forest is lush and dramatically beautiful. Fewer tourists, permits more available. Trails can be slippery.

Rules in the Presence of Gorillas

• Maintain a minimum 7-metre distance from gorillas at all times
• Do not make direct sustained eye contact with dominant silverbacks
• If a gorilla charges — crouch down, look away and do not run
• No flash photography — turn off camera sounds and use silent mode
• Do not eat or drink within 200m of the gorillas
• Whisper only — avoid loud voices or sudden movements
• If you feel unwell (flu, cold, infections), do not trek — gorillas share 98.3% of human DNA and are highly susceptible to our diseases
• The one-hour time limit is strictly enforced — there are no exceptions

What to Pack for Your Gorilla Trek

Gorilla Habituation Experience

In addition to standard gorilla trekking (1 hour), Uganda offers a Gorilla Habituation Experience — a 4-hour visit with a gorilla family that is still in the process of becoming accustomed to humans. This costs $1,500 USD and offers an extraordinary, extended encounter. Rwanda offers a similar golden monkey habituation experience. Ask us to include either in your itinerary.