There are few moments in the natural world as profound as the first time you lock eyes with a mountain gorilla. To stand in the quiet of an ancient rainforest, just feet from a creature that shares 98% of our DNA, is a humbling and life-altering experience. A gorilla trek in the mountains of Uganda or Rwanda is more than a safari; it’s a rare opportunity to connect with an endangered species thriving in the wild thanks to decades of dedicated conservation.
This guide is designed to help you plan this extraordinary journey, understand what to expect, and choose the destination that’s perfect for you.
Permit & Experience Costs (Effective July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026)
Permit & Experience Costs
Your adventure begins in the cool, misty air of the early morning. After a briefing from expert park rangers on safety and etiquette, you and a small group of no more than eight visitors will set off with trackers into the forest.
The trek is a sensory immersion, the scent of damp earth, the calls of exotic birds, the sight of giant ferns. It can take anywhere from one to six hours, depending on the gorillas’ location that day. The trackers, who are in the forest from dawn, communicate with your guide to lead you to the family’s resting spot.
Suddenly, you’ll be asked to lower your voice and leave your bags. You’ll walk the final few feet and see them. For the next magical hour, you will be a quiet observer in their world. You’ll watch mothers gently groom their infants, juveniles playfully tumble through the vines, and the immense silverback stand watchful guard. It is a peaceful, powerful, and deeply moving experience that will stay with you forever.
A gorilla trek is the centerpiece of your journey, but it can be combined with other incredible East African experiences:
We believe a gorilla trek is more than just a permit and a hike. It’s a holistic journey we craft for you. From securing your permits to handling all logistics, our experts ensure a seamless, sustainable, and life-changing adventure..
Neither is “better,” but they are different. Rwanda is ideal for shorter, more luxurious trips due to its easy accessibility (a 2-3 hour drive from the international airport to the park). Uganda offers a better value with a lower permit price and is perfect for longer, more diverse itineraries that include classic safaris and chimp trekking.
It is essential to book your permit 6 to 12 months in advance, especially for peak seasons. With only a limited number of permits available each day (8 visitors per gorilla family), they sell out very quickly.
The trek is considered moderate to strenuous. You will be hiking at altitude (7,000–9,000 ft) on steep, uneven, and often muddy trails through dense vegetation. A good level of fitness is required. However, gorilla families are assigned based on the group’s perceived fitness, and porters can be hired.
The one-hour rule is a critical conservation measure. It minimizes the risk of disease transmission from humans to gorillas and reduces behavioral disturbance, ensuring the gorillas remain wild and healthy.
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support; long trousers and long-sleeved shirts (to protect from nettles); a waterproof rain jacket; gardening gloves (to grip vegetation); and a small backpack for water and your camera.
Yes, we highly recommend it. Porters not only make your trek easier by carrying your backpack, but they also provide crucial support, offering a hand on steep or slippery sections. Hiring a porter is also a form of direct financial support for the local community.
Your permit fee is the single most important source of funding for mountain gorilla conservation. A significant portion goes towards anti-poaching patrols, veterinary care, habitat protection, and community development projects, ensuring that local people benefit directly from keeping the gorillas safe.
No, the age limit is strictly enforced by the wildlife authorities in both countries for safety reasons and to minimize the risk of transmitting childhood diseases to the gorillas.
No. Flash photography is strictly forbidden as it can frighten or agitate the gorillas, which can be dangerous.
Yes, it is very safe. You are led by highly professional, armed rangers and expert trackers. The gorillas you visit are habituated to human presence and are not aggressive. The greatest risks are related to the trek itself (e.g., slipping), not the animals.
Gorilla trekking is generally a calmer experience, observing a family that is often resting or feeding in one area. Chimpanzee trekking is more active and chaotic; you are often moving quickly through the forest to keep up with a loud, fast-moving troop.
Your dream safari is closer than you think. Let us craft a custom trekking and safari package that you’ll absolutely love, all within your budget.
