UGANDA GORILLA TOURS

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs USD 800 per person, issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. In Rwanda, a permit costs USD 1,500 per person, issued by the Rwanda Development Board. Both permits grant you one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family in their natural forest habitat. Uganda offers the best value for money — you get the same extraordinary gorilla encounter at nearly half the price of Rwanda, with the added bonus of trekking through one of the world’s most biodiverse ancient forests.

You do not need to be an athlete, but a reasonable level of physical fitness is important. Gorilla treks can range from a relatively gentle 30-minute walk to a strenuous 6 to 8 hour hike through steep, muddy, and densely forested terrain — depending on where the gorilla family has moved that day. Most treks average 2 to 4 hours of hiking. We recommend doing some light cardiovascular exercise in the weeks before your trip, wearing sturdy waterproof hiking boots, and hiring a porter at the park gate to carry your bag and support you on difficult sections. Porters make a significant difference to your comfort and enjoyment on the trail.

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years old in both Uganda and Rwanda. This rule is strictly enforced by both Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Rwanda Development Board. Children under 15 are not permitted to enter the gorilla habitat under any circumstances. The age restriction exists to protect the gorillas from the stress of unpredictable behaviour and to ensure the safety of younger visitors on what can be a physically demanding trek.

You get exactly one hour with the gorilla family — no more, no less. This time limit is strictly enforced by Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwanda Development Board rangers and exists entirely for the wellbeing of the gorillas. One hour in the presence of a wild gorilla family is more than enough time to observe their behaviour, take photographs, and absorb an experience that most visitors describe as one of the most moving of their entire lives. The trek to reach the gorillas can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on how far the family has moved into the forest that day.

Gorilla trekking is possible year-round in both Uganda and Rwanda, but the most comfortable seasons are the dry seasons — June to August and December to February. During these months, forest trails are drier and less slippery, making trekking easier and more enjoyable. The rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) bring lush, green forest and fewer tourists, which some visitors prefer for the quieter atmosphere and lower accommodation rates. The gorillas are always present regardless of season — rain does not deter them or significantly reduce your chances of a sighting.

Yes, gorilla trekking is very safe when conducted through official national parks with properly habituated gorilla families. Habituated gorillas are those that have been gradually accustomed to human presence over several years by park researchers and rangers. They are wild animals but they are used to being observed at close range and generally ignore visitors entirely. Every trek is led by experienced armed rangers who know the gorilla families intimately and who are trained to manage any situation. Visitors are required to stay at least 7 metres from the gorillas at all times, and rangers enforce this rule strictly for both visitor and gorilla safety.

As early as possible — this is the single most important piece of advice for anyone planning a gorilla trekking safari. Uganda and Rwanda have a strictly limited number of gorilla permits available each day, and during peak season (June to August and December to February) permits sell out months in advance. As a general guide, book 3 to 6 months ahead during peak season and 1 to 3 months ahead during low season. At Uganda Gorilla Tours, we strongly advise all clients to secure their gorilla permits before booking flights, because permit availability on your preferred dates should determine your travel schedule — not the other way around.

Packing correctly makes a real difference to your comfort on the trail. Here is what we recommend:

• Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support
• Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers in neutral colours such as green, khaki, or brown — avoid bright colours and camouflage patterns
• A lightweight rain jacket or waterproof poncho
• Garden gloves to protect your hands when grabbing roots and branches on steep sections
• Insect repellent — apply before entering the forest
• A hat and sunglasses
• A small daypack carrying at least 1.5 litres of water and some snacks
• Your camera — no flash photography is allowed near the gorillas

Leave large suitcases and hard-sided luggage at your lodge. You only need a small daypack for the trek itself.

Both countries offer world-class gorilla trekking experiences, but there are meaningful differences worth understanding before you choose:

Uganda offers gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Permits cost USD 800. Uganda has the largest population of mountain gorillas in the world and 19 habituated gorilla families across four sectors. The trekking terrain is more rugged and adventurous, the accommodation ranges from budget to ultra-luxury, and the overall experience feels wilder and more off-the-beaten-path. Uganda also allows you to combine gorilla trekking with other outstanding wildlife experiences such as chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest and the famous tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Rwanda offers gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga mountain range. Permits cost USD 1,500. Trekking distances in Rwanda tend to be shorter and the infrastructure is more developed, making it a popular choice for travellers with limited time. Rwanda is easily combined with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and is well connected to major international airports.

For most travellers, Uganda offers a superior gorilla trekking experience at significantly better value. Rwanda suits those with very limited time and a higher budget who want a shorter, more streamlined trip.