African Countries Where You Can Track Gorillas
Few wildlife encounters are as deeply moving as meeting a gorilla in its natural forest home. The moment you step into the mist-covered mountains and hear branches crack under a giant silverback’s feet, you realize you’re not just on a safari, you’re on a spiritual journey. For many travelers, gorilla trekking is the highlight of a lifetime.
But where in Africa can you have this experience? And which country offers the best balance of adventure, safety, and authenticity? Let’s explore the African countries where you can track gorillas, and discover why Uganda and Rwanda remain the most recommended destinations for this extraordinary experience.
The Gorilla Trekking Belt of Africa
Gorillas are only found in a handful of countries in Central and East Africa. These include Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for mountain gorillas, and a few Central African countries like Gabon, Congo-Brazzaville, and the Central African Republic for lowland gorillas.
However, when it comes to safe, organized, and conservation-minded gorilla trekking, the most accessible and rewarding destinations are Uganda and Rwanda. These two nations have invested heavily in protecting the last remaining mountain gorillas, building infrastructure, and ensuring travelers enjoy a memorable, ethical encounter with these majestic creatures.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking
Uganda is often described as the “Pearl of Africa,” and for good reason. It’s home to over half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, living mainly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Bwindi alone protects around 20 habituated gorilla families, more than anywhere else on Earth. This lush rainforest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its biodiversity, breathtaking terrain, and intimate trekking experience.
The Trekking Experience in Uganda
Your adventure begins early in the morning with a briefing from expert rangers of the Uganda Wildlife Authority. After the orientation, small groups of up to eight people venture deep into the forest to locate a specific gorilla family.
The trek can last anywhere from one to six hours, depending on where the gorillas nested the previous night. The terrain can be steep and muddy, but every step is worth it. When you finally spot a gorilla family, you’ll spend one precious hour watching them play, groom, and interact, moments that feel both surreal and humbling.
The encounter often leaves visitors speechless. The gorillas’ expressive eyes, their gentle nature, and the quiet rhythm of the forest create an atmosphere of deep connection. It’s nature in its purest form.
Cost and Conservation
A Uganda gorilla trekking permit currently costs USD 800 per person, effective from July 2024. This fee might seem steep, but it directly supports conservation programs and helps local communities benefit from tourism. Every trekker contributes to the survival of these endangered animals.
Suggested Itinerary
A typical 3-day Uganda Gorilla Safari looks like this:
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Day 1: Drive or fly from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Enjoy scenic views of hills, banana plantations, and lakes.
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Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi followed by a cultural village walk or a visit to a local craft market.
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Day 3: Return to Entebbe or continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a wildlife safari.
If you have more time, a 5-day primate adventure allows you to combine gorilla trekking in Bwindi with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest and wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, a perfect mix of Uganda’s highlights.
Beyond Gorillas
Uganda offers more than just gorillas. You can chase the thunder of Murchison Falls, watch tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, or raft down the mighty River Nile in Jinja. Few destinations can match Uganda’s combination of wildlife, adventure, and culture all in one country.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
Rwanda, known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, provides a smoother, shorter, and more luxurious route to the gorillas. Gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park, a breathtaking landscape of misty volcanoes and bamboo forests.
Rwanda’s approach focuses on high-end, conservation-driven tourism. The country has invested heavily in infrastructure, world-class lodges, and a clean, safe environment. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer shorter itineraries or luxury comfort.
The Trekking Experience in Rwanda
The journey from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park takes only two and a half hours, making it one of the most accessible gorilla experiences in Africa.
After a morning briefing in Kinigi, your small group begins the trek into the forest to find one of the twelve habituated gorilla families. The trails here are generally easier to navigate compared to Uganda’s, though you’re still walking through hilly, volcanic terrain.
Once you encounter the gorillas, the feeling is pure magic. You might see a mother cradling her baby, juveniles tumbling in the foliage, or a silverback watching over his troop with calm authority. It’s impossible not to feel a sense of connection, a reminder of how closely we are related.
Cost and Itinerary
Rwanda’s gorilla permit costs USD 1,500 per person, reflecting its luxury positioning and significant investments in conservation. While it’s nearly twice Uganda’s price, travelers often choose Rwanda for convenience and comfort.
A 2-day Rwanda Gorilla Safari from Kigali could include:
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Day 1: Drive to Volcanoes National Park, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, and stay overnight at a lodge near the park.
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Day 2: Morning gorilla trek, lunch, and return to Kigali for your evening flight.
For a more relaxed pace, a 4-day luxury adventure allows you to explore the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, trek golden monkeys, and unwind by Lake Kivu.
Beyond Gorillas
Rwanda also shines in conservation tourism beyond gorillas. You can visit Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking or canopy walks, and Akagera National Park for a classic Big Five safari. The combination of luxury, safety, and sustainability makes Rwanda an excellent choice for first-time Africa visitors.
What About Congo?
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) also offers gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park for mountain gorillas and Kahuzi-Biega National Park for eastern lowland gorillas. The experience is wild, raw, and less commercial, appealing to serious adventurers. However, due to ongoing security challenges, Uganda and Rwanda remain safer and more stable for most travelers.
Choosing Between Uganda and Rwanda
Both Uganda and Rwanda offer world-class gorilla trekking, but they appeal to slightly different travelers.
If you value adventure, diversity, and affordability, Uganda is ideal. You can combine your gorilla trek with savannah safaris, waterfalls, and rich cultural experiences. It’s a country for those who love nature in its pure, untamed form.
If you prefer comfort, convenience, and luxury, Rwanda is perfect. Shorter travel distances, exceptional lodges, and excellent infrastructure make it easy to plan even a weekend trip.
Many travelers choose to combine both countries, flying into Kigali, trekking in Rwanda or Uganda, and then continuing the safari through southwestern Uganda. The drive between Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi takes only a few hours, creating a seamless cross-border experience.
The Human Connection Behind Gorilla Trekking
What truly makes gorilla trekking special isn’t just the thrill of the jungle; it’s the connection. You’re visiting a family that shares 98% of your DNA. Their gestures, emotions, and interactions mirror our own. Watching a mother soothe her baby or a silverback gently guide his group can move even the toughest traveler to tears.
Every permit purchased contributes to protecting these endangered primates and supports nearby communities. A portion of the fee goes directly to local villages, helping fund schools, health centers, and livelihoods. This community involvement is a big reason why gorilla conservation has succeeded in both Uganda and Rwanda.
At Feather Trail Safaris, we believe tourism should uplift both people and wildlife. That’s why our gorilla trekking itineraries are designed to be sustainable, respectful, and enriching for everyone involved.
Planning Your Gorilla Trek with Feather Trail Safaris
Booking a gorilla trek requires planning. Permits are limited and often sell out months in advance, especially in peak seasons (June–September and December–February). Our team at Feather Trail Safaris handles all logistics, from securing your permits and arranging transport to recommending lodges that fit your comfort and budget.
We also design tailor-made programs that combine gorilla trekking with other East African highlights, such as:
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Wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth or Akagera National Parks
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Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale or Nyungwe Forest
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Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi or Lake Kivu
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Adventure activities at the source of the Nile in Jinja
With us, your journey becomes more than a vacation — it’s a story of discovery, connection, and purpose.
This is a Journey That Changes You
Gorilla trekking is not just about spotting wildlife; it’s about rediscovering what it means to share this planet. When you kneel in the forest and meet a gorilla’s gaze, you realize how fragile and beautiful life is — and how important it is to protect it.
Whether you choose Uganda’s wild jungles or Rwanda’s volcanic slopes, one thing is certain: this experience will stay with you forever.