Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda and Rwanda

Plan your gorilla trekking safari

Start with your arrival point, travel dates and the experience you want. Uganda and Rwanda offer different routes and accommodation choices. Your permit date and trekking location should guide the rest of the itinerary.

Should I choose Uganda or Rwanda?

Choose Uganda if you want to combine Bwindi or Mgahinga with a wider Uganda journey. Choose Rwanda if Volcanoes National Park is the focus of your trip. A Uganda trek starting in Kigali is another option: compare border arrangements and the final trekking sector before choosing flights.

Compare our three-day Uganda safari from Kigali, Bwindi safari from Entebbe and three-day Rwanda gorilla safari.

How much does a gorilla permit cost?

The published standard foreign non-resident trekking rate is US$800 in Uganda and US$1,500 in Rwanda. These are permit costs, not complete safari prices. Visitor category, travel date and any applicable promotion affect the final amount. Uganda has also published tariff changes for 2026–2027; check the rate for your actual trekking date before paying.

Official sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority tariffs and updates and Rwanda Development Board permit rates. Information checked 20 October 2026.

What happens on the trekking day?

The ranger briefing comes before the walk. The search follows the gorillas' location and can involve steep, wet ground. Allow flexibility rather than planning around a guaranteed return time. Standard viewing is limited to one hour once the gorillas are located; a longer forest walk does not mean a longer viewing allowance.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 in both Uganda and Rwanda. Tell us the ages of everyone travelling so we can discuss other activities for younger family members.

How fit do I need to be?

Discuss your walking ability and any support needs before booking. Ask about the likely terrain, porter options and assistance available for your chosen departure. A requested shorter walk cannot be guaranteed because the gorillas move. Any specialist assistance needs a separate availability check and quotation.

How do I choose a lodge and trekking sector?

Match the lodge to the permit location before booking either independently. Bwindi has several access areas, and a lodge described as being near Bwindi may still be inconvenient for your allocated departure point. Ask for the trekking location and overnight stop to be named in your itinerary.

What should my quotation include?

Look for the permit count and activity type, lodge names or accommodation standard, room arrangement, meals, transfers and included activities. Ask which charges remain optional, including porter support, tips and extra excursions. Check the cancellation terms and payment schedule before confirming.

Can I trek twice or combine gorillas with chimpanzees?

Yes. Our six-day double gorilla and chimpanzee safari includes two gorilla trekking days. Compare it with our chimpanzee experiences and full safari collection. Confirm separate permits for each activity in the written quotation.

What should I pack?

Bring walking shoes with grip, rain protection, long trousers and sleeves, drinking water and the day bag recommended for your itinerary. Check your lodge's laundry arrangements and any luggage limits before selecting a fly-in route.

Plan a safari with the Firante team. Share your dates, group size, arrival airport and preferred accommodation style so we can suggest a suitable route.

Park rules: Uganda Wildlife Authority tracking rules and Visit Rwanda gorilla tracking guidance. Prices and arrangements are reconfirmed for the travel dates in your quotation.