{"id":3798,"date":"2017-04-25T15:18:27","date_gmt":"2017-04-25T15:18:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/?p=3798"},"modified":"2026-05-12T08:14:31","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T08:14:31","slug":"gorilla-safari-choose-uganda-rwanda-the-drc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/gorilla-safari-choose-uganda-rwanda-the-drc","title":{"rendered":"Where to go gorilla trekking: Uganda or Rwanda?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Both Uganda<\/a> and Rwanda<\/a> offer outstanding mountain gorilla trekking. Permits cost USD
\n1,500 in Rwanda and USD 800 in Uganda and both countries deliver a near-guaranteed
\nsighting. Choose Rwanda if you want the easiest, quickest trek (the trailhead is roughly a 2 to
\n3 hour drive from Kigali airport) and a seamless, luxurious experience that pairs very well
\nwith a Kenya<\/a> or Tanzania<\/a> safari; and choose Uganda if you\u2019d prefer something more
\nadventurous and off-the-beaten-track. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest<\/a> is home to roughly half of
\nall mountain gorillas left in the wild, and Uganda combines naturally with chimpanzee
\ntracking and a wider safari circuit.<\/p>\n

We think it\u2019s safe to say that no other wildlife experience comes close to spending time with
\nthe mighty mountain gorilla \u2013 and the good news is that this is one conservation story
\nheading in the right direction. The latest census puts the wild gorilla population at over 1,000,
\nup from a low of around 240 in the 1980s. Mountain gorillas live in just two great forests: the
\nVirunga Mountains, straddling the border of Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park<\/a>), Uganda
\n(Mgahinga National Park<\/a>) and the DRC; and Uganda\u2019s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where
\nroughly half the world\u2019s mountain gorillas are found. So, when it comes to booking a gorilla
\nsafari, the decision really comes down to two countries: Rwanda and Uganda. Here\u2019s our
\nguide to choosing between them\u2026<\/p>\n

Note: Virunga National Park in the DRC is currently closed to guests until further notice.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/th>\nRwanda<\/th>\nUganda<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Park<\/strong><\/td>\nVolcanoes National Park<\/td>\nBwindi Impenetrable Forest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Permit cost<\/strong> (foreign non-resident)<\/td>\nUSD 1,500<\/td>\nUSD 800<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Habituated gorilla families<\/strong><\/td>\n~12<\/td>\n20+<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drive from Kigali<\/strong><\/td>\n2\u20133 hours<\/td>\n3\u20134 hours (with border crossing)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Trek terrain<\/strong><\/td>\nOpen volcanic slopes<\/td>\nDense rainforest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best paired with<\/strong><\/td>\nKenya or Tanzania safari & beach<\/td>\nUganda’s wider safari circuit; chimp tracking<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Trip style<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\nPolished, accessible, luxury<\/em><\/td>\nAdventurous, off-the-beaten-track<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\"Gorilla<\/h3>\n

How do I get to gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda?<\/h2>\n

The short answer:<\/strong> both countries are easiest reached via Kigali International Airport in
\nRwanda<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Flights to Kigali<\/a> have become much more accessible (and cheaper) in recent years and your
\nbest bet is to fly in from Nairobi<\/a> in Kenya<\/a>. For a gorilla safari in Rwanda, you\u2019ll hop in a car
\nand transfer for 2 to 3 hours to the foothills of Volcanoes National Park<\/a>, where all gorilla
\ntreks begin. To get to Bwindi<\/a> in Uganda<\/a>, it\u2019s a 3 to 4 hour road transfer from Kigali with a
\nborder crossing, or if you fly to Entebbe<\/a>, it\u2019s a 9 to 10 hour drive (but we would recommend
\nbreaking the journey \u2013 more about that later!).<\/p>\n

\"Gorilla<\/h3>\n

How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost?<\/h2>\n

The short answer:<\/strong> USD 1,500 per person in Rwanda<\/a> and USD 800 per person in Uganda<\/a>,
\nwith one permit valid for a single day and one hour in the company of the gorillas.<\/p>\n

Both countries require visitors to have a permit for gorilla trekking, and the number of
\npermits available each year fluctuates depending on conservation needs and tourism quotas.
\nOne permit is valid for one day and one hour with the gorillas. Rwanda is the most expensive
\ncountry to visit, with permits costing USD 1500. High numbers are issued, but they get
\nbooked quickly so you\u2019ll need to plan in advance. A permit for gorilla trekking in Uganda
\ncosts USD 800, but these costs are both subject to change, so please double check with your
\ntravel specialist before you travel.<\/p>\n

\"Gorilla<\/h3>\n

Will I definitely see the gorillas?<\/h2>\n

The short answer:<\/strong> sightings are never technically guaranteed, but in practice they\u2019re very,
\nvery reliable.<\/p>\n

Out of all the remaining gorillas in the wild, a proportion of families are habituated and
\navailable for gorilla trekking. In Rwanda<\/a>, this is around 12 families and in Uganda<\/a> there are
\nc.20 families, spread across four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest<\/a> (Bwindi (Buhoma,
\nRuhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo), but the numbers do change depending on research needs.
\nEach family can have anything from 9 to 39 members. Early in the morning, trackers will
\nhead into the mountains to locate each family, meaning your chances of seeing the gorillas
\nare extremely high \u2013 but we can\u2019t promise anything!<\/p>\n

\"Gorilla<\/p>\n

How fit do I need to be for gorilla trekking?<\/h2>\n

The short answer:<\/strong> reasonable hiking fitness will see most travellers through, though treks
\ncan range from a gentle hour to an intrepid eight-hour trek.<\/p>\n

The honest answer is that it really depends on which gorilla family you\u2019re tracking. Some
\nhabituated groups stay close to the park edge and can be reached in under an hour; others
\nwander deep into the forest and require more effort, often uphill through thick undergrowth
\n(that\u2019s where a pair of gloves comes in useful!). Rangers usually try to match guests with a
\ngroup that suits their fitness level. Bwindi<\/a> is notoriously dense (its full name, \u201cImpenetrable
\nForest\u201d, is real!), so if mobility is a concern, Volcanoes National Park\u2019s<\/a> more open volcanic
\nslopes can be the easier choice. Porters are available at both parks for around USD 25 per
\ntrek, and we recommend hiring one whether you need help with your bag or not as the
\nincome goes directly into the surrounding communities.<\/p>\n

\n
\"General\"General<\/figure>
Design your own trip<\/div>\n Choose a destination, pick your properties and we'll do the rest<\/span>\n
Design a trip<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div>
\n\"Gorilla<\/p>\n

When is the best time to go gorilla trekking?<\/h2>\n

The short answer:<\/strong> the dry seasons of June to September, and December to February offer
\nthe most pleasant trekking conditions, but mountain gorillas can be tracked year-round.<\/p>\n

The gorillas don\u2019t migrate, so they\u2019re there in every month of the year. The long rains (March
\nto May) and short rains (October to November) can make forest trails muddy, slippery and
\nslow going, but they also coincide with lower visitor numbers and (sometimes) discounted
\npermits. June to September is the dry high season, but it can get busy so you\u2019ll need to book
\nmonths in advance. December to February is similarly dry but a touch quieter.<\/p>\n

Our Timbuktu top tip:<\/em> if budget matters more than dry feet, the shoulder months of April,
\nMay and November can be a savvy choice.\"Gorilla<\/a><\/p>\n

Where should I stay? The best lodges for gorilla trekking<\/h2>\n

The short answer:<\/strong> both countries offer a strong choice of mid-range and top-end lodges,
\nwith Uganda<\/a> generally a touch more affordable than Rwanda.<\/p>\n

In both Rwanda<\/a>, the lodges are clustered around Volcanoes National Park<\/a>. A long standing
\nTimbuktu favourite is Wilderness Sabyinyo<\/a> and there are also some fabulous, all-out luxury
\noptions like Singita Kwitonda<\/a> and One&Only Gorilla\u2019s Nest<\/a> as well as newer options on the
\nscene like the female-owned Amakoro Songa<\/a>. Volcanoes is also the home of the unique, pod-
\nlike Bisate Lodge<\/a> and it\u2019s conservation-focused little sister, Bisate Reserve<\/a>, that can be
\nbooked on an exclusive-use basis.<\/p>\n

In the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest<\/a> in Uganda<\/a>, top choices include Bwindi Lodge<\/a> and Gorilla<\/a>
\nForest Lodge, whilst Mahogany Springs<\/a> is a lovely, welcoming lower-budget alternative. The
\nnewest lodge on the scene, Erebero Hills<\/a>, is an architectural masterpiece on the northern edge of the forest and set to rival Rwanda\u2019s most luxurious options. For a little more detail, have a
\nlook at our Top Lodges for Gorilla Trekking blog article here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Bisate<\/figure>
Bisate<\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n

\"Gorilla<\/p>\n

What else can I see?<\/h2>\n

The short answer:<\/strong> Rwanda combines well with a Kenya<\/a> or Tanzania<\/a> safari, while Uganda<\/a> is
\na fantastic safari destination in its own right.<\/p>\n

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda<\/a> pairs excellently with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania. Rwanda is
\nsmall, the transport links to both countries are good and you\u2019ll probably only spend two to
\nthree days with the gorillas. For Kenya, try the Gorillas & Gameparks itinerary<\/a> \u2013 and add soe
\ntime at the beach on the Kenyan coast for the ultimate post-trekking R&R, and in Tanzania,
\nGorillas, Ngorongoro & the Serengeti<\/a> is a highlights reels of East Africa.<\/p>\n

Uganda<\/a>, however, is a fantastic safari destination in its own right. Our Classic Uganda Gorilla<\/a>
\nSafari combines Bwindi<\/a> with Queen Elizabeth National Park<\/a> and Murchison Falls<\/a>, as well as
\nsome time in Kibale<\/a> for chimpanzee trekking (and breaking up that long journey from
\nEntebbe<\/a>). For something a little more off the beaten track<\/a>, add in time in the Kidepo Valley<\/a>,
\nor pop over to Zanzibar<\/a> if you\u2019re craving some sun, sea and sand!
\n\"Gorilla<\/p>\n

What about the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)?<\/h2>\n

The short answer:<\/strong> we don\u2019t currently send guests to the Democratic Republic of Congo for
\ngorilla trekking, due to the ongoing security situation in the east of the country.<\/p>\n

For many years this article also covered the DRC as our third mountain gorilla trekking
\noption, and we\u2019d send a small but adventurous handful of guests to Virunga National Park
\neach year. Sadly, that has now changed and tourism in Virunga has been operating only
\nintermittently since 2018, with the park closing fully on several occasions amid the wider
\nsecurity situation in eastern Congo. The conservation work continues, but we don\u2019t currently
\ninclude the DRC on our gorilla trekking trips. Things have improved before and may well do
\nso again so if the Virunga experience is something you have your heart set on, do drop us a
\nline and we\u2019ll let you know the latest.<\/p>\n

Uganda or Rwanda? Our verdict<\/h2>\n

So, there we have it \u2013 the pros and cons of each destination. If we had to sum it up in a few
\nshort words, this is what we would say: if your gorilla safari is a small part of a bigger trip in
\nEast Africa, pick Rwanda<\/a> for its ease and fantastic connections. If you\u2019re looking for an off-
\nthe-beaten-track safari experience in an unusual country (and the chance to go chimpanzee
\ntrekking), head to Uganda<\/a> and try something new\u2026<\/p>\n

\n
\"Wizard\"Wizard<\/figure>
Not sure where to go?<\/div>\n Answer a few simple questions to get instant trip recommendations<\/span>\n
Start the wizard<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A practical guide to choosing between Africa\u2019s two great gorilla trekking destinations<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":3872,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[112,173],"tags":[3258,2139,9117,923,9123,4172,4174,2979,3437,4991,4176,4170,3495,172,9122,9124,1372,4171,1373,9003,9002,72,4175,4699,2989,9118,9121,4173,3453,3003,1500,2803,7308,3006,921,3454,87,9119,96,1374,1574,4765,2912,9120,1312,110],"class_list":["post-3798","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","category-safari","tag-active","tag-adventure","tag-amakoro-songa","tag-bisate-lodge","tag-bisate-reserve","tag-buhoma","tag-bukima-tented-camp","tag-bwindi","tag-bwindi-impenetrable-forest","tag-bwindi-lodge","tag-chimpanzee-trekking","tag-clouds","tag-democratic-republic-of-congo","tag-drc","tag-entebbe","tag-erebero-hills","tag-gorilla","tag-gorilla-forest-camp","tag-gorillas","tag-gorillas-and-chimps","tag-jungle","tag-kenya","tag-kibale","tag-kidepo-valley","tag-kigali","tag-mahogany-springs","tag-mgahinga-national-park","tag-mikeno-lodge","tag-mountain-gorilla-view-lodge","tag-murchison-falls","tag-murchison-falls-national-park","tag-nairobi","tag-oneonly-gorillas-nest","tag-queen-elizabeth-national-park","tag-rwanda","tag-sabyinyo-silverback-lodge","tag-safari","tag-singita-kwitonda","tag-tanzania","tag-uganda","tag-virunga-national-park","tag-volcanoes","tag-volcanoes-national-park","tag-wilderness-sabyinyo","tag-wildlife","tag-zanzibar"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nGorilla Trekking - 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