Gorilla Tours & Trips
Meeting mountain gorillas face-to-face in Mgahinga? That's the kind of thing you'll be telling people about for years. The trek's not easy, and you might even summit an active volcano, but when you're sitting there watching a silverback with his family, everything else fades away. Kigali's worth exploring too before you head into the jungle.
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If you’re thinking about an overland trip in Africa, I wholeheartedly recommend Absolute Africa. My girlfriend and I wouldn’t usually join a tour when travelling and we were a little nervous about it, but we needn’t have been; it was an amazing experience. Of the companies I researched, I liked Absolute because it’s the most flexible (there are lots of routes, and you only pay for the excursions you want). Booking was really smooth, and they give you lots of info to help you prepare for the trip (thanks Sophie!). On the tour itself, the guides and drivers have been fantastic. Big shout outs to Joseph, David, Marvin, Joe, Hesron and Emias. The buses are really nice, with more legroom than I was expecting! Yes there are some long, bumpy drives but honestly it’s quite fun. And all the campsites were great—almost all have had a bar and most have even had swimming pools! To be honest, the only negative I experienced was two of our fellow passengers, who have left negative reviews below. Their comments are completely unfounded from what I experienced. In fact, they were abusive to other tour members—including a 75 year old woman—as well as to our guides. They also said some pretty shocking things about the locals which I won’t share here. They were given a warning, and then almost immediately became abusive again. I personally see it as a huge positive that Absolute intervened and removed them from the trip and that behaviour like that isn’t tolerated. After being told they were being removed they trashed the bus, cut the wires to our fridge and charging point, and smashed a window. It tells you everything you need to know about them. Anyway, to finish on something more positive, some of the highlights for me were the game drives in the Serengeti, South Luangwa, Chobe and Etosha parks; Lake Kariba houseboat; village tour on Lake Malawi; the Okavango Delta; Spitzkoppe; and Sossusvlei.
The Absolute SafariUnforgettable Safari Experience with Outstanding Service and Accommodations I had the privilege of participating in the 4 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Chimps, Big 5 & Big Cats Safari from November 25–28, 2024, and it exceeded every expectation. Our guide, Emma, was exceptional—personable, knowledgeable, and always ensuring we made the most of every moment during our short four days. The highlight of the trip was the gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. We were fortunate to get remarkably close to a family of ten gorillas, including the dominant Silverback, whose expressive movements were mesmerizing to watch. It was a truly awe-inspiring and humbling experience. The accommodations were unique yet luxurious, offering a perfect blend of comfort and immersion in Uganda's natural beauty. After long days of adventure, the cozy lodges provided a peaceful retreat. The food was excellent—freshly prepared and made to order, with plenty of variety to suit everyone’s tastes. The itinerary was well-paced, balancing adventurous activities like chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu and a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel with opportunities to relax and soak in the stunning landscapes. The warm hospitality of the Ugandan people added even more to this unforgettable trip. I highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Devine African Safaris, and especially Emma, delivered an exceptional journey with great care and attention to detail.
Experience Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Chimps, Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)Excellent tour. Covered major sights and a variety of sights. Everything we expected and more.
Experience Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
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10 best Gorilla Trekking tour packages
Compiled by

MelissaGorilla Trekking travel expert at TourRadar
- 3-Day Uganda Gorillas and Golden Monkey Trekking Safari
- Experience Uganda Gorillas, Chimps, Golden monkeys & Big 5 (Exclusively Private)
- Experience Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Chimps, Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
- Experience Rwanda Gorillas & Chimps Trekking Tour (Exclusively Private)
- Discover Uganda Gorillas, Chimps + Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
- The Absolute Safari
- 13 Day Uganda Pioneer (Camping)
- Experience Uganda & Rwanda Gorillas + Big 5 (Exclusively Private)
- Experience Uganda Gorillas, Chimps, Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
- 8 Days Primates, Wildlife and Water Rafting Uganda Safari (Private tour)
3-Day Uganda Gorillas and Golden Monkey Trekking Safari
“The lodgings and the experiences themselves far exceeded our expectations. The location was beautiful and the staff were so lovely and helpful.”
Kahron, traveled in June
Specialized guides lead treks through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to observe mountain gorilla families. The journey continues to Mgahinga National Park for golden monkey tracking. Rushaga Camp offers comfortable lodging with all meals included.
Duration 3 days Destinations Kigali, Musanze, Kisoro, Kabale, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Bamboo Ecotours From
- US$1,945
Experience Uganda Gorillas, Chimps, Golden monkeys & Big 5 (Exclusively Private)
“The tour provided the opportunity to see almost all of the African animals and enjoy the beauty of Uganda.”
Kenneth, traveled in February
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest's dense jungle leads to extraordinary gorilla encounters, with Bweza Gorilla Lodge providing comfortable accommodation. A full hour with these gentle giants rewards challenging hikes through mountain terrain.
Duration 14 days Destinations Entebbe, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Fort Portal, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mburo National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Devine African Safaris Ltd From
- US$4,339
Experience Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Chimps, Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
“What a unique experience to see the gorillas and chimps in their natural habitat. The people of Uganda were very pleasant, calm, and inviting.”
Sharilyn, traveled in November
Mountain gorilla families roam freely in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, observed during ranger-guided treks. Rated 5.0/5 by visitors, this specialized trek includes pre-trek briefings and observation time, with comfortable stays at Bakiga Lodge.
Duration 4 days Destinations Entebbe, Mbarara, Kabale, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Ishasha, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest, Kampala Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Devine African Safaris Ltd From
- US$2,639
Experience Rwanda Gorillas & Chimps Trekking Tour (Exclusively Private)
“A lot was packed into tour and was able to do all the things I wanted to.”
Susan, traveled in February
Volcanoes National Park's gorillas share their realm with golden monkeys in bamboo forests. The Ellen DeGeneres Campus complements wildlife viewing, while Nyungwe Forest's canopy hosts playful chimpanzees.
Duration 7 days Destinations Kigali, Nyungwe Forest, Lake Kivu, Volcanoes National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Devine African Safaris Ltd From
- US$4,359
Discover Uganda Gorillas, Chimps + Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
“The most incredible, life-changing trip!!! Absolutely exceptional in every way.”
Emily, traveled in June
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest's gorilla families welcome visitors for intimate observations. Bakiga Lodge provides comfortable accommodation before relaxation continues at Lake Bunyonyi's Rock Resort.
Duration 10 days Destinations Entebbe, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mburo National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Devine African Safaris Ltd From
- US$4,449
The Absolute Safari
“I wouldn't usually join a tour when travelling and I was a little nervous about it, but I needn't have been; it's been an amazing experience.”
Phil, traveled in November
Local guides lead treks to mountain gorillas in Uganda's misty forests. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest permits included, with optional golden monkey visits in Rwanda. Cultural interactions with Batwa people and visits to Dian Fossey's research station enhance the experience.
Duration 77 days Destinations Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Absolute Africa From
- US$5,022+$1,260 local payments
Duration 13 days Destinations Entebbe, Lake Mburo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Masindi, Murchison Falls National Park, Jinja Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Drifters Adventure Tours From
- US$3,060
What our customers ask about Gorilla Tours & Trips
What's the best time to go gorilla trekking?
Plan your trip between June and September or December through February when the trails are driest and easiest to navigate. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you'll enjoy comfortable temperatures between 60-77°F (15-25°C). But don't worry too much about timing - you can see gorillas all year round. Many travelers mention they had great experiences even in wet months, especially when staying at places like Nyungwe Lodge where you can warm up and dry off after your trek.
What other activities do gorilla trekking tours include?
You'll get to do much more than just see gorillas. In Uganda and Rwanda, you can track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and go on game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park to spot elephants and lions. Many tours also take you to meet local communities. If you're interested in history, tours like Devine African Safaris include boat trips on Lake Ihema and visits to the moving Genocide Memorial in Kigali.
What kind of places will I stay in during my gorilla trek?
You'll sleep in comfortable lodges and tented camps close to where the treks begin. Many travelers love staying at Gorilla Valley Lodge in Bwindi, which has private bathrooms and looks right out into the forest. Lake Mutanda Resort is another favorite, with cozy cottages by the water. Places like Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge blend local building styles with modern comforts, and they're just a short distance from where you'll start your trek.
How close can I get to the gorillas?
During your hour with the gorillas, you'll stay about 5-7 meters (15-21 feet) away from them. This is close enough to watch them clearly but far enough to keep everyone safe. Travelers on Mukisa Safaris Uganda tours often tell us about watching gorillas eat bamboo, play with their babies, or just relax in their forest home. You'll have plenty of chances to take great photos while keeping a respectful distance.
What do gorilla trekking permits cover?
Your permit costs between $700-800 USD in Uganda and covers all the essentials: your trek fee, park entry, and expert guides who know exactly where to find the gorillas. You'll also get armed rangers for safety and can hire porters to carry your gear. The permit gives you a full hour with one gorilla family. Many places, like Gorilla Forest Camp, can help arrange your permit, but book early - they often sell out months in advance.
How early should I book my gorilla trek?
Book your trek at least 6-12 months before you want to go, especially if you're planning to travel during the busy seasons (June-September and December-February). Popular places to stay like Gorilla Valley Lodge and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge fill up fast too, so the earlier you book, the better your chances of getting your first choice of dates and accommodation.































