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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My husband and I did the 3 day Gorilla Trek and Golden Monkeys, starting and finishing in Kigali. We have been so impressed with this tour. The lodgings and the experiences themselves far exceeded our expectations. Our lodging (Rushaga Gorilla Lodge) was fantastic. The location was beautiful and the staff were so lovely and helpful. All of the guides, trackers and support people involved in the treks were brilliant. Our highest regard goes to our tour guide, Jackson. We are so thankful that he was assigned to us. His local knowledge was amazing. He went above and beyond for us, specially catered to our interest in trying local food and could answer any question we could possibly think of. He made us and our belongings feel very safe and secure at all times. In addition, he was such a friendly and nice man who absolutely made this trip even more spectacular. Thank you so much Jackson, and Bamboo Ecotours.
3-Day Uganda Gorillas and Golden Monkey Trekking SafariI spent 2 days with Devine Africa Safaris tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda with my friends. Special thanks to Nicholas for planning and executing our journey without a hitch. Boaz the tour guide was proffessional and knew everything about Rwanda and park animals. We had amazing close encounters near Mountain Gorillas! We had the hike of our lifetime and Devine African Safaris comes highly recommended
Experience Rwanda Gorillas & Golden monkey trekking tour (Exclusively Private)My wife and I went on the three days gorillas trekking tour in Rwanda. Booking was easy as Devine staff was always available and helpful. Our driver guide Chris picked us from Keys hotel in Kigali punctually and he is a great guy. He made our trip interesting with his vast knowledge of flora, fauna, history, culture and was not elusive about the country’s sad past. We started with Akagera National Park seeing elephants, giraffes, zebras and other wildlife species. Gorillas Trekking in Volcanoes National Park was very special. Trekking for 3 hours in the forested trails with Chris and an armed guard from the parks was quite rigorous but when we finally sighted gorillas it was an awesome experience. Everything on our trip was well planned and went really well as we had no hiccups on our trip. Great experience
Experience Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Big 5 & Big Cats safari (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 Rwanda Gorillas & Golden monkey trekking tour (Exclusively Private)
- Experience Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Big 5 & Big Cats safari (Exclusively Private)
- Experience Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Chimps, Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
- Experience Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
- Discover Uganda Gorillas, Chimps + Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
- Experience Uganda & Rwanda Gorillas + Big 5 (Exclusively Private)
- 8 Days Primates, Wildlife and Water Rafting Uganda Safari (Private tour)
- Experience Uganda Gorillas, Chimps, Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
- The Absolute Safari
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 Rwanda Gorillas & Golden monkey trekking tour (Exclusively Private)
“Rwanda is a beautiful country with and I am happy that we had an awesome time with a great operator.”
DonnaHunter, traveled in August
One precious hour with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park creates lasting memories. Golden monkeys display natural behaviors while the Ellen DeGeneres Campus shares conservation efforts. Cultural immersion continues at Gorilla Guardian Village.
Duration 3 days Destinations Kigali, Musanze Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Devine African Safaris Ltd From
- US$2,969
Experience Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Big 5 & Big Cats safari (Exclusively Private)
“I felt safe knowing that he was familiar with the area. He made sure to give me opportunities to interact with the locals.”
Maria, traveled in November
Pristine forests of Volcanoes National Park host intimate gorilla encounters, limited to 8 travelers per group. Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge serves as base for 2-6 hour treks, complemented by wildlife viewing in Akagera.
Duration 4 days Destinations Kigali, Akagera National Park, Musanze Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Devine African Safaris Ltd From
- US$3,709
Experience Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Chimps, Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
“The accommodations were unique yet luxurious, offering a perfect blend of comfort and immersion in Uganda's natural beauty.”
Timothy, 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 Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
“The accommodation we stayed in was incredible - all very cute lodges with stunning views and great restaurants.”
Georgina, traveled in August
Expert guides facilitate mountain gorilla encounters in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. A pre-trek briefing prepares for 4-8 hour forest hikes and gorilla family visits. Batwa cultural experiences and Lake Bunyonyi activities complete the journey.
Duration 5 days Destinations Kigali, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest, Ishasha, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Devine African Safaris Ltd From
- US$2,769
Discover Uganda Gorillas, Chimps + Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
“We went just to Uganda with them for the 10-days tour around this amazing country. Each detail was very studied and every day it has been a discovery.”
Giaele, traveled in August
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
Experience Uganda & Rwanda Gorillas + Big 5 (Exclusively Private)
“The thrill of being in such close proximity to these endangered creatures is something we will cherish forever.”
Fred, traveled in May
The dense vegetation of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest sets the stage for six-hour gorilla treks with expert guides. Close encounters with these magnificent primates await in their natural habitat. Stays at Bweza Gorilla Lodge are enhanced by Batwa cultural experiences in Mgahinga National Park.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kigali, Akagera National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mburo National Park, Entebbe Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Devine African Safaris Ltd From
- US$4,199
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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.