The tour says "Low Intensity" but the gorilla trek says its hard going. What's the truth here? Is general fitness good enough or is a higher level of fitness needed?

The trip is rated as Low Intensity (Physical Rating: 2 out of 5) overall, meaning that the general pace of the tour is suitable for travellers with a reasonable level of fitness. However, the gorilla trek itself is a more physically demanding activity compared to the rest of the itinerary. The gorilla trek takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and can involve walking through rugged, mountainous terrain. Conditions can be wet, muddy, and humid, and the trek may require walking uphill and downhill for up to around 4 hours depending on the location of the gorilla group. A good general level of fitness, the ability to walk for extended periods, and being comfortable with uneven terrain will help you enjoy the experience. Guests can also hire a local porter who can assist with carrying day packs and provide support during the trek. While the trek can be challenging, many travellers find the experience of seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat well worth the effort.

Is there a possibility of a Zanzibar beach addition?

As for something similar to this itinerary but including Zanzibar, we have a Gorillas, Game Parks & Beaches trip. Both this itinerary and the Gorillas & East Africa Safari are our top sellers for trips that include the gorilla trekking but also include other elements of Africa as well.

From

$10,871

US $8,154 per person

Gorillas & East Africa Safari

18 days

•

From Kigali to Nairobi

4.5 (12,165 reviews)

View all
View all

From

$10,871

25% off

US $8,154 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Intrepid Travel offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $408

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Pay only $400 today. The rest is due 60 days before departure. Learn more

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Platinum Operator: Intrepid Travel
Safari: Track iconic wildlife on unforgettable game drives
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Partially Guided: Independent travel, featuring selected guided excursions
Low Intensity: Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 12 - 16
Ages 15+

TourRadar earns higher commission on featured adventures here.

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Intro
Introduction
Day 1
Kigali
Kigali
Day 2
Kigali - Musanze
Kigali - Musanze
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre
- Visit to The Gorilla Doctors HQ
Landmarks
Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre
Volcanoes National Park
Day 3
Musanze
Musanze
Included Activities
- Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Visit
Optional Activities
- Golden monkey trekking in the Virunga Mountains
- Mt Bisoke trek
- Canoe ride on the Mukungwa River
- Visit Red Rocks Rwanda - learn about local banana beer production and watch traditional dancing, drumming and basket-weaving demonstrations
Landmarks
Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
Virunga Mountains
Day 4
Musanze - Queen Elizabeth National Park
Musanze - Queen Elizabeth National Park
Landmarks
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kazinga Channel
Day 5
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Included Activities
- 4WD Game Drive
Optional Activities
- Kazinga Channel cruise with local guides
Landmarks
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kazinga Channel
Day 6
Queen Elizabeth National Park - Ishasha
Queen Elizabeth National Park - Ishasha
Included Activities
- Community Tourism Project Visit
Landmarks
Ishasha
Day 7
Ishasha - Kisoro
Ishasha - Kisoro
Landmarks
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Day 8
Kisoro - Bwindi National Park
Kisoro - Bwindi National Park
Included Activities
- Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek
Landmarks
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 9
Kisoro - Kigali - Nairobi
Kisoro - Kigali - Nairobi
Meals
Breakfast
Day 10
Nairobi - Loita Hills - Maasai Mara National Reserve
Nairobi - Loita Hills - Maasai Mara National Reserve
Included Activities
- Maasai Village Visit
Landmarks
Loita Hills
Tepesua Village
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 11
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Included Activities
- Full Day 4WD Safari
Optional Activities
- Balloon safari at sunrise - includes safety briefing, flight at tree level and higher altitude, photo opportunities, champagne and bush breakfast after landing
Landmarks
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 12
Maasai Mara National Reserve - Lake Victoria
Maasai Mara National Reserve - Lake Victoria
Meals
Dinner (Lakeside dinner)
Landmarks
Lake Victoria
Day 13
Lake Victoria - Serengeti National Park
Lake Victoria - Serengeti National Park
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Landmarks
Serengeti National Park
Day 14
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park
Meals
Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- 4WD Safari
- Afternoon 4WD Safari
- Morning 4WD Safari
Optional Activities
- Balloon safari over the park - picked up before dawn, safety briefing from pilot, flight at tree height and higher altitude for photos, champagne and special bush breakfast after landing
Landmarks
Serengeti National Park
Day 15
Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater - Karatu
Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater - Karatu
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- 4WD Safari
- 4WD Safari
Landmarks
Ngorongoro Crater
Day 16
Karatu - Lake Eyasi
Karatu - Lake Eyasi
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hadzabe Bushmen Visit
- Soda Lake View Point
Landmarks
Lake Eyasi
Day 17
Karatu - Arusha
Karatu - Arusha
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit to local coffee plantation
- Game drive in Lake Manyara National Park
- Hike through Ngorongoro Reserve Forest to Elephant Caves with expert local guide and armed ranger - walk through rainforest, observe animal tracks and birdlife
Landmarks
Lake Manyara National Park
Ngorongoro Reserve Forest
Day 18
Arusha / Nairobi
Arusha / Nairobi
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Departure transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) - available at additional cost
- Departure transfer to Arusha Airport (ARK) - available at additional cost
- Continue to Nairobi for drop-off at centrally located hotel - no accommodation included

Landmarks
Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre
Volcanoes National Park

Landmarks
Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
Virunga Mountains

Landmarks
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kazinga Channel

Landmarks
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kazinga Channel

Landmarks
Ishasha

Landmarks
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Landmarks
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Landmarks
Loita Hills
Tepesua Village
Maasai Mara National Reserve

Landmarks
Maasai Mara National Reserve

Landmarks
Lake Victoria

Landmarks
Serengeti National Park

Landmarks
Serengeti National Park

Landmarks
Ngorongoro Crater

Landmarks
Lake Eyasi

Landmarks
Lake Manyara National Park
Ngorongoro Reserve Forest

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Operated by

Intrepid Travel

Platinum Operator

Rating: 4.5 (12,165 reviews)
Response time: 11 hours
Response rate: 88%
Cancellation policy: Learn more

Reviews from other tours by Intrepid Travel

Tour Operator
4.5

James5.0•April 2026
Top Itinerary Great staff - friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Accommodation good.
Geoffrey4.0•September 2025
Great experience and well organised
DaveHutchinson5.0•July 2025
gorillas, chimps, nasai Mari game reserve unforgettable experiences. inc. permits cost 1500 USD , so this excellent...
Show more

Dates & Prices

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!

Ends in1d1h23m37s

From Thursday
22 Oct, 2026
To Sunday
8 Nov, 2026
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US$11,240 per person
See Similar Tours For These Dates
15% off
From Thursday
12 Nov, 2026
To Sunday
29 Nov, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
$11,785
US$10,017 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room
25% off
From Thursday
19 Nov, 2026
To Sunday
6 Dec, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
$10,871
US$8,154 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room
From Thursday
3 Dec, 2026
To Sunday
20 Dec, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
US$11,830 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room
From Thursday
17 Dec, 2026
To Sunday
3 Jan, 2027
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US$11,790 per person
See Similar Tours For These Dates
Instant Confirmation
20% off
From Thursday
31 Dec, 2026
To Sunday
17 Jan, 2027
English
Almost Sold Out
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$11,495
US$9,196 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Thursday
7 Jan, 2027
To Sunday
24 Jan, 2027
English
Almost Sold Out
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US$12,530 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Thursday
14 Jan, 2027
To Sunday
31 Jan, 2027
English
Almost Sold Out
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US$12,545 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Thursday
21 Jan, 2027
To Sunday
7 Feb, 2027
English
Almost Sold Out
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US$12,095 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Thursday
4 Feb, 2027
To Sunday
21 Feb, 2027
English
Almost Sold Out
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US$12,280 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room

Why book with TourRadar?

Trusted and vetted operators
Rated excellent on
Best price guarantee

24/7 customer support
Unlock exclusive TourRadar+ member savings

To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in United States, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

More benefits

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

All questions

We couldn't find results

Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts

D
Dana
Asked on July 18th, 2026
The tour says "Low Intensity" but the gorilla trek says its hard going. What's the truth here? Is general fitness good enough or is a higher level of fitness needed?
Tour Details
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written July 2026
  The trip is rated as Low Intensity (Physical Rating: 2 out of 5) overall, meaning that the general pace of the tour is suitable for travellers with a reasonable level of fitness. However, the gorilla trek itself is a more physically demanding activity compared to the rest of the itinerary.
  
  The gorilla trek takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and can involve walking through rugged, mountainous terrain. Conditions can be wet, muddy, and humid, and the trek may require walking uphill and downhill for up to around 4 hours depending on the location of the gorilla group.
  
  A good general level of fitness, the ability to walk for extended periods, and being comfortable with uneven terrain will help you enjoy the experience. Guests can also hire a local porter who can assist with carrying day packs and provide support during the trek.
  
  While the trek can be challenging, many travellers find the experience of seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat well worth the effort.
- D
  Dana
  Traveler•Written July 2026
  On a scale of 1 to 5 would you say the gorilla trek is at what level? What happens if I began but couldn't keep going?
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written July 2026
  We would rate the gorilla trek around 4 out of 5 in terms of difficulty. The trek can involve up to 5 hours of walking over steep, muddy, and uneven terrain in hot and humid conditions, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
  
  If you begin the trek but find that you are unable to continue, the park rangers will assess the situation and assist you where possible. However, as the gorillas are located in the wild, sightings cannot be guaranteed if the trek cannot be completed.
  
  To make the trek easier, you'll be provided with a walking stick, and you also have the option to hire a local porter (for an additional fee). Porters can carry your day pack and offer support on the more challenging sections of the trail.
J
Jordan
Asked on April 7th, 2026
Is there a possibility of a Zanzibar beach addition?
Tour Details
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written April 2026
  As for something similar to this itinerary but including Zanzibar, we have a Gorillas, Game Parks & Beaches trip. Both this itinerary and the Gorillas & East Africa Safari are our top sellers for trips that include the gorilla trekking but also include other elements of Africa as well.

Trip essentials

Good to know

Tour ID: 267696

The practical details for your trip across Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania: money, plugs and flexible ways to pay, all in one place.

Have a question? Chat with a travel expert

Pay in installments
Spread the cost in interest-free biweekly installments of $525.
Deposit only
Book now with just a $400 deposit. The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure.
4 local currencies
You’ll encounter Kenyan Shilling in Kenya, Rwanda Franc in Rwanda, Tanzanian Shilling in Tanzania, Uganda Shilling in Uganda.
Plug types G, J
You’ll need an adapter for these sockets in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

Currencies
Sh
Kenyan Shilling
Kenya
Fr
Rwanda Franc
Rwanda
Sh
Tanzanian Shilling
Tanzania
Sh
Uganda Shilling
Uganda
Plugs & adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types G, J. As a traveler from England you will need an adaptor for type J.
- Type G
  Only used in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda
- Type J
  Only used in Rwanda
Visa
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and how long you stay. We can’t process visas for you, but here’s a quick indication for this trip.
This is only an indication. Visa rules depend on your passport, trip length and purpose. Always confirm with the official embassy or consulate before you travel.
Payment information
Pay now
A $400 deposit
Balance due
60 days before departure
Installments
Interest-free, every two weeks
Currency
USD
Booking fee
None
Book now with just a $400 deposit and pay the rest later. The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure, charged automatically to your card, or you can split it into interest-free biweekly installments of $525 at checkout. Everything is charged in USD, and TourRadar never adds a booking fee. Any trip departing before December 12th, 2026 will need to be paid in full at checkout.
Accepted for Intrepid Travel tours
Visa
Maestro
Mastercard
American Express
PayPal
TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation terms may vary per tour. Please check for the full cancellation policy here.
Checking the cancellation terms for this tour…
Your money is protected. TourRadar is an authorized agent of Intrepid Travel, and we handle payments so you don’t have to. Payment is securely transferred to the operator based on your departure date.
Insurance
Our travel protection from our award-winning partner, XCover, means you and your travel companions can book with peace of mind knowing there’s protection available in case your trip doesn’t go to plan. At checkout you will be able to select between different options in case you or the tour are eligible for insurance. In case no option is available, you are always able to purchase travel insurance outside of TourRadar.
Checking which travel protection options are available for you…
Best price guarantee
Found a lower price for the same tour elsewhere? We work directly with every tour operator, so we can match it.
How it works
Find a lower price
Spot the same tour cheaper on another site or agency.
Send us the quote
Contact us before you book.
We match it
If the quote qualifies, you book with us at that price.
Your quote needs
Same tour and operator
Same start and end dates
Same number of travelers
Same inclusions and destinations
Same booking and cancellation terms, in the same currency
A link to the site or agency offering it
What doesn’t count
Quotes issued more than 24 hours ago
Cash back or loyalty program rebates
Itineraries that are similar but not identical
Similar tours run by a different operator
Bookings already confirmed on TourRadar
Every new booking also counts toward your , which unlocks extra savings.
Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
People also viewed
Central America Tours
Asia Tours
California Vacation Packages
Tanzania Safari
Grand Canyon Vacation Packages
Honeymoon Safari
Switzerland Tours

From

$10,871

25% off

US $8,154 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Intrepid Travel offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $408

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Pay only $400 today. The rest is due 60 days before departure. Learn more

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Gorillas & East Africa Safari

Explore our featured adventures

Itinerary

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Reviews from other tours by Intrepid Travel

Dates & Prices

Want to read it later?

Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Pay in installments

Deposit only

4 local currencies

Plug types G, J

Currencies

Plugs & adapters

Visa

Payment information

Accepted for Intrepid Travel tours

Cancellation Policy

Insurance

Best price guarantee

How it works

Your quote needs

What doesn’t count

Accessibility

People also viewed

Earn while you share

Keep Exploring Africa

Like this Moment?