Gorilla trekking Safaris are an African top-list tourism activity to be done in three countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. There are approximately 1000 endangered mountain gorillas left worldwide, and these gorillas can be seen in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the DR Congo. Devine African Safaris offers a variety of gorilla safari packages. Click here to view mountain gorilla trekking safaris

Gorilla trekking Security is one of the top priorities for tourists visiting any of these countries. Rwanda and Uganda are the safest gorilla trekking destinations. DR Congo gorilla trekking is not safe yet because of some conflicts. click here to see our recommended gorilla trekking tour

Rwanda Gorilla trekking offers an amazing experience in Volcanoes National Park, which can be accompanied by other activities such as the Ibywacu Cultural Center, Golden Monkey Trekking, visiting the Musanze Caves, hiking Mount Sabinyo, and visiting the twin lakes of Burera and Rukundo.

Gorilla trekking is a well- guided adventure in the jungle against the mountains of Central Africa to find a family of gorillas and spend some quality time observing, viewing, and watching them in their natural environment. The protected areas conserving gorillas are a carefully managed and permitted activity offer a unique wildlife encounter.

 Gorilla trekking involves obtaining permits and following all the guidelines. Gorilla trekking gives a unique opportunity to travelers to witness Africa’s great apes up close and appreciate how their behavior, social interactions, and captivating beauty are almost like humans.

Gorilla tracking is only done in East and Central Africa, where the two species of gorillas are showcased, the mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) which can be observed in Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda and the eastern lowland gorillas that can be seen in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, gorilla trekking offers exhilarating experiences.

During gorilla trekking, travelers are escorted by experienced tour guides and park rangers who lead them to gorilla families assigned to that particular travelers. Once the gorillas are spotted, travelers have a limited one hour to observe and take pictures with these gentle giant’s apes while standing from a safe distance to maintain any potential threat on the wellbeing of these gorillas and their natural environment.

Gorilla trekking offers an unforgettable wildlife encounter and also contributes to the conservation of the endangered species that generates revenue and raising awareness about the value of protecting gorillas in their natural habitats.

In Uganda, travelers can go gorilla tracking in two different national parks namely Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Both Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park are located in southwestern Uganda are home to more than half of the world’s total mountain gorilla population.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi impenetrable national park is situated in southwestern Uganda and known for its dense forest, ancient tropical- rainforest. Bwindi habituates many gorilla families in four regions, offering gorilla trekking experiences. Bwindi four sectors include Buhoma sector, Rushaga sector, Ruhija sector, and Nkuringo sector.

Travelers can access Bwindi by road from Entebbe International Airport, Kampala, and 164 kilometers from Kigali International Airport) or by air, the nearest Airstrips are Kisoro Airstrip and Kihihi Airstrip which an hour and a half away from Bwindi main entrances.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Also situated in southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla national park is situated in southwestern Uganda and is part of the Virunga Mountains that shares its border with Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park and DR Congo’s Virunga National Park. Mgahinga offers one habituated mountain gorilla family available for trekking experiences. 

Mgahinga Gorilla national park is separated by 48 kilometers southwest of Bwindi impenetrable national park by human settlements. travelers can access Mgahinga gorilla national park by road and air (using the same route as Bwindi impenetrable national park), and the nearest town to Mgahinga is Kisoro (38 kilometers).

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: mountain Gorillas, Monkeys & Volcanos

Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park offers its own charming experiences and challenges, making the gorilla trek an adventure for a lifetime. Mountain gorilla trekking encounter in Bwindi impenetrable is more adventurous, with vast ancient tropical rainforests, challenging trails, and a higher number of habituated Gorilla family. On the other hand, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a wonderful gorilla encounter amidst a volcanic landscape, golden monkeys with a chance of hiking a volcano, and a single habituated gorilla family.

 Mountain Gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga gorilla national park allow travelers to witness the natural behavior of gorillas and offer a unique landscape, wildlife species while ensuring an unforgettable experience in Uganda’s wilderness space.

To obtain a mountain gorilla trekking permit, travelers can contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) directly or use a trusted local tour operator in Uganda who is registered with Uganda Tourism Board. To avoid any logistical nightmares, use a tour operator that is verified by local authorities. Due to the limited gorilla trekking permits available each day, travelers are advised to book their trip in advance.