Sitting a few metres from a family of mountain gorillas is one of the most moving wildlife experiences on Earth. Just over 1,000 mountain gorillas survive, all in the Virunga Volcanoes and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, shared by Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Most visitors choose between Uganda and Rwanda. Here is how they compare.
Quick comparison
| Uganda | Rwanda | |
|---|---|---|
| Parks | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; Mgahinga Gorilla National Park | Volcanoes National Park |
| Permit price (foreign non-residents) | US$800; US$600 in April, May and November | US$1,500 |
| Habituation experience | Available in Bwindi, US$1,800, up to four hours with a family | Not offered |
| Getting there | About 8–10 hours by road from Entebbe/Kampala, or domestic flights to Kihihi or Kisoro | About 2.5 hours by road from Kigali |
| Terrain | Steep, dense forest; treks can be long | Volcanic slopes and bamboo; often shorter, but can be steep and muddy |
| Other wildlife | Chimpanzees (Kibale), tree-climbing lions, shoebills | Golden monkeys, chimpanzees (Nyungwe), Big Five in Akagera |
Permit prices are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Rwanda Development Board and change from time to time. Always confirm current rates.
Choose Uganda if…
- You want to save on permits, or trek twice.
- You want to try the gorilla habituation experience, which gives up to four hours with a semi-habituated family.
- You want a longer safari combining chimpanzees in Kibale, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls.
Choose Rwanda if…
- You have limited time; you can fly into Kigali and trek the next morning.
- You prefer easier logistics and good roads.
- You want to combine gorillas with golden monkeys, Nyungwe’s chimpanzees and Akagera’s Big Five.
What happens on a trek
- Briefing at park headquarters early in the morning, where visitors are assigned to a habituated gorilla family, usually matching fitness to the likely difficulty.
- The trek: rangers and trackers lead you through forest to where the family was last seen. Treks last from about one to six hours or more, depending on where the gorillas are.
- One hour with the gorillas: once the family is found, you spend a maximum of one hour watching them.
- The return to the start point.
The rules
- Groups are limited to eight visitors per family per day.
- Keep a distance of at least 7 metres from the gorillas, although gorillas sometimes approach.
- Minimum age is 15 years.
- Do not trek if you are ill; gorillas can catch human respiratory diseases. Masks may be required.
- No flash photography, eating or drinking near the gorillas, and speak quietly.
When to go
Gorilla trekking runs all year. The drier months (June to September and December to February) have easier trails. The wet months mean muddier, more strenuous treks, but also fewer visitors and, in Uganda, discounted permits in April, May and November.
What to pack
- Waterproof hiking boots with good grip, and gaiters.
- A lightweight waterproof jacket and long trousers.
- Gardening gloves for grabbing vegetation.
- A small daypack with water, snacks and rain cover for your camera.
- Insect repellent.
- Consider hiring a local porter, who carries your bag and helps on steep sections. It provides income to communities around the parks.
How to book
Permits sell out months ahead in peak season, especially in Rwanda and for popular Bwindi sectors. Book through a registered tour operator or directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority or Rwanda Development Board.
Conservation impact
Gorilla tourism is a major reason mountain gorillas have increased from around 250 in the early 1980s. A share of permit revenue goes to communities around the parks, giving local people a stake in protecting the forest.
Frequently asked questions
Is gorilla trekking difficult? It can be. Treks last from one to several hours on steep, muddy slopes at altitude. Porters are available and highly recommended.
How close do you get to the gorillas? Rules require at least 7 metres, although gorillas sometimes approach closer. Visits are limited to one hour with a habituated family.
When should I book gorilla permits? Several months ahead, and up to a year ahead for peak months such as July, August and December.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking? 15 years old in both Uganda and Rwanda.
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Cover photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/deepphoto/ d_proffer, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons