How to Plan for Gorilla Trekking in 2024–2025

Gorilla trekking is one of the most profound wildlife experiences on Earth — a journey deep into misty rainforests where you stand face-to-face with the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. Whether in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, or Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, trekking to see these gentle giants is a life-changing adventure that requires thoughtful planning.

If you’re dreaming of this unforgettable experience, here’s your complete guide on how to plan for gorilla trekking in 2024–2025 — covering permits, best seasons, packing tips, and everything you need to know before you go.

Step 1: Choose Your Gorilla Trekking Destination

There are only three countries in the world where you can see mountain gorillas in the wild: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Uganda

• Where: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

• Permit Cost (2024–2025): USD 800 per person (for one trek)

• Highlight: Uganda offers the highest number of habituated gorilla families and more diverse trekking routes. You can also experience the 4-hour Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi for USD 1,500.

• Accessibility: Easier connections from Kigali (Rwanda) or Entebbe (Uganda).

Rwanda

• Where: Volcanoes National Park

• Permit Cost (2024–2025): USD 1,500 per person

• Highlight: Shorter treks, smoother terrain, and luxury lodges make it ideal for travelers seeking comfort and convenience.

• Accessibility: Only a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali International Airport.

DRC

• Where: Virunga National Park

• Permit Cost: USD 400 (subject to political stability)

• Highlight: Least crowded and most adventurous option, but safety concerns may affect travel plans.

For most travelers, Uganda and Rwanda remain the best and safest choices for gorilla trekking in 2024–2025.

Step 2: Secure Your Gorilla Permit Early

Gorilla permits are strictly limited to protect the primates and their habitats — only 8 trekkers per gorilla family per day. This means permits sell out months in advance, especially during peak seasons (June–September and December–February).

To secure your spot:

• Book at least 6–12 months ahead of your planned trek.

• Purchase through a licensed tour operator or the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) / Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

• Ensure your tour operator handles the logistics — permits, park fees, transportation, and accommodation.

Each permit includes park entry, ranger guidance, and a one-hour visit with a habituated gorilla family.

Step 3: Choose the Right Time to Visit

Gorilla trekking is available year-round, but weather conditions and accessibility vary by season.

Best Time (Dry Seasons):

• June – September

• December – February
  These months offer easier hiking conditions and clear photography opportunities, as the trails are drier and gorillas are easier to locate.

Low/Green Season (Rainy Months):

• March – May

• October – November
  Expect heavier rainfall and muddy trails, but fewer tourists and potential discounts on lodges and tour packages. The forests are lush and beautiful during this period, perfect for photographers seeking dramatic scenery.

Step 4: Choose a Trusted Tour Operator

Gorilla trekking involves remote locations, so a reliable operator ensures seamless logistics, from permit acquisition to ground transport and accommodation.

Look for companies with experience in organizing gorilla safaris, especially those based in Uganda or Rwanda. They will help you plan your full itinerary — combining gorilla trekking with other attractions such as:

• Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda) for wildlife safaris

• Lake Kivu or Nyungwe Forest (Rwanda) for relaxation and chimpanzee tracking

• Kigali or Entebbe city tours before or after the trek

Step 5: Prepare Physically and Mentally

Gorilla trekking is a moderate to challenging hike, depending on where the gorillas are located that day. You may trek anywhere from 1 to 6 hours each way, through steep, slippery, and humid terrain.

To prepare:

• Start light fitness exercises or hiking practice at least a month before your trip.

• Invest in proper waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support.

• Carry walking poles (often provided by lodges or local porters).

• Hire a porter to carry your backpack — it provides income to the local community and allows you to focus on the trek.

Step 6: Pack the Right Gear

Here’s a quick checklist for your gorilla trekking adventure:

• Waterproof hiking boots

• Lightweight rain jacket or poncho

• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (to protect from stinging plants and insects)

• Garden gloves (for grip on vegetation)

• Reusable water bottle

• Insect repellent and sunscreen

• Hat and sunglasses

• Camera with zoom lens (no flash allowed)

• Light snacks for energy

• Gaiters or wool socks for leeches during wet months

Your guide will provide a safety briefing before the trek, explaining gorilla etiquette — maintaining a 7-meter distance, keeping voices low, and avoiding direct eye contact if a gorilla approaches.

Step 7: Plan Your Accommodation

Choose lodges close to your assigned trailhead, since morning treks start early (around 7:00 am).

In Uganda (Bwindi):

• Luxury: Bwindi Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

• Mid-Range: Mahogany Springs, Buhoma Lodge

• Budget: Ride 4 a Woman, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge

In Rwanda (Volcanoes NP):

• Luxury: Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

• Mid-Range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

• Budget: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse

Step 8: Combine with Other Experiences

Maximize your trip by adding nearby adventures to your gorilla trekking itinerary:

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest (Uganda) or Nyungwe Forest (Rwanda)

• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth or Akagera National Park

• Cultural tours in local Batwa or Rwandan villages

• Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda) or Lake Kivu (Rwanda)

Step 9: Respect Conservation and Local Communities

Gorilla trekking directly supports conservation and community development. A portion of each permit fee funds anti-poaching patrols and supports local infrastructure like schools and clinics.

Travel responsibly:

• Avoid littering or feeding wildlife.

• Support local guides, porters, and artisans.

• Follow park rules to ensure the gorillas’ safety and well-being.

Gorilla trekking in 2024–2025 is more than a safari — it’s a spiritual encounter with one of the planet’s most intelligent and endangered species. Planning early, choosing the right destination, and preparing well ensures your journey is safe, seamless, and unforgettable.

When you finally meet the gentle eyes of a mountain gorilla in the forest mist, all the effort and anticipation melt away — replaced by a deep, wordless connection with nature’s most majestic beings.