12-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Gorilla trekking is one of the most powerful and emotionally moving wildlife experiences in the world. Coming face to face with a family of mountain gorillas in their natural forest habitat is not just a rare privilege – it’s a profound connection to one of the last truly wild places on Earth.

There are just over 1,000 mountain gorillas remaining in the wild, and they exist only in a small region of Central and East Africa: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the DRC.

Aside from a handful of rescued orphans at the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage in Virunga, mountain gorillas have never survived in traditional zoos, largely due to their complex diets and highly specific habitat needs. This makes seeing them in the wild not only a privilege – but one of the most exclusive wildlife encounters left on Earth.

This rarity, combined with the quiet awe of walking through mist-shrouded forest and observing these intelligent, social animals up close, often sparks a deep emotional response. For many travelers, gorilla trekking becomes the moment they truly understand the value of conservation – and their role in it.

The best places to see mountain gorillas in Africa are found in the dense rainforests of Central and East Africa, specifically in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Each destination offers unique trekking experiences, stunning landscapes, and varying levels of accessibility.​

Ubuntu Travel’s selected luxury gorilla trekking destinations:

• Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda ​
• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda

​Gorilla trekking permits are essential for those wishing to experience the profound encounter of observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. The cost of these permits varies by country and residency status:​​

Rwanda:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $1,500 USD per person for a one-hour encounter.

Uganda:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800 USD per person for a one-hour encounter.

These permits provide access to Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.

Visitors are typically allowed within a few meters of the gorillas, but maintaining a respectful distance is crucial to minimize stress and disease transmission to these endangered animals.

That said, gorilla trekking is about observation, not proximity. Given the nature of the experience, you may find yourself closer than expected as the gorillas move naturally through their habitat. During your one-hour encounter, always follow your expert guide’s instructions, remain vigilant, and respect ethical wildlife viewing practices to ensure a responsible and unforgettable experience.

Yes, the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years old. This regulation is enforced to ensure the safety of both trekkers and gorillas, as younger children may struggle with the physical demands or react unpredictably in close wildlife encounters. If you’re traveling with younger adventurers, we can recommend alternative activities like cultural experiences or nature walks to create a memorable journey for the whole family.

Please note: This is a strict policy set by both governments, and we do not have any control or flexibility over it.

Your safari, your way! At Ubuntu Travel, we design tailor-made safari experiences, allowing you to combine gorilla trekking with Africa’s most iconic wildlife adventures – within the logistical constraints of flights and transfers, of course.

For inspiration, here are some incredible experiences to add to your gorilla trekking safari:

1. Golden Monkey Trekking
Encounter endangered golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park or Mgahinga National Park – a fascinating primate experience.

2. Chimpanzee Tracking
Venture into lush forests to observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat, a thrilling addition to any safari.

3. Classic African Safari
Go on Big Five game drives in Akagera National Park, or extend your journey to Serengeti or Masai Mara for the ultimate safari experience.

4. Luxurious Indian Ocean Island escape
Pairing Rwanda’s gorilla trekking with a luxurious Indian Ocean island escape creates the ultimate safari and beach adventure itinerary.

Gorilla trekking has played a vital role in the remarkable recovery of mountain gorilla populations over recent decades. In the early 1980s, their numbers had dropped to just 254 individuals, primarily due to poaching, habitat destruction, and civil unrest. Today, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, the population has rebounded to over 1,000 individuals, a true success story in wildlife protection.

A Conservation Success Story

This positive trend is the result of collaborative efforts between conservation organizations, local communities, and sustainable tourism initiatives. For over six decades, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has been at the forefront of mountain gorilla conservation, leading initiatives such as:

• Anti-poaching patrols that protect gorilla families from illegal hunting.
• Community engagement programs that provide alternative livelihoods and education.
• Habitat expansion projects that ensure gorillas have enough space to thrive.

Ubuntu Travel’s Commitment to Gorilla Conservation

Ubuntu Travel is proud to support these conservation efforts. Our partnership with AWF includes backing the Volcanoes National Park Expansion Project, an initiative aimed at:

• Increasing protected gorilla habitats for long-term conservation.
• Reducing human-wildlife conflict by expanding forested areas.
• Supporting biodiversity conservation for a thriving ecosystem.

Ethical Lodge Partnerships That Prioritize Conservation

At Ubuntu Travel, we believe that where you stay matters. We work exclusively with luxury lodges and safari camps that are committed to ethical conservation practices and sustainable community development.

Our handpicked lodge partners in Rwanda and Uganda prioritize:

• Habitat restoration and reforestation projects to support gorilla conservation.
• Low-impact, eco-friendly operations that minimize environmental footprints.
• Community empowerment initiatives, ensuring that local people benefit from conservation success.
• Ethical wildlife tourism policies, ensuring no interference with natural behaviors and ecosystems.

By staying at these lodges, you directly support sustainable tourism, ensuring that both wildlife conservation and local communities thrive.

How Your Gorilla Trekking Safari Makes a Difference

1. Direct Funding for Gorilla Conservation
Every gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda ($1,500 per person) and Uganda ($800 per person) directly contributes to wildlife conservation and habitat protection.

A portion of these fees funds:
• Anti-poaching patrols to prevent illegal hunting.
• Scientific research to study and protect gorilla populations.
• Habitat restoration projects in Volcanoes and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks.

Ubuntu Travel proudly supports these efforts to ensure the long-term survival of mountain gorillas.

2. Protecting and Expanding Gorilla Habitats
Habitat destruction and human-wildlife conflict remains one of the greatest threats to gorillas. Thanks to intensive conservation programs, protected areas are expanding, allowing gorillas to thrive.

• Volcanoes National Park Expansion Project – Ubuntu Travel actively supports this initiative, securing more forested land for gorillas while benefiting local communities.
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda – Similar efforts help reduce deforestation and increase protected land for gorillas and other wildlife.

3. Supporting Local Communities & Sustainable Tourism
Gorilla trekking benefits local communities as well as wildlife. Approximately 10% of permit fees go directly to local villages, funding:

• Schools & education programs
• Healthcare & infrastructure projects
• Job creation in eco-tourism, including rangers, guides, and lodge staff

Ubuntu Travel partners  support community-driven tourism initiatives, ensuring that local people see direct benefits from conservation efforts.

4. Anti-Poaching & Gorilla Protection Programs
Wildlife tourism plays a critical role in protecting gorillas by funding:

• 24/7 ranger monitoring to safeguard gorilla families.
• Anti-poaching patrols that prevent illegal activities like snaring.
• Conservation education programs for local communities.

With the support of responsible travelers like you, mountain gorilla numbers are steadily increasing, proving that conservation-focused tourism works.

Travel With Purpose: Gorilla Trekking That Gives Back
By choosing Ubuntu Travel for your gorilla trekking safari, you are directly supporting:
• Mountain gorilla conservation in Rwanda and Uganda.
• Local communities through sustainable tourism.
• The long-term protection of Africa’s great apes.

Your journey is more than just a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience—it’s an opportunity to make a real impact.