Gorilla Trekking Tours — Rwanda & Uganda
Track Mountain Gorillas Through Rwanda and Uganda's Last Wild Forests
Gorilla Footprints runs small-group, conservation-led gorilla trekking tours into Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Permits secured, guides local, and every trip funding the forests it visits.
Rwanda & Uganda specialists
Permits booked for you
Small groups, expert trackers
WhatsApp support from Kigali
Why Trek With Us
A Trek Shaped by the Forest, Not a Template
Conservation-first itineraries
Every route is planned around the habituated gorilla families, the rangers who protect them, and the communities living alongside the forest — not just a checklist of parks to visit.
On the ground in Kigali
We work directly with Rwanda Development Board and Uganda Wildlife Authority to secure permits — no reseller markup, no guessing on availability.
Nothing left to guess
Fitness prep, what to pack for the mud, altitude, timing — we walk you through the trek before you land, so the only surprise waiting for you is the gorillas.
Where You’ll Trek
Two Countries, Two Forests, One Endangered Species
Rwanda — Volcanoes National Park
The most accessible gorilla trekking in the world, a 2–3 hour drive from Kigali through terraced hills. Permits are $1,500 per person, set by Rwanda Development Board.
Explore Rwanda trekking →
Uganda — Bwindi & Mgahinga
Deeper, denser rainforest and a lower permit cost at $800 per person, set by Uganda Wildlife Authority — often paired with chimpanzee tracking nearby.
Explore Uganda trekking →
How It Works
Three Steps From Enquiry to Trek
1. Tell Us Your Dates
Send your travel window and group size by WhatsApp or the contact form — no account or deposit needed to start.
2. We Secure Your Permits
We check live availability with Rwanda Development Board and Uganda Wildlife Authority and build an itinerary around confirmed dates.
3. Trek With Confidence
You arrive with permits, guides, and transport already arranged — the only thing left to do is meet the gorillas.
Gorilla Families & Conservation
You're Not Booking a Trek — You're Meeting a Family
Each habituated gorilla group has a name, a history, and a team of trackers who know every member by sight. We introduce you to who you’re likely to meet before you leave Kigali, and tell the conservation story behind them — from Dian Fossey’s early work in the Virungas to the ranger-led protection programs the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund continues today, which brought mountain gorillas back from the edge of extinction.
Tours & Packages
Gorilla Trekking Tours Built Around Your Time
Browse our gorilla trekking tours below, or tell us your dates and we’ll build a custom itinerary.
2-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek
A short, focused trip to Volcanoes National Park for travelers with limited time in Kigali.
3-Day Rwanda & Lake Kivu
Gorilla trekking paired with a day on Lake Kivu — trail and water in one trip.
4-Day Uganda Gorilla & Chimp Trek
Bwindi gorilla trekking combined with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest.
5-Day Rwanda & Uganda Combined
Trek both Volcanoes and Bwindi on one trip, crossing the Rwanda–Uganda border overland.
7-Day Ultimate Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
Gorilla trekking plus a big-game safari extension in Akagera or Queen Elizabeth National Park.
From the Journal
Gorilla Trekking Guides & Stories
What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking
Waterproof layers, sturdy boots, and a few things people always forget — our complete packing list for Rwanda and Uganda treks.
Read more →
Rwanda vs Uganda: Which Gorilla Trek Is Right for You?
Same species, different forests. How permit cost, terrain, and travel time compare between the two countries.
Read more →
Meet the Habituated Gorilla Families of Volcanoes National Park
Twelve family groups, each with its own history and silverback — an introduction to who you might trek to see.
Read more →
Frequently Asked
Before You Book
How much does a gorilla permit cost?
Rwanda gorilla permits are $1,500 per person, issued by Rwanda Development Board. Uganda permits are $800 per person, issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority. We handle the booking and paperwork as part of your trip.
What's included in the permit price?
The permit covers one hour with a habituated gorilla family, accompanied by armed rangers and trackers. It does not include park entry fees for other activities, transport, or guiding — all of which we build into your itinerary separately.
How fit do I need to be to trek?
Treks can run from 30 minutes to several hours through steep, sometimes muddy terrain. A reasonable level of fitness helps, but porters are available in both countries to carry your daypack and assist on the trail.
When is the best time to go gorilla trekking?
Gorillas can be trekked year-round. The driest months — June to September and December to February — offer easier trails, though trekking during the rainy season is quieter and the forest is at its greenest.
Can I combine Rwanda and Uganda in one trip?
Yes. The Rwanda–Uganda land border is a short drive from both Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi, and many of our itineraries combine treks in both countries in a single trip.
What should I pack for gorilla trekking?
Waterproof hiking boots, gardening gloves, a rain jacket, and long trousers are essentials. See our full packing list guide for the complete rundown.
Ready to Plan Your Trek?
Tell us your dates and we’ll check permit availability and build your itinerary.