Where to Go Gorilla Trekking: Uganda or Rwanda?

Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Two national parks in Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla, allow visitors to do gorilla trekking. The little but breathtakingly gorgeous country was appropriately called the “Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill.

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park involves traversing the verdant rainforest, which can be hazardous due to wet weather conditions. The walk is rewarding, though, because the forest is home to an astonishing 79 species of mammals, more than 200 kinds of butterflies, and nearly 350 kinds of birds.

Furthermore, almost 50% of the world’s mountain gorilla population resides in Bwindi. Additional activities that guests often like and may easily combine with a journey include seeing the local Batwa tribe or going on guided nature excursions through the forest.

Although it is commonly believed that the walks in Bwindi are more difficult than those in other gorilla trekking sites, the actual difficulty of the journey can vary greatly depending on the region you’re exploring and the specific gorilla family you’re hoping to see that day. (And if you’re on a trip with mobility issues, let us know so we can discuss accessible choices for your walk.)

2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

You can also go on a gorilla hike in Uganda in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Despite being less popular with tourists than Bwindi, this park—which spans three of the eight dormant volcanoes in the Virunga Mountain Range—is home to a habituated gorilla family and provides breathtaking panoramas.

Visit the native Batwa tribe, go hiking on one of the inactive volcanoes in the area, or go golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga. The journey to the region is long, but the experience is well worth the extra day.

Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

1. Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda is home to some of the world’s best gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park. Five of the eight dormant volcanoes in the Virunga Mountain Range are located within the park, giving it an appropriate moniker; these majestic mountains provide a stunning background for hikes across the area. As hikers make their way across the park’s forested slopes, the canopy comes to life with the sounds of the over 180 bird species that call Volcanoes National Park home.

Trekking with golden monkeys, touring the adjacent Iby’iwacu traditional village, going on nature walks or climbs, and paying a visit to the cemetery of Dian Fossey, famous for “Gorillas in the Mist,” are all things to think about while at Volcanoes.

Getting There

Uganda: Getting to Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Kampala, the capital of Uganda, is about 8 to 10 hours’ drive from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. For individuals who aren’t feeling the long drive, scheduled flights are an option to consider. On the other hand, you can easily combine these parks with other Ugandan locations, making them perfect additions to a longer safari itinerary and providing a welcome diversion from the journey.

Rwanda: Getting to Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is about three hours’ drive from Kigali. There are no scheduled flights, but a hired helicopter may transport you from Kigali to Volcanoes in about 30 minutes. The national park is perfect for people seeking a shorter journey because of how close it is to Kigali, making it easily accessible by road transfer.

Gorilla Trekking Permits & Conservation

In 2026, a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda will set you back $1500, while a similar ticket in Uganda would set you back $800. For many travellers, the price of Uganda’s permits is more reasonable. Proceeds from the fees in both nations are used to fund efforts to protect the gorillas.

Permits are scarce and frequently sought after because both Rwanda and Uganda cap tracking groups at 8 people. Not only that, but it also ensures that the gorillas are being protected and that the jungle is not overrun with people. Daypacks, water bottles, and other items can be carried by porters for a modest fee. In addition to assisting with park conservation initiatives, hiring a porter is good for the local economy.

Where to Stay When Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking Lodges in Uganda

There is a wide variety of lodges in Uganda, from the most luxurious to more affordable, perfect for gorilla trekking. Some of the most beloved items at Bwindi are:

• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
  Luxurious and intimate lodge situated overlooking the Virunga Mountain range
• Mahogany Springs
  Comfortable and serene lodge along the Munyanga River near Bwindi’s most popular trekking trailhead
• Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge
  Eco-conscious, locally inspired cottages on the Nteko Ridge
• Bwindi Lodge
  Dramatic views and stylish lodging perched over Bwindi
• Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
  Explorer-chic tented accommodations in a prime location in the forest

For Mgahinga, options include:

• Mount Gahinga Lodge
  Luxury stone bandas at the base of the Virunga Volcanoes
• Mutanda Lake Resort
  Stunning views & comfortable accommodations that serve as a base for trekking in Mgahinga and Southern Bwindi

Gorilla Trekking Lodges in Rwanda

Rwanda is known for its luxe lodges near Volcanoes National Park. Options include:

• Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
  A classic and elegant community-owned lodge in the foothills of the Virungas
• Singita Kwitonda
  Sustainable principles & bold, modern design on the edge of Volcanoes National Park
• Bisate Lodge
  Sumptuous thatched cabins, Rwanda-inspired style, and private verandahs looking out on the forest
• One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
  Stunning modern cabins crafted from wood and volcanic stonein the foothills of the Virunga Mountains
• Virunga Lodge
  Panoramic views, private stone bandas, and timeless African elegance in partnership with local community projects

Best Time of Year to Go Gorilla Trekking

Uganda & Rwanda

While gorilla trekking is generally thought of as an all-year pastime, the months of June through September and December through February tend to be the driest. It should be noted that trekking in the rainforest always comes with the risk of rain.

While both nations see brief downpours in October and November, longer downpours (which could make for a more treacherous trek) occur between March and May.

As equatorial countries, Uganda and Rwanda often experience milder summers due to their higher elevations. Evenings in Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes National Parks can turn surprisingly chilly due to their high elevation; daytime highs average 23C/73F and nighttime lows 11C/52F.

Other Places to Visit When Gorilla Trekking

Exploring Uganda on Safari

You can combine a gorilla walk in Uganda with a visit to another national park. Popular extension alternatives include Kibale Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park, which include chimpanzee trekking, nature walks, boat safaris, and conventional safari game drives, among other things. Even though it’s farther out from the gorilla trekking parks, Murchison Falls National Park has fantastic vistas of the falls and a plethora of animals.

Alternatively, if you are looking to take a break from the trip and enjoy some wildlife viewing on your way back to Entebbe, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo National Park are fantastic options for a night or two of accommodation.

Exploring Rwanda on Safari

Rwanda is rather tiny, thus there aren’t as many national parks as there could be. However, those parks complement each other well. Primate trekking and nature walks, including those with Black-and-white colobus monkeys and chimpanzees, are available in Nyungwe Forest, and game drives and animal viewing are best enjoyed in Akagera National Park. While in Africa, be sure to make a pit stop at Lake Kivu, one of the Great Lakes, for some much-deserved relaxation.

Incredible opportunities to trek with gorillas are available in both Uganda and Rwanda. Is making a decision still proving difficult? Get in touch if you want more information or to begin organising your gorilla trekking adventure.