Gorilla Tours – Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Rwanda & Uganda

Gorilla Tours – Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Rwanda & Uganda. There are only three places left on earth where you can trek mountain gorillas in the wild: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. At Pick and Transfer Safaris, we specialize in the first two, building affordable, well-organized gorilla trekking safaris across Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, whether you’re after a quick one-day trek, a relaxed week-long circuit, or a full cross-border adventure combining both countries. Below is everything you need to know to choose the right gorilla tour for your trip.

Why Trek Mountain Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda

Mountain gorillas are among the rarest great apes on the planet, with a global population recovering steadily thanks to decades of dedicated conservation work, much of it directly funded by gorilla trekking permits. Spending an hour in the presence of a habituated gorilla family, watching a silverback keep watch over his troop, mothers grooming their young, juveniles tumbling through the undergrowth, is widely described as one of the most profound wildlife encounters available anywhere in the world. Uganda and Rwanda each offer this experience, but in genuinely different ways, which is exactly why so many travelers choose to do both.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda is home to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient rainforest holding nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, alongside the smaller Mgahinga Gorilla National Park on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. Uganda has positioned itself as the more accessible, budget-friendly gorilla trekking destination, with permits issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) currently costing USD 800 per person, or as little as USD 600 during the low-season months of April, May, and November.

We run a wide range of itineraries built around Uganda’s gorillas, including:

If budget is your main priority, our guide to Cheap Gorilla Safaris in Uganda breaks down every practical way to lower your total trip cost without compromising the trek itself.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda’s gorilla trekking experience centers entirely on Volcanoes National Park, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Virunga Mountains and just under two hours from Kigali International Airport on paved roads. Rwanda has deliberately built its gorilla trekking around a premium, low-volume model, fewer permits, more exclusivity, and a polished luxury lodge scene, with permits issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) currently priced at USD 1,500 per person. We explain exactly why that price gap exists in our guide, Why Is Rwanda Gorilla Trekking More Expensive Than Uganda.

Beyond gorilla trekking itself, Volcanoes National Park also offers golden monkey tracking, and pairs naturally with our broader Rwanda itineraries, including the 7 Days Best of Rwanda Safari – One Week Tour and 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari.

Combining Both Countries

Because Uganda and Rwanda sit right next to each other, connected by a short, easy border crossing at Cyanika or Katuna, many travelers choose to trek gorillas in both countries on a single trip, two different gorilla families, two different forests, and two genuinely distinct trekking experiences. We cover this in detail in Combining Gorilla Trekking in Both Uganda and Rwanda, and offer ready-made itineraries like our 7 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari Adventure, which pairs Bwindi gorillas with Rwandan chimpanzee trekking, and our longer 10 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari and 15 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari for travelers wanting a fuller two-country circuit.

For those wanting to go even further, our 20 Days Uganda Rwanda Burundi Combo adds a third country entirely, combining gorilla and chimpanzee trekking with Burundi’s lakeside culture and wildlife.

Choosing the Right Gorilla Tour for You

With so many options, here’s a quick way to think about it:

Short on time? A one-day trek from Kigali or from Kisoro/Kabale gets you in and out efficiently.

Working with a tighter budget? Uganda’s lower permit price and our Cheap Gorilla Safaris in Uganda tips will stretch your money furthest.

Want maximum convenience and a touch of luxury? Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, just under two hours from Kigali Airport, is hard to beat.

Want gorillas and chimpanzees in one trip? Our 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari or 7 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari Adventure cover both.

Can’t choose between countries? Do both, with Combining Gorilla Trekking in Both Uganda and Rwanda.

What Every Gorilla Tour Includes

Regardless of which itinerary you choose, gorilla trekking with us typically includes airport pick-up and drop-off, ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle, an English-speaking driver-guide, accommodation suited to your budget, your gorilla trekking permit, and bottled drinking water throughout. We handle every permit booking directly with the relevant authority, the Uganda Wildlife Authority or the Rwanda Development Board, so there’s nothing left for you to coordinate on your own.

Booking Tips for Any Gorilla Tour

A few things hold true no matter which country or itinerary you choose:

Book your permit at least three to six months in advance, especially for the June–September and December–February peak seasons
Bring sturdy hiking boots, long trousers, a rain jacket, and gardening gloves
Hire a porter, both for support on steep terrain and to support the local community
Apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa if your trip crosses between Rwanda, Uganda, or Kenya
Never accept a permit priced below the official rate, it’s almost always a sign of fraud

Why Book Your Gorilla Tour With Pick and Transfer Safaris

We’ve built our entire business around making gorilla trekking accessible, honest, and well-organized, whether you’re booking a single one-day trek or a full multi-country combo safari. Our team handles permit bookings, route planning, and border logistics from start to finish, so you can focus entirely on the experience itself, the moment the forest parts and you’re face to face with a mountain gorilla family.

For official information on permits and park regulations, visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority or the Rwanda Development Board.