Top Gorilla Safaris in Uganda & Rwanda; Gorilla Tour Packages & Trekking Guide
Maranatha Tours and Travel offers you budget gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, rewarding you with the best gorilla trekking adventure. Our guided gorilla tours take you deep into the jungle homes, which are Bwindi Forest National Park, home to half of the world’s total gorilla population, with 20 gorilla families habituated for trekking.
Uganda gorilla safaris also take you to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to see the one and only Nyakagyezi gorilla family. The gorilla groups in Uganda include Mubare, Rushegura, Bikyingi, Habinyanja, Kutu, Mishaya, Rwigi, Kyaguriro, Bwengye, Posho, Christmas, Busingye, Oruzogo, Nkuringo, Katwe, Bweza, Nshongi, and Mucunguzi gorilla families, among others.
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost $800 for foreign nonresidents, $700 for foreign residents and UGX 300,000 for East African residents. Maranatha Tours and Travel is a reliable tour agency to book and reserve Uganda gorilla permits
In addition, Maranatha Tours and Travel offers you customized Rwanda gorilla tours to Volcanoes National Park located in northwestern Rwanda. Mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park are habituated into 10 gorilla families, which are Hirwa, Karisimbi, Amahoro, Pablo, Titus, Susa A, Umubano and Agashya gorilla groups. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda costs $1500, making it a luxury gorilla safari destination
Top National Parks to visit for Gorilla Safaris in Africa
The best parks to visit for gorilla safaris and tours include the lush montane forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda.
Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in eastern DR Congo.
These 4 pristine National Parks offer refuge to mountain gorillas that today account for about 1063 individuals in the world.
Customized Gorilla Safaris & Tour Packages in Uganda & Rwanda
5 Days Rwanda Gorillas & White Water Rafting
Embark on this customized 5 Days Uganda gorillas & white water rafting experience on your Adventure Uganda safaris. Go gorilla trekking in Bwindi and go rafting in Jinja. Read More
5 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Chimpanzee Safari
Join this amazing 5-day Rwanda gorilla and chimpanzee safari to see the best Rwanda primates. Visit gorillas in Volcanoes Park and chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest. Read More
4 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Mt Bisoke Hike
Be part of this 4 Days Rwanda gorillas and Mt Bisoke hiking Adventure in Volcanoes National Park with Adventure Uganda Safaris. Trek 1 of the 10 gorilla families in Rwanda. Read More
4 Days Uganda Gorillas & Golden Monkey Trekking
The 4 Days Mgahinga gorillas and golden monkey adventure safari offers you an opportunity to see primates on one trip. Visit Uganda primates on this 4-day Adventure. Read More
22 Days Uganda & rwanda Gorilla Safari
Book and enjoy this 22-day Uganda and Rwanda combined safari. The 22-day safari offers gorilla trekking, chimpanzees, community tours, and game viewing experiences. Read More
1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Adventure
Do you have a short time in Rwanda? Book this 1-day Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure to Volcanoes National Park guided by Maranatha Tours and Travel. Read More
FAQs About Gorilla Safaris in Uganda & Rwanda
Here are the most frequently asked questions about gorilla safaris in Uganda and Rwanda, along with clear, practical answers:
1. How much does a gorilla safari cost in Uganda vs Rwanda?
In Rwanda, a gorilla permit costs $1,500 per person (2026 rate). In Uganda, it is $800 per person. Rwanda is more expensive overall due to higher permit fees and lodge rates, while Uganda offers more budget-friendly options, especially in Bwindi.
2. What is the best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?
The best time is the dry seasons: June to September and December to February. Trails are drier, making trekking easier. However, gorilla safaris run year-round. The wet seasons (March–May & October–November) are greener and have fewer crowds but muddier trails.
3. How fit do I need to be for gorilla trekking?
You need a moderate to good fitness level. Treks can last 2 to 7 hours over steep, muddy, and dense forest terrain. Porters are available to carry your daypack. People of all ages (15+) with reasonable fitness can do it, but good preparation (cardio and leg exercises) is highly recommended.
4. What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
The minimum age is 15 years in both Uganda and Rwanda for gorilla trekking. Golden monkey tracking is usually allowed from age 12.
5. How far in advance should I book gorilla permits?
Book at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for peak dry season (June–September). Rwanda permits sell out faster than Uganda’s. For 2026 travel, booking now is strongly advised for popular dates.
6. What is the difference between gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?
- Uganda (Bwindi): Cheaper permits ($800), more gorilla groups, more lodges to choose from, and often longer treks.
- Rwanda (Volcanoes NP): More expensive ($1,500), shorter and sometimes steeper treks, very professional operations, and stunning Virunga volcano scenery.
7. Can I combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking?
Yes! Many travelers do the 5–12 days Uganda Rwanda primates safari, combining gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale (Uganda) or Nyungwe (Rwanda), plus golden monkey tracking.
8. What should I bring for gorilla trekking?
- Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
- Rain jacket/poncho
- Long-sleeved shirts & trousers
- Gardening gloves (for bamboo/nettles)
- Binoculars & camera (no flash)
- Daypack, walking stick, insect repellent
9. What are the rules during gorilla trekking?
- Maintain 7 meters distance
- Maximum 1 hour with the gorillas
- No flash photography
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke near gorillas
- Cover mouth/nose when coughing
- Minimum age 15 years
- Sick visitors are not allowed to trek
10. Is gorilla trekking safe? What is the success rate?
Gorilla trekking is very safe when following rules. The success rate is over 95% — rangers almost always locate the gorillas. The experience is strictly controlled by park authorities with armed rangers for protection.