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Gorilla Trekking: Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions we’re asked about gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda, based on over 15 years of first-hand experience.

Who are the Gorilla Safari Company?

The Gorilla Safari Company is a specialist safari company focused on gorilla and great ape travel in East and Central Africa. We have been arranging gorilla trekking safaris to Rwanda and Uganda for over 15 years, working exclusively in regions where trekking is well regulated and conservation-led.

When we plan a journey, we draw on our own first-hand experience of these destinations, combining detailed local knowledge with trusted on-the-ground partners, including guides, lodges, and conservation bodies. Every trip is privately planned and tailored, whether gorilla trekking is the sole focus or part of a wider safari journey.

Visiting the small remaining population of mountain gorillas is far more than a holiday, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Travelling with us means benefiting from many years of experience in this unique part of Africa, alongside a deep understanding of the fragile environments in which gorillas live and the importance of protecting them for the future.

Is gorilla trekking ethical?

Yes, when it is done properly, and this is something we take very seriously.

Gorilla trekking is tightly controlled by national park authorities, with strict limits on visitor numbers, time spent with the gorillas, and minimum viewing distances. Permit fees directly support conservation efforts, ranger salaries, veterinary care, and local communities.

We only arrange treks in countries and parks where these protections are firmly in place, and we brief every client carefully before they travel.

Which countries can you see mountain gorillas in?

Mountain gorillas can currently be trekked in:

  • Rwanda

  • Uganda

  • Democratic Republic of Congo (limited circumstances)

Most of our clients choose Rwanda or Uganda, depending on budget, travel style, fitness levels, and how they wish to combine gorillas with other experiences such as classic safari, chimpanzee/golden monkey trekking, or time on the coast.

Rwanda or Uganda – which is better for gorilla trekking?

Neither is “better;” they are simply different.

Rwanda offers:

  • Easier logistics

  • Shorter drive times

  • Very high-end lodge options

Uganda offers:

  • A more adventurous feel

  • Excellent value

  • The ability to combine gorillas with a traditional safari and chimp trekking

We help clients choose based on how they want the trip to feel, not just price.

How physically demanding is gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, but it varies greatly.

Treks can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours and may involve steep or muddy terrain. That said, park authorities do their best to match groups with gorilla families appropriate to their fitness level, and porters are available and strongly encouraged.

You do not need to be ultra-fit, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours.

How many gorilla permits should we get?

Most travellers do one gorilla trek, which is usually enough for a very powerful experience.

Some clients choose two treks (on separate days), particularly photographers or those who want to increase the chance of seeing different gorilla families. We’ll advise honestly on whether this makes sense for your itinerary.

How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost?

Gorilla trekking permit costs are set by national park authorities and vary by country.

As a general guide:

  • Rwanda: USD 1,500 per person, per trek

  • Uganda: USD 800 per person, per trek

  • Uganda habituation experience: USD 1,500 per person

Permit fees contribute directly to conservation, ranger protection, veterinary care, and community projects surrounding the national parks.

Permit prices are subject to change, and availability is always limited.

Do you arrange and secure gorilla trekking permits?

Yes. We are licensed sellers of gorilla trekking permits and arrange all permits directly as part of your trip planning.

Permits are strictly controlled and limited in number, so securing them is one of the first and most important steps in planning a gorilla trekking journey. We manage this process on your behalf, including checking live availability and securing permits in line with your travel dates and itinerary.

Clients should be cautious of unlicensed operators offering permits, as permits are non-transferable and must be issued through approved channels.

How close do you get to the gorillas?

You must keep a minimum distance of 7 metres, but gorillas are wild animals and sometimes choose to move closer.

This is one of the reasons strict rules are in place around group size, behaviour, and health (face masks are required to be worn during the trek). The experience is intimate, but always managed with the gorillas’ welfare first.

What is the difference between a standard gorilla trek and a habituation experience?

A standard gorilla trek allows one hour with a fully habituated gorilla family once they have been located by trackers. This is the most common option and is what most travellers choose.

A gorilla habituation experience allows up to four hours with a gorilla family that is still in the process of becoming accustomed to human presence. You accompany researchers and trackers as they monitor behaviour, movements, and social interactions.

Key differences:

  • Standard trek: 1 hour with gorillas

  • Habituation experience: up to 4 hours with gorillas

  • Habituation involves more walking and observation time

  • Group sizes are smaller for habituation

  • Habituation permits are more limited

The habituation experience is more immersive and can feel less predictable, but it is also more physically demanding and requires flexibility and patience.

Where can you do a gorilla habituation experience?

Gorilla habituation experiences are currently only available in Uganda, in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, within specific sectors.

They are not available in Rwanda.

We usually recommend habituation experiences to travellers who:

  • Have already trekked gorillas before

  • Are photographers or particularly interested in behaviour

  • Are comfortable with longer, more demanding days on foot

For first-time gorilla trekkers, a standard trek is usually the best place to start.

How many mountain gorillas are there and how many families can be visited?

There are just over 1,000 mountain gorillas remaining in the wild, making them one of the most endangered primates on Earth.

They are found only in two main regions:

  • The Virunga Massif (spanning Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo)

  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda

Across these regions, there are multiple habituated gorilla families available for trekking, with the exact number changing over time as families form, split, or move.

Park authorities strictly control:

  • How many families can be visited

  • How many people visit each family per day

  • How long visitors may spend with them

This careful management is one of the reasons gorilla tourism has played such a critical role in the recovery of mountain gorilla populations.

Are children allowed to trek gorillas?

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years, set by park authorities.

This rule is non-negotiable and applies in all gorilla trekking countries.

What is the best time of year to see the gorillas?

Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, and the gorillas do not migrate, so sightings are excellent in all seasons.

That said, different times of year offer slightly different conditions:

Drier months (June to September, and December to February)
These months are generally drier underfoot, making hiking a little easier. They are popular travel periods, so permits and lodges should be booked well in advance.

Greener months (March to May, and October to November)
These months can be wetter, which means muddier trails, but they are also beautifully lush and quieter. Permits can be easier to secure, and some lodges offer better value during this time.

Regardless of the season, gorilla trekking takes place in rainforest, so some rain should always be expected.

We help clients choose travel dates based on overall trip plans, availability, and how they’d like the journey to feel, rather than focusing on a single “best” month.

How far in advance should we book?

Permits are limited and can sell out months in advance, especially during peak seasons.

As a general guide:

  • 6-12 months ahead is ideal

  • Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible, but flexibility is key

We always check live permit availability before confirming any itinerary.

What makes Gorilla Safari Company different from other operators?

We specialise.

Rather than offering gorilla trekking as a small add-on, we build trips around it properly, allowing enough time, choosing the right regions, and preparing clients thoroughly so they feel confident and informed before they arrive.

We also work closely with long-standing local partners and focus on trips that balance exceptional experiences with responsible travel.

Can gorilla trekking be combined with other experiences?

Yes, very easily.

Popular combinations include:

  • Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee/golden monkey trekking

  • Gorillas and classic safari (lions, elephants, big landscapes)

  • Gorillas followed by beach time

We design these journeys carefully so they flow well and don’t feel rushed, as this really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.