Complete your grand African safari by seeing the endangered mountain gorillas of east-central Africa. The gorillas live in two isolated groups — one in the Virunga Volcanoes, spanning three national parks in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the other in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda.
Both Rwanda and Uganda offer exceptional gorilla trekking experiences, each with its own unique charm. For travellers prioritising comfort, we recommend Rwanda with its luxurious lodges and less strenuous climbs. For the adventurer, Uganda is just the place, with slightly wilder treks and lodges filled with character.
What to Expect
Whether in Uganda or Rwanda, your gorilla trekking experience will be the same. It is a wonderful adventure, and being close to the last few mountain gorillas in the world is an experience well worth the effort of getting there. To give you a better idea of what you’re in for, here’s how it goes:
The lodge you’re staying at will drive you to the National Park headquarters with permits that your Angama Travel Planner has already organised
You are then assembled into groups of no more than ten people based on fitness level and assigned a gorilla family
At the end of the previous day, rangers would have noted where the gorilla families have built their nest for the night — this is to be your trek’s rough starting point
If you are assigned a family further away, you will drive to the trailhead closest to the gorillas’ location. Otherwise, you’ll set out from the park headquarters
You’ll want to hire a porter ($20) to carry your bag with water, food, extra layer, etc., not only for your own comfort but to create job opportunities for the nearby communities
Once you have located your gorilla group, you can stay with them for up to an hour, and then it’s time to leave them in peace
As part of your safari, travelling from Kenya to go gorilla trekking can easily form part of your holiday. Rwanda and Entebbe are conveniently accessible by plane from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Daily flights with international carriers reach Kigali International Airport in about 1,5 hours. From Uganda’s capital, Entebbe, guests can connect to domestic flights to Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips, near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic road trip to experience Uganda’s diverse landscapes.
The leading destination for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is Volcanoes National Park, where visitors can set out on guided treks through lush montane forests to observe this iconic and endangered species. Volcanoes National Park holds the highest number of gorillas in the Virunga Massif, a chain of volcanic mountains straddles the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Just a short three-hour drive from Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, you will find yourself on the outskirts of the Park and on the doorstep of some spectacular lodges (see below for some of our favourites).
Home to 12 habituated gorilla groups, this Park is a favourite for gorilla trekking. As one of the cornerstones of protecting these endangered primates it’s also home to the late Diane Fossey’s Karisoke Research Center.
Gorillas aren’t the only animals to call the the lush forests home; visitors also have the opportunity to trek and spot golden monkeys, spotted hyenas, buffalo and more, not to mention over 170 bird species.
As the largest protected wetland in Central Africa, the Park serves as the last sanctuary for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda. Located in eastern Rwanda, Akagera spans over 1,120 square kilometres and boasts a diverse landscape of savannah plains, wetlands and rolling hills, providing a habitat for a wide array of flora and fauna.
Visitors to the Park can go on game drives, guided walks and boat safaris, where you might spot anything from elephants to lions and leopards. The park is also a birdwatcher’s dream, with over 500 bird species recorded, including the rare shoebill stork.
Kigali is known as one of the cleanest and most well-maintained cities in Africa, but that certainly doesn’t mean sterile. This dynamic capital city is a fusion of modernity and tradition with its vibrant streets, bustling markets and colourful shops and galleries reflecting the city’s rich history and resilient spirit.
From the moving Kigali Genocide Memorial to the lively local eateries serving up delicious Rwandan cuisine, every corner of Kigali tells a story and is not to be missed.
Home to 12 habituated gorilla groups, this Park is a favourite for gorilla trekking. As one of the cornerstones of protecting these endangered primates it’s also home to the late Diane Fossey’s Karisoke Research Center.
Gorillas aren’t the only animals to call the the lush forests home; visitors also have the opportunity to trek and spot golden monkeys, spotted hyenas, buffalo and more, not to mention over 170 bird species.
As the largest protected wetland in Central Africa, the Park serves as the last sanctuary for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda. Located in eastern Rwanda, Akagera spans over 1,120 square kilometres and boasts a diverse landscape of savannah plains, wetlands and rolling hills, providing a habitat for a wide array of flora and fauna.
Visitors to the Park can go on game drives, guided walks and boat safaris, where you might spot anything from elephants to lions and leopards. The park is also a birdwatcher’s dream, with over 500 bird species recorded, including the rare shoebill stork.
Kigali is known as one of the cleanest and most well-maintained cities in Africa, but that certainly doesn’t mean sterile. This dynamic capital city is a fusion of modernity and tradition with its vibrant streets, bustling markets and colourful shops and galleries reflecting the city’s rich history and resilient spirit.
From the moving Kigali Genocide Memorial to the lively local eateries serving up delicious Rwandan cuisine, every corner of Kigali tells a story and is not to be missed.
