Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Volcanoes National Park: What to Expect

Gorilla trekking is one of Africa’s most profound wildlife adventures. In this guide, we explore what to expect on a trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda — two iconic destinations to see endangered mountain gorillas.

What is Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking involves hiking through mountainous rainforests with professional guides to find and observe wild mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Once found, you get to spend up to an hour observing them at close range.

Why Bwindi and Volcanoes?

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Home to half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Volcanoes National Park: Known for its easier trails, conservation legacy of Dian Fossey, and upscale travel infrastructure.

Gorilla Trekking Highlights

• Close encounters with gorilla families
• Experienced trackers and rangers
• Immersive jungle experience in dense forests
• Contributes to local conservation and community development

Bwindi vs. Volcanoes National Park

Feature	Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda)	Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
Location & Size	Southwestern Uganda, 331 sq km	Northern Rwanda, 160 sq km
Gorilla Population	~500 gorillas across 19 families	~200 gorillas across 10 families
Trek Difficulty	Challenging, thick undergrowth	Moderate, better trails
Tourism Experience	Less commercial, rustic lodges	Upscale, polished safari feel

Best Time to Go

• June–August & December–February: Dry seasons, best conditions for trekking
• March–May & September–November: Rainy, fewer tourists, muddy trails but still rewarding

Permit Costs

• Uganda (Bwindi): US$800 per gorilla permit (foreign non-resident)
• Rwanda (Volcanoes): US$1,500 per gorilla permit
• Permits are limited — book at least 6 months in advance

Fitness & Health

• Moderate-to-high fitness level recommended
• Altitude ranges: 1,160–2,600m (Bwindi) and 2,400–4,500m (Volcanoes)
• Vaccinations: Yellow fever (mandatory), hepatitis A/B, typhoid, malaria prophylaxis

Packing List for Gorilla Trekking

• Waterproof hiking boots and breathable layers
• Rain jacket, gloves, gaiters
• Camera (no flash), telephoto lens
• Reusable water bottles, snacks, hand sanitizer
• Daypack, trekking poles, insect repellent

Gorilla Trekking: What to Expect

1. Arrival & Briefing – Meet rangers, get group assignments, learn gorilla etiquette
2. The Trek – Hike 2–6 hours through dense forest with guides and trackers
3. Encounter – Spend up to 1 hour with the gorillas, observing from ~7 meters away
4. Return – Hike back, receive certificates, and celebrate the experience

Rules & Etiquette

• Stay 7 meters away from gorillas
• No flash photography or eating near gorillas
• Keep voices low and follow ranger instructions
• Do not trek if you’re feeling unwell

Where to Stay

Bwindi (Uganda)

• Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge
• Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp
• Budget: Bwindi Backpackers Lodge

Volcanoes (Rwanda)

• Luxury: Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
• Mid-range: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
• Budget: Kinigi Guest House

Other Activities

• Golden Monkey Tracking – Highly recommended after gorillas
• Chimpanzee Trekking – Add-on in Uganda (Kibale) or Rwanda (Nyungwe)
• Community Visits – Batwa tribes, cultural tours, local crafts

Sample 5-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive Kigali/Entebbe → Transfer to lodge
• Day 2: Gorilla trekking
• Day 3: Golden monkey or forest hike
• Day 4: Cultural/community tour
• Day 5: Return to city and depart

FAQs

• Is it safe? – Yes. Treks are guided, well-organized, and secure.
• Minimum age? – 15 years
• Chance of seeing gorillas? – 95–98%
• How long is the trek? – 2 to 6 hours depending on gorilla location

Conservation Impact

Your permit directly supports:

• Anti-poaching patrols
• Local community development
• Gorilla health and habitat monitoring

Conclusion

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park is an awe-inspiring experience that combines wildlife adventure, cultural insight, and conservation impact. Whether you choose Uganda’s rugged forests or Rwanda’s polished trails, the encounter with mountain gorillas will stay with you for life.

Plan ahead, pack wisely, and prepare for the wild journey of a lifetime.