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Gorilla trekking in Uganda from Nairobi

Gorilla trekking in Uganda from Nairobi

Introduction

While Kenya is one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations—home to the Big Five, Masai Mara migrations, and world-class savannah safaris—it is not home to mountain gorillas. If you are visiting Nairobi and want to experience the unforgettable encounter with these gentle giants, you will need to connect to Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The good news?
Gorilla trekking from Kenya is easy, affordable, and extremely popular, especially when combining Kenya wildlife safaris with gorilla encounters in the neighboring countries.

This complete guide explains:

  • Where gorilla trekking is done

  • Why Uganda is the easiest option from Nairobi

  • How to travel from Kenya to Uganda, Rwanda, or DRC

  • Best time for gorilla trekking

  • Current gorilla permit prices

  • How to book a trek with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris.

Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Permits Booking

Where Does Gorilla Trekking Take Place?

Mountain gorillas live in only three countries in the world. These protected habitats offer regulated, safe gorilla trekking experiences led by professional rangers and conservation teams.

1. Uganda

Uganda is one of the world’s top gorilla trekking destinations, home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

You can trek gorillas in:

  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

  • Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Bwindi alone has over 20 habituated gorilla families, offering multiple trekking sectors such as Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.
Learn more about trekking options here:
👉 : https://www.gorillatrackings.com/uganda-gorilla-tours

2. Rwanda

Rwanda offers luxurious, short-distance gorilla treks in:

  • Volcanoes National Park, located about 2.5 hours from Kigali.

This is the most accessible trekking destination but also the most expensive.

3. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

For adventurous travelers, DRC offers gorilla trekking in:

  • Virunga National Park

It is affordable and less crowded but recommended only when security conditions are stable.

Can You Trek Gorillas in Kenya?

No. Kenya has no mountain gorillas.
Kenya offers exceptional safaris but no gorilla trekking destinations. However, many travelers combine:

  • Masai Mara safaris

  • Amboseli and Tsavo tours

  • Nairobi city tours

with gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or the DRC.

This combination is one of East Africa’s top-selling itineraries.

Why Uganda Is the Best Option for Gorilla Trekking from Kenya

Among the three gorilla destinations, Uganda is the most convenient and affordable for travelers starting in Nairobi. Here’s why:

1. Kenya Directly Borders Uganda

This makes travel easier compared to Rwanda or DRC. You can fly or use road transport.

2. The Most Affordable Safe Trekking Experience

Uganda offers a good balance of price, accessibility, and security.

3. Multiple Flight Options

Daily flights from Nairobi to Entebbe International Airport make logistics smooth for safari operators and independent travelers.

4. Many Trekking Sectors and Gorilla Families

Uganda’s Bwindi offers the highest number of habituated gorilla families, increasing permit availability.

Check itineraries here:
https://www.gorillatrackings.com/gorilla-trekking-tours/

How to Travel from Kenya to Uganda for Gorilla Trekking

Traveling from Kenya to Uganda is simple and can be done either by air or by road.

âś” Option 1: Flying from Nairobi to Entebbe (Fastest & Most Convenient)

Most travelers fly from:

Nairobi (JKIA / Wilson Airport) → Entebbe International Airport (Uganda)

Airlines include:

  • Kenya Airways

  • Uganda Airlines

  • Jambojet

  • Air Kenya

After arriving at Entebbe:

  1. Connect to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip via domestic flight (Aerolink Uganda).

  2. Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Flight time:

  • Nairobi → Entebbe: 1.5 hours

  • Entebbe → Kihihi/Kisoro: 45–60 minutes

This option saves hours of driving and is ideal for short itineraries.

âś” Option 2: Traveling from Kenya to Uganda by Road (Budget-Friendly)

If you want a more affordable route or cannot take a flight, buses operate between:

  • Nairobi → Kampala (via Busia or Malaba border)

Popular companies include:

  • Modern Coast

  • Mash Poa

  • Kampala Coaches

Travel time: 12–14 hours

Once in Kampala, you can:

  • Start a road trip to Bwindi or Mgahinga (9–10 hours),

  • Or continue to Kigali (4–5 hours) after trekking.

This is a common route for backpackers and budget travelers.

Gorilla trekking

Gorilla Trekking from Kenya to Rwanda

Some travelers prefer trekking in Rwanda because Volcanoes National Park is closer to Kigali.

Typical route:

  1. Nairobi → Kigali International Airport

  2. Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (2.5 hours by road)

This is the fastest gorilla trekking transfer in East Africa, but it comes with the highest permit cost.

Gorilla Trekking from Kenya to DRC (Adventurous Option)

You can also trek in Virunga National Park (DRC) by:

  1. Flying Nairobi → Kigali

  2. Crossing into Goma (DRC)

  3. Driving to Virunga Park headquarters

DRC offers the cheapest gorilla permits, but due to occasional insecurity, it is recommended only for experienced adventure travelers.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is available all year round in Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC.
However, the best months are the dry seasons, when the trails are less slippery and visibility is good.

Best Seasons

  • June – September

  • December – February

During these months:

  • Forest trails are drier

  • Trekking is less challenging

  • Rain is minimal

  • Photography is easier

Both Uganda and Rwanda share similar climatic patterns, making these months ideal for trekking in both countries.

Gorilla Permit Prices in 2025

Permit prices vary significantly depending on the country.

âś” Rwanda Gorilla Permit

  • USD 1,500 per person per trek

  • Most expensive but offers luxury trekking and short access from Kigali.

âś” Uganda Gorilla Permit

  • USD 800 per person per trek

  • Balanced in price and experience

  • Most popular for travelers from Kenya

âś” DRC Gorilla Permit

  • USD 400 in high season

  • USD 200 in wet season (discounted)

  • Cheapest option but availability depends on security status.

For permit booking and availability, check:
: https://www.gorillatrackings.com/gorilla-permits/

Why Book with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris?

Monumental Expeditions and Safaris offers professional safari planning for:

  • Uganda gorilla trekking tours

  • Rwanda gorilla tours

  • Combined Kenya + Uganda safaris

  • Affordable gorilla permit booking

  • Luxury and budget gorilla trekking packages

Visit: www.gorillatrackings.com
👉 Explore itineraries, prices, and free planning support.

Final Thoughts

While Kenya does not offer gorilla trekking, it is highly convenient to combine a Kenya safari with a gorilla trek in Uganda, Rwanda, or DRC. Uganda remains the most affordable and accessible choice from Nairobi, with several flight and road options. Whether you choose a luxury, mid-range, or budget trek, encountering mountain gorillas remains one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in Africa.

To plan your trek, secure permits, or create a custom itinerary, visit….Monumental Expeditions and Safaris.

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