Gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda is one of Africa’s most iconic and rewarding wildlife experiences. Both countries are home to the endangered mountain gorillas, and visitors are given the rare opportunity to trek through lush forests and come face-to-face with these magnificent creatures. If you’re planning a gorilla tracking adventure with Future African Safari, here’s what you need to know about the experience in both Uganda and Rwanda.

Gorilla Tracking in Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Uganda is home to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers one of the most incredible gorilla tracking experiences in Africa. The park is located in the southwestern part of the country, and it’s known for its dense, misty forests and rugged terrain.
- Tracking Experience: Once you arrive at Bwindi, you’ll embark on a guided trek through the forest. The terrain can be challenging, with steep slopes and thick vegetation, so it’s advisable to be in good physical condition. Your guide will help you navigate the forest, and after an hour or more of trekking, you’ll finally encounter a family of mountain gorillas.
- Gorilla Families: Bwindi is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, and the park is divided into several regions, each with its own gorilla families. During your trek, you may encounter a variety of families, each with its own unique characteristics and behaviors.
- Permits and Costs: Gorilla tracking permits in Uganda are relatively affordable compared to Rwanda, but they are still a significant part of your travel budget. The cost of a gorilla tracking permit is approximately $700 per person, and this includes the park entry fee, guide, and the chance to spend one hour with the gorillas.
Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is another popular destination for gorilla tracking, known for its scenic landscapes, which include lush volcano slopes and bamboo forests. The park is located in the northwest of Rwanda, and it offers a more accessible trekking experience than Bwindi.
- Tracking Experience: The trails in Volcanoes National Park are generally shorter and less strenuous compared to Bwindi. However, the forest terrain can still be challenging, and the tracking experience is equally thrilling. The trek typically lasts between 1 and 3 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located. Once you find a group, you’ll be able to spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat.
- Gorilla Families: Volcanoes National Park is home to several habituated gorilla families, including some of the most famous groups, such as the Susa Group and Amahoro Group. The park has done an incredible job of habituating the gorillas to human presence, ensuring that visitors can observe them without disturbing their behavior.
- Permits and Costs: Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is more expensive than in Uganda, with permits costing around $1,500 per person. This high cost reflects the park’s focus on conservation and the premium nature of the experience. Despite the cost, Rwanda’s volcanoes and the ease of the trek make it a popular destination for many travelers.
What to Expect During Gorilla Tracking
Regardless of whether you are tracking gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda, the experience is designed to be both educational and awe-inspiring.
- Guided Trek: Gorilla tracking is always done with a professional guide, who will provide valuable insights into the gorillas’ behavior, their social structures, and the ecosystem they inhabit. The guides are highly trained and knowledgeable, ensuring your safety and an enriching experience.
- Conservation Efforts: Both Uganda and Rwanda have committed to the conservation of mountain gorillas, and tracking is carefully regulated to ensure that the gorillas remain protected. The funds generated from permits are used for gorilla conservation and to support local communities.
- Time with the Gorillas: Once you find the gorilla group, you will have a limited time (one hour) to observe and photograph them. This time is precious, as you’ll witness these gentle giants up close, watching them interact, feed, and play.
When to Go
The best time for gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda is during the dry seasons, typically from June to September and December to February. The conditions during these months are more favorable for trekking, with less rainfall and drier trails. However, both parks are open year-round, and gorilla tracking can be done at any time, with the wet season (March to May) offering fewer tourists and lush green landscapes.
Preparing for Gorilla Tracking
Gorilla tracking can be physically demanding, so it’s important to come prepared:
- Physical Preparation: While the trekking may not be extreme, it can be challenging due to the dense vegetation and the altitude. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes and clothes suited for trekking in forested areas. It’s also advisable to have a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy the experience.
- What to Bring: A few essentials to pack include long-sleeve shirts, pants, a rain jacket, sturdy trekking shoes, insect repellent, and a camera (without flash). Binoculars can also be useful for observing the gorillas from a distance.
- Health Precautions: It’s important to stay at least 7 meters away from the gorillas for health and safety reasons. Before tracking, you may be required to show proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test, depending on the regulations in place at the time of your visit.

Sustainable and Responsible Gorilla Tracking
Both Uganda and Rwanda have strong policies in place to ensure the welfare of the mountain gorillas and the communities around them. By choosing to track gorillas through Future African Safari, you’ll be supporting conservation efforts and helping to ensure the future of these incredible creatures. Your permit fees contribute to preserving the habitats of the gorillas and supporting local communities through eco-tourism initiatives.
Gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness one of the world’s most endangered species in its natural habitat. With Future African Safari, you’ll enjoy a seamless, unforgettable experience, from planning your trek to immersing yourself in the beauty and awe of these magnificent creatures.