Gorilla Tracking: Rwanda or Uganda?

With only 1,100 mountain gorilla remaining on earth, the majority of them live in the Virunga Mountains straddling Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo, while the remaining population lives in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. For the record, Uganda is home to half of the mountain gorilla population.

Where to See Gorillas in Rwanda

In size, Rwanda is a much smaller country than Uganda, lending itself better to a short trip in combination with a safari or a beach holiday elsewhere in East Africa. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes National Park, situated only two hours on tarmac road from Kigali City and Kigali International Airport. To visit mountain gorillas, you will need a minimum of two nights stay, though three nights would be ideal.

Rwanda Gorilla Groups

Currently Rwanda has 13 habituated gorilla groups open for gorilla trekking. From the legendary Susa Group studied by Dian Fossey, to the peace-loving Amahoro Group, each family’s story provides insight into the resilience and complexity of gorilla society.

Mountain gorilla families in Rwanda include

• Susa Group
• Karisimbi Group
• Isimbi Group
• Igisha Group
• Amahoro Group
• Umubano Group
• Sabinyo Group
• Agasha Group
• Muhoza Group
• Hirwa Group
• Kwtonda Group
• Kwisanga Group
• Kigomo Group

These habituated gorilla groups vary in number from around 9 to 39 individuals and all currently have at least one dominant silverback male. Rwanda gorilla group thrive in the forested five Virunga volcanoes that is Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, Mount Visoke, Mount Muhabura and Karisimbi.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda – the Land of a Thousand Hills as positioned itself as a premier destination for travellers who value distinction and seamless access. You may be drawn to the legendary status of Volcanoes National Park – a place where Dain Fossey and her work ignited a global conservation movement, saving the then declining population of mountain gorillas and their habitat.

Just a 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali International Airport, Volcanoes National Park offers the most efficient access to mountain gorillas. It is widely praised as one of the most access gorilla viewing experience due to its small size and large population of mountain gorillas.

Volcanoes National Park’s landscape is dramatic consisting of mostly dramatic volcanic mountain range. Here, gorillas mostly stay within the bamboo forest zone, a landscape filled with lush greenery and rolling hills, a beautiful setting in which to observe these gentle giants. Also the vegetation tends to be quite open, making it ideal for photography and easy viewing.

In terms of the actual trek, the conditions in Rwanda are easier to tackle compared with Uganda, with trekking paths being more worn in and accessible. This is one of the key differences between gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda. However, depending on the location of the gorillas, this can change with some gorilla families being easier to reach than other. Still, gorilla trekking is physically demanding requiring a decent level of fitness.

Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

A gorilla trekking permit is a legal requirement for a gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda, allowing visitors to track the gorillas and authorities to regulate the number of people in the park – how many people visit gorillas on a given day. Additionally, a gorilla permit contributes finally to the conservation efforts in Volcanoes National Park and its surrounding communities

As of 2026, the cost of a gorilla permit in Rwanda is US$ 1,500 for Non-Foreign visitors. The price is subject to change, and it is issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

If Rwanda is the gorilla trekking destination of your choice but you are on a tighter budget, opt for traveling during the low season (November to May). As of 2026, there is a 30 discount on gorilla permits for this period, bring the cost of gorilla permits to US$ 1,050. However TO qualify for this rate, you must book at least two nights in either Akagera National Park or Nyungwe National Park, and provide proof of accommodation and at least one activity booked in these parks when applying for the discounted gorilla permit.

Where to See Gorillas in Uganda

The main draw to Uganda is its raw, unfiltered depth and for those looking for a true African adventure, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the place to go. Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Gorilla Trekking Experience in Uganda

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage Site feels like a living, breathing relic of an ancient world.

When you think about the difference between gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, the answer mostly lies in the experience, landscapes and costs.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is unmatched for raw and rugged landscapes. It is an extensive tract of tropical rainforest, and as its name suggests, it is denser with lusg vegetation that can sometimes make the trek a bit more challenging. The forests lives up to its “Impenetrable” name. On a gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, expect a muddier and more rugged hike through ancient, thick vegetation at high altitudes – a taste to your physical ability that makes your encounter with gorillas feel earned. When comparing Rwanda Vs Uganda gorilla trekking, this is a key consideration, especially if you are not used to long hikes.

Bwindi Impenetrable has four starting point for gorilla trekking that is

• Buhoma Sector

The northern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the birthplace of Uganda’s gorilla tourism. Buhoma Sector offers a wide range of established luxury accommodations and a generally gentler terrain.

• Nkuringo Sector

A perfect sector for those interested in earning their gorilla encounter. It is set on a high ridge with 360 degree views of the Virunga Volcanoes. The treks in Nkuringo Sector are exceptionally demanding.

• Rushaga Sector

Found in the south and home to the highest number of habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

• Ruhija Sector

The highest and coldest sections of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is also the most secluded and far away from the most tourist paths.

Travel time between Uganda and Rwanda is slightly different and is based on when comparing gorilla trekking in Rwanda Vs Uganda. Uganda is quite a bit larger meaning that you will spend a bit more time on the road, with the drive from Entebbe to Bwindi taking between 8-10 hours.

Gorilla Families in Uganda

Uganda is home to 26 gorilla groups across Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, including

• Katwe Gorilla Family
• Muyambi Gorilla Family
• Mubare Gorilla Family
• Habinyanja Gorilla Family
• Binyindo Gorilla Family
• Kanyanyi Gorilla Family
• Bitukura Gorilla Family
• Oruzogo Gorilla Family
• Mukiza Gorilla Family
• Kyaguriro Gorilla Family among others.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Part of the Virunga Conservation Area together with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and DR.Congo’s Virunga National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to one habituated gorilla family – Nyakgyezi. This family is known for its mobile tendencies, it use to move to Rwanda and Congo, but recently it has settled in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Gorilla Permits in Uganda

One of the advantages of choosing Uganda as your gorilla trekking destination is an affordable gorilla permit costing US$800 Per person per trek, which is nearly half the price of Rwanda’s US$ 1,500 Permit. During the low season months of April, May and November, the price for gorilla permit is discounted to US$ 600, making it even more accessible option for budget conscious travellers.

Gorilla Safari FAQs

1. Do I Need to be fit to trek mountain gorillas?

Gorillas lived in the protected montane rainforests, so to be allowed to trek through the misty forests to see these primate you need to have a gorilla permit. Currently, a gorilla permit in Uganda costs USD 800 per person per trek and USD 1,500 per person per trek.

2. What time of year is best to visit the gorillas?

You can visit gorillas all – year round and because of the rainforest climate. It can rain any day of the year, so there is not any time of year to particularly avoid to travel. April and May are the rainiest months in Uganda and Rwanda’s rainforests, so most travellers tend to avoid these times.

3. Are you guaranteed to see gorillas?

Though it is not 100% guaranteed to see mountain gorillas on your gorilla trek. It is 99% guaranteed as we have never heard of an instance where a group of tourists did not get to see a gorilla group during their trek. To help ensure your gorilla sighting, trackers set off at dawn to locate the gorilla group and communicate their GPS coordinates to the park headquarters and they are always in communication with the ranger. So when you set off on your trek with your guide, you know where you are headed.

4. What kind of clothing should I wear?

When you set out to track mountains you should expect to get muddy and rained on, so a waterproof jacket is essential. Carry a warm sweater and layers to keep you warm and long trousers and shirts are essential to protect your legs and hands against nettles.

A waterproof daypack is essential for your camera, water bottle and snacks. For a small fee, porters can be hired to carry your daypack and help you up the steeper slopes.

5. Is there a minimum or maximum age to visit the gorillas?

Yes, to take part in gorilla trekking you must be at least 15 years and there is no flexibility to this rule. The age limit applies for both Uganda and Rwanda and it is strictly enforced by the national park authorities. There is no upper age limit for gorilla trekking.

6. Will I need a gorilla permit?

Yes, gorilla permits must be obtained to visit the gorillas and, so only eight permits are available per habituated gorilla group each day. Gorilla permits are extremely limited that is why it is important to book your permit immediately the moment you decide to go gorilla trekking.