A Journey Into the Soul of the Forest

Few wildlife encounters in the world compare to trekking for gorillas. It is not just a safari highlight; it is a pilgrimage into the very heart of our shared ancestry, a humbling reminder that we are but one thread in nature’s grand tapestry.

The journey itself is an adventure earned step by step. You set out on foot, winding through dense primary and secondary rainforest, sometimes squeezing along narrow, root-knotted tracks, sometimes opening into sunlit clearings. Guides move ahead with practiced ease, parting towering bamboo, cutting a way through vines, or listening for subtle forest signals only they can decipher. Cicadas hum their chorus as if urging you forward.

Then comes the moment: a call echoes through the forest. Your calves burn, sweat beads on your brow, stinging nettles leave their trace—but it is all worth it. The trackers signal back—the gorillas are close. Excitement tightens in your chest as your guide halts the group: masks on, voices lowered, only essentials in hand. “They are here,” the guide whispers.

What follows is an encounter beyond words. To kneel in the presence of a silverback, to watch a mother cradle her infant, to see juveniles tumbling in play, this is to meet kin. Gorillas share 98% of our DNA; in their eyes you glimpse something achingly familiar, a reflection of our own humanity in wild form. For one profound hour, time seems suspended, and the forest feels like a cathedral.

Urth Expedition has walked these paths and felt the quiet magic in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga in Uganda, Odzala-Kokoua in the Republic of Congo, and Virunga in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (where we currently pause travel due to unrest). Each park offers a sanctuary not only for the gorillas but for those who come seeking them—managed with care to ensure sustainable encounters that protect both wildlife and wilderness.

Four subspecies of gorilla still fight for survival: the iconic mountain gorilla, the elusive Grauer’s gorilla, the widespread western lowland gorilla, and the rare cross-river gorilla found only in Nigeria and Cameroon. To spend even a fleeting hour with these extraordinary beings is to be changed.

In their presence, you do not simply watch wildlife, you remember what it means to belong to the wild.

Where in Africa Do Gorillas Live?

Image courtesy of One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

That first moment when your eyes meet theirs is unforgettable, a profound reminder of our shared place in the natural world.

Gorillas are found only in the dense forests of Central Africa, with the majority living in the Congo Basin—the planet’s second largest tropical rainforest. But mountain gorillas are the exception. These remarkable primates make their homes in the high-altitude forests of the Albertine Rift, a chain of mist-covered volcanoes and lush slopes that stretch across Rwanda, Uganda, the Republic of Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Trekking to see them is more than a wildlife encounter—it’s a journey into some of Africa’s most beautiful and fragile ecosystems, and an opportunity to witness one of the rarest, most moving spectacles on earth.

Gorillas in Rwanda

*A large silverback resting inside Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Image by Getty Images*

Rwanda: Heartland of the Mountain Gorillas

Rwanda is a land of misty volcanoes, emerald hills, and one of the world’s greatest conservation success stories. Today, this small but mighty country is home to nearly half of the planet’s remaining mountain gorilla population. For travelers longing for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter, Rwanda offers the most accessible and seamless gorilla trekking experience in Africa.

Just a three-hour drive from Kigali, Volcanoes National Park is the beating heart of Rwanda’s gorilla conservation efforts. Here, ten habituated gorilla families—ranging from playful groups of eleven to powerful clans of thirty-plus—move through ancient rainforest. Each trek is its own adventure: some short and gentle, others demanding and rewarding, but all lead to that profound moment when you meet a gorilla face-to-face in the wild. For those on tight schedules, we can even arrange a private helicopter transfer from Kigali directly into the park.

Rwanda pairs beautifully with a classic safari in Kenya or Tanzania. Daily flights connect Kigali with Nairobi and even parts of the Serengeti, making it easy to weave gorilla trekking into a wider East African journey.

Volcanoes National Park also carries a rich legacy. It was here that Dian Fossey conducted her groundbreaking research, immortalized in Gorillas in the Mist, and where her work sparked global conservation efforts. Today, the new Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund continues that mission. This eco-forward campus includes state-of-the-art research, education, and conservation facilities, serving as both an inspiration and a training ground for the next generation of wildlife guardians.

When the trekking day is done, Rwanda’s hospitality shines. Luxury eco-lodges sit at the edge of the forest, many with sweeping views of the Virunga volcanoes or the shimmering twin lakes. Here, you can warm yourself by the fire, share stories from the trail, and reflect on the privilege of meeting one of our planet’s most extraordinary relatives.

Best Places to See Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda

At the heart of Rwanda’s gorilla experience lies Volcanoes National Park, set in the lush northwestern corner of the country near the town of Musanze. Established in 1925, it is Africa’s oldest national park and remains one of the world’s most celebrated sanctuaries for mountain gorillas. Today, ten habituated gorilla families—some with just over a dozen members, others with more than thirty—move gracefully through this mist-covered rainforest, offering travelers a rare and intimate glimpse into their world.

For those drawn to history and legacy, Volcanoes National Park is where American primatologist Dian Fossey conducted her groundbreaking research, later immortalized in Gorillas in the Mist. Her work ignited global awareness about the importance of gorilla conservation. Carrying that mission forward is the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, a multi-acre, eco-friendly center adjacent to the park. With its research hub, education spaces, and conservation gallery, the campus is not only a tribute to Fossey’s vision but also a living classroom shaping the next generation of conservationists.

When it comes to where to stay, Rwanda’s Volcanoes region does not disappoint. Exceptional eco-lodges and boutique retreats are nestled right at the forest’s edge, many with sweeping views of the Virunga volcanoes or the twin lakes. After a day of trekking, you can return to the warmth of a crackling fire, reflect on your time with the gorillas, and soak in the deep sense of connection that only this corner of Africa can offer.

*There are so many beautiful places to stay, including Bisate, just outside Volcanoes National Park. Image courtesy of Wilderness*

Best Times to See Gorillas in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking is a year-round activity, but like any rainforest, it’s easier to trek in the dry seasons, which are mid-December to early February and June to September. Park rangers track the groups’ movements year-round, so if you don’t mind muddy boots, the opportunities are still there when the rains come down—just bring your most waterproof gear (pants, jacket, warm hat, and you’ll be totally comfortable). In the wet season, the air is crystal clear, so you’ll find great views of the volcanoes, and gorillas tend to hang out on the lower slopes of the mountain.

Rwanda Gorilla Permit Costs and What They Include

To support conservation efforts, the Rwanda Development Board only issues 80 gorilla permits daily for $1,500 per person per trek—with a max of eight people allowed per group. Each trekking group is assigned a gorilla family by a ranger on the day of their trek, according to group size and fitness levels. The permit grants you an hour-long experience with a gorilla group once a park ranger locates them. This price may seem steep, but you’ll be in one of the cleanest, most progressive model nations on the continent, and the data shows how successful this conservation model is. In fact, they are the only primate species whose numbers are increasing. Also, 10 per cent of what you pay goes to surrounding communities. The gorilla safari experience in Volcanoes National Park is highly organized, with free coffee provided by every morning before your trek by Rwanda’s famous coffee shop, Question Coffee.

Gorillas in Uganda

*Visiting Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers many unique experiences. Image by Getty Images.*

Uganda: Eden of Primates and Wild Landscapes

Uganda is often called the Pearl of Africa, and it’s easy to see why. Here, lush rainforests and misty mountains flow into wide savannahs, shimmering lakes, and winding rivers, a landscape as diverse as the wildlife it protects.

Most notably, Uganda is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it one of the rare places on earth where you can encounter these gentle giants in their natural environment. Trekking through Bwindi’s impenetrable forest or the slopes of Mgahinga brings you face-to-face with these extraordinary primates in a way that feels both humbling and life-changing.

But gorillas are just the beginning. Uganda is also a sanctuary for more than a dozen other primate species, from playful troops of golden monkeys to the expressive communities of chimpanzees that you can also trek to meet. Every step into Uganda’s wild places reveals another layer of its Eden-like richness—an Africa at once raw, welcoming, and unforgettable.

Locations to See Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

*Ugandan mountain gorilla in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Image courtesy of Wildplaces Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge*

Gorilla Safaris in Uganda

Uganda offers two extraordinary gateways into the world of mountain gorillas, each with its own character and charm.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the country’s smallest park, is home to a single habituated family, the Nyakagezi group. What makes this family so special is not their size, but their temperament. They are wonderfully accustomed to human presence, often curious and unhurried, giving trekkers the rare sensation of being welcomed into their circle. A visit here feels less like observation and more like communion.

Further north lies the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a sprawling, emerald sanctuary that shelters over 400 gorillas—nearly half of the world’s entire population. Within its dense rainforest live 11 habituated families, more than 160 individuals, including playful juveniles and endearing infants that will steal your heart. Trekking here is an adventure through lush valleys and steep ridges, rewarded by one of the most profound wildlife encounters on earth.

For those seeking something even more exclusive, Bwindi’s Gorilla Habituation Program in Rushaga offers a rare opportunity. Unlike a standard trek, this intimate four-hour experience allows you to join researchers as they gradually introduce gorilla families to human presence. It’s an extraordinary privilege, not only to observe, but to actively participate in conservation while forging a deeper connection with these gentle giants.

With Urth Expedition, every gorilla trek in Uganda becomes more than an adventure; it is a journey of reverence, responsibility, and awe.

Seasons to See Gorillas in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is available anytime, but most people go during the two dry seasons: January to February and June to September. It may be advantageous to opt for the rainy season when the apes are just as present, and there’s less competition to secure one of the limited 96 gorilla permits issued per day.

Uganda Gorilla Permit Costs & Conservation Value

One of the most meaningful aspects of gorilla trekking in Uganda is knowing that your permit directly supports conservation and communities. A gorilla trekking permit costs $700 per person, year-round, and the breakdown of where that money goes is powerful:

75% is invested directly into protecting Uganda’s gorilla population.
15% supports government management of the parks.
10% flows back to the local communities surrounding the reserves, ensuring they benefit from conservation.

This fee includes park entrance, a professional ranger guide, advance trackers, and the unforgettable hour spent with the gorillas.

For those seeking a deeper encounter, the Gorilla Habituation Experience is available for $1,500 per person, limited to just four trekkers. This immersive program allows you to spend up to four hours with a gorilla family still in the process of becoming accustomed to human presence—a rare opportunity to witness conservation in action.

What to Expect:
Trekking is a true adventure. The trails wind through humid rainforest and steep terrain, sometimes climbing to elevations of 7,500 feet. The journey is challenging, muddy, and physical, but the reward is immeasurable.

Logistics:
Bwindi is about a 9–10 hour drive from Entebbe, so we recommend incorporating gorilla trekking into a five-day or longer safari, exploring more of Uganda’s wildlife and landscapes along the way. For those short on time, daily flightsfrom Entebbe to Bwindi make it possible to experience the gorillas in just a few days.

With Urth Expedition, your permit is not just a ticket, it’s an investment in conservation, community, and one of the most profound wildlife encounters on earth.

Gorillas in Republic of Congo

*Odzala-Kokoua National Park includes the vast Congo rainforest basin. Image courtesy of Congo Conservation Company*

Where to Find Western Lowland Gorillas in Congo

For travelers who crave exploration beyond the beaten path, Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo is a destination like no other. Stretching across the immense Congo Basin rainforest—the second largest tropical forest on earth—Odzala is home to a dazzling variety of wildlife. Forest elephants move silently through the trees, monkeys chatter overhead, and hidden deep within this emerald wilderness lives the world’s largest population of western lowland gorillas.

This is not a polished safari—it’s a raw, exhilarating adventure for seasoned Africa travelers. The rainforest is hot, humid, and alive with insects. Trekking here requires resilience, but those willing to embrace the wild are rewarded with extraordinary encounters: watching gorillas feed in forest clearings, hearing the haunting calls of hornbills, or spotting rare primates that few will ever see in their lifetime.

Odzala is more than gorilla trekking, it’s an immersion into one of the last truly untouched ecosystems on the continent. Days unfold along rainforest trails, game drives across open savannahs, or explorations by boat, kayak, and even on foot through rivers, baïs (forest clearings), and swamps. It’s an environment that humbles and exhilarates in equal measure.

For those who want the full experience, a seven-day expedition program links remote camps by charter flights, making it possible to discover the diversity of this remarkable park without losing its sense of raw remoteness.

At Urth Expedition, we see Odzala not just as a destination, but as an authentic journey of discovery—one that strips away comfort to reveal the pure essence of wilderness and the profound privilege of meeting western lowland gorillas where they truly belong.

Best Months to See Gorillas in the Republic of Congo

Timing is everything when it comes to gorilla trekking in the Republic of Congo. The most rewarding months to visit are during the dry seasons—June to September and December to February. During these windows, the rainforest trails are more accessible, rivers and roads are less likely to flood, and your chances of reaching the gorillas increase dramatically.

It’s also the season when western lowland gorillas gather in greater numbers to feed on fruiting trees, offering incredible opportunities to observe their social interactions and behaviors up close. These months strike a perfect balance: easier travel logistics paired with some of the richest wildlife encounters in one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas.

With Urth Expedition, we plan Congo journeys around these optimal times so you can focus less on the challenges of the terrain and more on the unforgettable privilege of meeting gorillas in their natural home.

Congo Gorilla Trekking Costs and Package Options

*A visit to Lango camp inside Odzala-Kokoua National Park is a very special experience. Image courtesy of Congo Conservation Company*

Gorilla Permits & Travel Considerations in the Republic of Congo

One of the draws of gorilla trekking in the Republic of Congo is that permits are comparatively affordable, just $355 per person. But a journey to Odzala-Kokoua National Park is about so much more than seeing gorillas. We recommend spending at least a week here, moving between the park’s three unique camps, to experience the full breadth of its biodiversity. Beyond gorillas, Odzala offers a rare chance to encounter forest elephants, forest buffalo, bongos, sitatungas, and an astonishing variety of monkey species found almost nowhere else on earth.

Travel Advisory:
The U.S. government currently advises travelers to reconsider travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to crime and civil unrest. While the DRC continues to recover from conflicts that ended in 2003, unrest remains a challenge in certain regions.

At Urth Expedition, your safety is our highest priority. For now, we have placed gorilla experiences in the DRC on pause until conditions improve.

That said, the role of tourism here is profound. In the past, camps were run in partnership with the national park, with all revenue flowing directly back into gorilla protection and community development. Tourism has the potential to be a powerful force for peace and progress, helping to build much-needed infrastructure and hope for local communities.

When the DRC is stable and safe again, we will be among the first to encourage responsible travel back to this extraordinary destination. Because here, your visit is not just a journey—it is a direct investment in conservation and the future of one of the world’s most remarkable species.

Gorilla Trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Travel Notice: Democratic Republic of the Congo

To Note: In line with national and international travel advisories, Urth Expedition has paused all travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (including Virunga National Park) due to ongoing crime and civil unrest.

This should not be confused with the Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), which remains safe and open to travelers.

Your safety is always our top priority. We will resume operations in the DRC as soon as conditions allow, and when we can do so responsibly for both our travelers and the communities we support.

Where to See Gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo

In the heart of Central Africa lies the Virunga Mountains, a chain of mist-draped volcanoes that stretch across the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At their core is Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Africa’s oldest national park. Here, more than 100 mountain gorillas find refuge in dense rainforest and volcanic slopes, their presence a living testament to resilience and survival.

Eight habituated gorilla families roam within the park, including the mighty Bageni clan, once numbering 26 individuals. Like all gorilla groups, their stories are alive with drama—silverbacks challenging for dominance, families splitting and reforming—reminders that these are not static creatures, but dynamic societies with complex lives. For visitors, though, the encounters are nothing short of peaceful and transformative. Standing quietly among them, you are welcomed into a world that feels both ancient and intimately familiar.

When to Visit

The best conditions for trekking mirror those of Rwanda and Uganda: the drier months of January–February and June–September offer easier trails and greater accessibility. Yet even in the rains, the gorillas remain active—trekking here is a year-round possibility for those undeterred by mud and mist.

Costs and Value

Gorilla trekking in the DRC is also one of the most accessible from a financial standpoint, with permits starting at $400 per person, significantly lower than in neighboring countries. Your journey can be enriched with a visit to the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage, the only facility of its kind in the world, or an overnight adventure on the fiery rim of Nyiragongo Volcano at 11,383 feet—a surreal and unforgettable experience.

Access

Virunga is just a three-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda, making it surprisingly convenient despite its remote wilderness character.

✨ With Urth Expedition, we believe travel here is not just about seeing gorillas—it’s about standing in a place where conservation, community, and raw wilderness converge. Encounters in Virunga remind us of both the fragility and strength of our shared planet, and why protecting these landscapes is one of the most profound callings of our time.

Gorilla Trekking FAQs

Which Part of Africa Has the Most Gorillas?

The highest population of mountain gorillas is in Africa, and they live in the Virunga Mountain Range, which stretches across three countries, Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Is it Better to See Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda?

Both destinations are excellent places to see gorillas. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is the most easily accessible. In Uganda, there are two options to trek: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, which has 13 groups and around 400 gorillas, and Mgahinga National Park, with just one habituated group.

Bwindi also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience, where you’re able to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated group. They’re less predictable and not as relaxed with humans as habituated groups, and it’s a fascinating, intimate glimpse into how gorillas gradually get used to humans. At US$1500, it’s the same price as one hour with Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.

What Can I Expect From a Gorilla Safari?

There’s nothing quite like coming face-to-face with a gorilla. They seemingly stare deep into your soul, and it’s one of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters on earth. Getting to have a one-hour glimpse into their lives in the forest is so unique and special. Of course, you’re trekking in the wilderness, and along with that comes heat, humidity, and insects.

Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Money?

The cost of gorilla permits is essential to preserving the gorillas’ habitats and supporting local communities. So yes, it is worth the money. The cost ensures the sustainability of conservation initiatives, funds development projects, and enhances all visitors’ experiences.

Are Gorillas Friendly?

Gorillas are known to be very quiet, charismatic, and peaceful animals. Every gorilla group has a different dynamic, and every trek will be a completely different experience, depending on their mood, what’s happened in the family, and whether or not they’ve eaten. Sometimes you’ll encounter them on a serious day, where they look deep into your soul and stay in one place. Other times you’ll find them in a very playful mood, with lots of babies, swinging from tree to tree and rolling around. That’s the beauty of a gorilla trek, you could do it 100 times, and every single experience will be unique and different, which is why we recommend trekking at least twice, and to two different families when possible.

What Should You Do if a Gorilla Approaches You?

More often than not, the gorillas are going to want to approach you. Curious by nature, the younger gorillas may come right up to you and even reach for you or your belongings. That’s why the guides are there to ensure a safe distance between you and the gorillas. Sometimes they will playfully charge at you, in which case the guides will get between you and the gorillas in order to ensure your safety and theirs. Other times they may brush right by you.

It’s very important to wear a mask. Gorillas share 98 per cent of our DNA and are susceptible to human diseases, including COVID-19 and the flu.t

Do Gorillas Bite?

Generally, gorillas are very shy. The only time they may attack is if they were threatened or a human isn’t following the rules outlined during the briefing. Never run away when they approach, and always make slow movements. An unexpected movement could result in a male silverback male can react with horrific roaring and bluff charges.

That said, gorillas have large canines that give bites that are incomparable to any of those carnivores like lions and crocodiles. A bite from a gorilla can cover about 1,300 pounds per square inch, which is way higher than predatory lions, which have 650 pounds per square inch.

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Gorillas in Africa: Complete Trekking Guide