Gorilla trekking in Africa gives you the chance to see endangered mountain gorillas in the wild, a dream trip for many travelers.
Fewer than 1,063 mountain gorillas remain in the wild today. Spending an hour with them in their natural home is a rare experience, and one of the top reasons to book a budget gorilla trekking safari with us.
Budget Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
A budget gorilla trek in Uganda offers affordable gorilla trekking in two places: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Uganda, known as the Pearl of Africa, is home to about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. It also has the most habituated gorilla families of any country, giving you more chances to see them. Uganda has 21 habituated gorilla families: 20 in Bwindi and one in Mgahinga.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park sits in southwestern Uganda, across the Kabale, Kanungu, and Kisoro districts. The park was created in 1991 to protect mountain gorillas and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Bwindi covers 331 square kilometers and has around 35 gorilla families, though only 20 are open for trekking. The park has four trekking areas: Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Ruhija.
- Nkuringo: Bushaho, Nkuringo, and Christmas families.
- Ruhija: Oruzongo, Kyaguriro, Bitukura, and Mukiza groups.
- Buhoma: Habinyanja, Rushegura, Katwe, and Mubare families.
- Rushaga: Nine groups, including Bikingi, Busingye, Mucunguzi, Kutu, Rwigi, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya, and Kahungye.
Besides gorilla trekking, Bwindi offers gorilla habituation, bird watching, nature walks, cycling, and Batwa cultural experiences.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has one habituated group, the Nyakagezi family, trekked from the Ntebeko area. Mgahinga sits in Kisoro District, about 8 to 10 hours from Kampala by road, and is Uganda’s smallest national park at 33.7 square kilometers. It forms part of the Virunga Conservation Area.
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Gorilla Permits in Uganda
Permit prices depend on your visitor category. As of 2024, permits cost $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and 300,000 Ugandan shillings for East African citizens.
Gorilla habituation permits in the Rushaga region cost $1,500 for foreign non-residents, $1,000 for foreign residents, and 750,000 shillings for East African citizens.
Where to Stay on a Budget in Bwindi and Mgahinga
Book your accommodation near the sector where you plan to trek.
- Ruhija: Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp, Gift of Nature Lodge.
- Rushaga: Ichumbi Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Nshongi Camp, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge.
- Buhoma: Buhoma Community Bandas, Bwindi View Bandas.
- Nkuringo: Mutanda Eco Community Centre, Virunga Campsite, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, Crested Crane Bwindi Hotel.
- Near Mgahinga: Amajambere Iwacu Camp, Golden Monkey Guesthouse, Mutanda Eco Community Centre.
Budget Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Budget gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place only in Volcanoes National Park, one of Africa’s top gorilla destinations.
Your trek starts with a briefing at the park offices in Kinigi, where rangers explain the rules. Volcanoes National Park sits in Ruhengeri, in the northwest of Rwanda, and protects five of the eight Virunga Massif volcanoes: Muhabura, Sabinyo, Gahinga, Bisoke, and Karisimbi.
The park has over 18 gorilla groups, though only 13 are open to tourists: Karisimbi, Kwitonda, Ugenda, Bwenge, Titus, Pablo, Agashya, Susa A, Amahoro, Hirwa, Sabinyo, and Umubano. You may also spot buffaloes, bushbucks, spotted hyenas, elephants, and over 200 bird species.
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Gorilla Permits in Rwanda
As of 2021, gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost $1,500 per person. Book your permit 2 to 6 months ahead through a local tour operator or the Rwanda Development Board.
Budget Accommodation Near Volcanoes National Park
Affordable options include Muhabura Hotel near Musanze district, Kinigi Guesthouse about 11 kilometers from Ruhengeri, and Villa Gorilla.
What to Carry on Your Budget Gorilla Trek
Pack waterproof hiking boots, a camera without flash, a small backpack, snacks, bottled water, a torch, insect repellent, long-sleeved shirts, a rain jacket or poncho, your visa, gorilla permit, yellow fever certificate, a first aid kit, and gardening gloves.
Gorilla Trekking Etiquette
- Keep 8 to 10 meters distance from the gorillas.
- Expect a 2 to 6 hour trek, followed by one hour with the gorillas.
- Avoid making noise and speak quietly.
- Only visitors 15 years and older with a valid permit can trek.
- Do not touch the gorillas.
- Cover your mouth when coughing and your nose when sneezing.
- Camera flash is not allowed during gorilla trekking.
Other Budget Activities
Trek the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda or the volcanoes of the Virunga Conservation Area, including Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Karisimbi, and Gahinga.
Uganda and Rwanda also offer excellent bird watching, with species such as ostriches, African green breasted pittas, broadbills, and shoebills across savanna, forest, and wetland habitats.
Track golden monkeys in the Virunga Conservation Area, spanning Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Enjoy a cultural safari with a Batwa community visit after trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga, or a stop at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village near Volcanoes National Park. Nature walks, cycling, and community volunteering are also available.
Best Time for Budget Gorilla Trekking
You can trek gorillas at any time of year in Uganda or Rwanda.
The dry months, from late May to September and December to February, offer the best trekking conditions with little rain. The wet months, from March to May and October to November, offer lower lodge prices for budget travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Budget Gorilla Trekking
Got questions about budget gorilla trekking? Here are answers to what travelers ask most, from permit prices to what to pack.
What is budget gorilla trekking?
Budget gorilla trekking lets you see a habituated gorilla family in the wild at an affordable cost, without the high price of a luxury safari.
Where can I do budget gorilla trekking?
In Uganda and Rwanda, at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Volcanoes National Park.
How much does a gorilla permit cost in Uganda?
As of 2024, permits cost $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and 300,000 Ugandan shillings for East African citizens.
How much does a gorilla permit cost in Rwanda?
As of 2021, gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost $1,500 per person.
Which country is cheaper for gorilla trekking, Uganda or Rwanda?
Uganda offers the more affordable permit price, at $800 compared to Rwanda’s $1,500.
How many gorilla families can I trek in Uganda?
Uganda has 21 habituated gorilla families, 20 in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and one in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Which sectors can I trek from in Bwindi?
Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Ruhija.
How many gorilla groups can I trek in Rwanda?
Volcanoes National Park has over 18 gorilla groups, though only 13 are open to tourists.
How long does a gorilla trek take?
Expect a 2 to 6 hour trek, followed by one hour spent with the gorillas.
Do I need a permit for gorilla trekking?
Yes, and only visitors 15 years and older with a valid permit can trek.
How far in advance should I book a gorilla permit in Rwanda?
Book your permit 2 to 6 months ahead through a local tour operator or the Rwanda Development Board.
What is the Gorilla Habituation Experience?
A special activity in the Rushaga region where habituation permits cost $1,500 for foreign non-residents, letting you spend extended time with gorillas as they get used to humans.
Where is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?
In southwestern Uganda, across the Kabale, Kanungu, and Kisoro districts.
Why is Bwindi a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 for its rich wildlife, after being created as a park in 1991 to protect mountain gorillas.
Where is Volcanoes National Park?
In Ruhengeri, in the northwest of Rwanda.
What other animals can I see in Volcanoes National Park?
Buffaloes, bushbucks, spotted hyenas, elephants, and over 200 bird species.
What should I pack for a budget gorilla trek?
Waterproof hiking boots, a camera without flash, insect repellent, a rain jacket, your visa, gorilla permit, yellow fever certificate, and a first aid kit.
Can I use camera flash during gorilla trekking?
No, camera flash is not allowed during gorilla trekking.
When is the best time for budget gorilla trekking?
The dry months, from late May to September and December to February, offer the best conditions, while the wet months from March to May and October to November offer lower lodge prices.
Where can I stay on a budget near Bwindi?
Options include Bakiga Lodge and Gorilla Mist Camp in Ruhija, Ichumbi Lodge and Nshongi Camp in Rushaga, and Buhoma Community Bandas in Buhoma.
Book your budget gorilla trekking safari with Magical Gorilla Adventures today.
