Best Gorilla Trekking Tours in Africa- 2025 Gorilla Safaris

Best Gorilla Trekking Tours: Gorilla trekking in Africa is a bucket-list adventure, offering a rare opportunity to encounter the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

At Trek Rwanda Gorillas Safari Company, we specialize in crafting unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the only three countries in the world where these endangered primates can be found.

Based in Rwanda, our company leverages local expertise, sustainable tourism practices, and personalized service to deliver the best gorilla trekking tours in Africa

About Trek Rwanda Gorillas Safari Company

Trek Rwanda Gorillas Safari Company is a locally owned tour operator based in Kigali, Rwanda, with a passion for showcasing the region’s extraordinary biodiversity and cultural heritage.

With years of experience organizing gorilla trekking safaris, we have earned a reputation for professionalism, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

Our team of expert guides, drivers, and travel planners is dedicated to creating tailored experiences that cater to your interests, whether you’re a solo traveler, a family, or a group seeking adventure.

Our gorilla trekking tours focus on Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and the DRC’s Virunga National Park.

We also offer multi-country safaris, combining gorilla trekking with wildlife adventures, chimpanzee tracking, and cultural experiences.

Our commitment to eco-tourism ensures that every trip supports conservation efforts and local communities, making your journey both thrilling and responsible.

Why Choose Gorilla Trekking with Trek Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, allowing you to observe mountain gorillas—our closest relatives, sharing 98% of human DNA—in their natural rainforest habitats. Here’s why Trek Rwanda Gorillas Safari Company stands out as the best choice for gorilla trekking tours in Africa:

• Local Expertise: As a Rwandan-based operator, we have intimate knowledge of the region’s parks, wildlife, and logistics, ensuring seamless and authentic experiences.
• Customizable Itineraries: Our tours are tailored to your preferences, from budget-friendly to luxury options, and can include additional activities like chimpanzee trekking or cultural visits.
• Sustainable Tourism: We partner with conservation organizations and local communities to ensure your trip supports gorilla protection and sustainable development.
• Experienced Guides: Our professional guides are trained in gorilla behavior, safety, and conservation, providing insightful and safe trekking experiences.
• Affordable Pricing: We offer competitive rates without compromising quality, with transparent pricing that includes gorilla permits, accommodation, and transport.

Best Gorilla Trekking Tours in Rwanda

Trek Rwanda Gorillas Safari Company offers a range of gorilla trekking tours, from short, budget-friendly trips to comprehensive multi-country safaris. Below, we detail our top tours, highlighting their itineraries, inclusions, and unique features. All tours begin in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, which is just a 2.5-3 hour drive from Volcanoes National Park, making it the most accessible gorilla trekking destination in Africa.

3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Price: Starting at $1,800 per person (budget option, low season)
Overview: This short but immersive tour is perfect for travelers with limited time who want to experience gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, home to 12 habituated gorilla families.

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
  Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where our team will greet you and transfer you to a comfortable hotel in Kigali, such as Hotel des Mille Collines or Kigali Serena Hotel (luxury option) or Flame Tree Village (budget option). Enjoy a city tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history, or relax at your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Kigali.
• Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
  Depart early for a 2.5-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. After a briefing at the park headquarters at 7:00 AM, embark on a gorilla trek (2-6 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location). Spend one hour observing a gorilla family, witnessing their social interactions, led by a dominant silverback. Return to your lodge, such as Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (mid-range) or Wilderness Bisate (luxury), for dinner and overnight.
• Day 3: Departure
  After breakfast, return to Kigali for your departure or optional activities like a visit to Nyandungu Eco Park. Transfer to the airport for your flight.

Inclusions:

• Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500 per person)
• Full-board accommodation
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle transport
• Professional guide and driver
• Bottled water and park fees
• Airport transfers

Unique Features:

• Easy access to Volcanoes National Park, just a 3-hour drive from Kigali.
• Option to add golden monkey trekking or a visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund for a deeper conservation experience.
• budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodation options to suit all travelers.

5-Day Rwanda Gorillas and Chimpanzee Safari

Price: Starting at $2,500 per person (budget option, low season)
Overview: This tour combines gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, offering a comprehensive primate adventure in Rwanda’s lush rainforests.

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
  Arrive in Kigali, transfer to your hotel, and enjoy a city tour or relax. Overnight in Kigali.
• Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
  Drive to Volcanoes National Park (2.5 hours). Check into your lodge and enjoy an afternoon visit to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village to learn about Rwandan traditions. Overnight at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or similar.
• Day 3: Gorilla Trekking
  Embark on a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, spending one hour with a gorilla family. Return to your lodge for relaxation or an optional hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb. Overnight in Volcanoes National Park.
• Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
  Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park (5-6 hours), a pristine rainforest home to 13 primate species. After lunch, embark on a chimpanzee trek (2-4 hours) to observe these lively primates. Overnight at One&Only Nyungwe House (luxury) or Nyungwe Top View Hotel (budget).
• Day 5: Departure
  After breakfast, drive back to Kigali (5-6 hours) for your departure or optional activities like a canopy walk in Nyungwe.

Inclusions:

• Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500)
• Chimpanzee trekking permit ($90)
• Full-board accommodation
• Private 4×4 transport
• Professional guide and driver
• Park fees and bottled water
• Airport transfers

Unique Features:

• Combines two premier primate experiences: gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.
• Scenic drives through Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
• Option to add a canopy walk or birdwatching in Nyungwe, home to over 300 bird species.

9-Day Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo Multi-Country Gorilla Safari

Price: Starting at $4,200 per person (budget option, low season)
Overview: This comprehensive tour covers gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and the DRC’s Virunga National Park, offering a unique opportunity to see mountain gorillas in three countries.

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
  Arrive in Kigali, enjoy a city tour, and overnight at a comfortable hotel.
• Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
  Drive to Volcanoes National Park for a gorilla trek. Spend one hour with a gorilla family and return to your lodge for overnight.
• Day 3: Transfer to Uganda
  Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (4-5 hours, including border crossing). Check into Buhoma Lodge (mid-range) or Bwindi Lodge (luxury) and relax.
• Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
  Trek to see a gorilla family in Bwindi, known for its dense rainforest and diverse gorilla groups. Return to your lodge for overnight.
• Day 5: Wildlife Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (3-4 hours) for a game drive to spot lions, elephants, and hippos. Enjoy a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.
• Day 6: Transfer to DRC
  Cross into the DRC and transfer to Virunga National Park (4-5 hours). Check into Mikeno Lodge and prepare for trekking.
• Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga
  Trek to see mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to your lodge for overnight.
• Day 8: Return to Kigali
  Drive back to Kigali (4-5 hours), with an optional stop at Lake Kivu for relaxation. Overnight in Kigali.
• Day 9: Departure
  Transfer to Kigali International Airport for departure.

Inclusions:

• Gorilla permits for Rwanda ($1,500), Uganda ($800), and DRC ($400)
• Full-board accommodation
• Private 4×4 transport
• Professional guide and driver
• Park fees, boat safari, and bottled water
• Airport transfers

Unique Features:

• Rare opportunity to trek gorillas in three countries, each offering unique landscapes and gorilla families.
• Includes a classic Big Five safari in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Option to add Nyiragongo volcano hiking in the DRC for an adventurous twist.

Learn More: Gorilla Safaris Uganda, Rwanda, & Congo

Why Rwanda is the Premier Gorilla Trekking Destination

Rwanda is widely regarded as Africa’s easiest and most accessible gorilla trekking destination, making it the centerpiece of our tours. Here’s why:

• Proximity to Kigali: Volcanoes National Park is just a 2.5-3 hour drive from Kigali, compared to Uganda’s Bwindi, which requires a 10-12 hour drive or domestic flight from Entebbe.
• Easier Trekking Conditions: The terrain in Volcanoes National Park is less dense and more open than Bwindi, making treks generally easier, though still physically demanding.
• Luxury Accommodations: Rwanda offers top-tier lodges like Wilderness Bisate and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, blending luxury with eco-friendly design.
• Conservation Success: Rwanda’s gorilla population has grown to over 1,000 due to robust conservation efforts, supported by tourism revenue from permits ($1,500 per person).
• Additional Attractions: Beyond gorillas, Volcanoes National Park offers golden monkey trekking, volcano hikes, and visits to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

Pricing and Permits

Gorilla trekking permits are a significant cost but contribute directly to conservation. Here’s a breakdown of permit costs and tour pricing:

Destination	Permit Cost (USD)	Tour Price (USD, per person, budget option)	Notes
Rwanda (Volcanoes NP)	$1,500	$1,900 (3-day tour)	Most accessible, higher permit cost due to conservation funding.
Uganda (Bwindi/Mgahinga)	$800	$1,500 (3-day tour)	Cheaper permits, longer travel time from Entebbe.
DRC (Virunga NP)	$400	$1,200 (3-day tour)	Budget-friendly but less stable security; check travel advisories.

Notes:

• Tour prices include permits, accommodation, transport, meals, and park fees.
• Prices vary by season (low: March-May, October-November; high: June-September, December-February).
• Luxury options (e.g., Wilderness Bisate) increase costs by $500-$1,000 per person.
• Book permits 3-6 months in advance, as only 80-96 visitors are allowed daily in each park.

What to Expect on a Gorilla Trek

Gorilla trekking is a physically demanding but rewarding experience. Here’s what to anticipate:

• Trekking Duration: 2-6 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location. Treks involve hiking through dense forests and steep slopes at altitudes of 8,000-13,000 feet.
• Group Size: Maximum of 8 trekkers per gorilla family, ensuring an intimate experience.
• Gorilla Encounter: Spend one hour observing a habituated gorilla family, led by a silverback. Maintain a 20-foot distance, though gorillas may approach closer.
• Packing Essentials: Waterproof hiking boots, raincoat, gloves, insect repellent, and energy snacks. Porters ($15-$20) are available to carry bags or assist less mobile travelers.
• Fitness Requirements: Moderate fitness is required, but stretchers are available for less mobile travelers in Rwanda. Minimum age is 15.

Conservation and Community Impact

By booking with Trek Rwanda Gorillas Safari Company, you contribute to gorilla conservation and local communities:

• Conservation Funding: Permit fees fund park rangers, veterinary care, and habitat protection, helping increase the mountain gorilla population to over 1,000.
• Community Support: Many porters are former poachers now employed in tourism, providing sustainable livelihoods.
• Cultural Engagement: Optional visits to Iby’iwacu Cultural Village support local artisans and preserve Rwandan traditions.

Why Book with Trek Rwanda?

• Tailored Experiences: We customize tours to include activities like chimpanzee trekking, Big Five safaris, or cultural visits, based on your interests.
• Affordable Options: Budget tours start at $1,200-$1,800, offering value without compromising quality.
• Safety and Reliability: Our experienced guides ensure safe treks, and our 4×4 vehicles provide comfortable transfers.
• Positive Reviews: Past clients praise our knowledgeable guides, seamless logistics, and commitment to conservation, as seen on platforms like TripAdvisor.

Booking Your Gorilla Trekking Safaris

To book with Trek Rwanda Gorillas Safari Company, contact us via our website, email, or WhatsApp Us. Our team will help you choose the perfect itinerary and secure gorilla permits. We recommend booking 3-6 months in advance, especially for peak seasons (June-September, December-February), to ensure availability.