Gorilla Trekking Safaris to Uganda, Rwanda and Dr Congo

Africa Adventure Vacations takes you into the deep jungles of tropical rain forests of Bwindi and Virunga conservation area for mountain gorilla trekking adventure to meet the mighty silverback gorillas and blackbacks. This journey trail leads you to meet gorillas in their natural habitat with a close encounter to the creatures that look like us in behavior and social arrangement. Take time and check some of our Uganda gorilla safaris and tour packages. All our gorilla trekking tours can be customized based on your travel desires, time and budget!Besides gorilla safaris, tourists come to Uganda, Rwanda and Dr Congo for other amazing adventure tour activities such as bird watching, Fishing safaris, chimp trekking, honey moon tours, golden monkey trekking, mountain climbing, cultural tours and city tours. We have a cocktail of selected epic Africa adventure tour packages that may be rewarding and exciting for booking

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda can be done throughout the year however the activity is more comfortable during dry season. Chances of seeing the gorillas in Africa stand at 99% however the competition for gorilla permits in Africa is always high and sold on first come first serve basis. We therefore advise our visitors to book a gorilla trekking adventure as early as possible to secure their permits for this lifetime encounter!

Choosing a gorilla family to track depends on the level of fitness and preferences. Some families live closer to the starting point while others may be located deeper into the forest. In most cases senior citizens normally track close gorilla families while the youth go for a long trail in search for the allocated gorilla group.

Luxury gorilla trekking tours and Safaris In Uganda and Rwanda

Our Adventure tours in Africa arrange from Budget, Mid-range and Luxury wildlife safaris however if our visitors decide to go luxury, we always exceed their expectations. We use luxury safari vehicles with comfortable inclining seats, pop up and sliding windows to enhance perfect views and photography; and the best luxury hotels and lodges in Uganda and Rwanda.

Our luxury gorilla trekking tours and safaris in Uganda and Rwanda can be arranged on private and group basis. Honeymooners are always advised to go premium for some special treats like bush breakfast, sipping sparkling wine in the wilderness among others in order to commemorate their African tour adventure with unforgettable experiences. Other than mountain gorilla trekking, we craft honey moon packages with a number of activities such as boat cruise on different water bodies, game drives and sun-downing diner at the pool side or in the park.

Luxury gorilla trekking safaris can be done throughout the year however most holidaymakers prefer trekking from June to September; and from December to February.

Budget gorilla trekking safaris in Africa

Uganda offers the best affordable and budget gorilla trekking safaris in Africa with a half of the remaining mountain gorilla population in the world. Budget gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda are done in Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga gorilla national parks and prices are based on the level accommodation but price for the gorilla permits and gorilla tracking experiences remain the same.

Are you looking for affordable and budget gorilla trekking safari packages in Africa? We are the leading safari company in organized budget tours in Uganda, Rwanda and Dr Congo. We partner with different hotels and lodges across the country to have the best rates for our visitors to offer very comfortable accommodation at low discounted rates irrespective of your class of travel. All our guests who book budget gorilla safaris with us get booked in very comfortable safari lodges on full board basis and transported in air-conditioned safari vans with WiFi to stay connected with your friends and family during your amazing African adventure safari.

Our budget gorilla tours are tailor made for affordability, comfort and enjoyment beyond your expectations.

Cost of a gorilla permit

Are your planning to do a gorilla trekking safari and tour in Africa? You need to have a genuine gorilla permit to allow you track the gorillas. A gorilla permit for foreign nonresidents goes for $700 in Uganda, $1500 in Rwanda and $400 in Dr Congo however; during low seasons permits are sold at a discount in Virunga National Park of Congo for $250. These tariffs are inclusive of park entrance fees, guiding fees/rangers and advanced trackers

More still, a permit for gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi national park Uganda goes for $1500. Gorilla habituation is quite different from gorilla trekking experience. Tourists stay with gorillas for 4 hours during gorilla habituation and only 1 hour during gorilla trekking tour. while It is a whole day’s experience and involves having four hours with mountain gorillas instead of the one hour allocated to tourists during standard gorilla trekking.

You may book a gorilla permit through a tour operator or from Uganda Wildlife Authority for Uganda, Rwanda Development Board for Rwanda and official Virunga national park website for Dr Congo.

Tourists intending to go gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation in Africa are advised to book for gorilla permits at least 2 months in advance however; if you are planning to travel during peak season of June, July, August and September,  we recommend that you do the booking at least 5 months prior to arrival to avoid disappointments.

Gorilla Trekking Rwanda VS Congo Vs Uganda

There is always a debate about the best gorilla trekking experiences in Africa among the mountain gorilla destinations of Uganda, Rwanda and Dr Congo. However, there is no doubt that mountain gorillas are found in the Virunga conservation area (Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Mgahinga gorilla National park in Uganda and Virunga national park in Dr Congo) that is shared amongst the three countries as well as the mighty Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park in Uganda, commonly known for being a home to almost a half of the world mountain gorilla population.

Therefore, deciding on where to go for gorilla trekking experiences depends on number of factors such as price of the gorilla permit, accommodation, stability and supporting logistics. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is considered to be easier because the gorillas are usually seen after just a few hours of trekking however the altitude is higher, therefore trekkers have to be fit considering that volcanoes is a mountainous park but with open forest vegetation to allow better gorilla viewing and photography.

Congo gorilla trekking is done from Virunga National Park. Virunga park is the oldest game reserve in Africa with unmatched biodiversity. However, the park is heavily affected by insecurities and political instabilities which affect steady tourism operations and activities. Gorilla trekking in Dr Congo is usually combined with Nyiragongo mountain hiking to explore an active volcano and the world’s largest lava lake. Gorilla safaris and tours in Dr Congo are very rewarding however; safety and security is a big concern and activities are usually on and off, this makes planning difficult for travelers.

Gorilla trekking in Mgahing agorilla National Park Ugandan is done to track the only Nyakagezi habituated gorilla family hence attracting fewer visitors due to limited daily permit availability. Therefore, most gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda are done from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park with 17 habituated gorilla families. There are no specific trails in the Bwindi due to dense tropical vegetation cover this affects thorough movement through the jungle while on search for mountain gorillas. The landscape is also misty and slippery due to almost daily mist and forest droplets in the forest. Visitors are advised to put on trekking boots and rain coat during their adventure in Bwindi.

Logistically, Rwanda is a clean and safe country with a number of high-end accommodation properties and good road network to major tourist destinations hence targeting luxury tourists. Uganda is also a safe destination with a number of properties ranging from budget, mid-range and luxury lodges and camps. Highways in Uganda as well done and maintained to enhance efficient and effective transfers.

Gorilla trekking in Congo is heavily affected by instabilities and limited accommodation properties. We advise tourists looking for gorilla tracking to stay in Gisenyi before and after their tracking experiences

A gorilla permit costs $1,500 in Rwanda, $700 in Uganda and $400 for Dr Congo.

Mountain gorilla trekking is an incredible life changing experience and we call upon everyone to contribute towards the survival of mountain gorillas in Africa!

Best Time to go Gorilla trekking in Africa

After choosing a destination to go Gorilla trekking in Africa, you will start thinking on when to visit a selected country for a memorable gorilla tour and safari. Gorilla trekking can be done throughout the year in Uganda, Rwanda and Dr Congo if not affected by instabilities! All countries have pleasant temperatures however most holiday makers tend to visit Africa from June to mid-October and from December to mid-March. Those are considered peak seasons in Uganda, Rwanda and Dr Congo and prices tend to hick a bit for accommodation due to high demand in most sectors. However, if you are a price sensitive traveler, we advise you to travel during the low season of Late march to May and November due to crazy discounts offered by different chain product suppliers. The region experiences heavy down shower in April &May and October to November, this at times affect gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and Dr Congo but it doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to enjoy your adventure.

We welcome you in Africa with open hands for gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and Dr Congo to assist you in achieving your lifetime African adventure Experiences; visit the giant mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and a number of wild animals in different national parks of Queen Elizabeth, Murchison falls, Kidepo and Akagera national parks.

Money paid for gorilla permits goes directly to government conservation bodies of the respective countries to conserve wildlife for future generation. Africa Adventure Vacations offers a number of gorilla trekking packages combined with wildlife tours, walking safaris, cultural tours, mountain hiking and adventure trips in East Africa.

Top things to do on an Adventure safari travel in Africa

Are you looking for a fantastic African travel adventure? Here is some of the most selling activities that you may not miss out on your safari to Uganda, Rwanda and Dr Congo.

Gorilla trekking – This can be done in Bwindi Impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, Virunga national park and Volcanoes national park. This activity is only done in Uganda, Rwanda and Dr Congo.

Game drives – These are done in most savannah national parks of Uganda and Rwanda to spot a number of animals such as Lions, Impalas, Leopards, Hippos, Elephants, Giraffes, Buffaloes among others

Chimpanzee trekking – This is done in a number of forests such as Kibale forest, Budongo forest, Kalinzu forest and Kyambura gorge in Uganda. The same activity is done from Nyungwe forest in Rwanda.

Mountaineering – Ruwenzori mountain is the major destination for mountain climbing in Uganda while Nyiragongo hike in Dr Congo is another breathtaking destination for hikers.

Cultural experiences – Uganda has over 50 cultures each with unique norms and practices. Booking a cultural tour introduces you to explore different cultures in terms of music, dance, drama, food among others.

Bird watching – Birding in Uganda is done from both reserves and non-protected areas. The country is a home to over 1070 bird species

Boat cruise –These are done on major water bodies in Uganda and Rwanda to spot aquatic wildlife such as hippos and crocodiles.  Kazinga channel and at the bottom of River Nile in Uganda serves the main sites for this activity while Lake kivu is also a good destination for boat trips in Rwanda.

Uganda Wildlife Safaris