Mountain gorilla trekking, holidays & tours
An encounter with mountain gorillas is a humbling experience, one of the best you’ll ever have with mammals in the wild
Mountain gorilla trekking, holidays & tours available in Rwanda, UgandaCustom designed Mountain gorilla trekking in Africa
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An encounter with mountain gorillas is a humbling experience, one of the best you’ll ever have with mammals in the wild
The sheer size of mountain gorillas – especially the male silverback – is enough to engender awe, but the first thing you’ll probably notice when you come face to face with these astonishing primates is their intelligence and lack of fear. Unlike other wild animals, which are naturally cautious in the presence of humans, gorillas, along with chimpanzees, have no such fear.
Popular Mountain gorilla trekking in Africa
These popular itineraries can be customised to match your budget and travel dates
Primates and wildlife of Uganda and Rwanda
See mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys and tree-climbing lions, take a boat cruise and visit Rwanda's genocide memorial
$ 6,406
£ 5,032
R 82,408
€ 5,725
per person
11 days
The complete East Africa experience
Enjoy East Africa's most celebrated highlights, from a snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, to sailing above the Serengeti in a hot-air balloon and meeting mountain gorillas
$ 11,494
£ 9,029
R 147,860
€ 10,271
per person
13 days
Best of Africa safari
Experience the best of Africa, from the Okavango Delta – one of Africa's Seven Natural Wonders – to the endangered mountain gorillas and East Africa's Great Migration
$ 14,390
£ 11,305
R 185,115
€ 12,859
per person
16 days
Birding through Uganda
This is a safari for the serious birder wanting to see exciting new bird species, as well as chimpanzees and mountain gorillas
$ 5,969
£ 4,689
R 76,786
€ 5,334
per person
11 days
Rwanda gorillas and the migration, both sides of the Mara River
Enjoy two of Africa's most magnificent wildlife experiences – mountain gorillas and the Great Migration – on one unforgettable safari
$ 7,988
£ 6,275
R 102,759
€ 7,138
per person
11 days
More on Mountain gorilla trekking in Africa
When gorilla trekking, your day usually starts early, as you’ll need to travel to the park headquarters at either Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. If you’re on a gorilla safari in Rwanda, you’ll only find out which family you’re going to see on the morning of your trek. On the Ugandan side, your permit will be have been booked in advance to see a specific gorilla family, so you can prepare a little better for the safari.
The thick vegetation and slippery mud in the forests can be hazardous. You should wear strong walking shoes, thick jeans, long-sleeved tops and gloves to protect your skin against the aptly named blister bush, which causes severe blisters. You should also be prepared for rain at any stage, so have waterproofs ready and a case for your camera. Higher-end lodges will provide you with a gorilla-trekking kit, but others will just get you to the park headquarters. Check in advance what you need to pack.
Your rangers and trackers will lead you to where the gorilla family was last noted the day before. However, there’s no way of knowing how long you’ll have to trek to get to the primates, and they could be on the move. Be prepared for quite a hike to get to them and to keep up with them when you do! After each day of gorilla trekking you’ll generally get back to your lodge in the early afternoon, in time for a late lunch.
It’s well worth combining a mountain gorilla safari with a visit to see chimpanzees. The best place for chimps is in Kibale Forest in Uganda, where you can spend an hour or a full day with habituated families. It’s preferable to visit the chimps in the afternoon when they’re likely to be closer to the ground; earlier in the day they feed in the forest canopy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mountain gorilla trekking in Africa
Although wildlife viewing is good throughout the year. The warmer months from October to March are more pleasant - the scenery is greener and this is also the time most of the animals are born. However, the park is mostly about its scenery… go there.
The best time to visit Ithala Game Reserve is during the dry winter months, from May to September. During this season it is easier to spot the wildlife since the grass is eaten by herbivores. Expect to encounter and sight birds - such as… go there.
The best time to visit Tankwa Karoo National Park is from autumn through winter to early summer of April to September. However, this is a perfect place to indulge in blessed idleness. If you want to see the landscape and animals, you'll… go there.
The best time to visit Marakele National Park is during May to September. Since animals tend to seek for reliable waterholes and stay close by during the dry winter months. However, this is the best time for wildlife viewing. Marakele is a… go there.
Augrabies Falls National Park is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is between April and September. When the popular three-day Klipspringer Trail is open. However, the waterfall is particularly impressive when in flood -… go there.
The best time to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southern Rwanda is during the drier months of June to August or December to January. Even though June to August or December to January are categorically referred to as drier months… go there.
The best time to visit Zanzibar Island is from June to October - during the dry months of spring. However, another popular time to visit the tropical Island is from December to February - when it’s hot and dry. go there.
Rubondo Island National Park is best visited in the dry months of July to February. The jungle is less humid - however, there are also less mosquito’s and the temperatures are not as extreme. go there.
June to August during the dry season, is the best time to visit Saanane Island National Park. This season is great for game drives, picnic as well as rock hiking. go there.
Reviews on our Mountain gorilla trekking in Africa
Discover Africa was the only tour operator I reached out to who wanted to have a Skype conversation to get to know more and my husband & my tastes and preferences. Megan Warrington was wonderful to work with - she crafted our activities and…
Stephanie
from United States of America
All details were covered, all staff and food excellent, service was perfect - would highly recommend for sure.
Ron
from United States of America
They organized everything for our first visit to Africa, from the airport meet & greet through to the tours, great hotels and locations.
Michael
from United States of America
From the first approach to the end, Discover Africa, has been excellent . The hotels, the service and every think has been well above our expectation. The perfect choice ! Thanks to all and specially to Megan.
Enrico Liberati
from Italy
My trip last August to Botswana was arranged by Discover Africa and I couldn't have chosen better. Everything was well organised and I didn't have to worry about anything. The safari tour was far beyond expectations; the accommodation was…
Debby
from Spain
The assistance was provided very professionally. Our trip coordinator tried to find the best places considering all our needs and finance. I would definitely recommend Discover Africa to everyone who is going to make a memorable Africa trip!
Anna Martirosyan
from Portugal
