PLAN YOUR TREK · FAQ
Quick answers to the questions we're asked most about trekking with mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda.
Yes. You trek with trained guides and armed rangers, and the gorilla families are habituated to people. Rangers enforce strict safety rules, and Uganda and Rwanda are popular, welcoming destinations for visitors.
US$800 per person in Uganda (US$600 in April, May and November in 2026 and 2027) and US$1,500 per person in Rwanda for international visitors. Our tours include the permit.
One hour once you reach the gorilla family. The trek to find them takes anywhere from 1 to 6 hours or more, depending on where they are.
Visitors keep a distance of about 23 feet (7 meters) to protect the gorillas from stress and disease, though curious youngsters sometimes come closer.
15 years for gorilla trekking and 12 years for golden monkey trekking. There is no upper age limit.
A moderate level of fitness is enough. Trails can be steep and muddy at altitude, so regular walking beforehand helps. Porters and walking sticks make it easier, and less mobile travelers can be assigned closer families.
The dry seasons, June to September and December to February, offer the easiest trekking. You can trek year-round, and Uganda's low-season months offer cheaper permits.
Uganda offers better value and more gorilla families; Rwanda offers quicker access from Kigali, gentler treks and luxury lodges. Both offer an unforgettable encounter.
It's optional but highly recommended. A porter costs about US$20 per day plus a tip, carries your bag, helps you on steep sections and supports local families.
Gorillas can catch human illnesses, so rangers may not allow you to trek if you have a cold, flu or other contagious illness. Travel insurance is compulsory on our tours.
Six to twelve months ahead is ideal, as permits often sell out, especially for July to September. A deposit lets us secure your permits as soon as you confirm.
Yes, photography is allowed and encouraged, but flash is not permitted. A camera with good low-light performance works best in the shaded forest.
Most visitors do. The East Africa Tourist Visa costs US$100 and covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya for 90 days with multiple entries, which suits trips that cross between Uganda and Rwanda. Check the rules for your nationality before you travel.
Uganda announced in October 2026 that a yellow fever certificate is no longer required for entry, although vaccination is still recommended. Rwanda asks for a certificate if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk. Ask a travel clinic about other vaccinations and malaria prevention.
It's very rare. Trackers set out at dawn to find each family and radio its position to your guide, so almost every trek reaches its gorillas. What varies is how long it takes to get there.
A maximum of eight visitors per gorilla family per day, plus your guide, armed rangers and any porters.
Not until they're 15, the minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. Children from 12 can join golden monkey treks, and younger children can enjoy nature walks and community visits while older family members trek.
Done by the rules, yes. Visits are limited to one hour a day with carefully habituated families, groups are small, and rangers enforce distance and health rules. Permit fees fund ranger patrols and community projects, a big reason mountain gorilla numbers are rising. Read more in why go gorilla trekking.
Tipping is customary. Porters cost about US$20 per day and most travelers tip them on top. For a week-long trip, allow around US$120–250 per person in tips for guides, rangers, trackers and lodge staff, and bring small US dollar notes.
Rangers may ask you to wear a face mask while you're with the gorillas, because they can catch human respiratory illnesses. Pack a few, and follow your ranger's instructions on the day.
Stay calm, don't run, and follow your ranger. Crouch down, look away and keep still: a silverback's charge is usually a display, and rangers know each family well. Curious youngsters sometimes come closer than 23 feet (7 meters), so move back slowly if you can.
Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park suits most travelers, and Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is best for a short trip. Our guide to the best place for gorilla trekking compares every park, and Uganda vs Rwanda compares the two countries.
Our tours include gorilla permits, transport, an expert guide, and lodges and meals as listed. Each tour page sets out exactly what's included: see our gorilla trekking tours.
Send us an inquiry with your dates and group size. We'll check permit availability and send a quote, and once you confirm with a deposit we secure your permits. If you're still deciding, start with Plan Your Gorilla Trek or our gorilla permits and cost guide.
Permit, visa and health rules are set by each country's authorities and can change. Correct as of October 2026.
Our team is happy to help with anything about planning your gorilla trek.
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