Gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda is not just a wildlife experience; it's a soulful encounter that stirs the spirit and leaves an indelible mark on your heart. Imagine standing just a few meters from a 200kg silverback, his thoughtful eyes meeting yours in the misty stillness of a rainforest clearing. At Bush Wander, we believe this isn’t just a bucket-list adventure — it’s a powerful moment of connection that supports conservation, uplifts communities, and invites travelers to tread lightly and purposefully.

Where to Track Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda

Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, and you can meet these magnificent creatures in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its diverse habitats and four unique tracking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each sector offers a different adventure — from serene river trails to dramatic ridge climbs. Mgahinga, nestled in the Virunga Mountains, is smaller but spectacular, with misty volcano backdrops and a single charismatic group known as the Nyakagezi family.

Across the border in Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is one of Africa’s most iconic primate destinations. The park is home to about a third of the global mountain gorilla population and offers a more accessible terrain and luxurious lodge network. The gorilla families here are well-habituated and the experience is highly organized, often making it a top choice for travelers seeking both comfort and conservation impact. Choosing your park and sector often depends on your travel routes, physical ability, accommodation preferences, and how adventurous you’re feeling!

Gorilla Permits and What They Support

A permit is your golden ticket to this experience, and it's more than just a pass — it’s a direct contribution to conservation. As of 2025, Uganda permits cost $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. Rwanda permits cost $1,500 USD across the board. These fees might seem steep, but they go directly to protecting the gorillas, paying rangers and trackers, funding anti-poaching patrols, and supporting local communities with health and education programs. Only eight visitors are allowed per gorilla family per day, so booking in advance is essential.

When to Go Gorilla Tracking

Both Uganda and Rwanda offer year-round tracking, but the best times are during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February. These months provide drier trails, better light for photography, and easier hikes. However, the rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) have their own magic — lush forests, dramatic skies, and fewer crowds.

What to Expect on the Day of Tracking

Your day begins with a warm cup of tea or coffee at your lodge, followed by a detailed briefing at the park headquarters. You’ll then venture into the forest with expert trackers and armed rangers. Depending on the movement of the gorilla family, the trek can be as short as 30 minutes or as long as 6 hours. But once you meet the gorillas, everything else melts away. You’ll spend a full hour watching them groom, feed, play, and interact in their natural world — a moment that’s both intimate and unforgettable. Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park tends to offer slightly shorter and easier hikes, while Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga can be more rugged and wild.

Fitness, Difficulty & Porters

You don’t need to be an ultra-hiker, but a reasonable level of fitness helps. Terrain in Bwindi is steeper and more variable, while Volcanoes National Park has clearer trails and slightly higher altitudes. In both countries, hiring a porter is highly encouraged. For a modest fee, you’re directly supporting a family while making your journey more comfortable. Walking sticks are available and very useful on muddy trails.

Packing Essentials for the Jungle

Smart packing is key for a successful trek. Bring sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts and trousers (to avoid insect bites and stinging nettles), gloves for grabbing branches, and a rain jacket or poncho. Carry at least 2 liters of water, some snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a non-flash camera. Bush Wander offers a pre-trip checklist to help you pack light, right, and responsibly.

Tracking Etiquette & Conservation Ethics

Gorilla tracking comes with sacred rules — and for good reason. Always maintain a 7-meter distance, speak in hushed tones, and avoid quick movements. No eating, drinking, or flash photography near the gorillas. If you’re unwell, it’s vital to skip the trek — mountain gorillas share 98% of our DNA and are vulnerable to human illness. Respecting these rules ensures the survival of the species and preserves the magic for future generations.

Want More Time? Try the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda

If one hour just isn’t enough, Uganda offers a rare experience: the Gorilla Habituation Experience. Available in Bwindi’s Rushaga sector, this allows you to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated group of gorillas as researchers guide them toward human tolerance. It’s raw, intimate, and incredibly immersive — ideal for photographers, primate lovers, and those seeking a deeper connection to conservation.

Where to Stay: Eco-Luxury Meets Purpose

Accommodation options range from luxury eco-lodges to charming community-run guesthouses. In Uganda, Buhoma offers stays like Mahogany Springs or Ride 4 a Woman, while Rushaga and Nkuringo feature options like Four Gorillas Lodge or Clouds Mountain Lodge. Rwanda’s Musanze region is home to high-end retreats like Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda, and more modest but comfortable choices like Da Vinci Lodge. At Bush Wander, we prioritize stays that align with sustainability values — those that use renewable energy, source food locally, and empower nearby communities.

How to Get There: From City to Forest

In Uganda, most travelers arrive via Entebbe International Airport and either drive or fly to western Uganda. Domestic flights to Kisoro or Kihihi save time and offer stunning aerial views. In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Kigali, making it ideal for shorter itineraries. Bush Wander arranges seamless road transfers, cross-border transitions, and in-country flights tailored to your travel style.

Make It a Multi-Adventure Safari

Don’t just stop with gorillas. Uganda and Rwanda offer rich extensions. Track chimpanzees in Kibale or Nyungwe Forests, go on game drives in Queen Elizabeth or Akagera National Parks, explore Lake Bunyonyi or Lake Kivu, and dive into cultural experiences like visiting Batwa communities or Genocide Memorials. Whether you’re a birder, photographer, or cultural explorer — East Africa has something magical waiting.

Responsible Travel Tips from Bush Wander

Travel can be a force for good — and at Bush Wander, we encourage it to be just that. Support locally owned businesses. Offset your carbon footprint. Say no to single-use plastic. Tip fairly. Ask before taking people’s photos. Learn a few local phrases. Your conscious choices make your safari matter — long after you return home.

Let Your Footsteps Matter

Gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda is unforgettable — not just for the close encounter with one of Earth’s most endangered and majestic species, but for the transformational journey that unfolds along the way. At Bush Wander, we design adventures that blend sustainability, soul, and safari into a seamless story you’ll never forget.

So go ahead — answer the call of the forest. Let your next adventure echo with meaning. Let your footsteps matter.