18 DAYS
FROM $3,700.00
At Ikigai Expeditions, we design gorilla trekking adventures that go far beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re tracking mountain gorillas through the misty forests of Uganda or Rwanda, every detail of your journey is carefully handled by our team of passionate locals and seasoned explorers who call East Africa home.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there. We also offer unforgettable wildlife safaris, immersive birding experiences, and cultural encounters that bring you face-to-face with the heartbeat of the region. You’ll travel in comfort and safety, thanks to our custom safari vehicles built for the terrain and tailored for your experience.
So, if you’re ready to trade routine for the raw beauty of the wild, pack your bags and lace up your boots. The trail is waiting and Africa is calling.
There’s nothing quite like locking eyes with a mountain gorilla in the wild. These incredible creatures share about 98% of our DNA, and watching them interact in their natural habitat is often described as one of the most powerful wildlife encounters on Earth. Since mountain gorillas can’t survive in captivity, seeing them in the wild isn’t just special it’s the only way.
Gorilla trekking has become the signature adventure in Uganda and Rwanda, and for good reason. It’s raw, intimate, and unforgettable.
At Ikigai Expeditions, we make these experiences possible. From affordable gorilla safaris to Big Five game drives across East Africa, we handle it all. Whether you’re dreaming of misty forests in Uganda, wide savannahs in Kenya, or iconic landscapes in Tanzania, our team is here around the clock to make it happen smoothly, safely, and with a personal touch.
Gorilla habituation is the essential process that makes gorilla trekking possible. It involves trained rangers and researchers spending time with wild gorilla families, gradually helping them get used to human presence. This slow and respectful approach ensures that visitors can observe these powerful animals without causing them stress or fear.
In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, over 20 gorilla families have already been habituated, making it one of the best places in the world for this kind of close wildlife encounter. But for those looking for something even more immersive, the gorilla habituation experience offers a unique chance to be part of the process.
Instead of the usual one-hour visit, habituation experiences give you up to four hours in the company of a gorilla family that is still adjusting to human observers. This isn’t just about watching from a distance. You’ll follow skilled trackers through thick forest, reading subtle signs like broken branches, footprints, and distant calls. Eventually, you’ll come face-to-face with a group that is still learning to accept human presence. It’s an encounter that feels raw, rare, and incredibly personal.
Permits for this experience cost $1,500 per person, which is the same as a standard gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda. However, the extra time and intimacy make it a completely different experience. At the moment, only two gorilla families in Bwindi are undergoing habituation, so space is limited and permits often sell out well in advance.
Beyond the adventure, this experience is also a powerful way to support conservation efforts. The habituation process is monitored by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and your participation helps fund the protection of mountain gorillas and their fragile habitat. Many of the guides you’ll meet have spent years in the forest, and their knowledge adds real depth to the experience.
Curious about whether this is the right trek for you? We’ve answered the most common questions:
Check out our gorilla habituation safaris in Bwindi and let us help you plan a journey that supports wildlife and brings you closer to one of nature’s most awe-inspiring creatures.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda offers a similar heart-pounding experience, but there are a few key differences worth considering before you choose where to go.
In terms of cost, Rwanda’s gorilla permits are priced at $1,500, making it the pricier option. Uganda, on the other hand, offers permits at $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens a more budget-friendly choice for many travelers.
Travel time is another factor. From Kigali International Airport, it’s just a three-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Entebbe takes longer around 10 hours by road though many travelers now opt to fly into Kigali and drive approximately six hours across the border into Uganda for a smoother route.
If you’re after a high-end, quick-access experience, Rwanda’s short drive times and luxury lodges make it a strong contender. If you’re looking for a more affordable option with access to more habituated gorilla families, Uganda might be the better fit.
Whichever you choose, both countries offer secure, well-organized treks through breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable moments with one of our closest relatives in the wild.
Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to the world’s largest population of mountain gorillas, with over 20 habituated families open to trekkers. The park is divided into four regions Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo and permits are issued based on where each gorilla group is located.
With so many families in the forest, your chances of a successful sighting are very high. Some of the most visited groups include Rushegura, Mubare, Bitukura, Habinyanja, Kyaguriro, Oruzongo, Nshongi, Mishaya, and Nkuringo.
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. Since availability is limited and demand is high, especially in peak seasons, it’s a good idea to secure your permit at least six months in advance.
Volcanoes National Park, tucked away in the northwest corner of Rwanda, is home to around 12 habituated gorilla families and an estimated 350 mountain gorillas. As part of the Virunga Massif, this lush volcanic range is one of the last strongholds for these critically endangered primates.
To protect the gorillas and their habitat, visits are carefully managed. Only one group of eight trekkers is allowed to visit each gorilla family per day, and time with the gorillas is limited to one hour just enough for a truly unforgettable encounter, without overwhelming the animals.
A gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500, a fee that not only grants you access to this once-in-a-lifetime experience, but also supports ongoing conservation programs that help ensure the survival of these incredible creatures for generations to come.