At Ikigai Expeditions, we specialize in crafting one-of-a-kind gorilla trekking experiences centered on Uganda and Rwanda. Our expert team, a blend of passionate locals and seasoned expats, handles every detail of your journey, ensuring your adventure is seamless and unforgettable. Our adventures extend to wildlife safaris, bird-watching expeditions, and cultural tours that celebrate East Africa’s vibrant diversity. Travel comfortably and safely in our secure safari vehicles, designed to deliver unforgettable experiences across Uganda’s renowned national parks and beyond.
So, pack your bags, lace up your boots, and let’s trek the path less traveled. Africa is calling!
Embarking on a gorilla safari in Uganda or Rwanda allows you to stand face-to-face with one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. Since mountain gorillas share around 98% of our DNA, the time spent observing them in their natural habitat often ranks as a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter. Because these gorillas cannot survive in captivity, you won’t find them in any zoo. It’s no wonder that gorilla trekking has become the most popular wildlife adventure in Uganda and Rwanda.
Ikigai Expeditions serves as your one-stop provider for discounted gorilla safaris and Big Five excursions throughout East Africa. We also arrange exceptional trips in Tanzania and Kenya, and our team is available 24/7 to ensure a seamless experience.
The process of habituation is key to making gorilla trekking possible. Here, rangers spend time acclimating wild gorilla groups to human presence, ensuring these majestic animals remain calm and approachable when visitors arrive. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has successfully habituated over 20 gorilla groups, making it the premier location for this unique experience.
A gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi lasts about four hours per day. The fee is $1,500 per person—comparable to a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit—and offers a rare opportunity to contribute to this crucial wildlife conservation process. Currently, only two gorilla families are undergoing habituation in Bwindi, making this an incredibly special, hands-on adventure. Skilled guides and trackers will lead you through dense forests, following subtle clues left behind by the gorillas until you finally encounter these captivating creatures. Check out our dedicated gorilla habituation safaris below.
While the trekking experience is similar in both Uganda and Rwanda, there are distinct differences to consider. Rwanda’s gorilla permits cost $1,500 each, making it a more expensive option. Uganda’s permits are priced at $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens.
Travel times also vary. It takes about three hours to drive from Kigali International Airport to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. In contrast, driving from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda can take around 10 hours, though the drive from Kigali to Bwindi is approximately six hours. Rwanda’s upscale lodges and shorter travel times appeal to those seeking a luxury experience, while Uganda’s larger gorilla population and relatively lower permit costs attract a wide range of travelers. Both countries maintain a stable, secure environment for visitors.
Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park boasts the world’s largest population of mountain gorillas, with over 20 habituated families available for trekking. The park is divided into four sectors—Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo—and permits are allocated according to these sectors. With so many gorilla families, your chances of a successful sighting are extremely high. Popular groups include Rushegura, Mubare, Bitukura, Habinyanja, Kyaguriro, Oruzongo, Nshongi, Mishaya, and Nkuringo.
In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African nationals. Due to limited availability, it’s best to book your permit at least six months before your intended trek.
Volcanoes National Park, located in northwest Rwanda, is home to roughly 12 habituated gorilla families, with an estimated population of about 350 mountain gorillas. This park is part of the broader Virunga Massif, a region renowned for protecting these rare primates. Only one group of eight trekkers may visit each gorilla family per day, and interactions are limited to one hour to minimize stress on the animals.
Gorilla permits cost $1,500. This investment not only grants you an extraordinary experience but also contributes to vital conservation efforts for these remarkable creatures.
