Just like us, gorillas can love, laugh, grieve and make and use tools. A high level of practical and emotional intelligence makes them amazing creatures to track in the wild as, unlike tigers or elephants, we can relate to them. This makes a gorilla safari the most poignant and inspiring experience ever. The only place in the world that you can enjoy this is in Africa; in the Middle Eastern states of Uganda and Rwanda. In these neighbouring states, there are just 2 National Parks that offer the chance to go on a trek or gorilla safari, the details of which you can find below.

 

 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in South West Uganda in East Africa, situated along the Democratic Republic of Congo border, on the edge of the western Great Rift Valley. In the local language, ‘bwindi’ literally means dark place, referring to the impenetrable nature of the dense forest. It comprises of 331sq km of tropical rainforest, with both hilly and low lying areas. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the most biologically diverse woodlands in Africa. It is most notable as it contains half the world's population of critically endangered Mountain Gorillas. A total of 340 reside there, including 4 habituated groups open to gorilla safari.

 

 

Rwanda has a rich history of Gorilla study and protection, the work of both George Schaller and Diane Fossey was undertaken here. The Parc National des Volcans borders both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. It is a spectacular corner of Africa, with 6 dramatic volcanic peaks forming the backdrop to your gorilla safari. The habitats are a lot more open than at Bwindi which can sometimes allow for easier sightings and photography. With 7 gorilla groups, it has the largest number of habituated groups in Africa, making it easier to obtain a permit too (see more below).

Wildlife Trails organise tailor-made trips to see Gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda. You choose your own itinerary, we make it happen. Deciding whether to gorilla safari in Uganda or Rwanda is really about personal choice and depends on what else you’d like to see, you can visit our website for more information.

 

 

Firstly, you’ll have a short briefing by your guide in the parks offices. You’ll be tracking one particular troop of between around 10-20 gorillas. The treks are normally done in parties of 6 or 8 and may take 2-8 hours depending on the movements of your pre-allocated troop. Once you encounter the group, you’ll have an opportunity to observe them in their natural splendour, they rarely react to tourists. The law allows no more than 1 hour at a time to be spent observing a troop. After that, it’s back to base.

 

 

Those who wish to take a gorilla safari must first get a permit which costs around $500.00, revenues go to the Wildlife Authorities. Permits can be obtained through a specialist tour operator, such as Wildlife Trails. Only 6/8 people are allowed to trek each group per day. We recommend booking as far in advance as possible. A gorilla safari requires physical fitness as you’ll be climbing steep hills and making your way through thick forests.   Children under the age of 15 years old are not permitted to go gorilla trekking for obvious reasons.