Ultimate Guide for Luxury Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda
Luxury gorilla trekking adventures in Africa give you a close encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural home.
Unlike other African safaris, luxury gorilla safaris are designed for visitors who want a high-end experience.
These trips include comfortable stays in quality lodges and travel in a good 4×4 safari vehicle to and from your gorilla trekking destination.
Where to do Luxury Gorilla Trekking in Africa
Uganda and Rwanda offer the best places for luxury gorilla safaris in Africa. Visiting these countries gives you the chance to see mountain gorillas up close in the wild.
Luxury gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda takes you to the most famous gorilla destinations.
In Uganda, you can enjoy a luxury gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
In Rwanda, luxury gorilla safari tours take place in Volcanoes National Park.
Luxury gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the top places for luxury gorilla safaris in Uganda. These parks are located in the far southwestern part of the country.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was established in 1991 to protect the endangered mountain gorillas. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and is home to about 459 of the 1,063 mountain gorillas left in the wild.
There are 24 habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi, spread across four main sectors: Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.
In the Nkuringo sector in southern Bwindi, gorilla groups include Nkuringo, Christmas, and Bikingi. Rushaga sector also in the south has groups like Rwigi, Bweza, Mucunguzi, Kahungye, Mishaya, Kutu, Busingye, and Bushaho.
In the Buhoma sector, you will find Rushegura, Katwe, Habinyanja, and Mubare gorilla groups. The Ruhija sector has groups like Mukiza, Bitukura, Oruzogo, and Kyaguriro.
In Mgahinga, there is one habituated gorilla group called Nyakagezi, which visitors can trek. The Ntebeko area in Mgahinga serves as the starting point for treks in this park.
Where to Stay in Uganda for Luxury Gorilla Trekking
There are many luxury lodges around Bwindi and Mgahinga for a comfortable stay, including:
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge: Located in the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi, this lodge sits at 2,100 meters and has 10 stone cottages decorated with African art.
- Gorilla Heights Lodge: Found on Nkuringo Hill, this lodge offers modern cottages with views of Bwindi Forest and the surrounding mountains.
- Buhoma Lodge: Just five minutes from the Buhoma sector in northern Bwindi, this lodge has 10 chalets with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, bathtubs, and flush toilets.
- Mahogany Springs Lodge: Situated on the banks of the Munyanga River, this lodge is named after a 400-year-old mahogany tree nearby.
- Gorilla Forest Camp: This luxury lodge in Bwindi has 8 tents made of wood, canvas, and thatch. It is located in an area where gorillas sometimes visit, offering guests a unique experience.
- Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge: Located in Nkuringo, this lodge has 11 private cottages, 3 suites, and 2 family villas for luxury stays.
- Mount Gahinga Lodge: Positioned at the base of the Virunga Volcanoes, this lodge in Mgahinga offers deluxe bandas with ensuite showers, dining areas, and gardens for a comfortable stay.
Luxury gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Rwanda is a well-known destination for luxury gorilla trekking. These safaris take place in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwestern part of the country. The park is covered by bamboo and rainforest and spans about 160 square kilometers.
Volcanoes National Park is where Dian Fossey spent 18 years studying mountain gorillas. Today, the park is home to 13 habituated gorilla families, including Susa A, Agashya, Bwenge, Sabyinyo, Ugyenda, Amahoro, Karisimbi, Kwitonda, Umubano, and Hirwa.
Where to Stay in Rwanda for Luxury Gorilla Trekking
- Singita Kwitonda Lodge: Located at the edge of Volcanoes National Park, this lodge has 8 suites with private heated plunge pools, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and a treatment area.
- Bisate Lodge: An award-winning eco-lodge set in a volcanic landscape near Volcanoes National Park. It has 6 suites, each offering beautiful views of the area.
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge: Located a few minutes from Volcanoes National Park, this lodge has 8 cottages for singles, twins, and families. Guests enjoy views of the Virunga Volcanoes.
- Virunga Lodge: Built on a hillside, this lodge offers wide views of the Virunga Volcanoes and nearby Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo. It has 8 cottages with comfortable beds.
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge: This eco-lodge is located in the Musanze district and offers views of the Virunga Volcanoes. It is a 4-star lodge with free parking, a fireplace, private balconies, free internet, and family rooms.
Flying to Trek Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda
When planning a luxury gorilla trekking safari, accessibility is important. If you are visiting Uganda, you will fly into Entebbe International Airport, which is served by airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, Uganda Airlines, Emirates, and others.
From Entebbe, travelers can either drive to Bwindi or Mgahinga for their luxury gorilla safari or take a domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips. Fly-in safaris are the fastest way to reach Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
For Rwanda, visitors fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL). From Kigali, it is a 2-3 hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. Airlines flying to Kigali include RwandAir, Brussels Airlines, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Qatar Airways. If you are already in Uganda, you can connect from Entebbe to Kigali and start your luxury gorilla trek from there.
Gorilla Permit Costs
A valid gorilla permit is required for all gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. In Uganda:
- Foreign non-residents pay USD 800 per person.
- Foreign residents pay USD 700 per person.
- Other African visitors pay USD 500 per person.
- East African citizens pay UGX 300,000 per person.
In Rwanda:
- All tourists pay USD 1500 per person.
It is important to book your gorilla permit and safari in advance, ideally 2-6 months before your planned trekking date, through a trusted local tour operator.
Trekking in Peak vs. Low Season
The peak season for gorilla trekking offers the best weather and is the most popular time to visit. It occurs twice a year:
- June to September (long dry season)
- December to February (short dry season)
The low season is good for budget travelers, with fewer visitors and discounted rates, but it comes with more rain and muddy trails. It also occurs twice:
- March to May
- October to November
What to Pack for a Luxury Gorilla Trekking Safari
Even on a luxury gorilla safari, packing light with essentials is key. You will need:
- Lightweight, waterproof hiking boots
- Insect repellent
- A camera without flash
- A daypack
- A long-sleeved shirt
- Gardening gloves
- A sweater
- A rain jacket
- Bottled water
- Socks
- A first aid kit
- Yellow fever vaccination card
- A valid passport and visas
Luxury gorilla trekking is a perfect choice for travelers looking for a comfortable and memorable experience while enjoying Africa’s mountain gorillas.
Book your luxury gorilla trek with us to enjoy a well-organized and rewarding adventure.
