Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and the Republic of Congo.
Expertly planned gorilla trekking safaris across Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo that suit your pace, comfort and expectations.
See gorillas, chimpanzees & other primates in their natural habitat.
Mountain gorillas, Western lowland gorillas and silverbacks. How many people can say they’ve seen them in the wild, with their own eyes? Now you can.
Add any safari experience to your gorilla trek.
We build custom itineraries all over Africa for our customers. Whatever it is you want, we can make it happen.
Luxury accommodation with all-inclusive comfort.
Stay in luxurious lodges and eco-friendly camps with en-suite bathrooms, personalised service, and great food.
Relax in peaceful, pristine surroundings before and after your trek.
Gorilla Trek
You’ll be met at the airport with everything taken care, including any internal flights, your gorilla permits, national park fees and hotels.
At our core, we run a business model driven by conservation and local community benefit.
Make it a multi-centre trip, no problem.
See gorillas, chimpanzees & other primates in their natural habitat.
Mountain gorillas, Western lowland gorillas and silverbacks. How many people can say they’ve seen them in the wild, with their own eyes? Now you can.
Add any safari experience to your gorilla trek.
We build custom itineraries all over Africa for our customers. Whatever it is you want, we can make it happen.
Luxury accommodation with all-inclusive comfort.
Stay in luxurious lodges and eco-friendly camps with en-suite bathrooms, personalised service, and great food.
Relax in peaceful, pristine surroundings before and after your trek.
Safe, effortless travel. Responsible eco-tourism.
You’ll be met at the airport with everything taken care, including any internal flights, your gorilla permits, national park fees and hotels.
At our core, we run a business model driven by conservation and local community benefit.
Choose a local safari expert and start planning.
Our favourite Gorilla Safaris
It can feel overwhelming trying to plan a gorilla safari. So our experts have done the hard work for you.
We offer Uganda gorilla safaris, Rwanda gorilla safaris and expeditions across the Republic of Congo.
Here are some of our favourites:
All-inclusive, custom gorilla trekking safaris across Africa.
If, like us, you’re obsessed with our close primate cousins, you can track them to the ends of Africa with our gorilla walking safaris.
Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, with a guided trek through:
– Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
– The Virunga Mountains, in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
– Odzala-Kokoua National Park, the deep, isolated rainforests of the Republic of Congo
At every step of the journey, you’ll be accompanied by expert trackers and park rangers, with an extremely high chance of seeing these magnificent creatures up close. After your trek, relax in the luxury of a comfortable forest lodge, eat great food and get a good night’s sleep for tomorrow’s trek.
And if you want to see other types of primates, including chimpanzees, we can accommodate that too.
– Trek Chimpanzees on our Chimpanzee Wilderness Safari, in Gombe Streams National Park, Tanzania, made famous by Jane Goodall in 1960 when she established the area as a chimpanzee research station.
– Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya
– Observe chimpanzees & several species of monkey including red colobus, in their natural habitat in the Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania on our Tanzania Explorer Safari
Meet a gorilla family in their natural habitat, then see the best Africa has to offer.
Most of our customers book a gorilla expedition safari as one of many experiences on a custom multi-destination trip across the Continent with help from our specialists.
If you want a trip dedicated to observing gorillas, chimpanzees and other primates, we can absolutely make that happen. And if you’d like to see other stunning wildlife and scenery, the best Africa has to offer, we can make that happen, too.
We are particularly proud of our stunning Porini Safari Camps with zero mass tourism and no crowds, which are located on private conservancies deep in the Kenyan wilderness, to name one example. There’s no other safari experience that feels so personal and up-close like it on Earth.
From there, we can take you to countless other places involving primates, the Big Five and more, whatever it is you’re interested in, across Eastern, Southern and Central Africa. Simply speak to a specialist today.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda by Julie Roggow
Few wildlife experiences compare to coming face-to-face with mountain gorillas in the forests of Uganda and Rwanda. In this guide, Gamewatchers Safari Specialist, Julie Roggow, shares her personal trekking experiences, comparing the landscapes, trekking conditions, logistics, and unforgettable encounters that make gorilla trekking one of Africa’s most rewarding wildlife adventures.
As Seen In
Celebrated by global publications for our commitment to wildlife and communities.
What Our Clients Say About Us...
What Our Clients Say About Us...
Talk to a Specialist
Our experienced Safari Consultants—based in Nairobi and around the world—are here to guide you every step of the way. From expert advice to seamless planning, we’ll take care of every detail to create a safari that’s perfectly tailored to you.
Get in touch today, and a dedicated Safari Specialist in your time zone will start crafting your personalised safari to Africa.
Kenya
North America & Canada
North America & Canada
North America
UK & Europe
South America
Australia
India
Kenya
Head Office in Nairobi
We have an experienced team of Safari Consultants based in Kenya.
You can contact our Nairobi team at info@gamewatchers.com or call at +254-722-509-200.
North America & Canada
Rick Mcintyre
Hello, I’m Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I’ve journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you’re dreaming of a “once in a lifetime” vacation or you’re a seasoned safari traveler, I’m here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we’ll make your African dreams a reality.
North America & Canada
Rachel Chambers
Hi, I’m Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams!.
You can reach me by email at rae@gamewatchers.com
North America
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I’m Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I’m here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let’s embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
UK & Europe
Tom Mees
Jambo, I’m Tommy Mees, most people call me Tom.
My connection with Africa began through years of travelling across the continent.
I later spent more than twelve years managing safari camps and lodges while supporting conservation initiatives including beekeeping and tree-planting projects.
Having travelled extensively throughout Eastern and Southern Africa, I developed a deep appreciation for authentic wilderness experiences and the conservation-focused approach of the Porini Camps.
I am originally from Belgium and now based in Spain, though my heart has always remained in Africa.
Alongside my safari background, I am also a professional photographer and enjoy helping travellers experience and capture the extraordinary wildlife, landscapes and cultures that make Africa so special.
If you are considering an African safari, feel free to contact me at tom@gamewatchers.com
South America
Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I’ve had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul.
If you’re eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@saririterra.com
Australia
Kristy Thomson
Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality.
Feel free to reach out to me on the Gold Coast, Australia, at kristy@gamewatchers.com or call on +61 419 175 672.
India
Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
You can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or call on +91 801 788 5256.
FAQs - Gorilla Safaris in Africa
Africa is home to two gorilla species commonly encountered on safari. Mountain gorillas can be seen in Uganda and Rwanda through guided trekking experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Volcanoes National Park. Western lowland gorillas inhabit the rainforests of Central Africa, including the Republic of the Congo, where Odzala-Kokoua National Park offers some of the continent's most rewarding lowland gorilla tracking experiences.
Gorilla trekking is a guided wildlife experience that involves hiking through forests to locate a habituated gorilla family. Once the gorillas are found, visitors are typically allowed to spend up to one hour observing them in their natural habitat.
Uganda is often considered the best value destination due to its lower permit costs and diverse safari opportunities. Rwanda offers shorter trekking distances and easier access, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo provides a more adventurous and less-visited experience.
Permit prices vary by country and are subject to change. Expect prices from approximately US$800 per person per permit. Uganda and Rwanda have different pricing structures, and permits should be booked well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended. Trek durations can last up to several hours depending on the location of the gorilla family.
Gorilla trekking is available year-round. The dry seasons, typically from June to September and December to February, are often preferred because trails are generally easier to navigate.
Visitors must maintain a moderate distance from the gorillas. Guides help ensure that wildlife viewing is conducted responsibly and safely.
Gorilla safaris are generally very safe when conducted with experienced guides and park rangers. Gorilla tourism is carefully managed to protect both visitors and the gorillas.
Wear long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy hiking boots, and waterproof clothing if rain is possible. Gloves and gaiters can also enhance comfort during the trek.
Most gorilla trekking destinations require participants to be at least 15 years old. Age restrictions help ensure visitor safety and minimise disturbance to the gorillas.
Permit numbers are restricted to reduce human impact on gorilla families and support long-term conservation efforts. Limiting visitor numbers helps protect these endangered animals and their habitat.
Yes. Many travellers combine gorilla trekking with game drives, birdwatching, cultural experiences, or beach holidays. Uganda and Rwanda offer excellent opportunities to combine gorilla encounters with other wildlife experiences, such as a safari in Kenya or Tanzania.
It is advisable to book several months in advance, especially if travelling during peak seasons. Gorilla permits are limited and can sell out quickly.
