Go gorilla trekking in Uganda & Rwandawith Gorilla Riddles, a licensed operator in Kampala

Essential information about gorilla tours in Uganda and Rwanda

Though chimps are more closely related to humans as they have 98.7% of our DNA, gorillas regardless of their species seem to connect more to us as visitors. Nothing prepares you for being stared at by these gentle giants. And that is exactly what they do. They look at us with as much interest as much as we are look at them.

Mountain gorillas can be trekked at any time of the year. They live in the Virunga mountains and in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. The Virunga mountains are a large montane forest on the borders of Uganda and Rwanda. In south western Uganda they include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is within two hours’ drive of Bwindi and is also a home for mountain gorillas. In north western Rwanda they include Volcanoes National Park.

A gorilla trek in all these parks offers such a rewarding up-close encounter with them that you can virtually feel the gorilla’s breath on you. Regardless of the time you visit, you are assured of a 90% chance gorilla sightings thanks to a 24hr surveillance system that keeps track of their movements.

Many nature lovers also come here to view the unique Albertine birds that are found in the National parks surrounding the mountains. In short, this is a good destination for all those who love adventure.

The main feature of the Virunga mountains is a chain of volcanic mountains along the borders of Uganda and Rwanda. Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi rise in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Mount Mgahinga, Mount Muhavura and Mount Sabyinyo stand where Uganda meets Rwanda.

These mountains are open to hiking and touring. During your visit, we will offer you a professional guide who will take you through mountain gorilla trekking, bird watching, golden monkey trekking, chimpanzee tracking and general sightseeing. Each activity can be paired with a community visit, so you can meet local people and learn about their traditions.

You are advised to carry necessary equipment and heavy clothes due to the cold temperatures in the Mountains.

If you are having a hard time deciding on which park to visit, here are a few notes that can help you make an informed decision.

Rwanda Gorilla Safaris in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes offers comparatively clear and easy sightings. However, having explored mountain gorillas in every park in which they exist, our opinion of Volcanoes National Park is that its gorilla-watching experience feels a little too polished and, dare we say it, not quite wild enough. However, if you’re allocated to Susa B group, things might be different. Their home territory lies high up Mount Karisimbi which is quite an exhausting hike to reach.

Long story short, this is one of the best destinations in this continent if you allow sufficient time to partake in the broader range of activities on offer. The gorilla adventure itself is remarkable, and with its upmarket safari lodges and ease of access, it is a dream-come-true getaway for anyone who wants a taste of the African rainforest without too much discomfort.

Uganda Gorilla Safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an exceptionally beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site; a magnificent green swathe of tangled rainforest on the steep ridges of the Western Rift Valley. It ranks as the destination with the highest number of habituated mountain gorillas in the world, numbering over 250 members belonging to 18 families. The ones that are still 100% wild are over 210 according to the latest reports by Uganda Wildlife Authority. Trekking to see birds here is a remarkable experience. The guides know where to find the different kinds of birds found here although not all the 350 sightings are guaranteed. The park is blessed with all the 23 Albertine Rift Endemics.

Sitting at 1,160m to 2,607m above sea level, Bwindi is also one of the most extensive and ecologically diverse forests in Africa, boasting of over 400 plant species that have survived the ice age. Though the park was gazetted in the early 90’s, it is over 25,000 years old and provides shelter to a further 120 mammals. This includes several primate species such as chimpanzees, baboons, vervets and black & white monkeys, as well as forest elephants, buffaloes and antelopes.

In the interest of better management, its 331Km2 expanse is divided into four trailheads. These are Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga, each of which has 3 to 7 gorilla families. If you wish to have a hassle free trek, Buhoma and Rushaga are a favourable option due to its relatively gentle gradient. To hike out and look back at the way their forested slopes climb up the steep Albertine escarpment is a treasured experience.

An encounter with each gorilla family here provides an experience that is totally different from any other. It is hard to forget one amazing experience when the whole troop followed us down the mountains of Bwindi to the boundary of the forest after our time with them was up. The excursions here are very smooth and well-managed operation. There are strict guidelines to ensure gorillas aren’t adversely affected by visitors due to their critically endangered status. Throughout your hike, you will be expected to keep a 7m distance from them, never tracking gorillas if you have an infectious respiratory infection such as COVID-19. Touching the animals is also not advisable though there is no fine for it.

If you wish for a wilder encounter of the gorillas, the gorilla habituation that Bwindi offers is worth a star recommendation. The habituation process is done by primatologists, researchers and ranger guides who visit the wild gorillas on a daily basis for about three years. This frequent encounter makes the gorillas comfortable having people near them. On the part of conservation, it helps to increase understanding of mountain gorilla behavior, as well as allowing veterinary teams to intervene if gorillas are injured or showing signs of ill health.

Uganda Gorilla Tours in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest park, covering 33.7km2. It lies in south western Uganda, on the border with Rwanda. The park has three free standing volcanoes, which rise to between 2,227m and 4,127m. These are Mount Mgahinga, Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Muhavura. The park offers excellent viewpoints over the Virunga mountains and their crater lakes.

Mgahinga’s golden monkeys are the main attraction, but the park is also home to a family of habituated gorillas known as the Nyakagezi group. Comprised of 11 members, they usually dwell in the bamboo zone or forest zone of the park depending on the time of the year. An up-close encounter with these endangered giants is an experience like no other and anyone who has the chance shouldn’t pass up the opportunity. Other wildlife found here includes elephant, black-and-white monkey, forest buffalo and at least 12 bird species endemic to the Albertine Rift.

Because there is no lodge on its mountains, most people who come here for mountain climbing summit it in one day. The best part of the story is that you can also do it regardless of your level of fitness. It takes just about eight hours for a to and fro hike, inclusive of stopovers. This doesn’t mean that you should rush your hike. On the contrary, take things slow. This will minimize your possibility of succumbing to altitude sickness.