Planning to go on a gorilla tracking tour in 2026 – 2027? Two countries; Uganda and Rwanda remain the safest places to go on a gorilla Safari in 2026 – 2027 & beyond.
While Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Africa is done in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda & DR Congo. Realm Africa Safaris™ strictly operates safe gorilla trekking trips to only two countries; Uganda & Rwanda.
Curious: Why Realm Africa Safaris™ doesn’t Operate tours to DR Congo? read our article.
Best & Safest place to go gorilla trekking in 2026 -2027: Uganda or Rwanda?
Both Rwanda and Uganda are safe places for gorilla trekking in 2026 & beyond. However, each of them has an advantage over the other. we will explain and let you choose where to go gorilla trekking in 2026 – 2027 & beyond.
The most prominent advantage Uganda has over Rwanda is the price of gorilla permits. Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1,500 per person to trek and spend 01-hour with a group of habituated mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park while Gorilla Permits in Uganda cost a lot less – $700 per person. This price difference has seen many travelers opt for Uganda except for the luxury travellers who prefer trekking gorillas in Rwanda.
On the other, Rwanda might appeal better to travellers not so bothered by the price of the gorilla Permits in Rwanda – $1,500 but are rather keen to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience staying at very opulent safari lodges like Wilderness Safaris’ Bisate Eco Lodge or the newly opened Kwitonda Lodge by Singita. These sorts of travellers will definitely choose Rwanda as the best place to go gorilla trekking in 2026 -2027.
Besides just enjoying the luxury safari experience Rwanda has to offer, Rwanda combines easily with a Kenya or Tanzania safari as a two- or three-day add-on. There are daily flights in & out of Nairobi and parts of the Serengeti, and it is only a 2.5-hour drive to get to the Volcanoes rainforest for gorilla trekking. For those pressed for time, you can also hire a private helicopter from Kigali.
Related:
When is the best time to go on a gorilla tour in 2026 – 2027?
The best time to go on a gorilla trek in Uganda is in the dry seasons: January to February or June to September. It may be advantageous and perhaps most exciting to opt for the rainy season when the gorillas are just as present and there’s less competition to secure one of the limited gorilla permits issued per day.
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda is in the dry seasons, which are mid-December to early February and June to September. Park rangers track the groups’ movements year-round, so if you don’t mind muddy boots, the opportunities are still there when the rains come down—just bring your best waterproof gear. In the wet season, the air is crystal clear, so you’ll find great views of the volcanoes and gorillas tend to hang out on the lower slopes of the mountain.
What is the cost of gorilla trekking in 2026 – 2027?
The cost of gorilla trekking in 2026 – 2027 will vary depending on where you choose to go gorilla trekking.
For instance, Gorilla trekking in Uganda costs;
- $800 per person Foreign non-residents.
- $700 per person/permit Foreign Residents.
- Uganda Shillings (UGX) 300,000 per person for East Africans (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi & Southern Sudan).
- $500 per person/permit for Africans outside East Africa (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi & Southern Sudan).
*The above rates are for the 01-hour with a group of fully habituated mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Alternatively, if you would prefer to stay long up to 04hours with a family of Gorillas in Uganda, then plan to spend;
- $1,500 per person Foreign non-residents.
- $1,000 per person/permit Foreign Residents.
- Uganda Shillings (UGX) 750,000 per person for East Africans (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi & Southern Sudan).
Note: Gorilla habituation in Uganda can only be done in Bwindi Forest National Park
Read these blogs to learn more about gorilla Habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
What should I pack for my Gorilla tour in 2026 – 2027?
- A face Mask to protect both you and the gorillas ( see: the Best mask for gorilla trekking.)
- Hiking Boots. Buy boots that go above your ankles – they protect you from strains.
- Garden Gloves. These protect your hands – they are important.
- Rain Jacket. Doesn’t matter if you are trekking in the dry or wet season.
- Long-sleeved shirt or Blouse. The sleeves protect your arms.
- Energy Giving snacks. You might use some extra sugar during your trek.
- Cameras and extra batteries. Unless you don’t care to keep the memories.
- Hat or bandana. This covers your head and stops bugs from falling Into your hair.
- Pair of Binoculars. You might hear the sound of a bird high up in the canopy – these come in handy.
Related: The comprehensive Gorilla trekking Packing List for 2026
