Masonda African Adventures | 100% African Owned Safari Company Tanzania

There are fewer than 1,100 mountain gorillas left on Earth — and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda is home to the largest population. Here is everything you need to know about trekking to meet them.

Sitting within 10 metres of a wild mountain gorilla family is one of the most profound wildlife encounters on Earth. The eye contact alone — intelligent, calm, searching — is something no photograph fully captures. At Masonda African Adventures, our East Africa gorilla trekking safari combines this once-in-a-lifetime experience with the wider wonders of Uganda and Rwanda.

Mountain Gorillas: The Facts

Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) exist only in two forest blocks: the Virunga Volcanoes (spanning Uganda, Rwanda and DRC) and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. The global population was approximately 1,063 animals as of the most recent census — a number that is slowly increasing thanks to intensive conservation efforts. Every gorilla trekking permit sold directly funds this conservation work.

Getting a Gorilla Permit

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) issues a limited number of gorilla tracking permits per day — exactly 8 per habituated gorilla family. Current permit prices (2025) are USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents. Rwanda charges USD 1,500 but offers a more luxury experience.

Book well in advance — peak season permits (June-September, December-January) sell out 6-12 months ahead. Masonda handles all permit bookings as part of your safari package.

Physical Requirements

Gorilla trekking is classified as moderate to strenuous. You will hike through dense rainforest, on steep muddy terrain, for anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 hours depending on where the gorilla family has moved. The average trek is 2-4 hours each way.

Minimum age: 15 years
No maximum age — fit, healthy older guests do this regularly
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots are essential
Long trousers, long sleeves, gloves and a rain jacket are required
Porters are available (highly recommended) at modest cost — they carry your bag and support you on steep slopes

The Gorilla Trek Experience

You check in at the UWA gate at 8am for a briefing. Groups of 8 are assigned to a specific gorilla family, accompanied by 2-3 armed rangers and a guide. Once you find the family, you have exactly 1 hour with them — no more, to minimise stress on the animals.

You will maintain a minimum distance of 7 metres, but the gorillas themselves observe no such rule. Silverbacks sometimes sit directly in the path. You keep still, avoid direct eye contact and follow your ranger's instructions.

Best Time to Go

Gorilla trekking is possible year-round in Uganda. The drier months of June-September and December-February are generally preferred — trails are less muddy and the forest is slightly easier to navigate. The wet months (March-May, October-November) have fewer tourists and some lodges offer lower rates.

Bwindi vs Volcanoes (Rwanda)

Both offer guaranteed close encounters with habituated gorilla families. The main differences:

Bwindi (Uganda): More gorilla families, larger forest, more varied trekking terrain, cheaper permits, combines well with other Uganda wildlife (Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, Kidepo)
Volcanoes (Rwanda): Shorter average trek, more luxury lodge options, combines well with Akagera NP, slightly more predictable gorilla sightings