Buutu Safaris believes that Africa’s greatest treasures are not only its extraordinary wildlife and breathtaking landscapes but also the people who call these places home. Conservation and community are inseparable. One cannot thrive without the other.
For generations, Africa’s wild places have inspired explorers, photographers, and travellers from around the world. From mountain gorillas hidden within misty forests to elephants roaming vast savannahs, these remarkable species depend on healthy ecosystems for survival. Protecting them requires more than national parks and wildlife laws but also requires creating value for the people who live alongside them.
Safari tourism plays a vital role in making conservation possible. Every visitor who chooses to experience Africa responsibly contributes to the protection of wildlife, the preservation of natural habitats, and the livelihoods of local communities. Park entrance fees, gorilla permits, conservation levies, and tourism revenue help fund anti-poaching efforts, wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration, and environmental education.
Equally important is the impact on people. Across Africa, tourism creates employment for guides, trackers, drivers, lodge staff, artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs. These opportunities provide sustainable incomes while encouraging communities to become active partners in conservation. When local people benefit from protecting wildlife, conservation becomes a shared success story.
Uganda is a powerful example of this relationship. Revenue generated from gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris supports conservation programs and community initiatives around protected areas. Schools, healthcare projects, clean water programs, and local businesses all benefit from responsible tourism, creating a positive cycle where people and nature thrive together.
At Buutu Safaris, we are committed to promoting travel that leaves a lasting positive impact. We work with local guides, community-owned enterprises, conservation partners, and responsible lodges that share our vision for sustainable tourism. We believe that every safari should not only create unforgettable memories for our guests but also contribute to the long-term protection of Africa’s wildlife and the well-being of its people.
The future of Africa’s wild places depends on the choices we make today. By travelling responsibly, supporting conservation efforts, and investing in local communities, we can ensure that future generations continue to experience the wonder of Africa’s natural heritage.
When you travel with Buutu Safaris, you become part of that story—a story where conservation and people move forward together.
The official starting time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 8:00 am with a briefing.
The Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park starts early in the morning by 8:00 AM and could go up to 3:00pm. The day starts with a briefing about the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking. Thereafter, you follow the footsteps of your guide/ranger in the forest in search of the gorillas.
The time it takes to find the habituated gorilla family is hard to determine. This is because the gorillas are constantly on the move to find food or due to other factors prevailing in the forest such as location and the trail conditions in the forest. Once you find the gorillas, you get to spend up to one hour with the gorillas. In this awe inspiring hour, you get to watch these gentle giants eat, feed, play and if you’re lucky, you might even watch them mate. After the hour, you’ll trek back to the headquarters to get your certificates. It is therefore hard to determine which time gorilla trekking ends.
The official starting time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is 7:00-8:00 am.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park similarly starts early in the morning by 7:00 – 8:00 AM and could go up to 3:00 pm. The starting and ending times for gorilla trekking can vary depending on several factors, including:
Location: Whether you’re trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, the specific starting and ending times may differ.
Gorilla Group Location: The location of the gorilla group you’re assigned to can impact the duration of the trek.
Trail Conditions: The weather and trail conditions can influence the pace of the trek.
The gorilla trekking day starts with a briefing about the do’s and don’ts of gorilla trekking. Thereafter, you follow your guide/ranger in the forest in search of the gorillas.
Once you find the gorillas, you get to spend up to one hour with the gorillas. During the one hour, you get to watch these gentle giants eat, feed, play and if you’re lucky, you might even watch them mate. After the successful trek, you’ll head back to the park headquarters to be awarded with a gift for supporting the conservation efforts in Rwanda. It is therefore hard to determine which time gorilla trekking ends.
Most Popular Gorilla Trekking Safaris:(We need hyperlinks over these safaris)
3 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari
3 Day Fly in Uganda Gorilla Safari
3 Day Gorilla Safari Rwanda – Uganda
4 Day Gorilla and Big Game Safari
6 Day Gorillas and Big Game Safari
8 Day Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Golden Monkey Uganda Safari
17 Day Uganda Classic safari
What is the difference between Gorilla Trekking and Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi?
The major difference is that you spend one hour with the mountain Gorillas during Gorilla trekking once you find them. Whereas for the Gorilla habituation experience, you spend 4 hours with mountain gorillas in the Bwindi forest. Gorilla trekking takes place in a group of 8 guests tracking each gorilla family. Meanwhile, gorilla habituation involves a group of 4 guests tracking a given semi-habituated gorilla family. What time does the Gorilla Habituation start and end in Bwindi? Both activities start in the morning hours but habituation starts earlier at about 6:00 am. Both gorilla trekking & gorilla habituation require you to be fit to participate in one of the activities. This is because sometimes the experiences tend to be strenuous especially when hiking through Bwindi Forest.
What to pack for the Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi?
During the Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, you will need a comfortable, hard-wearing, pair of walking shoes or boots. Conditions are generally very muddy when it is raining. There are uphill sections which may be quite steep and strenuous. It is also advisable to wear a long-sleeved cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers. These protect you from the undergrowth, stinging nettles, and biting ants.
Suggested Items to pack for Gorilla trekking in Bwindi include;
Insect Repellent
Torch/Flashlight – and Spare Batteries
Wet Wipes
Water Bottle
Camera and lenses
Comfortable walking/hiking boots & socks
Gardening gloves for gorilla tracking
Hat and Sunscreen
Rain Jacket
Sweater/fleece
Binoculars (game/bird watching)
How hard is Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park?
Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park timings and conditions vary tremendously. This is because the gorillas move continuously through the rainforest. It is good to physically prepare thoroughly and remember the weather can change with very little warning. The terrain is often steep and through areas where there are no marked paths. It can be very strenuous or maybe just a couple of hours. It can also be for a full day of up to 8 hours or more of hiking in hot, high-altitude conditions. Therefore, please prepare for this by being as fit as possible.
Where to stay during the Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. As of now, this is done in 4 sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. These are; the Rushaga sector and Nkuringo sector, Ruhija Sector and Buhoma sector. In Rushaga, you can stay at Gorilla Treetops Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge and Bweza Gorilla Lodge. In Nkuringo lodges you can stay at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge or Lake Mutanda Resort. In Ruhija, you can stay at Bakiga Lodge, Broadbill Camp. In Buhoma, you can stay at Buhoma Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, All these lodges are close to the starting points of the Gorilla trekking experience.
The major difference is that you spend one hour with the mountain Gorillas during Gorilla trekking once you find them. Whereas for the Gorilla habituation experience, you spend 4 hours with mountain gorillas in the Bwindi forest. Gorilla trekking takes place in a group of 8 tourists tracking each gorilla family. Meanwhile, gorilla habituation involves a group of 4 tourists tracking a given semi-habituated gorilla family. What time does the Gorilla Habituation start and end in Bwindi? Both activities take place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and both start in the morning hours. They also both require you to be fit to participate in one of the activities. This is because sometimes they tend to be strenuous especially when hiking through Bwindi Forest.
What is the best time for Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
The best time to do a Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is during the drier months of January, February, June to early September, this makes it easier to travel to the park and gives a clear view of gorillas given the vegetation cover is not too much high grown
What to pack for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi?
During https://www.buutusafaris.com/product/3-day-uganda-gorilla-habituation-safari/ in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, you will need a comfortable, hard-wearing, pair of walking shoes or boots. Conditions are generally very muddy when it is raining. There are uphill sections which may be quite steep and strenuous. It is also advisable to wear a long-sleeved cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers. These protect you from the undergrowth, stinging nettles, and biting ants. Suggested Items to pack for Gorilla trekking in Bwindi include;
Insect Repellent
Torch/Flashlight – and Spare Batteries
Wet Wipes
Water Bottle
Camera and lenses
Comfortable walking/hiking boots & socks
Gardening gloves for gorilla tracking
Sandals/strops/walking shoes
Hat and Sunscreen
Rain Jacket
Sweater/fleece
Swimwear
Binoculars (game/bird watching)
How hard and challenging is Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi National Park?
Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park timings and conditions vary tremendously. This is because the gorillas move continuously through the rainforest. It is good to physically prepare thoroughly and remember the weather can change with very little warning. The terrain is often steep and through areas where there are no marked paths. It can be very strenuous or maybe just a couple of hours. It can also be for a full day of up to 8 hours or more of hiking in hot, high-altitude conditions. Therefore, please prepare for this by being as fit as possible.
Where to stay during the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Gorilla Habituation Experience takes place as of now in 2 sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. These are; the Rushaga sector and Nkuringo sector, each with one gorilla family to habituate. In Rushaga, you can stay at Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, and Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge. You can also stay at Nsongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, and Karungi Camp. In Nkuringo lodges you can stay at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, or Lake Mutanda Resort. All these lodges are close to the starting points of Gorilla Habituation and Gorilla trekking.
Gorilla Heights Lodge for a Luxurious Stay and view of Bwindi Forest
How to get to get to Bwindi Forest
By Road
This will depend on which sector you will be doing your gorilla habituation in Bwindi Forest. You can access Bwindi can be accessed through the main high-way road from Entebbe/Kampala. It is approximately an 8-9 hour drive. You can access the northern sectors of Ruhija and Buhoma by turning off along the Kabale-Kisoro road. You will see the signpost of Uganda Wildlife Authority which you will follow up to the designated sector for your trek. The southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo trailheads can be reached using the road turning off at Muko along the Kabale-Kisoro Highway.
To cut the distance short, you can opt to land in Kigali. It is a 5-hour journey from Kigali city to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
By Air
You can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro airstrip. You’ll access the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo. If you fly to Kihihi airstrip, you’ll be able to easily access the northern sectors of Ruhija and Buhoma. Scheduled and chartered flights are available and operated by domestic airline operators of Aero Link and Fly Uganda. You will need to plan with your tour operator(see form at the end of this article). We’ll book a flight and transfer from the airstrip to the Lodge for your stay.
Why Book Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Through Safari Vacations and Travel Services?
Safari Vacations and Travel Services will help you book your gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi Forest. Contact us by filling out the form below and we advise you on the booking process. We also have different gorilla trekking safari packages ranging from budget, and mid-range to luxury options. We can book them for you including the gorilla permits. Feel free to check out our trip advisor reviews and read from a community of happy satisfied clients. With us, you can be rest assured of a memorable Uganda safari holiday. We are devoted to providing excellent service and customer satisfaction. Our team of excellent tour consultants is always willing to help answer all your safari questions. We guarantee you a great gorilla tour in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo with us. Contact us here for more information about what time the Gorilla Habituation starts and ends in Bwindi and other queries.
What is the cost of Gorilla Trekking 2026/2027 in Uganda?
A Gorilla trekking permit costs $800 USD per person per trek for foreign non-residents. For foreign residents it costs $700 USD, $500 USD for the rest of African Citizens, and Shs. 300,000 for East African Citizens (Uganda/Kenya/Tanzania/Burundi/South Sudan). Uganda has half of the mountain gorillas population and 2 trekking parks namely Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Parks. Uganda’s parks have 17 gorilla families, 16 in Bwindi Impenetrable and 1 in Mgahinga National Parks hence only 136 gorilla permits are available per day in Uganda. The standard gorilla trekking permit will afford you an hour with the gorillas
For those that want to spend more time with the gorillas, we recommend the gorilla habituation experience where trekkers can spend up to four hours with a gorilla family in the presence and guidance of researchers and trackers. A gorilla habituation permit costs $1500 per person per day until December 31 2026. Thereafter, the permit will go for $1,800 per person per day for foreign non-residents. Only 4 permits are available per group per day.
The demand for Gorilla trekking permits is always high because there are only 168 permits available per day across 4 tracking sectors in Bwindi. We therefore recommend that you book your permit at least 6 months in advance.
The best time for booking your gorilla trekking safari is January – December (all year round). Gorilla permits can now only be booked through registered and licensed tour operators like Buutu Safaris.
What is the cost of Gorilla Trekking 2026/2027 in Rwanda?
A Gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 USD per person per trek for foreign non-residents, $500 USD for Foreign Residents, and $200 USD for East African Citizens (Uganda/Kenya/Tanzania/Burundi/South Sudan). In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is done in only Volcanoes National Park. There are 12 gorilla families so the total number of permits available per day is 96 gorilla permits. Unlike Uganda, there is no opportunity for gorilla habituation in Rwanda.
Gorilla permits can only be obtained through licensed/registered tour operators like Buutu Safaris. Contact us now to book your gorilla safari.
Over the last 27 years, the Buutu Safaris team has trekked mountain gorillas with hundreds of our guests. We have seen 13 gorilla families in Rwanda and Uganda. What remains constant is our failure to find the right words to describe a gorilla trekking experience. We will however give it another try here.
Mountain gorilla trekking is a once in a lifetime experience. Gorilla trekking remains one of the most popular and unique wildlife activities in East Africa. It is a hiking activity that allows trekkers to come up close and personal with a family of mountain gorillas in their natural mountain tropical rainforest habitat.
The mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei) is one of two subspecies of the eastern gorilla. It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, as the total population is estimated to comprise about 1,060 individuals as of 2021 following the COVID-19 lockdown birth boom.
Gorillas are part of the ‘great apes’ family of primates and are known for their beauty, high intelligence, social structures, and they display uncanny similarities to humans. Gorillas have been observed using tools like other great apes, and can communicate using a variety of vocal sounds.
Where Can I Go Gorilla trekking?
Mountain gorilla trekking can only be done in one place in the world in a region encompassing three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where these primates exist in their natural habitat of dense high altitude tropical forests.There are two major gorilla populations available for trekking. One population lives in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site) located in southwestern Uganda. The other gorilla population lives in the Virunga Mountain range in three adjacent national parks: Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
These national parks are the last surviving natural habitat for mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas do not survive in captivity and need their expansive forests for survival. They were on the brink of extinction in early 1990s but the commendable efforts of governments and conservation bodies has seen their numbers increase from 400 to 1,060. This has been done through gorilla trekking tourism, and the conservation of mountain gorillas remains one of the successful efforts of conservation in Africa.
Trekkers have the opportunity to go gorilla trekking in all three countries. However, Uganda and Rwanda remain the most popular destinations for gorilla trekking primarily due to ease of access, political stability and the fact that the Democratic Republic of Congo has persistent security challenges.
What is the Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience Like?
Whether you chose to do it in Uganda or Rwanda or DR. Congo, gorilla trekking in the western jungles of East Africa is an incredibly fun and unique experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. Gorilla trekking is for us the number one safari experience in Africa.
On the morning of the hike, trekkers head to the park office of their chosen national park for a briefing that starts at 800am. The rangers then spell out the “do’s” and “don’ts” of the trekking experience. After the briefing, the park office assigns a gorilla family to each group of trekkers, with each gorilla family being assigned up to 8 trekkers. Trekkers are given the chance to hire porters to help carry their gear and to support trekkers up and down the steep slopes during the trek. We always encourage trekkers to hire porters not just for support during the hike, but also to support livelihoods in the communities around the national park Mountains by providing much-needed income to marginalized youths. Trekkers are also provided with hiking sticks. Thereafter, it is time to start the trek deep into the mountains in search of the gorilla family.
The armed rangers lead the group into the forest with one ranger at the front of the column and the second ranger at the back. The rangers guide the trekkers up and down the narrow trails into the magnificent high altitude tropical forest. The morning hike is a memorable experience in and of itself. The hike normally starts as the morning mist rises up from the forest floor. And on a sunny day, the early morning sun rays pierce through the forest canopy and the rising mist, making for a picturesque scene like no other. This is all made better with the soundtrack of forest sounds and countless birdsongs that filter through the forest.
As trekkers make their way through the dense forest, the rangers will show them the ancient forest trees and the unique vegetation in this montane forest. Trekkers are also encouraged to look out for the other wildlife treasures that the region has on offer. There are forest elephants in some of the parts of the parks but it is extremely rare to see one. However, the footprints of these giants are ubiquitous throughout some parts, providing a good reminder of how capable these elephant giants are in a most unlikely steep terrain. The region has several other amazing mammals such as antelopes, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, red tail monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, among others, that share the mountain forest habitat with the gorillas. The region is also one of the richest birding areas in the world with over 350 species in Bwindi National park and 295 species in Volcanoes national park. Watch out for endemic bird species in Bwindi and Mgahinga such as the Handsome Francolin, the Rwenzori Turaco and African Green Broadbill. In Volcanoes National Park, look out for the Laden’s Bush-Shike together with 16 more endemic bird species. Trekkers can find over 200 species of butterflies in the region.
Gorilla trekking typically takes between 2- 7 hours and can be a challenging task for the inexperienced trekker. It is imperative that trekkers are in good physical condition before embarking on the trails. The terrain is composed of sleep slopes and dense forest at high altitudes. Trekkers will hike at elevations of 1,500–4,000 meters (the same height a skydiver jumps out of a plane!).
Expect to wade through shallow streams and rivers during your hike. The hike gets a lot more challenging if there is heavy rain on the day of the hike and trekkers are advised to always go prepared for rain. The forest floor can get muddy and slippery so good hiking boots are a must. Our longest hike was in the southern section where we spent 7 hours trekking the Mucungunzi family of gorillas in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi NP. Some gorilla families can be found closer to the starting point but there is never a guarantee that the trek will be a short trek. Our shortest hike was a 20 minute hike in search of the Rushegura family in Buhoma in 2013 but there is never a guarantee the trek will be short.
In spite of the challenges, the experience of meeting the gorilla family after a long hike is well worth the tiring hike. Once found, the sight of the magnificent mountain gorillas is worth every ounce of energy expended. The gorillas are normally found feeding or resting or on the odd occasion, moving. The gorilla family is typically composed of about a dozen members, though there are families with over two dozen members. Each family is headed by a ‘silverback’ gorilla who is the alpha-male and head of the family and is tasked with protecting the family from predators, other gorillas, and any other threats. Other members include several female gorillas, infants and ‘blackbacks’ (young silverbacks). Some families will have 2 silverbacks as gorillas are known to look after the older members.
Once in the presence of the gorillas, trekkers will quietly observe these magnificent primates as they eat, groom each other and play in the forest. Trekkers are allowed to spend a maximum of one hour observing the gorilla family. This is the time for taking photos, though flash photography is strictly forbidden, which makes gorilla photography one of the most challenging wildlife photography. Trekkers are always told to keep a distance of at least 10 meters from the gorillas. This is because gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans so human presence presents a deadly threat of communicable diseases to the gorillas. Also, the silverback gorilla is very protective and won’t hesitate to physically attack any perceived threats to its family.
There is no guarantee that the gorillas will stay in one place once you meet them. Sometimes the gorilla family will keep moving deeper into the forest to forage or as they look after the young babies. Trekkers might end up seeing the gorillas on the move.
Our experience trekking mountain gorillas over the last 27 years has taught us that it is preferable to trek large families with juvenile and infant gorillas. From our trekking encounters, trekking families with more gorillas and with more juvenile and infant gorillas is always preferable. This means that this family is not constantly on the move and takes long breaks in the forest. Therefore trekkers will have more time to watch the gorillas. The younger gorillas are also more playful and tend to put on a show upon the arrival of gorilla trekkers. Juvenile gorillas have been known to somersault, play fight with each other and even pull at guests in curiosity. Watching the juvenile and infant gorillas as they play about in the forest is a memorable experience.
Once the allotted time with the gorillas has elapsed, gorilla trekkers follow the original trail back to the national park office for a debriefing session. Trekkers then receive a gorilla trekking certificate indicating the trekker’s name, gorilla family tracked, and the section of the park hiked.
How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost?
Before you travel to any national park to see the gorillas, you must buy a ‘gorilla permit’. The permit grants you access to the national park for one day. In each country the number of people allowed to trek gorillas is limited. For instance, in Uganda, each of the four sectors of Bwindi national park are allowed only 40 people per day. This is done to ensure that the natural forest habitat of the mountain gorillas is preserved in pristine condition. It also ensures that the gorillas are not stressed from constant human interactions throughout the day.
The cost per person of trekking gorillas varies by country:
Uganda: $800
Grants you access to any one of the four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest: Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Ruhija, OR Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Each permit you buy is valid for only one sector of the park and is not transferable to other sectors or parks in the region. For example, the permit you buy to trek in the Rushaga will not be accepted in Buhoma.
Rwanda: $1500
Grants you access to the only gorilla national park in Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park.
This is by far the most expensive option in the region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo: $600
Grants you access to the Virunga National Park. Congo offers a cheaper trekking permit alternative to Rwanda and Uganda.
The permit fee does not include food, accommodation and transport costs. Buutu Safaris offers trekkers several Uganda gorilla trekking options that are inclusive of the permits, accommodation, and transportation, to save trekkers hassle making their own arrangements. Besides Uganda gorilla tours, there are also options for gorilla tours to Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking is one of the tourism platforms that has led to conservation of gorillas by creating employment for Ugandans, Rwandans and Congolese. The income generating ability of this creative approach is at the center of economic development in the gorilla highlands and is the key factor behind the success of gorilla conservation.
What Equipment Do You Need For Gorilla Trekking?
-Copy of valid Passport or National ID
-Face mask (N95/Surgical)
-Personal sanitizer
-Hiking boots
-Raincoat –expect rain any day and month of the year.
-Walking trousers & long sleeved to ease movement through scratchy bushes
-Sunglasses
-Sunscreen
-Insect repellant
-Pair strong gloves to handle prickly bushes and trees.
-A good camera (strictly no flash photography in the park)
-Waterproof bag
-Light shoulder bag to carry Water bottle, packed lunch, rain gear and other trekking essentials.
When picturing a 400-pound silverback gorilla standing just meters away in an African rainforest, it is completely natural to wonder: Is gorilla trekking actually safe?
The short answer is yes, gorilla trekking is exceptionally safe. We have travelled with millions of guests who have journeyed into the misty mountains of Uganda and Rwanda to encounter endangered mountain gorillas without incident. Thanks to rigorous conservation frameworks, professional habituation processes, and armed ranger escorts, safety protocols are tightly controlled from start to finish.
To help put your mind at ease, let’s break down how safety works on the ground in Uganda and Rwanda, what risks to actually look out for, and how you can ensure a secure journey.
1. The Gorillas Themselves: Gentle Giants, Not Predators
Many first-time travelers fear that mountain gorillas might behave aggressively. In reality, gorillas are predominantly peaceful, vegetarian primates that share roughly 98% of their DNA with humans.
Furthermore, the gorilla families you visit are fully habituated. This means they have spent years undergoing a careful, scientific process to gently accustom them to human presence without altering their natural wild behaviors. They are remarkably calm around quiet, respectful observers.
2. Professional Armed Rangers and Security Infrastructure
You’ll never be left to wander the rainforest alone. Every single trek is strictly managed and led by experienced professionals:
Armed Rangers: Small trekking groups (capped at a maximum of 8 visitors per gorilla family) are accompanied by armed park rangers and expert trackers. These rangers carry firearms primarily for protection against unexpected wildlife (such as wild forest elephants or buffaloes) and are extensively trained to read gorilla body language.
Destination Stability: Both Uganda (specifically the southwestern parks like Bwindi and Mgahinga) and Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) maintain robust local security and dedicated tourism police units to ensure visitors remain completely secure throughout their stay.
3. What the Real Risks Are (It’s Not the Animals)
While the gorillas pose virtually no threat when rules are respected, the environment itself presents physical challenges. The real “risks” on a gorilla trek are terrain-related:
Insects and Nettles: Biting ants, stinging nettles, and thorny brush are common parts of the jungle ecosystem.
The Safety Solution: You can easily mitigate these environmental risks by wearing sturdy, broken-in waterproof hiking boots, long trousers tucked into thick socks, light gardening gloves, and hiring a local porter at the trailhead to assist you over slick ground.
4. Golden Rules for Absolute Safety
Gorilla trekking safety is a two-way street. Adhering to established park regulations protects both you and the endangered apes:
Maintain Distance: Always keep a minimum distance of 7 meters (or 10 meters depending on specific local guidelines) from the gorillas. Duma Explorer
Never Run: If a young gorilla approaches or a silverback displays a mock chest-beat, never run away, as running triggers a natural chase instinct. Instead, stay calm, crouch down slowly, and avoid direct eye contact. Silverback Gorilla Tours
Health First: Because gorillas are highly susceptible to human respiratory illnesses, anyone showing signs of a cold or flu is barred from trekking, and surgical masks are often required during the viewing hour. Duma Explorer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Has a tourist ever been attacked by a mountain gorilla? A: On regulated, ranger-led treks, unprovoked attacks by habituated mountain gorillas are virtually unheard of. Incidents only occur if travelers violate safety rules, attempt to touch them, or ignore guide instructions.
Q: Is it safe for solo travelers or families to go gorilla trekking? A: Yes. Gorilla trekking is heavily structured, making it exceptionally safe for solo travelers, couples, and families (note that the minimum age requirement for trekking is 15 years in both Uganda and Rwanda). Booking through a reputable, licensed local operator ensures seamless, secure transport and logistics from start to finish.
Q: Which country is safer for gorilla trekking—Uganda or Rwanda? A: Both Uganda and Rwanda are stable, welcoming, and safe for international travelers. Rwanda features highly paved infrastructure and shorter travel times from the capital, while Uganda offers an equally secure, deeply immersive tropical rainforest adventure.
Book Your Safe, Seamless Adventure with Buutu Safaris Your peace of mind is our top priority. From securing official permits through authorized channels to pairing you with expert driver-guides and top-tier lodges, Buutu Safaris ensures every detail of your journey is safely managed. [Contact our safari experts today to plan your secure, unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Uganda or Rwanda!]
Uganda is generally the better choice for travellers who want lower gorilla trekking costs, more trekking locations and a longer safari combining gorillas with chimpanzees and big game. Rwanda is particularly good for travellers who want a short gorilla trip, straightforward road access from Kigali and some of Africa’s most exclusive luxury lodges.
But there is an important point that is often lost in comparisons between the two countries: the gorillas themselves are not better in Uganda or Rwanda.
Both countries protect the same mountain gorilla subspecies, Gorilla beringei beringei, and both offer the extraordinary experience of entering the forest with trained guides and trackers and spending up to one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family.
The real differences are price, access, trekking terrain, accommodation, number of trekking areas and what you can combine with the gorilla experience.
At Buutu Safaris, we organise gorilla trekking safaris in both Uganda and Rwanda. We are Ugandan and naturally have a soft spot for Uganda, but there are situations where we recommend Rwanda instead.
This guide explains why.
Uganda vs Rwanda Gorilla Trekking at a Glance
Factor
Uganda
Rwanda
Main gorilla parks
Bwindi Impenetrable NP & Mgahinga Gorilla NP
Volcanoes National Park
Main trekking areas
Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo & Mgahinga
Volcanoes National Park
International visitor gorilla permit
US$800 standard rate
US$1,500
Time with gorillas
Up to 1 hour
Up to 1 hour
Gorilla Habituation Experience
Yes – up to 4 hours
No equivalent regular tourism experience
Minimum trekking age
15 years
15 years
Access from international airport
Road or scheduled flight to Kihihi/Kisoro
Approx. 3 hours by road from Kigali
Best for short gorilla trip
Good when flying
Excellent
Best for gorillas + chimpanzees
Excellent
Possible
Best for gorillas + savannah safari
Excellent
Good with Akagera
Golden monkey trekking
Mgahinga
Volcanoes NP
Luxury accommodation
Excellent
Exceptional
Best overall value
Uganda
Premium option
Best for longer safari
Uganda
Good
Best for 2–3 day gorilla trip
Good
Rwanda
Quick answer: Choose Uganda for value, variety and a broader wildlife safari. Choose Rwanda when time is limited or when convenience and high-end luxury are the main priorities.
Are the Gorillas Better in Uganda or Rwanda?
Neither country has “better” mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas do not recognise international borders, and the Uganda-Rwanda frontier cuts through the greater Virunga landscape in which some of them live.
Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo form part of the same Virunga volcanic ecosystem.
The larger difference is between Bwindi and the Virunga volcanoes, rather than simply between Uganda and Rwanda.
Bwindi is an ancient montane rainforest with tangled vegetation, valleys and ridges. Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga lie on the volcanic slopes of the Virunga Mountains and include extensive areas of bamboo and montane vegetation.
The experience of finally meeting the gorillas, however, is extraordinary in either country.
Gorilla Numbers: Uganda vs Rwanda
According to the latest official mountain gorilla census data, the world’s mountain gorilla population stands at 1,063 individuals in the wild. These mountain gorillas live in two distinct, isolated habitats: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the transboundary Virunga Massif.
Here is how the gorilla population breaks down across the two countries:
Factor
Ugandan
Rwanda
Total Gorilla Population
~50% of the world total (~459 in Bwindi + Mgahinga’s share in the Virungas)
~30–35% of the world total (Volcanoes NP share of the Virunga Massif)
Primary Habitat
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Mgahinga NP
Volcanoes National Park
Single Largest Population
459 gorillas in Bwindi alone (2018 census)
Part of the 604 gorillas shared across the Virunga Massif
Habituated Tourism Groups
~25+ groups across 5 sectors
12 groups
What the Numbers Mean for Trekkers:
Uganda holds roughly half of all mountain gorillas on Earth. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the single dense forest block containing the highest concentration of mountain gorillas in a single area (459 individuals).
Rwanda’s gorillas are part of the shared Virunga Massif. The 604 gorillas in the Virunga Massif range freely across Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda), and Virunga National Park (DRC).
More Groups = More Permit Availability: Because Uganda hosts a larger population and more habituated gorilla families across multiple sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Mgahinga), Uganda releases significantly more daily gorilla permits than Rwanda, making permits easier to secure during peak travel seasons.
Gorilla Permit Cost: Uganda vs Rwanda
For many travellers, price is the most obvious difference.
Gorilla experience
Uganda
Rwanda
Standard gorilla trekking – international visitor
US$800
US$1,500
Time with gorillas
Up to 1 hour
Up to 1 hour
Gorilla Habituation Experience
Available at US$1800
Not offered as an equivalent standard experience
Habituation time with gorillas
Up to 4 hours
—
Rwanda’s published international gorilla trekking permit is currently US$1,500 per person per trek.
Uganda’s standard foreign non-resident gorilla permit is US$800, meaning that a couple trekking together can save a substantial amount on permits alone compared with Rwanda.
Those savings can instead be used for an extra night in the forest, chimpanzee trekking, a domestic flight or several days on safari.
For travellers comparing total trip value rather than simply the gorilla encounter itself, this is one of Uganda’s strongest advantages.
Permit tariffs can change, so we confirm the applicable Uganda Wildlife Authority or Rwanda Development Board price when arranging a safari.
Uganda offers gorilla trekking in two national parks:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Uganda Wildlife Authority confirms that trekking is offered in both parks and that Bwindi is divided into four principal trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.
This gives Uganda an important advantage: travellers have several different gorilla regions and accommodation areas to choose from.
The Four Gorilla Trekking Sectors of Bwindi
Buhoma
Buhoma is the historic centre of gorilla tourism in Bwindi and remains one of our favourite areas.
It is particularly convenient for travellers flying into Kihihi Airstrip and for itineraries combining Bwindi with the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Buhoma also offers excellent forest walks, including the popular waterfall trail.
It should not, however, be described as automatically having the “easiest gorillas.” Mountain gorillas move every day, and trekking difficulty can change from one morning to another.
Ruhija
Ruhija lies at a higher elevation on the eastern side of Bwindi.
It is particularly interesting for birdwatchers and travellers who prefer a quieter part of the forest.
The high-altitude scenery is beautiful, but elevation itself can add to the physical challenge for some trekkers.
Rushaga
Rushaga, in southern Bwindi, has become one of Uganda’s most important gorilla trekking areas.
It has several habituated gorilla families and is also associated with Uganda’s special Gorilla Habituation Experience.
For travellers using scheduled flights, Rushaga is normally approached through Kisoro.
It is also where our own Gorilla Treetops Lodge is located, giving us particularly strong familiarity with this part of Bwindi.
Nkuringo
Nkuringo is famous for its scenery and views towards the Virunga volcanoes.
The surrounding terrain can be steep, making it attractive to active travellers but potentially more demanding for guests with limited mobility.
Again, no sector guarantees either a difficult or an easy trek because the location of each gorilla family changes.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park, close to Musanze in northwestern Rwanda.
The park forms part of the Virunga Massif and lies beneath spectacular volcanoes including Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura.
This dramatic setting is one of Rwanda’s great attractions.
The trek begins with a morning briefing before visitors proceed towards the forest with their assigned ranger guides.
Rwanda Development Board currently prices an international gorilla permit at US$1,500 and sets the minimum trekking age at 15.
Is Rwanda Easier to Reach Than Bwindi?
Historically, this was one of Rwanda’s strongest advantages.
Volcanoes National Park can be reached by road from Kigali in roughly three hours, making it possible to fly into Rwanda, travel to the gorilla region and trek the following morning.
That remains extremely convenient.
But the traditional comparison of:
“Three hours to Rwanda’s gorillas versus nine or ten hours to Bwindi”
is no longer the whole story.
Uganda now has established scheduled safari flights connecting Entebbe with airstrips near Bwindi.
Aerolink Uganda operates scheduled services to destinations serving Bwindi, and flights to Kihihi or Kisoro reduce the air journey to a little over an hour before the final road transfer to the lodge.
Getting to the Gorillas
Starting point
Gorilla region
Typical access
Kigali
Volcanoes National Park
Approx. 3 hours by road
Entebbe
Buhoma / northern Bwindi
Scheduled flight to Kihihi + road transfer
Entebbe
Rushaga / Nkuringo
Scheduled flight to Kisoro + road transfer
Entebbe
Bwindi
Full-day scenic road transfer
Kigali
Southern Bwindi
Cross-border road itinerary can also be considered
For travellers who dislike long drives but prefer Uganda’s permit price and broader safari opportunities, flying to Bwindi has changed the calculation considerably.
Is Gorilla Trekking Easier in Uganda or Rwanda?
There is no guaranteed answer.
Gorillas move freely through the forest.
A family located 30 minutes from the trailhead today could have moved several kilometres away by tomorrow morning.
Trekking difficulty depends on:
where the gorillas are that day
rainfall and trail conditions
elevation
vegetation
steepness of the terrain
your assigned gorilla family
your fitness and mobility
Uganda Wildlife Authority advises that a Uganda gorilla trek may last approximately two to seven hours depending on conditions.
Rwanda is sometimes marketed as the easier destination, but this can be misleading. Volcanoes National Park also includes steep mountainous terrain and high elevations.
For travellers worried about fitness, age or bad knees, careful trip planning is more important than simply choosing Rwanda instead of Uganda.
We normally recommend discussing mobility concerns with your safari operator before permits are arranged.
Which Country Is Better for Older Gorilla Trekkers?
Age alone does not determine whether somebody can trek mountain gorillas.
The minimum trekking age is 15, but there is no comparable maximum age.
We have personally taken a 74-year-old guest gorilla trekking, while trekkers considerably older than this have completed the experience with additional support.
For older travellers, we pay particular attention to:
choice of accommodation
trekking area
porter arrangements
walking ability
altitude
transfer time
communication with park staff
whether a sedan-chair service may be appropriate
A porter is useful even for fit travellers and can make a significant difference on steep or slippery sections.
For somebody in their 60s, 70s or 80s, we would therefore not automatically say “Rwanda is easier.”
The right question is:
Which trekking arrangement gives this particular traveller the best chance of an enjoyable trek?
Uganda’s Gorilla Habituation Advantage
One of the biggest differences between the two countries is the Gorilla Habituation Experience.
Standard gorilla trekking gives visitors up to one hour with a habituated gorilla family after locating it.
Uganda also offers a limited habituation experience in southern Bwindi in which a very small number of visitors accompany trackers and researchers and can spend up to four hours with the gorillas once the group is located.
Experience
Uganda
Rwanda
Standard gorilla trekking
Yes
Yes
Standard viewing time
Up to 1 hour
Up to 1 hour
Gorilla Habituation Experience
Yes
No equivalent regular tourism product
Habituation viewing period
Up to 4 hours
—
Visitor numbers
Very limited
—
This is particularly attractive to serious photographers, primate enthusiasts and travellers for whom a single one-hour encounter does not feel sufficient.
Availability is extremely limited, so habituation permits should be planned well in advance.
Uganda vs Rwanda for Luxury Gorilla Trekking
This is one category where Rwanda has built an extraordinary reputation.
The Volcanoes National Park region has some of Africa’s best-known high-end gorilla lodges, and Rwanda works particularly well for travellers seeking a very short, extremely polished luxury itinerary.
Uganda also has excellent luxury properties, but the accommodation spectrum is broader.
You can find:
comfortable midrange forest lodges
boutique properties
luxury lodges
high-end fly-in gorilla experiences
This makes Uganda especially useful for groups in which travellers want a quality safari without every night being priced at ultra-luxury levels.
Our verdict for luxury
Rwanda: exceptional for a short, premium gorilla holiday.
Uganda: excellent for luxury travellers who also want a more extensive safari through several ecosystems.
Which Is Better for Gorilla Trekking and Chimpanzees?
Uganda has the advantage.
A classic Uganda primate safari can combine:
Bwindi gorillas + Kibale chimpanzees
with additional primate sightings along the way.
Kibale National Park is one of Africa’s most important chimpanzee destinations and fits naturally into a western Uganda safari circuit.
Uganda therefore works particularly well for travellers whose interest goes beyond mountain gorillas to primates more broadly.
Rwanda can also combine gorillas with chimpanzees, particularly through Nyungwe, but distances and itinerary design are different.
For a dedicated gorillas + chimpanzees + wildlife holiday, we generally favour Uganda.
Which Is Better for Gorilla Trekking and a Big Game Safari?
Again, Uganda usually has the advantage in variety.
From Bwindi it is possible to continue towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, where the landscape changes dramatically from mountain rainforest to open savannah, crater country, wetlands and the Kazinga Channel.
A traveller can spend one morning watching mountain gorillas and, within the same broader safari, search for:
lions
elephants
buffalo
hippos
leopards
antelope
Longer Uganda itineraries can also include Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo or Kidepo Valley.
Rwanda should not be described as having no savannah wildlife. Akagera National Park offers a genuine big-game safari experience.
But Uganda has a larger and more varied traditional safari circuit.
Our verdict
For gorillas + a substantial classic African safari: Uganda.
For gorillas + a compact Rwanda itinerary including Akagera: Rwanda can work very well.
Gorilla Trekking and the Great Migration
You do not have to choose between mountain gorillas and the Great Migration.
Some of our favourite East African itineraries combine:
Uganda gorillas + Tanzania’s Serengeti
or
Uganda gorillas + Kenya’s Masai Mara
and the same can be done through Rwanda.
Which combination is best depends largely on the month of travel because the wildebeest migration moves through different parts of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem during the year.
For example, a traveller might combine:
Bwindi → Entebbe → Serengeti
or
Volcanoes National Park → Kigali → Masai Mara
depending on flight schedules, season and budget.
For travellers flying all the way to East Africa from the United States, Europe or Australia, combining gorillas with the Great Migration can create one of the most complete wildlife trips possible on the continent.
Which Country Is Better for Golden Monkeys?
Both.
Uganda offers golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, while Rwanda offers it in Volcanoes National Park.
This makes either destination suitable for visitors particularly interested in the primates of the Virunga Mountains.
Uganda vs Rwanda for a Short Gorilla Trip
If you have only two or three days, Rwanda is exceptionally convenient.
A typical short Rwanda trip can look like:
Day 1: Arrive Kigali – drive to Volcanoes National Park Day 2: Gorilla trekking Day 3: Return to Kigali and depart
This simplicity is one of Rwanda’s greatest strengths.
Uganda can now compete more effectively for short trips when scheduled flights to Bwindi are used:
Day 1: Fly Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro – transfer to Bwindi Day 2: Gorilla trekking Day 3: Fly back to Entebbe
The difference is therefore no longer simply “Rwanda is close and Uganda is far.”
It is now a question of road access versus fly-in access, permit price and what else you want to experience.
Uganda or Rwanda: Which Should You Choose?
If you are…
We would usually consider
Looking for the best permit value
Uganda
Visiting Africa for the first time
Uganda
Have only 2–3 days
Rwanda
Want gorillas + chimpanzees
Uganda
Want gorillas + a longer big-game safari
Uganda
Want a very high-end short trip
Rwanda
Want up to four hours with gorillas
Uganda
Don’t want a long road transfer
Rwanda or fly to Bwindi
Serious birdwatcher
Uganda
Want golden monkeys too
Either
Want gorillas + Great Migration
Either
Travelling on a midrange budget
Uganda
Luxury honeymoon
Either; Rwanda particularly strong
Concerned about trekking difficulty
Choose based on individual ability, not country alone
Want several different primate experiences
Uganda
Want to trek gorillas more than once
Uganda often offers better overall value
So, Is Uganda or Rwanda Better for Gorilla Trekking?
For most travellers asking us this question, we recommend Uganda.
The reasons are straightforward:
the gorilla permit costs considerably less
Uganda has two gorilla national parks
Bwindi has four main trekking sectors
scheduled flights now make Bwindi much easier to reach
Uganda offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience
it combines naturally with Kibale chimpanzees
Queen Elizabeth National Park is relatively close to Bwindi
longer itineraries can include several completely different ecosystems
accommodation ranges from good-value lodges to high-end luxury
But that does not mean Rwanda is inferior.
We would seriously consider Rwanda for someone who tells us:
“I have three nights, I don’t mind paying more for the permit, I want excellent luxury accommodation and I want the simplest possible road journey from an international airport.”
That traveller may be better served by Rwanda.
By contrast, somebody who says:
“I have ten days and want gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, elephants, boat safaris and different landscapes”
is almost certainly describing a Uganda safari.
The right answer therefore depends on what kind of African trip you want around the gorillas.
Our Experience Trekking Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda
Buutu Safaris is a Ugandan-owned safari company and has been organising trips in East Africa since 1995. Over the years we have taken travellers from around the world to see mountain gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda.
One lesson stands out:
Most travellers do not come back talking about whether a Ugandan gorilla was better than a Rwandan gorilla.
They talk about sitting quietly in the forest while a silverback walked past them.
They talk about watching a young gorilla play.
They talk about the climb.
They talk about their porter.
They talk about the moment the tracker finally pointed through the vegetation and said, “There they are.”
The country matters because it determines the logistics, cost and wider safari.
But once you are sitting a few metres from a mountain gorilla, the international border becomes largely irrelevant.
Uganda vs Rwanda Gorilla Trekking FAQs
Is Uganda or Rwanda better for gorilla trekking?
Uganda is usually better for value, itinerary variety and combining gorillas with chimpanzees and big game. Rwanda is particularly good for short gorilla trips and travellers who value easy road access from Kigali and luxury accommodation.
Is gorilla trekking cheaper in Uganda or Rwanda?
Yes. Uganda is substantially cheaper for most international visitors. Uganda’s standard foreign non-resident gorilla permit is US800,whileRwanda’spublishedinternationalvisitorpermitisUS1,500. Rwanda Development Board currently lists the US$1,500 permit price on its official gorilla trekking information.
Is gorilla trekking easier in Rwanda than Uganda?
Not necessarily. Trek difficulty depends on where the gorillas are located, terrain, altitude, rainfall and the individual trekker. Mountain gorillas move every day, so no operator can guarantee an easy trek.
Can you fly to Bwindi?
Yes. Scheduled safari flights connect Entebbe with Kihihi and Kisoro, which serve different parts of the Bwindi region. Aerolink describes flights to these airstrips as taking just over an hour.
How long do you spend with the gorillas?
On a normal gorilla trek in both Uganda and Rwanda, visitors can spend up to one hour with their assigned habituated gorilla family after locating it.
Uganda also offers a separate Gorilla Habituation Experience allowing substantially more time with the gorillas.
Can I trek gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda?
Yes.
Uganda and Rwanda share a border, making it possible to design a safari that includes gorilla experiences in both countries.
For most travellers, however, we would first ask what they hope to gain from doing both because two treks within one country can sometimes provide better value and simpler logistics.
Which is better for seniors: Uganda or Rwanda?
There is no automatic winner.
For older travellers, the quality of planning matters more than simply choosing one country. Trekking sector, porter assistance, altitude, accommodation, transport and mobility should all be considered.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
The minimum age for normal mountain gorilla trekking is 15 years. Rwanda Development Board confirms 15 as the minimum age for trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Families travelling with younger children can still arrange alternative forest, cultural and wildlife activities while older family members trek.
Is Bwindi better than Volcanoes National Park?
Bwindi is better for travellers wanting multiple trekking areas, dense rainforest, Uganda’s habituation experience and easy combinations with other Uganda wildlife destinations.
Volcanoes National Park is particularly attractive for its volcanic scenery, straightforward access from Kigali and high-end lodge options.
Neither offers “better” gorillas.
Should I trek gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda on my first trip to Africa?
For a longer first safari, we generally recommend Uganda because gorilla trekking can be combined with chimpanzees, savannah wildlife, boat safaris and several dramatically different landscapes.
For a very short trip centred almost exclusively on gorillas, Rwanda can be the more convenient option.
Plan Your Uganda or Rwanda Gorilla Trek
Still unsure whether you should trek mountain gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda?
Tell us:
your travel dates
how many days you have
your approximate budget
your fitness or mobility concerns
whether you want chimpanzees
whether you want a classic big-game safari
whether you would rather drive or fly
and what else you hope to see in East Africa
Our team can then recommend not simply Uganda or Rwanda, but the gorilla region and safari route that best fit your trip.
Buutu Safaris has organised East African safaris since 1995 and arranges gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda.
