Budget Gorilla Trekking Tours & Safari Packages 2026/2027
Browse budget gorilla trekking tours across Uganda, Rwanda, and East Africa, with itineraries built to fit your budget.
Uganda gorilla safari packages
Uganda holds about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, split between Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the southwest of the country. Bwindi has over 350 gorillas across four sectors, Rushaga, Ruhija, Buhoma, and Nkuringo, while Mgahinga has one habituated family.
A Uganda gorilla permit costs USD 800 for foreign nonresidents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. Beyond gorilla trekking, Uganda offers wildlife safaris in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Kidepo Valley national parks, plus chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest. Visit our Uganda gorilla safaris page for full package details and pricing.
Rwanda gorilla safari packages
Rwanda holds over 30% of the world’s mountain gorillas across 12 habituated families in Volcanoes National Park, just two hours from Kigali. The park also offers golden monkey trekking, a Dian Fossey hike, and a cultural visit to the Iby’Iwacu community.
A Rwanda gorilla permit costs USD 1,500 per person. Beyond gorilla trekking, Rwanda offers game drives in Akagera National Park and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Visit our Rwanda gorilla safaris page for full package details and pricing.
Congo gorilla safari packages
Congo offers the lowest-cost gorilla trekking in the region, with permits priced at USD 400 per person. Kahuzi-Biega National Park is the main destination for lowland gorillas, while Virunga National Park covers mountain gorilla families such as Kabirizi, Humba, and Rugendo, each visited by a maximum of 8 trekkers a day.
East Africa combo safari packages
A combined East Africa safari lets you pair gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo with wildlife safaris in Kenya and Tanzania, home to the Maasai Mara, the Serengeti, and the annual wildebeest migration. Combining countries into one route is more affordable than booking separate trips, since you share transport, guides, and planning across the whole itinerary instead of starting fresh in each destination.
Most combined East Africa itineraries run between 7 and 20 days, depending on how many countries and activities you include. Visit our East Africa safaris page for full combo package details.
What a gorilla trekking day looks like
Gorilla trekking starts early with a briefing at the park headquarters, where rangers cover trekking rules and assign you to a gorilla family. Treks can last between 1 and 8 hours depending on where the family is that day, followed by one hour spent observing the gorillas up close. Groups are capped at 8 trekkers per family, and trekkers must be at least 15 years old.
Trekking rules apply across Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo: no littering, no loud noise, no flash photography, no smoking, keeping a distance of 7 meters from the gorillas, and avoiding the trek if you have a cold or flu.
Best time to go gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, but the dry seasons, June to October and December to February, are the best months across Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, since trails are drier and easier to hike. If you’re combining your trip with the wildebeest migration in Kenya or Tanzania, river crossings between the Serengeti and Maasai Mara typically peak from June to July.
What to pack for your gorilla trek
Bring your passport, visa, and gorilla trekking permit, along with hiking boots, gardening gloves, a camera without flash, binoculars, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and warm clothing for higher-altitude sectors.
Book your budget gorilla safari package
Whether you’re trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, or combining two or more countries into one East Africa trip, we build every itinerary around your budget and schedule. Browse our budget gorilla safari packages by country above, or contact us for a custom itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Which country has the cheapest gorilla permits?
Congo has the lowest gorilla permit price at USD 400 per person, followed by Uganda at USD 800, and Rwanda at USD 1,500.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo is 15 years old.
How long does a gorilla trek take?
Treks can take between 1 and 8 hours depending on where the gorilla family is located that day, plus one hour spent with the gorillas once found.
Can I combine gorilla trekking with a wildlife safari?
Yes. Many travelers combine gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo with wildlife safaris in Kenya or Tanzania as part of one East Africa itinerary.
How far in advance should I book a gorilla permit?
Gorilla permits should be booked at least 3 to 6 months in advance, especially during peak season, since permit numbers are limited per day.
Do I need a visa for each country?
Yes, unless you qualify for the East Africa Tourist Visa, which covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on a single visa.
What is included in a gorilla trekking permit fee?
The permit fee covers park entry, guide services, and access to one gorilla family for one visit per day. It does not typically include accommodation or transport.
