Gorilla Safaris

1. Gorilla safaris in Uganda and Rwanda offer the planet’s most profound wildlife encounter: spending one unforgettable hour with a family of endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. In Uganda, trekking primarily takes place in the dense, impenetrable rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is home to over half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, offering a more challenging and rugged jungle experience. With a permit cost of $800 (for foreign non-residents), Uganda is generally the more affordable option and often combines the trek with extensive savanna wildlife viewing in its other national parks.

Rwanda, by contrast, offers its treks in the open, scenic volcanic slopes of Volcanoes National Park, making the hike itself often less strenuous and more accessible, with shorter driving times from the capital, Kigali. However, this accessibility comes at a premium, as the permit fee is significantly higher at $1,500. Both countries adhere strictly to conservation rules, limiting group sizes to eight visitors per gorilla family per day to minimize impact on these gentle giants. Regardless of which nation you choose, a gorilla safari is a deeply moving, bucket-list adventure that directly contributes to the survival of the species.