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Family of mountain gorillas with a baby gorilla and a silverback, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Home Holiday Types Wildlife Primates Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking

Considered by Sir David Attenborough to be the most poignant wildlife encounter of his career, an hour spent with mountain gorillas is a profound and humbling experience.

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We organise gorilla trekking tours in Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Republic of Congo. Our experts can explain the pros and cons of each destination, having visited them all on several occasions.

While we have organised gorilla trekking holidays for thousands of our clients, we never get complacent about just how special an encounter with mountain gorillas can be. Such is our reputation, that over the years we have been asked to arrange trips for everyone from the BBC Natural History Unit to Turner Broadcasting and CNN. Steppes was even approached by the Ugandan Wildlife Authority when they were looking to open a new gorilla group to tourism in 2004 (The Nkuringo Group) – they wanted us to provide the tourists.

In short, nobody knows gorilla trekking better than Steppes. Talk to one of our experts to learn more about where, when and how to see mountain gorillas in the wild.

Young mountain gorilla eating, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Gorilla safari

Rwanda

In 2018, Rwanda took the bold decision to double the cost of its permits from $750 to $1500. At the same time, the country’s tourism industry received huge investment, with new lodges opening in Nyungwe, Akagera and Volcanoes National Park. As a result, Rwanda has gained a reputation for offering an exclusive gorilla trekking experience, staying at some of Africa’s finest lodges with impeccable sustainable travel credentials.

If you want more than just a gorilla safari, then Akagera National Park, bordering Tanzania in the east, offers a big game viewing experience without the distraction of hundreds of other tourists. You can also head south to look for elusive chimps, as well as Rwanda’s best birding and chameleons, in Nyungwe Forest.

View Rwanda Holidays

Jungle gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest, Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest, Uganda
Gorilla safari

Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to Uganda’s mountain gorillas. The trekking in Bwindi can be a little tougher than in Rwanda as the vegetation is thicker and more established. However, the diversity of wildlife and the forest itself is more dramatic given that it is much older. Uganda has the added benefit of cheaper gorilla permits, with prices at $700 per permit per person.

In addition to seeing gorillas in Uganda, there are also opportunities for chimpanzee trekking, exceptional game viewing in parks like Queen Elizabeth, boat safaris in Murchison Falls and some of Africa’s best birding.

View Uganda Holidays 

Lowland Gorillas in Tree, Republic of Congo
Gorilla trekking in the Republic of Congo
Gorilla safari

Republic of Congo and DRC

Unlike Uganda or Rwanda, gorillas in the Republic of Congo are found in lowland tropical forest, in Odzala National Park. Therefore, whilst it is flat, it is very humid with difficult paths and long treks. However, access to Odzala is by charter flight and the camps are exceptionally comfortable.

In the DRC, there are two options for gorilla trekking tours. Head to Africa’s oldest national park, Virunga and visit one of four habituated mountain gorilla groups on the heavily forested slopes of the extinct Mikeno Volcano. Alternatively, visit Kahuzi-Biega where the lush rolling hills and thick jungle are the last remaining habitat for Grauer’s gorillas.

View Republic of Congo Holidays

Idea
Uganda
Mountain Gorillas and the Masai Mara
Trek in search of gorillas in the forests of Uganda. Encounter these iconic primates, whose very existence is under threat, then fly north to the open plains of Kenya’s Masai Mara. Here, spends several days on safari, in search of the wide…
10 days from $9,005pp
Baby gorilla, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
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Idea
Democratic Republic of Congo
Grauer’s Gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega
Explore the UNESCO-listed Kahuzi-Biega National Park in DRC, home to rare Grauer’s gorillas, beautiful birdlife and volcanic peaks. Trek in search of this critically endangered gorilla subspecies, before soaking up the colourful, colonial charm of the tropical lakeside town of Bukavu.
from $2,990pp
Eastern lowland (Grauer's) gorilla, Kahuzi Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Republic of Congo
Lowland Gorilla Trekking in the Congo Basin
Explore the wildlife riches hidden deep within the dense forests of the Odzala National Park. Track lowland gorillas and encounter forest elephants in a jungle wilderness that hides in the far north of Congo.
10 days from $17,545pp
Young male gorilla in tree, Ngaga Camp, Odzala, Rep of Cong
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Rwanda
Highlights of Rwanda
Rwanda has become synonymous with gorilla trekking, but this holiday also showcases the diverse wildlife and landscapes elsewhere in this fascinating country. As well as trekking for endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Virunga Massif, explore the lakes, savannah and hills of Akagera…
11 days from $18,975pp
Young wet gorilla, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Uganda
Highlights of Uganda: Primates and Predators
Experience the diversity of Uganda, exploring three national parks on a journey that blends volcanic landscapes, endangered primates, big cats and colourful birdlife.
12 days from $15,400pp
Baby Gorilla at Bwindi Mountain
View Holiday Idea

Holiday Inspiration

Our experts have created and curated these tailor made holiday ideas to get you started. Where will you go to encounter gorillas?

Idea
Uganda
Mountain Gorillas and the Masai Mara
Trek in search of gorillas in the forests of Uganda. Encounter these iconic primates, whose very existence is under threat, then fly north to the open plains of Kenya’s Masai Mara. Here, spends several days on safari, in search of…
10 days from $9,005pp
Baby gorilla, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Democratic Republic of Congo
Grauer’s Gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega
Explore the UNESCO-listed Kahuzi-Biega National Park in DRC, home to rare Grauer’s gorillas, beautiful birdlife and volcanic peaks. Trek in search of this critically endangered gorilla subspecies, before soaking up the colourful, colonial charm of the tropical lakeside town of…
from $2,990pp
Eastern lowland (Grauer's) gorilla, Kahuzi Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Republic of Congo
Lowland Gorilla Trekking in the Congo Basin
Explore the wildlife riches hidden deep within the dense forests of the Odzala National Park. Track lowland gorillas and encounter forest elephants in a jungle wilderness that hides in the far north of Congo.
10 days from $17,545pp
Young male gorilla in tree, Ngaga Camp, Odzala, Rep of Cong
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Rwanda
Highlights of Rwanda
Rwanda has become synonymous with gorilla trekking, but this holiday also showcases the diverse wildlife and landscapes elsewhere in this fascinating country. As well as trekking for endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Virunga Massif, explore the lakes, savannah and hills…
11 days from $18,975pp
Young wet gorilla, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Uganda
Highlights of Uganda: Primates and Predators
Experience the diversity of Uganda, exploring three national parks on a journey that blends volcanic landscapes, endangered primates, big cats and colourful birdlife.
12 days from $15,400pp
Baby Gorilla at Bwindi Mountain
View Holiday Idea
View all holiday ideas

Experiences

A gorilla safari can make for a fabulous wildlife holiday. Discover some of our experiences below.

Bbay gorilla playing, Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
 

Gorilla Sanctuary

Visit Senkwekwe – the only orphan mountain gorilla sanctuary in the world.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Dominant male mountain gorilla in the grass, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
 

Gorilla Habituation

Help habituate a family of mountain gorillas. Spend up to four hours with them, helping them become used to the presence of humans.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Gorilla Hand Close Up, Bwindi Forest, Uganda
 

Gorilla Trekking

The very first time I saw a gorilla and realised they are the only animal that really stare at you.

Silverback gorillas, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
 

Track Mountain Gorillas

Set out on foot into the dense cloud forest of Volcanoes National Park and come face to face with mountain gorillas, spending a magical hour in their company.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Gorilla family in wild, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
 

Gorilla Trekking

Trek in search of the mountain gorilla families of Bwindi.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Lowland Gorilla, Congo
 

Track Elephants and Gorillas

Experience thrilling encounters with lowland gorillas and forest elephants.

Lowland Gorilla in Tree, Republic of Congo
 

Track Gorillas and Elephants

Trek in search of western lowland gorillas, spending an hour with a habituated family.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Mountain gorilla, Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
 

Track Mountain Gorillas

Go in search of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Silverback eastern lowland (Grauer's) gorilla, Democratic Republic of the Congo
 

Trek in Search of Grauer’s Gorillas

Go gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park, home to habituated Grauer’s gorillas.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Western lowland gorilla in water, Gabon
 

Trek for Lowland Gorillas

Join researchers and trek into Loango’s forest, in search of a family of habituated western lowland gorillas.

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Chris Johnston
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Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

Almost three decades ago, I set off for a three-month trip to Africa – and ended up staying for two years. Since then, I’ve led groups through Rwanda, Uganda and Malawi, and have been named a Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda by Condé Nast Traveller. This depth of knowledge and on-the-ground experience is something I bring to each tailor-made itinerary I create.

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From the blog

Thoughts. Opinions. Experiences

Eastern lowland (Grauer's) gorilla, Kahuzi Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
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DRC – Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega
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Virunga Lodge, Volcanoes National Park
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Family of mountain gorillas with a baby gorilla and a silverback, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
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Gorillas know no rules.
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"Excuse me, excuse me, coming through, coming through" said Intambara as he brushes ever so gently past me.  Intambara was speaking…
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Gorilla Family, Rwanda
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Karisoke Trek, Rwanda
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It had rained the night before my trek, I was told the trek would be difficult due to the rain and…
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Gorilla Family, Rwanda
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Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an excellent option for those looking for a more comprehensive wildlife experience but are more flexible on…
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Mountain gorilla, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
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“I will remember this moment for the rest of my life.” David, my fellow gorilla trekker, has just summed up how…
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Mountain Gorilla, Volcano National Park, Rwanda
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Gorilla Trekking – The Facts
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The reason for this blog is to try and help you decide which kind of gorilla trekking is best for you,…
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Young mountain gorilla eating, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Stories
Karisoke
Chris Johnston
"What was she like?" I asked, to which he replied: " A strong woman! Big temper, passionate." On my recent Rwanda…
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Lowland Gorilla, Congo
Stories
The Best Cold Beer in the World
Chris Johnston
"They are just in here" said our guide Kelvin, frantically pointing to the thick green curtain of vegetation that separated us…
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Mountain gorilla, Bwindi, Uganda
Stories
Mud, Sweat and Tears: Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Steppes Travel
I woke early with feelings of trepidation, anxiety (Would I be able to do the climb?), nerves and much excitement. I…
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Virunga Lodge, Volcanoes National Park
Stories
Gorillas in my midst
Justin Wateridge
Trekking up near-vertical slopes of dense lush emerald green rainforest; our trackers hacked their way through this ancient jungle without breaking…
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Young male gorilla in tree, Ngaga Camp, Odzala, Rep of Cong
Stories
Republic of Congo: A Field of Fireflies
Steppes Travel
As the headlights dimmed and the engine cut, the stillness and the darkness was all around us. My eyes took a…
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Giraffes, Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Stories
Uganda, more than just gorillas!
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I love Uganda. For me, it encapsulates everything that makes Africa so special and its location alone is like something from the lost world.…
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