gorilla hub tours

• Attractions
• Gorilla Hub Tours Ltd

Gorilla Hub Tours Ltd - Kampala

• Verified Listing
• +6 Years With Us
• Monday: Mon
• Tuesday: Tue
• Wednesday: Wed
• Thursday: Thu
• Friday: Fri
• Saturday: Sat
• Sunday: Closed

Questions & Answers

Verified business, related searches.

• Attractions in Kampala
• Outdoor Activities in Kampala
• Tour Operators in Kampala
• Activity Holidays in Kampala
• Excursions in Kampala
• Car Rental in Kampala

We, and third parties, use cookies for technical and analytical purposes, for marketing purposes and for integration with social media. For more information, refer to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Consent . By clicking on ‘I agree’, you consent to the use of these cookies.

We, and third parties, use cookies for technical and analytical purposes, for marketing purposes and for integration with social media. Refer to our  Privacy Policy and Terms of Consent .

Sign in using your email ID

Don't Have a tourHQ Account?

Please enter your email address below

Already a TourHQ member

Explore the world with tourHQ

• I am a Traveller
• I am a Guide
• I am a Tour Company

• USD US, dollar
• GBP British Pounds

• Gorilla Hub Tours
• All Articles

Things You Should Know Before Going Gorilla Trekking!

PricesWhile booking a gorilla trekking safari you have to be mindful of two main things: the cost of the permit as well as the cost of the overall tour. All governments require that everyone acquires a gorilla trekking permit. The standard price for the Uganda gorilla tour permit costs $600 USD. Rwanda increased its gorilla permit cost to $1500 USD. DR. Congo Gorilla trekking permit go for $400 ...

Gorilla trekking

A rare opportunity to see our closest living animal relatives in the depths of their jungle homes.

There are only two populations of mountain gorillas left in the entire world: One can be found in the Virunga volcanic mountains of Central Africa, with groups scattered throughout Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, while the second population lives deep in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Our range of gorilla trekking trips give you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come face-to-face with these remarkable creatures. While the treks themselves can be humid and muddy (you will be in the rainforest after all!), after your first glimpse of a majestic silverback or a mom with her cheeky baby, the effort will all be worth it.

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

There are only two populations of mountain gorillas left in the world – and you can visit either of them with Intrepid. The first population lives in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and the other is in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. What differences can you expect between the two?

There are twelve habituated gorilla families in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The terrain you will be trekking through in Rwanda may be slightly less dense and more open than in Uganda, which means some people find it to be an easier trek. The park is also quite established and has good infrastructure, is only a three-hour drive from the international airport and has comfortable accommodation close by. The gorilla trekking permit for Rwanda is significantly more expensive than in Uganda.

There are ten habituated families in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It normally sees more rain than Rwanda, meaning the terrain can be a little slippery and the trek is considered more difficult. This park is less established and is a twelve-hour drive from the international airport. However, the gorilla trekking permit for Uganda is about half the price of Rwanda, making it a more attractive option for travelers on a budget.

How fit do I need to be to trek to see the gorillas?

You'll need to be fit enough to trek to the location of your family of mountain gorillas. This may involve anywhere from one hour up to six hours of walking up and down hills in hot and humid conditions and through tropical (and at times thick) foliage. There may be mud underfoot, which will make the trekking slippery. But don’t let this put you off—the end result is worth it.

At the pre-trek briefing, travelers will be divided into groups of eight based on their age and fitness. The rangers usually have a good idea of where each gorilla family group is and the expected trekking time for each family. The fitter groups will trek to the families in more challenging locations or longer distances away.

Can I hire a porter to help me?

You'll be expected to carry your own personal items for this trek, including water, a rain jacket and cameras, however, you can absolutely hire a local porter to assist you. Hiring a porter on a gorilla trek is a common practice by travelers of all ages and abilities. The porters will carry your bag and help you navigate some of the steeper or trickier sections of the trek.

Not only does it make the trek easier for you, but you’re also providing a valuable source of income for locals. Hiring a local porter comes at a reasonable cost; make sure to ask your trip leader about porters before the trek.

How long do I get to spend with the gorillas?

Once you track your gorilla family, you have one hour with them. This is to minimize the possibility of disturbance or transmission of disease to the animals. No more than eight people per day can visit any one habituated family.

Is there a chance I won’t see the gorillas on my trek?

It's not 100% guaranteed that you will see gorillas, but it is highly uncommon not to. Gorilla trackers head off at dawn every day to locate gorilla families and radio the co-ordinates back to headquarters. So, that means that before you even begin your trek the trackers have a good idea of where your family is or will be.

How do I arrange a gorilla trekking permit?

Permits are included in the cost of Intrepid’s gorilla trekking trips, and we will secure the permit for you once you pay your trip deposit. At this time, all we require from you are your passport details. On some trips, travelers might also have the opportunity to trek to see the gorillas for a second time. These additional permits should also be organized prior to departure while you’re booking.

What does my permit cost go towards?

The cost of your permit contributes significantly to mountain gorilla conservation efforts. The mountain gorilla population living in the Virunga mountains has grown significantly over the last decade, largely due to travelers' contribution to conservation efforts by purchasing trekking permits. The rise in numbers follows the introduction of park guards, veterinary care, community support projects and regulated tourism. Combined with a separate mountain gorilla population living in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, this brings the number of mountain gorillas up to more than 1,000 individuals.

Can I opt to trek a second time on the trip?

On our trips there is often the chance to take an optional additional trek to see the mountain gorillas. Only a limited number of permits are issued for each gorilla family each day, so we recommend that you pre-book your trek and permit through your booking agent to avoid disappointment – especially in peak season.

Can I request to trek with a specific gorilla family?

It's possible to request to trek with a particular gorilla family once you’re at the briefing, but this can’t always be guaranteed.

What’s the age limit for trekking to see the gorillas?

As per national park requirements, you must be a minimum of 15 years old to trek to see the gorillas in either Uganda or Rwanda.

What’s the best time to trek to see the gorillas?

You can trek to see the gorillas all year round. The dry season is June to September and December to February, while the rainy season is March to May and October to November. The rainy season can make trekking more challenging, so many people opt to trek during the dry season. However, it’s important to remember that you’re trekking in tropical rainforests, and it’s common to have rain throughout the year regardless of which season it is.

What if I’m not feeling well on the trek?

Your ranger will brief you on a few basic gorilla trekking guidelines and rules before your trek. If you are feeling unwell or you are carrying a contagious disease, we recommend you stay behind, and an alternate visit will be arranged for you. Gorillas are susceptible to the transmission of germs and diseases, and you could put them at risk. Currently, masks are required to be worn on all gorilla trekking trips.

Will I be trekking with my Intrepid group?

No more than eight people per day can visit any one habituated family per day, so it's possible your group may be split into smaller trekking groups. Depending on permit availability and group size, you may even trek on two different days.

Do I need special equipment or clothing for my trek?

Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable. You will definitely need a comfortable pair of waterproof hiking boots or shoes. Some of the foliage in the forest has sharp spikes and can be prickly, so a gardening glove with a hard surface on the palm will make it easier to grab onto trees and bushes as you pull yourself up the hillside. It's also a good idea to pack a pair of long socks to tuck your trousers into to avoid any ants or insects getting to your ankles. Long-sleeved, lightweight shirts will also protect your arms without being too hot. You can pick up a trekking pole at your local lodge or the trek headquarters. A small backpack to carry camera, personal items and a water bottle is a good idea.

Is gorilla trekking dangerous?

Treks are only conducted within 'habituated' groups of gorillas. It takes a period of about two years for a gorilla family to become familiar with humans. To ensure that travelers are safe while trekking, there are set rules and regulations that everyone must follow at all times. You will be briefed on these before you depart in search of your assigned habituated gorilla family. While on the trek, the park ranger guide who accompanies you will be there to ensure everyone follows the rules.

Do your guides carry first aid kits?

All gorilla treks are led by well-trained national park guides, rangers and trackers. The ranger or head guide carries a first aid kit and will provide a comprehensive safety briefing at the start of each trek.

A guaranteed departure means that there is no minimum number of bookings required on a trip for it to run, so no matter how many people are booked on your gorilla trekking trip, you can be sure you're heading off on the adventure of a lifetime.

We believe the best people to show you the heart of a destination are the ones that live there, which is why we work exclusively with local leaders. Our leaders are not just travel experts, but they’re also your teacher, travel guru and enthusiastic purveyor of grassroots experiences.

We've made a commitment to being a responsible business, so when you hit the road with us, you’ll leave a lighter footprint. Your dollars are reinvested into the local communities that you'll visit and learn about along the way.

Filter by rating

Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda

Gorillas & Game Parks

By joining a gorilla trek in  Uganda  or  Rwanda  you are contributing significantly to mountain gorilla conservation efforts. The mountain gorilla population living in the Virunga mountains has grown significantly over the last decade, largely due to the contribution to conservation efforts by travelers purchasing trekking permits. The rise in numbers follows the introduction of park guards, veterinary care, community support projects and regulated tourism. Combined with a separate mountain gorilla population living in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, this brings the individual number of mountain gorillas to more than 1,000.

Seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but there are plenty of other amazing things to see and do in  Africa  too. You could head to the Serengeti or Masai Mara on a safari to spot the Big 5 or continue the trekking theme and tackle the highest peak in Africa –  Mt Kilimanjaro . Make your gorilla trek part of your longer African adventure with any of the trips below.

Best places to travel in November

Best places to travel in December

What it’s like to spend a day gorilla trekking in Uganda

Encounters in the mist: Exploring Uganda’s gorilla sanctuaries 

Meet the Gorilla Doctors: Guardians of East-Central Africa’s great apes 

7 unforgettable wildlife experiences for 2023 

7 unforgettable experiences you can only have on an Intrepid Premium trip

6 unique places you can stay on an Intrepid Premium trip