Best Places to Go for Gorilla Trekking in 2025 – Explore Africa’s Ultimate Primate Destinations

– Explore Africa’s Ultimate Primate Destinations

Few wildlife encounters in the world compare to standing face-to-face with a mountain gorilla in the heart of Africa’s misty rainforests. Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that takes you deep into lush jungles, over emerald hills, and into the hidden world of these gentle giants. As we enter 2025, gorilla trekking remains one of Africa’s most transformative travel experiences — a blend of adventure, conservation, and pure wonder.

If you’re planning your dream primate safari, here are the best places to go for gorilla trekking in 2025, from the emerald depths of Uganda’s Bwindi Forest to the volcanic slopes of Rwanda and the wild frontiers of the Congo Basin.

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Uganda’s Gorilla Heartland

Home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda is one of the most rewarding destinations for gorilla trekking in 2025. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a living, breathing rainforest filled with ancient trees, tangled vines, and the soothing songs of birds and insects.

Bwindi hosts more than 20 habituated gorilla families spread across four sectors — Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo — each offering a distinct trekking experience.

Uganda offers a gorilla trekking permit at $800, significantly more affordable than Rwanda’s $1,500. Improved roads and lodges make travel more seamless than ever. Diverse trekking routes offer unique experiences — from gentle forest slopes to challenging mountain terrain.

Highlights: The Gorilla Habituation Experience in Rushaga, where visitors spend up to 4 hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family ($1,500 per person). Excellent birdwatching and cultural visits with the Batwa community. Combine with chimpanzee trekking in Kibale or wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Best Time to Visit: June to September and December to February (dry seasons with clearer trails).

2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Uganda’s Secret Jewel

Tucked into Uganda’s southwestern corner, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is part of the Virunga Volcano Conservation Area, which it shares with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s the smallest park in Uganda but among the most scenic — with its lush bamboo forests set against the dramatic backdrop of the Virunga volcanoes.

Mgahinga is home to the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family, a calm and playful group that delights visitors with their curious nature.

Peaceful, uncrowded treks make this ideal for travelers seeking solitude. There’s also the possibility to spot golden monkeys in the same forest. It’s easy to combine with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park for a cross-border safari.

Highlights: Climb Mount Sabyinyo or Mount Gahinga for panoramic views. Experience Batwa cultural trails with local guides. Trekking permits cost the same as Bwindi ($800).

Best Time to Visit: June to September and December to February for dry, clear trekking conditions.

3. Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda’s Luxury Gorilla Trekking Haven

Located just two and a half hours from Kigali, Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s premier gorilla trekking destination — a place of breathtaking volcanic scenery, bamboo forests, and deep conservation heritage. This is where Dian Fossey conducted her pioneering gorilla research, and where her legacy of protection still thrives.

The park is home to 13 habituated gorilla families, each with its own hierarchy, personalities, and behaviors. Treks range from one to six hours depending on the group’s location, and every encounter is deeply emotional.

Seamless logistics make it easy to reach the park from Kigali. World-class luxury lodges such as Bisate, Singita Kwitonda, and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest offer comfort surrounded by wilderness. Rwanda’s conservation leadership ensures ethical and sustainable trekking. The Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony (September 2025) is an annual highlight celebrating new gorilla births.

Highlights: Breathtaking volcano landscapes and scenic photography opportunities. Combine with chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe or wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park. Easy to fit into a short 3–4 day itinerary.

Permit Cost (2025): $1,500 per person per trek.
Best Time to Visit: June to September and December to February.

4. Virunga National Park – Congo’s Untamed Wilderness

For travelers seeking raw, unfiltered adventure, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) offers one of the most authentic gorilla trekking experiences in Africa. It’s Africa’s oldest national park and home to both mountain gorillas and the dramatic Nyiragongo Volcano, famous for its glowing lava lake.

Though less visited than Uganda or Rwanda, Virunga provides a sense of wilderness that few places can match.

It offers the most affordable gorilla trekking permits in Africa at around $400 per person. There are fewer tourists and more intimate gorilla encounters, and adventurous travelers can combine trekking with a climb up Mount Nyiragongo (conditions permitting).

Highlights: Trek through pristine rainforest without crowds. Capture incredible photography of gorillas and volcanic scenery. Visits directly support conservation and local livelihoods.

Best Time to Visit: June to September and December to February for drier, safer conditions.
Note: Always check current travel advisories before visiting the DRC.

5. Kahuzi-Biega National Park – Home of the Eastern Lowland Gorillas (DRC)

Unlike the mountain gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda, Kahuzi-Biega National Park in eastern DRC is home to the Eastern Lowland Gorilla (Grauer’s Gorilla) — the largest and most powerful of all gorilla subspecies.

Located near Bukavu and the shores of Lake Kivu, the park offers a more relaxed trekking experience through mid-altitude forests with gentler slopes compared to the Virungas.

This is the only place in the world to see Eastern Lowland Gorillas. Permits are affordable at about $400 per person, and the rainforest is unspoiled and tranquil.

Highlights: Encounters with gorillas that can weigh up to 250 kilograms. Ideal for travelers seeking a unique gorilla experience beyond the mainstream routes. Combine with cultural tours in Bukavu or Lake Kivu exploration.

Best Time to Visit: June to September and December to February.

Best Time of Year for Gorilla Trekking in 2025

The dry seasons (June–September, December–February) offer easier hiking, less rainfall, and clear forest views — perfect for trekking and photography. The wet seasons (March–May, October–November) bring lush green vegetation, quieter trails, and lower accommodation rates — ideal for photographers and budget travelers.

Quick Comparison of Top Gorilla Trekking Destinations (2025)

Planning Your Gorilla Trekking Safari in 2025

Book permits early as they are limited. Pack lightweight waterproof gear, gloves, hiking boots, and insect repellent. Prepare physically for moderate hikes through hilly terrain. Maintain a respectful distance of at least 10 meters from the gorillas, avoid flash photography, and follow ranger instructions. Combine your trek with other experiences like chimpanzee tracking, wildlife safaris, or cultural tours for a complete East African adventure.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, gorilla trekking remains Africa’s most awe-inspiring wildlife experience — intimate, emotional, and transformative. Whether you choose the misty forests of Bwindi, the volcanic slopes of Volcanoes National Park, or the untamed wilds of the Congo Basin, each destination offers a rare glimpse into a world untouched by time.

Standing in the presence of a silverback gorilla, hearing its deep rumble echo through the forest, is more than a moment — it’s a connection to the wild that will stay with you forever.