A special highlight of any safari in Rwanda or Uganda is, without a doubt, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable forest respectively. These are the most popular and the only destinations in the world where one can go and see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda

Other gorilla destinations include Mgahinga National park located in south western Uganda with only one gorilla group known as Nyakagezi, and Virunga National Park in Democratic Congo Republic! In DR Congo, gorilla tourism is severely affected by political unrest in the region, thus scaring away tourists.

Due to the high position of the Bwindi Impenetrable forest, Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Parks, it cools down at night, so that the temperatures can still be very cold in the morning. During the day, temperatures rise to 20 ° C.

View of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

The coldest months are June / July. Even more unpleasant than the cold are the rainy months between March and May and between September and October. Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda can be made all year round, but the better travel time is the time in which less rain.

Note that, in dry seasons, there are many tourists booking gorilla tours and the demand for gorilla trekking permits is very high in such seasons. Therefore, you are advised to book at least 3 months in advance to secure your permit. Gorilla permits in Uganda cost US$600 and US$750 in Rwanda.

Going on a gorilla trek requires a 4×4 vehicle because the nature of roads to the park is bad. The cars commonly used include Land cruisers, Prado, Land Rovers, Nissan Patrol, Jeeps, Super customs and Toyota Rav4 among others.