Gorilla Trekking Experience

Overview

Seeing a mountain gorilla in its natural habitat is, for many safari-goers, a true bucket-list moment and a reason in itself to visit East Africa. Most travellers head to Uganda or Rwanda, where the experience is world class in both countries.

This journey pairs two of the continent's most remarkable primate encounters. On Rubondo Island, a rainforest sanctuary on Lake Victoria, you trek Tanzania's habituated chimpanzees. Then, in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a team of trackers leads you to a known mountain gorilla family for a maximum of one unforgettable hour in their company.

A team of trackers spends each day with the gorillas and radios their location, so your guided trek heads to a known group rather than searching a vast forest. The hike runs through bamboo forest and steep, muddy slopes — a full and rewarding day, ending with a hot shower, a rest, and a celebratory dinner. The minimum age for primate activities is 15 years.

Highlights

• Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi - welcome to East Africa and overnight at Hemingways Nairobi
• Day 2–4: Rubondo Island, Tanzania - fly to Rubondo Island National Park on Lake Victoria for chimpanzee trekking, rainforest walks and time on the water
• Day 5–7: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda - mountain gorilla trekking with a cultural encounter alongside the Batwa community
• Day 8: Departure - farewell and departure via Entebbe
• Both chimpanzee and mountain gorilla trekking permits included
• Maximum of eight visitors per gorilla group and one hour with the family