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  • A mother gorilla and her baby in Virunga National Park
  • Mountain gorilla baby in Uganda
  • senkwekwe-gorilla-sanctuary

Luxury Gorilla Safaris made for you

Meet mountain gorillas on an ethical private tour, designed just for you

Embark on the ultimate gorilla trekking experience across Rwanda, Uganda and the Republic of Congo

Few encounters resonate with the soul quite like a luxury gorilla trekking safari. If contemplating a grand tour of Africa, then coming upon these gently grazing giants in their natural, jungle domain, would be an unmissable highlight. It’s more than an excursion – it is a rare moment of connection.

One of the last remaining homes for the rare mountain gorilla is the Virunga Mountains that span the northern border of Rwanda, the eastern boundary of the Congo and south-western side of Uganda.

Among the best places for walking safaris in search of these heavily protected species are Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. A maximum of eight visitor permits are issued per day. Each family has undergone a delicate process over the years that has made them accustomed to humans, but they are by no means tame. The strict limitation on permits means they are not to interfered with too much and why you also need to book your place a year or two in advance.

For a truly intrepid experience of majestic western lowland gorillas, venture into Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo. Expert trackers will lead you deep into the heart of the Congo Basin’s rainforest, offering you an intimate and memorable viewing experience. Get in touch to secure your permits and start designing your safari with our team of experts.

  • A close-up of a baby gorilla with black fur and brown eyes looking through green leaves with its mouth open.
  • Hikers with backpacks walk on a dirt path beside a small stream surrounded by green trees.
  • A large black gorilla lies down in a field of green ferns with a forested valley in the background.
  • A woman looks toward a black gorilla that is partially hidden behind green leaves and branches.
  • Close-up of an adult gorilla and a baby gorilla looking at each other against a blurred green background.
  • Close-up of a gorilla's face with black fur and brown eyes resting its head near a mossy branch.
  • Rear view of a woman in a black jacket looking out over a group of hikers in a lush, green mountain valley.
  • A man with a backpack walks through a shallow stream in a grassy area with palm trees in the background.
  • Three men stand in a thick forest; one uses a camera on a tripod while another looks upward.

From our experts

Experiences picked by our specialists

Trek in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park

Visit Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park for a conservation focused experience.

Track gorilla troops in Bwindi

Conquer Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to stand a chance of seeing four habituated gorilla troops in the wild.

Experience the wildlife around Bisate Lodge

In Rwanda, stay at the irresistible Bisate Lodge and enjoy having mountain gorillas and other wildlife for neighbours.

Wake to views at Clouds Lodge

Check into Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge in Uganda for sweeping views over the forested Virunga mountains.

Find lowland gorillas in the Congo

Plunge into the heart of Odzala-Kokoua National Park to navigate the streams and marshes to find western lowland gorillas, marveling at the beautiful birdlife and keeping an eye out for forest elephants.

A word from one of our experts

One of the most picturesque and green places in Africa, the valleys of Rwanda are an enchanting place. Seeing the gorillas is a privilege that not many people get to experience in their lifetime. And if you're looking for a truly wild and adventurous experience, the Republic of Congo offers you the chance to head out into swamp land in search of western lowland gorillas.

Jamey Lowis Senior Travel Designer

Luxury safari lodges for gorilla trekking

There are many incredible places to stay in Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our safari experts:

Why book with Jacada?

  • Safari expertise

    Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.

  • Unforgettable guides

    We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.

  • Responsible travel

    By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.

Trip inspiration

Get inspired with our gorilla trekking example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your gorilla trekking adventure, our team of safari experts are ready to help.

Start planning

Where to go

When to visit Africa for gorilla safaris

The drier months of June to September are the best time to visit Rwanda to go gorilla trekking. During this period, there is fewer rain showers, making it great to explore the national parks for game spotting. To make the most of the great outdoors, we recommend you avoid the months between March and May, which mark the rainy season in Rwanda. Uganda has two dry seasons – December to February, and between June and August, both periods are great to spot mountain gorillas in its Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The Republic of Congo’s Odzala-Kokoua National Park is a fantastic destination to visit year-round, thanks to its equatorial location.

Volcanoes National Park

June - September

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

December - February

Odzala-Kokoua National Park

Year round

When Is the Best Time to Visit Rwanda?

Gorilla Trekking Travel Guides

Plan your gorilla trekking tour

Whatever you want from your gorilla trekking adventure, our team of safari experts are ready to help.

Start planning

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We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada and it surely won't be our last! Every detail and moment of our trip was perfectly planned. We were met every step of the way with courteous and knowledgeable drivers and guides. We really appreciated the local guides and the commitment they had to make every day special. Thank you Jacada for the…

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My wife and I used Jacada to plan our honeymoon to French Polynesia. Working with the Jacada team was fantastic and effortless. Every question was quickly answered. Every hiccup was quickly addressed. We felt like we were in the hands of experts who are equally passionate about travel, and who were committed to helping us have the trip of a…

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We enjoy traveling and we have used Jacada Travel for some wonderful trips over several years. We have never been disappointed. In 2024 we took a Safari in Botswana Africa and walked with the gorillas in Rwanda planned by Jacada and the itinerary was amazing. In 2025 we had planned a trip to Antartica ( with another company ) but…

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Communication and organization were excellent. The Jacada team was helpful and genuinely interested in our experience. The guides were personable, knowledgeable, and clearly enjoy their work. Vehicles were spotless, timely, and coordinators managed our every need brilliantly. I will recommend Jacada to friends and family. The only way to travel!

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We had a wonderful trip planned through Jacada. We enjoyed the venues and the excursions. This is a beautiful place we'd recommend to anyone who wants to go on a new adventure.

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Your trip, your story

We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

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