Utah Office | USA/Canada
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Email Support safari@allinafricasafarisusa.com
Office Hours: M-F 9:00 am - 5:00 pm MST
Off: US Holidays
Off: US Holidays
Finding the best place for gorilla trekking is a major decision for any traveler visiting East Africa. This rare experience allows you to spend time with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat while enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the region.
I am Barton Jeffs, and I run All in Africa Safaris USA from our home office in Utah. We help North American travelers navigate the choices between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. You can explore our full range of private African safari options to see how we bring these experiences to life.
Planning an African safari should be a peaceful process. We provide a bridge between the United States and East Africa to ensure your trip is safe and well-organized.
Our Utah office handles your trip planning and all communications. You make your payments to a US-based company under US law, so you never have to worry about overseas wire transfers. You can contact our Utah office directly to start your journey.
Our partner office in Kampala has been operating since 2017. They manage all the local logistics, including permits and lodge coordination.
This structure gives you the benefit of local expertise with the protection of US oversight. We provide a whole experience from the moment you start planning until you return home.
To help you decide on the best place for gorilla trekking for your specific needs, we have compiled a quick comparison of the primary destinations.
| Feature | Uganda | Rwanda | DR Congo |
| Primary Park | Bwindi Impenetrable | Volcanoes National Park | Virunga / Kahuzi-Biega |
| Permit Cost | $800 USD | $1,500 USD | $450 USD |
| Travel Time | 8-10 hours from Entebbe | 2-3 hours from Kigali | Variable / Complex |
| Gorilla Types | Mountain Gorillas | Mountain Gorillas | Mountain & Lowland |
| Experience | Lush, dense forest | Volcanic slopes | Remote & rugged |
Uganda is often considered the best place for gorilla trekking due to its high population of mountain gorillas. Most of these encounters happen in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bwindi is home to 22 habituated gorilla families across four different sectors. Another option is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which features one habituated family and offers a different landscape.
Our team handles the complex task of getting your gorilla trekking permits. We make sure you have the correct documentation for the specific area of the park you will visit.
Rwanda offers trekking in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest part of the country. This park is known for being very accessible from the capital city of Kigali.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is unique because it is home to both mountain gorillas and Eastern lowland gorillas. There are several habituated families available for visitors to see.
According to the World Wildlife Fund, mountain gorillas are a critically endangered species, and the revenue from your trekking permits goes directly toward the conservation efforts required to protect their natural habitat and prevent illegal activities. When you choose to trek in any of these three countries, you are contributing to a massive ecological success story where tourism has directly led to an increase in the gorilla population over the last several decades. Our Ugandan partners work closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority to ensure that every visit is conducted ethically and follows the strict health protocols necessary to keep these primates safe from human-borne illnesses.
We believe in “100% Private Safaris at Group Tour Prices.” This means you have a private vehicle and a dedicated professional driver-guide for your entire trip.
You will never be placed in a vehicle with strangers. This allows you to set your own pace and enjoy the scenery in comfort.
However, it is important to understand how the actual trek works. Your journey is private; the wildlife encounter is shared. While your vehicle and guide are yours alone, the national parks limit the number of people who can visit a gorilla family. You will join a small group of other travelers and park rangers during the actual hike into the forest.
The length of your trek can vary greatly. Some groups find a gorilla family in 30 minutes, while others may hike for several hours.
Before the hike begins, park rangers provide a clear explanation of the rules. A professional park guide who knows the trails will lead the way.
Once the gorillas are located, you have one hour to observe them. You can watch them eat, play, and interact while you take photos and enjoy the quiet of the forest.
The dry seasons from May to October are generally the most popular times for trekking. During these months, the trails are easier to walk and there is less rain.
We manage every detail of your itinerary, including:
Yes. You are accompanied by professional park rangers and guides at all times. The gorilla families you visit are habituated, meaning they are used to the presence of humans.
Permit prices vary by country. Currently, a permit in Uganda is $800 for international visitors. In Rwanda, the price is $1,500, and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is $450. We handle the entire payment and acquisition process for you.
Visitors must be at least 15 years old to participate in gorilla trekking in all three countries.
When you work with All in Africa Safaris USA, you pay our Utah-based LLC directly. This avoids the stress and high fees of sending international wire transfers to Africa.
Ready to start planning your private African safari? Contact All in Africa Safaris USA today for your personalized itinerary.