Gorilla trekking is one of our all-time favorite adventures in Africa. Gorillas are powerful, intelligent and entertaining. The landscape of their habitat is dramatic, with towering volcanoes, majestic mountains and dense, green forests. The chance to spend an hour with these magnificent primates is like no other experience in the animal kingdom. Now is the perfect time to begin planning your 2025 gorilla safari. Below are five reasons to gorilla trek in 2025.
Tourism has been directly responsible for the fragile mountain gorilla population not only stabilizing, but increasing. Permit fees go towards conservation, while tourism jobs incentivize the local population to protect the gorilla population. Every traveler can visit knowing that their presence is making a difference in conserving one of the world’s natural treasures.
For gorilla trekkers that choose to visit Rwanda, a visit to The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is nearby and is well worth a visit. Opened in 2022, the world-class research and education center was built to continue Dian Fossey’s legacy and advance the work of saving gorillas from extinction, and is open to the public. Visitors can explore state-of-the-art exhibits that tell the story of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s 55+ years of conservation, enjoy lush nature trails and meet with Fossey Fund staff who have dedicated their careers to saving gorillas.
A host of newer properties have opened in Rwanda and Uganda, giving trekkers greater options, while other AAC favorites offer a reliably memorable and luxurious experience. Some of our picks are…
Singita Kwitonda – This is a favorite of AAC staff for its design, amenities and activities. Each of the eight luxurious suites has its own heated plunge pool, indoor and outdoor fireplaces and a wellness treatment area. A two-bedroom suite sleeps four with two identical bedrooms. All suites offer a spacious sitting/rest area, a mini bar and covered veranda with beautiful views of nearby Volcanoes National Park.
One & Only Gorilla’s Nest – With 21 luxury rooms and suites, this property lives up to the One & Only standards across the globe for over-the-top comfort. With king beds, private decks, indoor and outdoor bathrooms and roaring fireplaces, Gorilla’s Nest is a beautiful setting and offers easy access to Volcanoes National Park HQ. The two-bedroom Susa Treehouse is great for families.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge – This dreamy lodge literally sits above the clouds in a remote part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Each of its 10 cottages (two are designed for families) feature large private sitting areas complete with cozy fireplace, overstuffed armchairs and art made by some of Uganda’s best artists. Views from the main lodge of the surrounding volcanoes and mountains are breathtaking and the warm and wonderful staff make guests feel at home.
Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge – The lodge’s location high on a hill makes it a great place to spot monkeys and birds hidden in the surrounding forest. The 10 beautifully appointed rooms, each with a private terrace, are a serene spot to unwind after a day of gorilla trekking. Be sure to take advantage of your complimentary massage in the newly reimagined and expanded spa during your stay!
Rwanda offers the chance to enjoy an exceptionally exclusive trekking experience. Travelers wishing to have a gorilla group trekking experience to themselves can do so. For $12,000, travelers can buy out all of the permits for a trek so that they can enjoy a ‘private’ trek and hour with the gorillas. Purchasing all of the permits for a trek would accommodate a maximum of eight guests.
In addition to regular treks throughout Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Uganda Wildlife Authority offers a gorilla habituation experience to travelers. The cost for these special permits is $1,500 per person, per day, and allows trekkers to spend up to four hours with the gorillas! Habituation of a gorilla family only takes a certain amount of time before they are opened up to regular trekkers, so this experience is not always available. Check with your Journey Specialist for current availability. Primate enthusiasts should take advantage!
Note: Standard gorilla treks where guests spend no more than one hour with habituated gorillas currently cost $1,500 per person per day in Rwanda and $800 per person per day in Uganda.
Rwanda celebrates the naming of baby mountain gorillas each year in their Kwita Izina ceremony, which also serves to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the species and their habitat. This October 18th will mark the 20th year of Kwita Izina, and if you want to get in on the festivities, there are still a few permits and rooms remaining. 397 baby mountain gorillas have been named at Kwita Izina over the last 19 years. Gorilla naming is an incredible honor – last year’s namers included Idris Elba and Kevin Hart, and AAC President Kent Redding was chosen to name one of Rwanda’s gorillas in 2015.
Both Rwanda and Uganda offer more than just gorillas! Visitors to Rwanda can visit its sparkling capital Kigali, where they will find a world-class museum dedicated to its recent history. Additionally, there are other beautiful parks in the country including Nyungwe Forest, where visitors can trek other primates such as chimpanzees and golden monkeys, and Akagera National Park, home to a variety wildlife including lions, leopards, elephants, giraffe, zebras and more.
Uganda offers a huge array of safari opportunities, from Kidepo National Park in its remote northern reaches, to Bwindi in the south. In between, travelers are awed by the incredible force of Murchison Falls, as well as its incredible bird life and land animals found within the park. Kabale Forest National Park is another popular stop, both for the surrounding area’s beauty as well as the excellent chimpanzee trekking. A special full-day chimpanzee habituation experience is available here as well. Most travelers just see the tip of the iceberg in these two outstanding safari destinations – we give you the chance to dig deeper.
Contact a Journey Specialist to begin planning your 2025 safari and subscribe to our newsletter below for more safari information and inspiration.
Photos courtesy AAC Livingstone Club member Peter S., The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Singita Kwitonda, Cloud’s Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, AAC Livingstone Club member Anne E., AAC Marketing Director Beth McCabe, AAC Journey Specialist Nell Pollak and AAC Livingstone Club member Erin S.