The best places to see gorillas in 2026 are more than destinations — they are rare gateways into one of the most powerful wildlife encounters on Earth. Imagine standing just meters away from a 200-kilogram silverback in the mist-covered forests of Africa. It’s raw. It’s humbling. And it’s unforgettable.
If you’re searching for the best places to see gorillas this year, this ultimate guide compares Uganda and Rwanda in detail — costs, accessibility, trekking experience, and conservation impact — so you can choose the right adventure.
Few wildlife experiences compare to gorilla trekking. And in 2026, there are only two best places to see gorillas in the wild.
Why Gorilla Trekking Is an Unforgettable Bucket-List Experience
Mountain gorillas are critically endangered, with just over 1,000 individuals remaining worldwide. Seeing them in their natural habitat is not a zoo visit — it’s a strictly regulated, conservation-driven experience.
When visiting the best places to see gorillas, you’ll spend one guaranteed hour observing a habituated gorilla family. You may witness:
- Infants tumbling through vines
- Mothers grooming their young
- A dominant silverback protecting his group
It is immersive. It is exclusive. And it is deeply moving.
The Top 2 best places to see gorillas
The opportunity to witness these giants in their natural habitat is provided by only a few national parks in Africa, East Africa to be more specific. This once-in-a-lifetime experience takes place in the lush jungles of Rwanda and Uganda.
1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
(Best Overall Value & Wildlife Immersion)
The very first place to consider when thinking about encountering gorillas in their natural habitat is the place that shelters almost half the world’s remaining gorillas—Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This ancient rain forest is located in the southwest of Uganda. Each of the park’s four trekking sectors—Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo offer unique experiences.
This park, which is more than 321 square km in size, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 because of its remarkable biodiversity, especially its contribution to the preservation of the critically endangered mountain gorillas and other distinctive ecosystems, which is the very reason as to why it is one of the best places to see gorillas in the world.
Why Bwindi is the best destination for gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is an outdoor wildlife activity where tourists have to hike through thick forests in search of the wild gorillas, specifically the mountain gorillas, in their natural habitat. Tourists get an opportunity to observe these giants for an hour. Aside from the fact that Bwindi shelters a vast number of gorillas, there are many other factors that include Bwindi among the best places to see gorillas in Africa and in the entire world. Let’s see them.
- Number of Gorilla families: There are more than 20 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi, and they are spread out among the four trekking sectors. The total number of gorillas in each family sums up to nearly half of the world’s serviving mountain gorillas, and undeniably, it’s the very first reason that makes Bwindi your spot to consider for gorilla trekking.
- Home to Over 120 mammal species : When you visit Bwindi, your eyes/binoculars get to see more than just gorillas. Get ready to see African forest elephants, forest hogs, primates like chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and potto.
- 350 bird species: Bwindi also offers an opportunity to bird-watching enthusiasts to see bird species like African Green Broadbill (rare and highly sought after), Grauer’s Rush Warbler (endemic to the Albertine Rift), Short-tailed Warbler, Rwenzori Turaco (beautifully colored bird), Shelley’s Crimsonwing (one of Africa’s rarest birds)
- Affordability: With gorilla permits now costing $800 (as of July 2024), Uganda (Bwindi) is more affordable than other gorilla trekking places, like the next place on our list. You can easily visit Uganda for the gorilla trekking experience for as low as $1,800 and even lower in the low seasons for a 3-day gorilla trekking adventure.
- Several Gorilla Trekking Options: Bwindi has four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo, each offering different trails/pathways of different difficulty ranging from easy to challenging, hence satisfying a range of interests and fitness levels.
- Gorilla Habituation experiences: Bwindi offers an opportunity to spend more time (4 hours) with the gorillas, unlike the normal gorilla trekking experience, where you get maximum one hour to spend observing the gorillas
- Combined Adventures: Bwindi’s location in Uganda allows easy adventure combinations like the Chimpanzee trekking adventure in the primates capital of Africa—Kibale National Park in Uganda.
Why Bwindi Is the Ultimate Value Destination (Summary)
When discussing the best places to see gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park consistently ranks first for value and gorilla population.
Bwindi offers:
- Lower permit cost ($800 in 2026)
- Over 20 habituated gorilla families
- Four trekking sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo)
- Higher permit availability
If you want the most affordable of the best places to see gorillas, Uganda wins on price.
2026 Gorilla Permit Cost (Uganda)
- Foreign Non-Residents: $800
- Foreign Residents: $700
- East African Citizens: UGX 300,000
This makes Bwindi the most cost-efficient option among the best places to see gorillas in Africa.
What Trekking in Bwindi Is Really Like
Terrain: Dense rainforest
Duration: 2–6 hours
Group size: Maximum 8 visitors
Encounter: Strict 1-hour rule
Bwindi feels wild, raw, and adventurous. Among the best places to see gorillas, it offers the most authentic jungle experience.
Pros of Bwindi
✔ Most affordable permits
✔ Largest gorilla population
✔ Greater trekking sector choice
✔ Exceptional photography opportunities
Cons of Bwindi
✖ Longer transfer from Entebbe
✖ Steeper, muddier terrain
Best Time to visit and How to get there
The dry seasons (June to August and December to February) are the ideal times to visit Bwindi since the trails are less muddy and simpler to follow. Although gorilla trekking is feasible year-round, the wet season (March to May & September to November) offers more lush landscapes and fewer crowds.
How to travel to Bwindi: The best way is to trust and book your trip with a remarkable tour company like Kuzora Safari Tours to handle logistics and accommodations. While in Uganda, you can travel to Bwindi:
- By Air: Take a plane to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip, and then drive to the park.
- By Road: From Kampala/Entebbe, it takes 9–10 hours to travel, while from Kigali, Rwanda, it takes 4-5 hours.
2. Volcanoes National Park
(Best for Luxury & Accessibility)
Volcanoes National Park is the second of the best places to see gorillas, and the most convenient. It is one of Africa’s most well-known wildlife sites, located in the northwest of Rwanda, East Africa. This beautiful rainforest is a part of the greater Virunga Conservation Area and is dominated by five Virunga volcano mountains, providing adventurers with stunning landscapes. The most well-known feature of Volcanoes National Park is its mountain gorilla population, which was brought to light by the renowned Dian Fossey, who devoted her life to their preservation. It is among the few locations in the world where visitors may get up close and personal with gorillas in their natural habitat, just like the one we have just seen-Bwindi. The stunning landscapes, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and a vast number of gorillas in Volacanoes National Park make it stand in second place on the list of the best places to see gorillas.
Why Volcanoes national park is a top destination for gorilla trekking
- Easier Accesbility: Volcanoes National Park can be accessed within a 2 to 3-hour drive on well-maintained roads from Kigali International Airport.
- Number of Gorillas: Volcanoes has 12 habituated gorilla families available for trekking, which include the Susa group (One of the largest families, once studied by Dian Fossey).
- Rich history & conservation: Home to the Karisoke Research Center, where Dian Fossey conducted her pioneering research.
- Scenic trekking experience: The park’s trails pass through bamboo forests, montane rainforests, and open grasslands, offering a diverse and scenic trek.
- Best Accomodations: Rwanda’s volcanoes national park offers a variety of luxurios lodges and hotels which makes it the best choice for those seeking high-end gorilla trekking experience.
- A wide number of primates and other mammals: Apart from mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is home to other primates like golden monkeys, vervet monkeys, and olive baboons. You can also find elephants, hyenas, Buffalos, bushbucks among others.
- Famous bird species: Volcanoes has over 180 bird species, including 17 Albertine Rift endemics and Ruwenzori Turaco (a colorful bird found in high-altitude forests), making it a bird watchers spot.
Gorilla trekking price and experience in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
While Volcanoes National Park is a top destination for gorilla trekking, it is important to note that its pricing is quite higher compared to that of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A gorilla permit in Rwanda currently costs $1,500 doubling the gorilla permit cost in Uganda.
The trekking experience in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park usually lasts between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location.
The trekking trails in Volcanoes National Park are generally less steep than those in Bwindi, making it somewhat easier for many tourists, especially those that might have fitness issues.
Why Rwanda Is the Most Exclusive Gorilla Experience (Summary)
Rwanda’s park is just 2.5 hours from Kigali International Airport, making it ideal for shorter trips.
Among the best places to see gorillas in 2026, Rwanda stands out for:
- Seamless logistics
- High-end luxury lodges
- Well-organized trekking system
- Cleaner, clearer trails
2026 Gorilla Permit Cost (Rwanda)
- All International Visitors: $1,500
Rwanda is nearly double Uganda’s price — but offers unmatched accessibility.
What Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Is Like
Terrain: Bamboo forest & volcanic slopes
Duration: 1–4 hours
Group size: 8 visitors max
Encounter: 1 hour
For travelers prioritizing comfort, this is one of the most refined best places to see gorillas available.
Uganda vs Rwanda: Which Is the Best Place to See Gorillas in 2026?
Cost Comparison
Uganda: $800 permit
Rwanda: $1,500 permit
Uganda wins for budget-conscious travelers.
Accessibility Comparison
Rwanda: 2.5 hours from airport
Uganda: 8–10 hour drive (or domestic flight)
Rwanda wins for convenience.
Experience Comparison
Uganda: Raw jungle immersion
Rwanda: Structured luxury experience
Your preference determines the best place to see gorillas for you.
Best Time to See Gorillas in 2026
The best time to visit the best places to see gorillas is during the dry seasons:
- June – September
- December – February
Trails are less slippery, trekking is easier, and photography conditions improve.
Permits often sell out 6–12 months in advance.
Essential Insider Tips for Gorilla Trekking
What to Pack
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Gardening gloves
- Long sleeves
- Rain jacket
- Small backpack
Fitness & Age Requirements
Minimum age: 15 years
Moderate fitness required
Treks may last up to 6 hours
Health & Conservation Rules
- No trekking if sick
- Maintain safe distance
- Follow ranger instructions
- No flash photography
Every permit directly funds conservation and local communities.
How to see gorillas
To see the gorillas in their natural habitats we have discussed above, you need to book and secure a gorilla permit earlier before they are sold out. Then you have to consider booking the accommodations where you will stay and also paying for transportation and guides for a seamless experience.
To make the whole process easier, it is highly recommended to partner and book with a highly reputable local tour operator like Kuzora Safari Tours that can handle all the hard work for you, like securing the gorilla permit, booking accommodations, and arranging transportation, so that you can focus on enjoying your adventure with zero worries. Kuzora Safari Tours specializes in gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda, and can help you arrange your trip the way you want it.
Contact them to book your gorilla trekking adventure, and you will not regret your choice.
Final Verdict: The 2 Best Places to See Gorillas in 2026
There are only two true best places to see gorillas in the wild:
🥇 Best Overall Value: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Affordable permits, larger gorilla population, deeper jungle experience.
🥈 Best for Luxury & Convenience: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Short transfers, premium lodges, and easier trekking terrain.
Whether you choose Uganda’s wild intensity or Rwanda’s refined efficiency, both destinations offer a perspective-shifting encounter.
Standing face-to-face with a wild mountain gorilla is not just travel. It is a transformation.
And in 2026, these remain the only two best places to see gorillas on Earth.
