Mountain gorillas were only discovered in 1902 by Captain Robert von Beringe, and gained global attention through Dian Fossey’s lifelong research — depicted in the film Gorillas in the Mist. Unlike chimpanzees and humans, gorillas are not territorial: each family roams a defined home range overlapping two or three other groups. The Virunga Massif — 8 national parks, 4 forest reserves and 3 wildlife reserves spanning Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo — is home to all the world’s mountain gorillas, Grauer’s gorillas and chimpanzees.
Gorilla Parks
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda): a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 400 mountain gorillas, 350 bird species and 120 mammals.
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda): home of the Nyakagezi group and endangered golden monkeys; culturally significant to the Batwa pygmies.
- Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda): Dian Fossey’s research site and the annual Kwita Izina baby-naming ceremony.
- Virunga National Park (DR Congo): Africa’s oldest national park.
Gorilla Permit Fees (Bwindi & Mgahinga)
| Visitor Category | Tracking (1 hour) | Habituation (4 hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Non-Resident | $800 | $1,500 |
| Foreign Resident | $700 | $1,000 |
| Rest of Africa | $500 | $1,000 |
| East African Citizen | UGX 300,000 | UGX 750,000 |
Permits include park entrance, guide fee and community contribution.
Booking & Payment
- Within 6 months: 100% payment required.
- Beyond 6 months: 50% deposit, balance due 90 days prior. Unpaid balances forfeit the booking.
- One free reschedule at least 14 days prior; further changes carry a 25% surcharge and must fall within 12 months of the original date.
- UWA refunds: 100% for illness confirmed by a warden or if gorillas cross to another country; 75% if there is no sighting after a full day of tracking.
Gorilla Etiquette & Health Rules
- Maintain a 5-metre distance; no flash photography, pointing or sudden movements.
- Speak softly, stay in a tight group; no eating, drinking or smoking near gorillas.
- Masks are mandatory near gorillas to reduce disease risk.
- If charged: crouch, avoid eye contact, never run. Visits last one hour and can end early if gorillas are stressed.
- Feeling unwell? Stay behind — refunds or alternate visits are possible. Take out all trash.
Trek Practicalities
- Treks start at 8:00 a.m. sharp — late arrivals forfeit the permit and fee.
- Bring hiking boots, rain gear, hat, sunscreen and 1L of water; packed food is provided. Optional porter $30.
- Sedan chair option for guests with limited mobility — USD 300 per sedan, carried by trained porters.
- Stay near your designated gorilla family to minimise travel on tracking day.
10% of net profits from trek kits go to community projects and conservation. © 2025 Maleng Travel — Preserving Gorillas through Climate Friendly Travel.