Free PDF · Updated October 2026

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda: the planning guide

Everything you need to decide where to go, what to budget and when to travel, written by a Kampala company that runs the treks.

Permits. What they cost in 2026, and the March 2026 rule that means a Uganda permit is only held once paid.
Uganda or Rwanda. An honest comparison from an operator that sells both, so has no reason to steer you.
Bwindi's four sectors. Which one suits your fitness. You can't switch once booked.
Trek day, hour by hour. From the 7am briefing to the hour with the gorillas.
What it really costs. Permit, lodges, vehicle, porter, tips: what's in a quote and what cheap quotes leave out.
When to go. Dry season, wet season, and the low-season permit rates worth knowing about.

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What's inside

Permits. What they cost in 2026, and the March 2026 rule that means a Uganda permit is only held once paid.
Uganda or Rwanda. An honest comparison from an operator that sells both, so has no reason to steer you.
Bwindi's four sectors. Which one suits your fitness. You can't switch once booked.
Trek day, hour by hour. From the 7am briefing to the hour with the gorillas.
What it really costs. Permit, lodges, vehicle, porter, tips: what's in a quote and what cheap quotes leave out.
When to go. Dry season, wet season, and the low-season permit rates worth knowing about.

Planned by Evelyn, our founder, and the team in our Kampala office.

Ask anything on WhatsApp or call +256 751 845 975.

What our travellers say

Real journeys, real reviews

★★★★★

“On the 17th August I travelled from Hungary with my family to the Serengeti… the big 5 and the wildebeest migration, this was the icing on the cake. Evelyn of [Iconic Travel Services] organized and planned the travel, well done. Stephen Nassali executed the journey and was very informed. No fuss. We were picked up at the airport and quickly taken to our lounge.”

— Traveller from Hungary

Serengeti · August 2026 · Verified Tripadvisor review

★★★★★

“I live in Durban and I met Evelyn at Africa's Travel Indaba in May 2026. I knew what I wanted to see and Evelyn was very supportive. We took our trip in July 2026. Precious, our guide, was very knowledgeable and lively. The gorillas and chimpanzees are in the wild. I am very happy we made this trip.”

— Traveller from Durban, South Africa

Gorillas & chimpanzees, Uganda · July 2026 · Verified Tripadvisor review

★★★★★

“Fantastic tour. It didn't disappoint. Precious Ampeire was knowledgeable and gave a fantastic time in Murchison Falls National Park. The trip was value for Money. Long live ICONIC travels.”

— Dinah

Our reviews are published independently. Read them in full:

Tripadvisor — 5.0 from 25 reviews SafariBookings — 4.6 from 7 reviews