Silverback Gorilla Tour Packages In Uganda & Rwanda (2025)

Silverback gorilla trekking tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience rated as the best wildlife encounter in the wild! The adventure involves trekking up and down hills in the jungle forests Bwindi and the Virunga Conservation Area, searching to meet up with the gentle giants. A face-to-face encounter with a Silverback Gorilla is a magical feeling every adventure seeker should not miss!

Who is the silverback Gorilla?

Wondering who the Silverback Gorilla is? Well, he is the head of the family. Like in human families, a silverback gorilla is the father of all gorillas in his family. He dominates the whole family and makes family decisions, for example, where to sleep, when to move, and also guards all other members in his family. Being the main male, the silverback gorilla has the right to mate with all adult females in his family. The silverback Gorilla keeps an eye open, guarding his family members. In case of any insecurity sensed, the silverback beats his chest to scare away the strangers. All family members are submissive to the Silverback

Silverback Gorilla Tours in Uganda

Over 80% of the total travelers on Uganda safaris come for mountain gorilla trekking in either of the parks. Our customized Uganda gorilla tours range from 1 Day short gorilla trek to over 20-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari, depending on the travelers’ available time and interests.  Some of the popular Uganda silverback gorilla tours include 3 Days Uganda gorilla tour, a 4-day double gorilla trekking, 5 5-day Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, and 10 10-day best of Uganda. The Uganda gorilla trekking addons include chimpanzee trekking, game viewing, bird watching, community tours, and mountain hiking, among others.

 Silverback Gorilla Tours Rwanda

Join our guided Rwanda silverback gorilla tours to Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda.  The small country is home to the second-highest population of gorillas, second only to Bwindi Forest in Uganda.  Rwanda is famous for its luxury gorilla tours since 2017 following the double rise of gorilla permit costs from $750 to $1500. Rwanda silverback Gorilla Tours give you a chance to trek one of the 10 gorilla families in this bamboo Forest. The gorilla groups in Rwanda include Ububano, Agashya, Kwitonda, Karisimbi, Hirwa, Susa A, Amahoro, Pablo and Titus Gorilla families. The gorilla trek in Rwanda prices start from $1500 for a permit. Rwanda offers luxury silverback gorilla tours compared to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo

Cost of A Silverback Gorilla Tour

The cost of a silverback gorilla tour depends on which country you visit. Gorilla trekking permits cost differently in each country. In Rwanda, a single gorilla permit costs $1500 while in Uganda it costs $800. Trekking gorillas in Congo costs $450, and if you want to do gorilla habituation in Rushaga Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park, the permit costs $1500.

 Where can I see a silverback gorilla?

Silverback gorillas are only seen in two locations ie, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park and the Virunga Conservation Area shared between Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Why is gorilla trekking so expensive?

Compared to other wildlife experiences, silverback gorilla tours are undoubtedly expensive. The adventure is categorized as expensive due to the high cost that comes with it. The sensitive nature of mountain gorillas is one of the main reasons why gorilla trekking is expensive. In the whole world, only 1oo6 mountain gorillas are recorded, which is surely a small number. The need to restrict the number of visitors visiting these endangered primates is another reason why gorilla trekking is expensive.

Some people also ask

Are there silverback gorillas in Uganda?

YES, there are silverback gorillas in Uganda shared by Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Altogether, Uganda shelters over 500 mountain gorillas habituated into 21 gorilla families. Bwindi Forest hosts over 450 while the rest population lives in Mgahinga

Where is the best place to see silverback Gorillas?

The answer to where is the best place to see silverback gorillas is personal. To some people, Uganda is the best while to others, Rwanda leads. However, Uganda shelters the highest gorilla population, which makes it the best gorilla tour destination, giving many travelers the chance to trek gorillas. Also, Uganda gorilla trekking is affordable at $800 permit compared to $1500 in Rwanda. Uganda is therefore best for budget gorilla tours. On the other hand, Volcanoes National Park offers the best luxury silverback gorilla tours. Each gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 but those who have done it before attest that it’s worth it. Also, Volcanoes National Park is the most accessible park, located 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali airport. It’s the best place for short-term travelers.

What else can I add on gorilla trekking?

In addition to silverback gorilla trekking, travelers to Rwanda and Uganda have other interesting activities to do. The Silverback gorilla trekking addons include volcano climbing (Mount Nyiragongo, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabyinyo), chimpanzee trekking in Kayambua forest Uganda and Nyungwe Forest National Park in Uganda. Also, enjoy guided game viewing in the savannah parks of Uganda, which include Murchison Falls Park, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, and Lake Mburo national parks. In Rwanda, game safaris are done in Akagera National park, located in eastern Rwanda.

When is the best time for Silverback Gorilla Tours?

The dry season between June to September and December to February is the best time for silverback Gorilla Tours.  The season is dry, and trekking through the dense forests is much easier compared to the rainy/wet season. However, gorilla permits tend to sell out quickly during the dry season, which limits chances of last-minute bookers. If you want discounted offers, the wet season from March to May and September to November is the best time for you. Low season is normally characterized by fewer visits, which attract discounted offers from hotels and other service providers.

What is the cheapest way to see silverback gorilla tours?

Whereas silverback gorilla tours are expensive, there are ways you can make the experience cheaper.  Firstly, consider traveling during low season when lodges, hotels, and other service providers are giving discounted offers. Also, travel as a group so as to share the costs of transport and accommodation. Our group gorilla tours are cheaper compared to private tours.

Is it allowed to touch a silverback gorilla?

No, touching a silverback gorilla is highly prohibited in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. During the pre-gorilla trekking briefing, travelers are advised not to touch the gorillas. The endangered primates are man’s close relative, and touching them can spread human wildlife diseases.

What are the Don’ts of a silverback gorilla trekking tour?

The things you mist not do on the silverback gorilla tour include, Do not touch the gorillas, do not trek gorillas when sick, do not look direct into the eyes of the gorillas, do not use flashlight cameras, do not litter in the gorilla park, Do not eat in the presence of gorillas, Do not smoke and do not shout when with the gorillas.

Conclusively, a silverback gorilla tour is a dream come true! Contact us for customized and budget silverback gorilla trekking tours in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.