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Customized Silverback Gorilla Tours

Luxury in the Heart of the Wild

Customized
Silverback Gorilla Tours

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Welcome To Silverback

Silverback Gorilla Tour Packages In Uganda & Rwanda

Join Maranatha Tours & Travel for exclusive silverback gorilla trekking tours and extraordinary wildlife safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania. With over 20 years of experience in guided gorilla tours across East and Central Africa, we deliver premium, tailor-made safari experiences with exceptional attention to detail. Beyond luxury gorilla safaris, we offer private game drives, birding expeditions, and primate encounters designed for discerning travelers. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in southwestern Uganda remains the number one gorilla trekking destination in the world, while Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is the second most sought-after gorilla safari location. 

Enjoy professionally guided wildlife safaris across the vast savannah landscapes of East Africa, where early morning and late afternoon game drives reveal Africa’s most iconic wildlife in their natural habitat. Explore renowned destinations including Murchison Falls National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park, Akagera National Park, Tarangire National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Lake Nakuru National Park. Witness remarkable biodiversity featuring lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, waterbucks, elands, topis, warthogs, and rhinos roaming freely across the plains. Beyond classic game drives, Maranatha Tours & Travel also arranges chimpanzee trekking experiences in Kibale National Park, Uganda, and Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda, offering close encounters with these endangered primates that share nearly 98% of human DNA. 

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Beyond our signature silverback gorilla tours, Maranatha Tours & Travel curates a diverse collection of immersive wildlife and cultural experiences across East Africa. Adventurous travelers can enjoy guided mountain hiking expeditions, authentic cultural encounters with local communities, scenic boat cruises along rivers and lakes, wilderness camping under African skies, and professionally led nature walks through protected landscapes. Primate enthusiasts may participate in exclusive gorilla habituation experiences, golden monkey trekking, and colobus monkey tracking, while urban explorers can discover vibrant city tours that showcase regional history and contemporary life. Every itinerary is thoughtfully designed to reflect your travel style, schedule, and expectations.

Gorilla Tours

Top Silverback Gorilla Tours & Safari Packages

Destinations

Top Destinations

Gorilla Trekking

Guide to Silverback Gorilla Trekking Tour

A Silverback gorilla trekking tour is a truly once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience, often regarded as one of the most extraordinary encounters in Africa. The journey takes you through the dense rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga Conservation Area, where you hike across mist-covered hills and lush jungle terrain in search of the magnificent mountain gorillas. 

The silverback gorilla is the dominant adult male and the respected leader of a mountain gorilla family group. He earns the name “silverback” from the distinctive silver-gray hair that develops across his back as he matures. Much like the head of a human household, the silverback directs the daily life of the troop, deciding where to feed, when to travel, and where the family will rest each night. 

Uganda is one of Africa’s premier destinations for silverback gorilla trekking, attracting the majority of safari travelers seeking authentic mountain gorilla encounters. Our customized Uganda gorilla tours range from short one-day trekking experiences to extended 20-day wildlife and primate safaris, tailored to match your schedule and interests. Popular itineraries include 3-day gorilla treks, 4-day double gorilla trekking tours, 5-day gorilla and chimpanzee safaris, and 10-day comprehensive Uganda wildlife adventures. 

Join our professionally guided Rwanda silverback gorilla tours to Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda, one of Africa’s most exclusive gorilla trekking destinations. Rwanda hosts the second-largest population of mountain gorillas after Uganda’s Bwindi Forest, offering well-managed and intimate trekking experiences. Since the revision of gorilla permit fees in 2017, Rwanda has positioned itself as a premier luxury gorilla safari. 

The cost of a silverback gorilla tour varies depending on the country where you choose to trek, as gorilla permit fees differ across destinations. In Rwanda, a single gorilla trekking permit is priced at $1,500 per person, reflecting the country’s premium safari positioning. In Uganda, a gorilla permit currently costs $800 per person, offering a more moderate alternative. Trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo is generally lower, with permits costing $450 per person. For travelers seeking a deeper experience, the gorilla habituation program in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, requires a permit fee of $1,500 per person. 

Wildlife in Kidepo Valley National ParkSilverback gorillas can only be seen in the wild within two protected regions of East and Central Africa: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the greater Virunga Conservation Area. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and offers exceptional trekking experiences. 

Compared to other wildlife experiences, silverback gorilla trekking is considered expensive due to the high conservation costs involved. Mountain gorillas are endangered, with just over 1,000 individuals remaining worldwide. Because of their sensitive nature, authorities strictly limit the number of visitors allowed to trek each day. Permit fees support conservation programs, ranger patrols, veterinary care, and habitat protection. The restricted visitor numbers and ongoing preservation efforts make gorilla trekking a premium wildlife experience. 

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Other Popular Wildlife Safaris

In addition to mountain gorilla trekking, Maranatha Tours & Travel offers customized wildlife safari packages across leading destinations in Uganda and Rwanda. In Uganda, popular safari parks include Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park, each known for diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. In Rwanda, classic game viewing experiences are centered in Akagera National Park, home to the iconic Big Five. 

Why Choose Maranatha Tours & Travel

Discover Africa in Unmatched Luxury & Comfort
Begin Your Bespoke Safari Journey Today

Luxury Safari & Travel

Tailor-made African safaris delivering absolute privacy, comfort, seamless logistics, and truly unforgettable, intimate wildlife encounters.

Private Wildlife Safaris

Expert-guided game drives across premier national parks featuring the Big Five and majestic mountain gorillas.

Adventure & Expedition Tours

Curated hiking, primate tracking, and immersive cultural explorations designed for the most discerning and adventurous travelers.

Luxury Safari Photography

Capture breathtaking wildlife moments with professional guidance in Africa’s most iconic and stunning natural landscapes.

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FAQ

Some people also ask

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Are there silverback gorillas in Uganda?

Yes. Uganda offers exceptional silverback gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Home to over 500 habituated mountain gorillas across multiple families, these protected forests provide exclusive, guided wildlife encounters with dominant silverbacks in their natural rainforest habitat, ensuring a rare and unforgettable safari experience. 

Where is the best place to see silverback Gorillas?

The best place depends on your travel style and budget. Uganda is ideal for travelers seeking higher gorilla populations and more trekking availability in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. 

Meanwhile, Rwanda offers a premium, luxury experience in Volcanoes National Park, known for its accessibility—just a short drive from Kigali International Airport. Uganda suits budget-conscious adventurers, while Rwanda appeals to luxury and short-stay travelers. 

What else can I add on gorilla trekking?

Beyond silverback gorilla trekking, Uganda and Rwanda offer a rich collection of adventure and wildlife experiences. Enhance your journey with volcano hiking on Mount Nyiragongo, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabyinyo. 

Track chimpanzees in Kibale National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park, or enjoy Big Five game drives in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Akagera National Park for a complete East African safari experience. 

When is the best time for Silverback Gorilla Tours?

The dry seasons from June to September and December to February are considered the best time for silverback gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. During these months, forest trails in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park are drier and easier to navigate. Due to peak demand, gorilla permits often sell out well in advance. 

For travelers seeking fewer crowds and attractive lodge rates, the wet seasons from March to May and October to November offer excellent value, lush scenery, and greater permit availability.

What is the cheapest way to see silverback gorilla tours?

While silverback gorilla tours are a premium wildlife investment, there are smart ways to experience them at a more accessible cost. Traveling during the low season often brings attractive lodge rates and added value. Joining a curated group gorilla trekking tour also reduces expenses by sharing transport and accommodation costs. Group safaris maintain professional guiding standards and intimate wildlife encounters while offering a more cost-effective alternative to private luxury tours. 

Is it allowed to touch a silverback gorilla?

No, touching a silverback gorilla is strictly prohibited in UgandaRwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. During the mandatory pre-trekking briefing, visitors are required to maintain a safe and respectful distance. Mountain gorillas share approximately 98% of human DNA, making them highly susceptible to human-borne illnesses. These conservation guidelines are essential to protect this endangered species while ensuring a safe, responsible, and intimate wildlife experience for every traveler. 

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

Conclusively, a silverback gorilla trekking tour is a profound, once-in-a-lifetime adventure that many travelers describe as a true dream come alive. With years of expertise in organizing seamless expeditions, we are committed to delivering personalized experiences tailored to your travel style and budget. 

Whether you’re seeking a luxury wildlife retreat or a cost-effective adventure, we are your trusted partner for unforgettable gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Contact us today to begin planning your extraordinary journey into the heart of Africa’s pristine rainforests. 

Simple Steps

From Booking to Adventure,
Your Luxury Safari Begins Effortlessly

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01

Reserve Your Bespoke Safari

Select your preferred gorilla trekking or African wildlife safari, and secure your journey through our seamless, priority booking process designed for discerning travelers. 

02

Prepare with Private Expert Guidance

Receive a personalized itinerary, gorilla permit arrangements, packing guidance, and detailed pre-departure safari briefings ensuring absolute confidence and comfort. 

03

Experience Africa in Refined Elegance

Embark on an extraordinary mountain gorilla and Big Five safari, enjoying private transfers, luxury lodges, expert guides, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. 

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