Customized Silverback Gorilla Tours
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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.
Other mountain gorilla habitats include Virunga National Park in Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Kisoro District, Uganda — each offering unique and intimate trekking experiences.
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. Birding enthusiasts can explore Mabamba Wetland, famous for the rare shoebill stork, along with other exceptional birdwatching destinations throughout East Africa led by knowledgeable guides.
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. We craft fully customized safaris for solo travelers, couples, families, and private groups, offering flexible options across luxury, midrange, and value-oriented categories without compromising service quality, safety, or comfort.
Silverback Gorilla Tour Packages In Uganda & Rwanda (2025)
Join Maranatha Tours and Travel for exclusive silverback gorilla tours and other wildlife experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania at budget-friendly costs. Maranatha Tours has over 20 years of experience in guided gorilla tours and other adventures in East and central Africa. In addition to gorilla safaris, we offer personalized game drives, birding and primate encounters. Bwindi Forest in south western Uganda is the number on gorilla tour destination in the world. the second popular gorilla safari destination is Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The other gorilla population live in Virunga National Park Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Kisoro district Uganda.
Enjoy our guided game viewing experiences in the savannah Parks of East Africa. Early morning and evening game drives in the plains of Murchison Falls, Masai Mara, Serengeti, Akagera, Tarangire, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Lake Nakuru National Parks are an opportunity to see and interact with wild animals in the wilderness. You will see a variety of wild animals, grazers, hunters, and browsers. These include Lions, Leopards, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Hyena, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Zebras, Eland, Topis, Cheetahs, Wildebeest, and Rhinos, among others.
Maranatha Tours and Travel also offers guided chimpanzee trekking safaris to Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda and Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda, giving you a chance to meet the endangered chimpanzees, which are man’s close relatives sharing over 9% of human DNA. Are you a birder? Join our birding journeys to Mabamba wetland, home to the iconic shoebill stork, and also visit all other birding destinations in East Africa guided by our experienced guides
Beyond the silverback gorilla tour, we offer a long list of other amazing wildlife experiences, which include mountain hiking, cultural tours, camping, boat cruising, nature walking, gorilla habituation, golden monkey trekking, colobus monkey trekking, and city tours, among others
We customize safaris suitable for solo and group travelers on both budget, midrange and luxury budgets
Gorilla Tours
Top Silverback Gorilla Tours & Safari Packages
2025 Top Silverback Gorilla Tours & Safari Packages
- 8 DAYS
2025 Top Silverback Gorilla Tours & Safari Packages
This 4 Days Uganda gorillas & Lake Bunyonyi safari takes you to see the endangered gorillas in Bwindi Forest and explore Africa’s 2nd deepest lake. Read More
Customized 3-day Bwindi gorilla trek for a lifetime gorilla encounter, endangered mountain gorillas with Maranatha Tours and Travel. Read More
Be part of this guided 5-day Rwanda gorilla safari for the best primate encounters in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park. Read More
This 10-day Rwanda & Uganda wildlife safari offers you the best of each country. Go gorilla trekking, game viewing, chimpanzee tracking, and community Tours. Read More
Join and enjoy this 8-day Rwanda gorillas and wildlife safari for gorilla trekking, chimpanzees, and game viewing with Silverback Gorilla Tour. Read More
A customized 15-day Rwanda and Uganda safari takes you to visit some of the top destinations to see gorillas, big game, chimpanzees and birds. Read More
Enjoy 4 gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park on this 4-day Rwanda double gorilla safari with Silverback Gorilla Tour. Read More
Enjoy this 3-Day Bwindi Flying Safari for the luxury gorilla trekking experience. Fly to Kihihi and trek gorillas in Bwindi Forest without long drives. Read more
This 12-day Uganda and Rwanda gorilla safari offers you the best of each country. Enjoy double trek in Bwindi Forest and Volcanoes Park. Read More
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.
Silverback 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.
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
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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.
Travel Tips
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FAQ
Some people also ask
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No, touching a silverback gorilla is strictly prohibited in Uganda, Rwanda, 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.
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
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.
What Our Past Travelers Say! Travelers Say!
Other Popular Wildlife Safaris
In addition to mountain gorilla trekking, Silverback Gorilla tour offers travelers customized wildlife safari packages to different tourism destinations in Uganda and Rwanda. The popular destinations in Uganda include Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Lake Mburo National Park. In Rwanda game viewing is only done in Akagera National Park, home to the “Big Five”. Combining game viewing with silverback gorilla tours rewards travelers with the best of Uganda and Rwanda safaris with Maranatha Tours and Travel
Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park, 2nd second-largest park for game viewing and boat cruising with the Silverback Gorilla Tour. Read More
This customized 4 Days Uganda gorillas and wildlife safari rewards you with lifetime gorilla and game encounters with Silverback Gorilla Tour. Read More
The 3-day Kibale chimpanzee tour brings you close to man’s closest relatives in their natural habitats with the Silverback Gorilla Tour. Read More
Join us on this 6-day Uganda gorilla safari with a memorable gorilla and game viewing experience. The trip also offers you memorable boat cruise on Kazinga Channel. Read More
This 8-day Rwanda wildlife safari offers you the best of Rwanda. Discover Rwanda’s big five game , gorillas, chimpanzees, and culture with the Silverback gorilla Tour. Read More
Join this guided 4-day Rwanda gorilla and Mt Karisimbi Volcano hiking with Silverback Gorilla Tour. Enjoy a gorilla encounter and conquer the tallest Volcano. Read More
Guide to Silverback Gorilla Trekking Tour
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.