What is African Safari Group?

African Safari Group (ASG) is a luxury inbound safari travel specialist based in South Africa, founded in 2016. We plan bespoke safari experiences across Southern and East Africa for high-net-worth travellers from the UK, Europe, USA, and Australia, covering destinations including Sabi Sand, Kruger, Okavango Delta, Masai Mara, and the Serengeti.

Which safari destinations does African Safari Group cover?

African Safari Group covers all major safari destinations in Southern and East Africa, including Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Kruger National Park, Okavango Delta (Botswana), Masai Mara (Kenya), Serengeti National Park (Tanzania), Chobe National Park, Amakhala Game Reserve, and many more across South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Tanzania.

How does African Safari Group work?

African Safari Group provides a done-for-you safari experience. Our specialist consultants work with you from initial enquiry through to departure — advising on destinations, lodges, and timing, booking accommodation and flights, and supporting you throughout your trip. There is no obligation to book and no upfront costs for planning.

Is African Safari Group a licensed travel company?

Yes. African Safari Group is a registered inbound tour operator based in South Africa. Client holidays are protected under supplier-default insurance, ensuring bookings and payments are safeguarded in the unlikely event of a supplier becoming insolvent.

Who founded African Safari Group?

African Safari Group was founded in 2016 by Riaan Aggenbag, a South African entrepreneur and safari travel specialist. The company is co-founded and co-led with Dom Meulemans.

Gorilla Trekking Guide: Uganda and Rwanda Safari 2026

June 10, 2026

SafariVacationsWildlifeArticle

What Is Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking is a guided wildlife experience in which small groups of visitors hike through mountain forest to spend one hour with a habituated family of wild mountain gorillas. It is widely regarded as one of Africa’s — and the world’s — most powerful wildlife encounters. Mountain gorillas exist in only one place on Earth: the Virunga Massif straddling Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, plus Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The total global population is approximately 1,063 individuals.

Uganda vs Rwanda: Which Country Is Better for Gorilla Trekking?

Both countries offer life-changing gorilla trekking experiences, but they differ in cost, accessibility, and complementary activities. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the most accessible option from Kigali (2–3 hour drive) and offers gorilla trekking combined with Rwanda’s extraordinary genocide memorial history and the option to also track golden monkeys and visit Dian Fossey’s tomb. Rwanda’s gorilla permit costs USD 1,500 per person. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is more remote but offers a lower permit price (USD 700 per person) and the opportunity to combine gorilla trekking with savannah safari in Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls National Parks.

How Much Do Gorilla Trekking Permits Cost?

Gorilla trekking permits are strictly limited to control group sizes and minimise impact on the gorillas. Current permit prices in 2026: Rwanda — USD 1,500 per person per trek; Uganda — USD 700 per person per trek; DRC — USD 400 per person per trek (DRC is not recommended for most travellers due to security concerns in border areas). Permits must be booked months in advance — Rwanda permits especially sell out far ahead for peak season months.

How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking?

Trekking difficulty varies significantly depending on which gorilla family you are assigned and the gorillas’ location on the day. Treks can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 hours (though 2–4 hours is typical), through steep, muddy forest terrain. A reasonable level of fitness is required — you should be comfortable hiking for several hours on uneven ground. A minimum age of 15 applies in both Uganda and Rwanda. Porters are available to assist and carry bags; hiring a porter is strongly recommended and directly supports local communities.

What Happens When You Find the Gorillas?

When rangers locate the gorilla family (trackers may leave camp before dawn to find them), your group of maximum 8 visitors approaches quietly on foot. You spend exactly 1 hour with the gorillas — no more, to protect their health and minimise human impact. During this hour, gorillas typically go about their natural behaviour: feeding, grooming, playing, and sleeping. Silverbacks may approach within metres. The proximity is breathtaking — gorillas share approximately 98% of human DNA and their expressions are unmistakably humanlike.

How to Combine Gorilla Trekking with Safari

The most popular combination itinerary from ASG combines: 3–5 nights in Uganda or Rwanda for gorilla trekking, then connects to Nairobi or Entebbe and flies to the Masai Mara (Kenya) or Serengeti (Tanzania) for a full savannah safari. A 12–15 night itinerary comfortably covers gorilla trekking plus 6–7 nights of East Africa safari. This combination delivers two of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences in one trip.

Enquire Now to design your gorilla trekking and safari itinerary — permit availability is limited and planning lead time is 6–12 months for peak season.