The sites of the 21 local operators do not make one country better; they show who each suits. Operators state the Rwanda permit at US$1,500 (Hope Tours Africa) and the Uganda permit at USD 800 (Mist Rwanda Safaris), the lower stated permit although two operators date it to a period that ended in June 2026; both prices are set by the park authorities, so confirm them with the Rwanda Development Board and the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The cheapest short Rwanda trek published is a 1-day trip at $1800 (Golden Rwanda Safaris) and the cheapest in Uganda is a 1-day Bwindi trek from US$ 1050 (Primate Safaris).
Is Rwanda or Uganda better for gorilla trekking?
The operators' sites do not name a better country: Mist Rwanda Safaris states the Uganda permit at USD 800, the lower stated permit although two operators date it to a period that ended in June 2026, against US$1,500 for Rwanda at Hope Tours Africa; Primate Safaris sells 1-day treks from US$ 1050 (Bwindi, pick-up Kigali) and US$ 1800 (Rwanda); Gorilla Safaris Uganda Travel and Bamboo Ecotours run both countries.
Who is on this page and why. Uncompromised Travel read on 29 October 2026 the websites of 21 safari operators with trips in Rwanda and Uganda that run their own trips, with their reviews on SafariBookings, Google and Trustpilot and their listing on the national register where there is one. The table holds two groups of local safari operators. The first is named on two or more days in October 2026 in the answers to the safari questions Uncompromised Travel asks every day. The second is the most-reviewed East African operators on SafariBookings. This page carries every one of them filed under Rwanda and Uganda whose own website lists gorilla trekking in Volcanoes, Bwindi or Mgahinga. Cards are in alphabetical order. Prices are shown as each company published them, in its own currency, never converted.
Treks gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga, Uganda; its guide gives the 2026 permit as US$800 for foreign non-residents.
Why choose them
Its 2026 price guide puts Uganda trips at $150 to $250 per person per day on a budget, $250 to $450 midrange and $500 to $1,000 or more for luxury. SafariBookings: 5.0 out of 5 from 9 reviews, read 29 October 2026.
Based in
Kampala (Najjanankumbi office); trips start in Entebbe or Kampala
Ask for
Ask if the gorilla permit is inside the trip price, as its site says this varies and the 3-day trip from $1,165 does not say.
Not the fit if
Solo travellers on a tight budget, as its guide says a solo traveller usually pays more per person.
Published price
3-day trip from $1,165 (currency shown as $); the site does not say if the gorilla permit is included.
Bwindi, Mgahinga and Volcanoes treks, one operator
Gorillas
Treks gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga (Uganda) and Volcanoes (Rwanda) and also Virunga (DR Congo); permits are included in tour prices.
Why choose them
It says it invests up to 15% of its income directly in community projects such as schools, water catchment systems and health centres. SafariBookings: 5.0 out of 5 from 153 reviews; Google: 5 out of 5 from 51 reviews, read 29 October 2026.
Based in
Kisoro, near the Rwanda border; pick-ups in Kigali, Entebbe, Kampala, Kisoro, Kabale and Musanze
Ask for
Ask for the deposit and the date the balance is due in writing, as its terms say only that payment follows the invoice; gorilla permits are paid in full when booked three months or more ahead.
Not the fit if
Travellers under 15 or over 80, as its tours list an age restriction of 15 to 80.
Published price
Published per person in US dollars on its home page and each tour page; all tours are quoted in US dollars.
Lists Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda and Volcanoes in Rwanda among its destinations; its tour list has a budget gorilla tracking Rwanda tour but the site names no gorilla trip price.
Why choose them
Founded in 2018 by a group of young Ugandans, it sells Uganda trips alongside Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda and countries as far as Morocco. SafariBookings: 4.9 out of 5 from 274 reviews; Trustpilot: 3.7 out of 5 from 1 review, read 29 October 2026.
Based in
Kampala (Freedom City Shopping Mall, Entebbe Road); tours elsewhere start in cities such as Nairobi or Kigali
Ask for
Ask for a fully priced quote with the deposit amount, as its tour pages show no trip prices and its terms do not state the down payment.
Not the fit if
Travellers booking within a month of departure who cannot pay in full at booking, as its terms require it.
Published price
No prices published on its website; quotes on request.
Treks Volcanoes in Rwanda and Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda; permits are included in most trips.
Why choose them
Its shortest trip is a 1-day Rwanda gorilla trek at $1800, leaving Kigali at 4:30 AM. SafariBookings: 4.9 out of 5 from 331 reviews, read 29 October 2026.
Based in
Kigali for most Rwanda trips; Uganda trips start in Entebbe or Kigali, Kenya trips in Nairobi and Tanzania trips in Arusha
Ask for
Ask which trips include the gorilla permit, as most do but the 14-day Rwanda and Uganda trip does not.
Not the fit if
Travellers who want a small deposit: it asks for 70% on receipt of invoice, or the value of the permits if higher.
Published price
1-day Rwanda gorilla trekking trip from Kigali: $1800.
Treks Bwindi (including Nkuringo, with habituation at Rushaga) and Mgahinga in Uganda and Volcanoes in Rwanda.
Why choose them
Its trip pages promise a 'Fast 12-Hour Confirmation' once a trip is requested. SafariBookings: 5.0 out of 5 from 34 reviews; Google: 4.8 out of 5 from 12 reviews, read 29 October 2026.
Based in
No office address published; trips start at Entebbe, Kigali, Nairobi or Arusha airports
Ask for
Ask for the inclusions in writing, as only the 4-day Rwanda gorilla trip lists them and other trip pages leave that section empty.
Not the fit if
Travellers who want a joining group departure, as every trip is private.
Published price
No gorilla trip price is published; its only priced trip is a 13 Days / 12 Nights Tanzania Safari + Zanzibar Holiday at $3,540 per person.
Treks Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda and Volcanoes in Rwanda; it gives the Uganda permit as USD 800 and Rwanda Volcanoes as USD 1,500.
Why choose them
Its own fleet of over 8 vehicles includes 2 Land Cruisers, 4 safari vans and 2 saloon cars. SafariBookings: 4.8 out of 5 from 14 reviews, read 29 October 2026.
Based in
Kampala (Plot 125 Bombo Rd, Kawempe Plaza); trips start in Entebbe, Kampala or Kigali
Ask for
Ask how a permit refund would work for your dates, as Uganda gorilla permits are refunded only as UWA credit (46% at 91 days or more, 21% at 61 to 90 days).
Not the fit if
Children under 15 on gorilla treks or under 12 on chimpanzee treks.
Published price
3 Days Queen Elizabeth $660 per person, up to 21 days at $7,810 per person; no per-day price given.
Treks Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda and Volcanoes in Rwanda; one permit per person is included on the Uganda packages read.
Why choose them
It promises a first reply within one hour, a '60-Minute Response Guarantee' for all initial enquiries. SafariBookings: 5.0 out of 5 from 306 reviews, read 29 October 2026.
Based in
Kampala (Bunamwaya); Uganda trips start from Entebbe airport or a hotel in Entebbe or Kampala
Ask for
Ask which deposit applies, as its booking terms (permits plus 30% of the rest) and its FAQ (a 60% down payment) give different figures.
Not the fit if
Travellers who cannot pay permits upfront, as permit fees are paid in full at deposit and are non-refundable.
Published price
4-day gorilla trek in Uganda from US$1,562 and 4-day Kenya Big 5 from US$1,295, per person in US dollars.
Treks Volcanoes in Rwanda (minimum age 15) and also arranges Uganda gorilla trips in Bwindi and Mgahinga.
Why choose them
It gives the Rwanda gorilla permit as US$1,050 between November and May for guests with at least 2 nights in Akagera or Nyungwe, against US$1,500 otherwise. SafariBookings: 5.0 out of 5 from 23 reviews; Google: 4.9 out of 5 from 22 reviews, read 29 October 2026.
Based in
Norrsken House, Kigali; no other offices
Ask for
Ask for the single supplement on your trip, as it is quoted trip by trip (US$600 on the 3-day high-end trek).
Not the fit if
Travellers who want to join a shared group: it does not run shared departures.
Published price
USD per person sharing (two travellers), 2026 guide prices: 1 Day Gorilla Trekking from Kigali US$1,950; 3 Day Gorilla Trekking Rwanda US$3,460; 7 Day Luxury Gorilla and Chimpanzee US$16,185; gorilla permit included where listed.
Treks Bwindi in Uganda and Volcanoes in Rwanda and also DR Congo; permits are included in the packaged trips on its gorilla tours page.
Why choose them
Its named guides have 15 to 25 years' experience, among them Jack (25 years) and Azaria (20 years, a former UWA ranger). Google: 4.8 out of 5 from 45 reviews; Trustpilot: 4.3 out of 5 from 7 reviews, read 29 October 2026.
Based in
Kampala (Plot 19 Bukoto Street, Kamwokya); trips start in Kampala or Entebbe
Ask for
Ask for its Uganda Tourism Board licence number, as the site says 'UTB Licensed' but gives no number.
Not the fit if
Travellers who want a small deposit, as it takes 60% of the holiday price at booking.
Offers gorilla trekking in Volcanoes, Rwanda and Bwindi, Uganda; its site does not state the permit price or if the permit is included.
Why choose them
It was founded in 2013 by Emile Nshimyumuhoza. SafariBookings: 5.0 out of 5 from 78 reviews; Google: 4.9 out of 5 from 58 reviews, read 29 October 2026.
Based in
Kigali (2KG 184St); no departure cities stated
Ask for
Ask it to state the gorilla permit price and say if the permit is in the quote, as its site gives neither.
Not the fit if
No limits published on its website.
Published price
No prices published on its website; quotes on request.
Treks gorillas in Bwindi (Ruhija and Rushaga sectors) and does golden monkeys in Mgahinga; it runs Uganda only and includes permits in listed prices.
Why choose them
Its own Toyota 70 Series Land Cruisers have 4 customer captain's seats in the 6-seater (an 8-seater for larger groups), all of them window seats. SafariBookings: 5.0 out of 5 from 31 reviews, read 29 October 2026.
Based in
Entebbe (5 Kamuli Close, per its contact page)
Ask for
Ask for its Uganda Tourism Board licence number, as the site says it is registered with the board but gives no number.
Not the fit if
Travellers who want Rwanda or another country on the same trip, as it sells Uganda only.
Published price
Family prices, not a gorilla trip price: Family Special, 10 days, from $9,995 for a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children under 15); its Wilderness Uganda trip has a family price of $6,995.
Treks Volcanoes in Rwanda and Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda; it gives the Rwanda permit as USD 1500 and the Uganda permit as USD 800 for non-residents.
Why choose them
It profiles nine named guides, among them Eric Manzi, a licensed guide in Rwanda and Uganda who is also a certified first aider. Trustpilot: 3.7 out of 5 from 1 review, read 29 October 2026.
Based in
Kigali (KN4 Avenue, KIC Building); trips start in Kigali
Ask for
Ask if the USD 1500 Rwanda permit is in the trip price, as its site says it books permits but not that prices include them.
Not the fit if
Travellers who want Kenya or Tanzania on the same trip: it runs trips in Rwanda and Uganda.
Published price
No trip prices published; a blog on its site gives car hire at USD 150 to 250 per day.
Treks gorillas in Uganda and Volcanoes; it gives the Uganda permit as USD 800 and the Rwanda permit as USD 1,500 and says permits are not in the safari price on its permit pages.
Why choose them
Its home page lists 169 Uganda itineraries, with 41 for Rwanda, 26 for Kenya, 23 for Tanzania and 6 for Congo. SafariBookings: 5.0 out of 5 from 36 reviews; Google: 4.9 out of 5 from 40 reviews, read 29 October 2026.
Based in
Kampala or Entebbe (no office address published); Rwanda trips start in Kigali
Ask for
Ask if permits are in the quoted price, as its permit pages say they are not included but are bought through the company.
Not the fit if
Families with children under 12 on forest trips, as its rules keep them out of Bwindi, Mgahinga, Kibale and Volcanoes.
Published price
No priced trips; an article gives guide ranges for a 5-day gorilla and chimpanzee safari of USD 2,000 to 2,600 (value), 2,600 to 3,800 (mid-range) and 3,800 to 6,000 or more (premium or private), not trip prices.
Treks Volcanoes in Rwanda and Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda; its blog gives the Rwanda permit as $1500 and the Uganda permit as $700 and tours include permits.
Why choose them
It publishes a 7 Days Rwanda Honeymoon Safari Tour from USD 2,048. SafariBookings: 5.0 out of 5 from 42 reviews; Google: 5 out of 5 from 22 reviews, read 29 October 2026.
Based in
Rwanda; its terms point guests to its offices in Rwanda but give no address or departure city
Ask for
Ask which deposit applies to your booking, as its terms give a range of 30%-50%.
Not the fit if
Wheelchair users: its terms say some places and facilities are not equipped with wheelchair ramps.
Published price
3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda from USD 6,510, with all park entrance and permit fees included.
Treks Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda and Volcanoes in Rwanda; it gives USD 800 for Uganda and USD 1,500 for Rwanda and includes permits in its safaris.
Why choose them
It owns three lodges used on its trips: Papyrus Guesthouse in Entebbe, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge in Bwindi and Mirima Kibale Lodge. SafariBookings: 5.0 out of 5 from 17 reviews, read 29 October 2026.
Based in
Entebbe (Kitala); trips start in Entebbe, Kigali, Nairobi or Arusha
Ask for
Ask for a full trip price per person, as its site gives only a guide of USD 500-800 per person per day.
Not the fit if
Budget travellers, as it names only luxury and all-inclusive styles and no budget tier.
Published price
Guide only: most private eco-luxury safaris in Uganda and Rwanda start at around USD 500-800 per person per day, excluding international flights.
Treks Bwindi in Uganda and Volcanoes in Rwanda; it books permits and includes one per person in packages.
Why choose them
Its 40 percent deposit is fully refundable for 14 days after payment. SafariBookings: 4.9 out of 5 from 11 reviews; Google: 5 out of 5 from 5 reviews, read 29 October 2026.
Based in
Kakindu, Entebbe; trips start at Entebbe, Nairobi, Kigali or Arusha/Kilimanjaro
Ask for
Ask if the vehicle is private, as the 12-day East Africa Explorer lists a shared 4x4 while the site says trips are private by default.
Not the fit if
Travellers without travel and medical evacuation insurance, which its terms make mandatory.
Published price
Classic Gorilla Trekking Safari, 6 days, from $3,800 per person; Uganda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari, 8 days, from $5,200 per person (US dollars, no season given).
Treks Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda and Volcanoes in Rwanda; permits are included in itinerary prices.
Why choose them
Its team page names seven staff, including Billy, a tour guide leader and safari planner with over 10 years' experience. Google: 4.7 out of 5 from 44 reviews, read 29 October 2026.
Based in
Wakiso District (Namasuba Kikajjo); trips start at Entebbe or Kampala, Kigali or Kisoro
Ask for
Ask for the deposit and cancellation terms in writing, as its site states no deposit-to-confirm rule.
Not the fit if
Solo travellers on the 1-day Bwindi trek, which is priced for a minimum of two.
Published price
1 day Bwindi gorilla trek from US$ 1050 per person (minimum two, pick-up Kigali); 1 day Rwanda gorilla safari from US$ 1800; 2 days Mgahinga from US$ 1210; no season or year stated.
Offers gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga; its blog permit prices cover 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2026, a period that has ended.
Why choose them
It promises a reply within 30 minutes to 12 hours and offers callbacks and video appointments. SafariBookings: 5.0 out of 5 from 77 reviews; Google: 4.8 out of 5 from 53 reviews, read 29 October 2026.
Based in
Kampala (no street address published); clients are driven from Kampala, with Entebbe airport transfers
Ask for
Ask if gorilla permits are in the package price, as its terms say permits are paid in full at booking but do not say.
Not the fit if
Travellers who may cancel within 30 days of arrival, as its scale gives no refund then.
Published price
Package prices not shown; its cost guide puts a 1-day safari at US$200 to US$300 per person.
Treks Volcanoes in Rwanda with a $1,500 permit and Bwindi in Uganda with an $800 permit, both included in its listed packages.
Why choose them
It promises a quote within 24 to 48 hours of an enquiry. Google: 4.9 out of 5 from 55 reviews, read 29 October 2026.
Based in
Kigali, with a second office in Arusha, Tanzania
Ask for
Ask for the 24/7 service number its booking terms mention, as the number is not on its site.
Not the fit if
Travellers who want a small deposit: it asks for 60%, which includes the non-refundable gorilla permit.
Published price
From prices per person in US$: 3 Days Primate Tracking $3,022; 4 Days Gorilla Trekking $3,478; 7 Days Luxury Rwanda $6,000; 1 Day Akagera game drive from $300. Season and group size mostly not given.
Treks Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda and Volcanoes in Rwanda; it publishes the Uganda permit as US$800 and the Rwanda permit as US$1,500.
Why choose them
Group departures need a minimum of 2 clients, with the option to continue privately if the minimum is not met 60 days before departure. SafariBookings: 5.0 out of 5 from 50 reviews; Google: 4.8 out of 5 from 6 reviews, read 29 October 2026.
Based in
Entebbe; Uganda trips start in Entebbe or Kampala, Rwanda trips in Kigali
Ask for
Ask for a priced itinerary early, as no trip prices are published and a 20% deposit plus full payment for permits confirms a booking.
Not the fit if
Children under 15 on gorilla treks.
Published price
No prices published on its website; quotes on request.
Lists gorilla trekking as its headline product and names Bwindi in an itinerary title; its saved pages state no permit price.
Why choose them
It names three comfort tiers (ultra-luxury, luxury and mid-range) and no budget camping tier. SafariBookings: 4.9 out of 5 from 12 reviews; Google: 5 out of 5 from 147 reviews, read 29 October 2026.
Based in
Norrsken House, Kigali; trips start in Kigali, Arusha or Nairobi
Ask for
Ask for the dates and maximum group size of its scheduled departures, as its site gives neither.
Not the fit if
Budget travellers: it names no budget camping tier.
Published price
No prices published on its website; quotes on request.
What do operators say a gorilla permit costs in Rwanda and in Uganda?
Operators state the Rwanda permit at US$1,500 (Hope Tours Africa; Mist Rwanda Safaris) and the Uganda permit at USD 800 for foreign non-residents (Mist Rwanda Safaris; Gorilla Safaris Uganda Travel); the Rwanda Development Board sets the first and the Uganda Wildlife Authority the second, so confirm both there.
Hope Tours Africa: Gives the Rwanda permit as US$1,500 per person, set by RDB, or US$1,050 from November to May with at least 2 nights in Akagera or Nyungwe; it gives no year for that rate.
Mist Rwanda Safaris: Gives Rwanda as USD 1500 per person and Uganda as USD 800 for non-residents (USD 700 for foreign residents).
Adventure In The Wild Safaris: Says its guide puts the 2026 Uganda permit at US$800 for foreign non-residents and US$700 for residents.
Gorilla Safaris Uganda Travel: Gives Uganda as USD 800 for foreign non-residents and Rwanda Volcanoes as USD 1,500.
Gorilla Link Tours: Gives Uganda as USD 800, which it says can drop to around USD 600 in April, May and November and Rwanda as USD 1,500.
Paramount Gorilla Expeditions: Gives USD 800 in Uganda and USD 1,500 in Rwanda for foreign non-residents, at the time of writing.
Bamboo Ecotours: Gives the Uganda permit as USD800 for July 2024 to June 2026, a period that has ended and values the Rwanda permit at $1,500.
Prime Safaris & Tours: Gives US$800 for Uganda in a blog covering 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2026, a period that has ended.
New Horizon Africa Safaris: Gives Rwanda as $1500 and Uganda as $700 in its blog, which differs from the USD 800 other operators state.
Insight Safari Holidays: Quotes the Uganda permit at around $700 per person and Rwanda at $1,500 in a blog.
Dav Safaris: Says in an article that the Uganda gorilla permit is USD 700.
This list is partial. Check the period each price covers and ask the operator to confirm the current price with RDB or UWA before paying; permits are paid in full at booking by several of these companies.
Where is the best place to see mountain gorillas, Rwanda or Uganda?
The operators' sites do not name a better country: both have 1-day treks (Primate Safaris; Golden Rwanda Safaris), Uganda has the lower stated permit at USD 800 although two operators date it to a period that ended in June 2026; some operators run both.
Golden Rwanda Safaris: Sells a 1-day Rwanda gorilla trek from Kigali at $1800.
Hope Tours Africa: Sells private Rwanda trips only, with a 1-day trek from Kigali at US$1,950.
Adventure In The Wild Safaris: Lists a Uganda trip from $1,165 for 3 days (currency shown as $), though its site does not say if the permit is included.
Mist Rwanda Safaris: States both permit prices and sells combined Rwanda-Uganda itineraries.
Gorilla Safaris Uganda Travel: Runs both countries in its own vehicles.
Bamboo Ecotours: Treks Bwindi, Mgahinga and Volcanoes, with pick-ups in Kigali and Kisoro.
Insight Safari Holidays: Offers sedan chairs for gorilla trekking for older travellers, paid separately from permits.
Where a company is based matters less than where the trip starts: Uganda trips start in Entebbe or Kampala and Rwanda trips in Kigali, so check the transfer day on each quote.
How do operators describe the trek in Volcanoes and in Bwindi?
No operator separates the two parks, but the descriptions overlap: Hope Tours Africa says Rwanda treks take 2 to 8 hours, Home to Africa Tours and Travel and Nkuringo Safaris say Uganda treks take 2 to 6 hours and all call the ground steep.
Hope Tours Africa: Says the trek takes 2 to 8 hours from a start at 2,300 to 2,600 m, steep and muddy, with 1 hour with the gorillas.
Home to Africa Tours and Travel: Describes gorilla treks as physically demanding, with steep rugged and sometimes muddy ground, lasting 2 to 6 hours.
Nkuringo Safaris: Calls gorilla trekking moderate to challenging, 2 to 6 hours on steep terrain, with porters available.
Meanda Uganda Safaris: Describes fitness for gorilla trekking as 'Moderate only' and treks Bwindi's Ruhija and Rushaga sectors.
Mist Rwanda Safaris: Says the park limits gorilla groups to 8 visitors a day.
Ask each company which Bwindi sector or Volcanoes group it expects to book and how it matches that group to your fitness.
What does a short gorilla trip cost from each country?
The cheapest published short trips are a 1-day Bwindi trek from US$ 1050 per person at Primate Safaris and a 3-day Uganda trip from $1,165 (currency shown as $) at Adventure In The Wild Safaris, against 1-day Rwanda treks at $1800 from Golden Rwanda Safaris and from US$ 1800 at Primate Safaris.
Primate Safaris: Lists a 1 day Bwindi gorilla trek from US$ 1050 per person (minimum two, pick-up Kigali) and 2 days Mgahinga from US$ 1210, with a 1 day Rwanda gorilla safari from US$ 1800.
Golden Rwanda Safaris: Sells a 1-day Rwanda gorilla trek at $1800 and says most trips include the permit.
Adventure In The Wild Safaris: Lists a 3-day trip from $1,165 (currency shown as $) and does not say if the permit is included.
Home to Africa Tours and Travel: Lists a 4-day gorilla trek in Uganda from US$1,562.
Hope Tours Africa: Gives 2026 guide prices per person sharing of US$1,950 for a 1 Day Gorilla Trekking trip from Kigali and US$3,460 for 3 days, permit included.
Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris: Lists 3 Days Primate Tracking at $3,022 and 4 Days Gorilla Trekking at $3,478 per person.
New Horizon Africa Safaris: Lists 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda from USD 6,510, with permit fees included.
These prices cover different inclusions and group sizes, so compare them by what each lists and ask for the permit to be itemised.
Which operators run gorilla trips in both countries?
Sixteen of the 21 list gorilla trekking in both countries, including Gorilla Safaris Uganda Travel and Bamboo Ecotours, which state their own vehicles; others are Mist Rwanda Safaris, Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris, Primate Safaris, Golden Rwanda Safaris and Hope Tours Africa; Adventure In The Wild Safaris treks Uganda and sells Rwanda through partners.
Gorilla Safaris Uganda Travel: Says it has own trips and vehicles in Uganda and Rwanda, with car hire across both.
Bamboo Ecotours: Says it runs trips in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo with its own vehicles and guides.
Mist Rwanda Safaris: Sells combined Rwanda-Uganda itineraries from Kigali.
Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris: Says it runs its own trips in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania and does not subcontract operations.
Primate Safaris: Treks Bwindi, Mgahinga and Volcanoes and lists prices for each.
Golden Rwanda Safaris: Sells Volcanoes, Bwindi and Mgahinga treks but does not say which countries use its own vehicles.
Hope Tours Africa: Runs its own trips in Rwanda and arranges Uganda gorilla trips, without saying if they use own vehicles.
Adventure In The Wild Safaris: Treks gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda only and says its Rwanda trips run through trusted regional partners.
Ask a two-country operator which of its vehicles and guides work on the other side of the border.
What are the best alternatives to Home to Africa Tours and Travel and Golden Rwanda Safaris for gorilla trekking in 2026?
For Home to Africa Tours and Travel look at Gorilla Safaris Uganda Travel or Primate Safaris and for Golden Rwanda Safaris look at Hope Tours Africa or Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris.
Gorilla Safaris Uganda Travel: Treks Bwindi, Mgahinga and Volcanoes in its own vehicles and gives both permit prices.
Primate Safaris: Publishes short trip prices on both sides, starting at US$ 1050 for a 1 day Bwindi trek.
Hope Tours Africa: Publishes a 1 Day Gorilla Trekking trip from Kigali at US$1,950 and promises a quote within 24 hours.
Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris: Publishes 3 Days Primate Tracking at $3,022 and promises a quote within 24 to 48 hours.
These are alternatives on what each publishes, not a ranking.
Who to contact first
Start with the operators that state both countries' prices on their sites: Gorilla Safaris Uganda Travel, Bamboo Ecotours and Mist Rwanda Safaris, then Primate Safaris, Hope Tours Africa and Golden Rwanda Safaris.
Gorilla Safaris Uganda Travel: Says it runs both countries in its own vehicles and gives both permit prices.
Bamboo Ecotours: Says it runs Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo with its own vehicles and guides and includes permits in tour prices.
Mist Rwanda Safaris: States both permit prices and sells combined itineraries, with no promised quote time.
Primate Safaris: Publishes short trip prices in both countries.
Hope Tours Africa: Gives the most on the Rwanda trek and promises a quote within 24 hours.
Golden Rwanda Safaris: Sells the 1-day Rwanda trek and says most trips include the permit.
In the enquiry, give your dates and group size and ask each company to itemise the permit price it assumes for each country, transfers from Kigali or Entebbe, lodges and which sector or group it expects to book.
Rwanda or Uganda for gorilla trekking: the questions people ask
Is Rwanda or Uganda better for gorilla trekking?
The operators' sites do not name one. Primate Safaris sells 1-day treks from US$ 1050 (Bwindi, pick-up Kigali) and US$ 1800 (Rwanda). The Uganda permit is the lower stated at USD 800 (Mist Rwanda Safaris) against US$1,500 for Rwanda (Hope Tours Africa), although two operators date the Uganda price to a period that ended in June 2026.
How much is a gorilla permit in Rwanda and Uganda?
Hope Tours Africa gives the Rwanda permit as US$1,500 and Mist Rwanda Safaris gives Uganda as USD 800 for non-residents. RDB sets the Rwanda price and UWA the Uganda price, so confirm both there.
Is the gorilla permit included in the trip price?
It depends on the company. Hope Tours Africa includes it in every itinerary with a trek and Bamboo Ecotours includes permits in tour prices, while Native Africa Tours says permits are not in the safari price on its permit pages.
What is the cheapest gorilla trek?
Primate Safaris lists a 1 day Bwindi trek from US$ 1050 per person (minimum two, pick-up Kigali) and a 1 day Rwanda safari from US$ 1800. Golden Rwanda Safaris sells a 1-day Rwanda trek at $1800.
How hard is the gorilla trek?
Hope Tours Africa says Rwanda treks take 2 to 8 hours and are steep and muddy and Home to Africa Tours and Travel says Uganda treks take 2 to 6 hours on steep rugged ground. Porters are offered by both.
How many people trek with the gorillas?
Mist Rwanda Safaris says the park limits gorilla groups to 8 visitors a day and Hope Tours Africa says guests trek with others unless they buy a permit for the whole group at US$15,000.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
Hope Tours Africa gives 15 for Rwanda and Meanda Uganda Safaris gives 15 for gorillas in Uganda.
Can I see gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda on one trip?
Yes, with companies that run both. Gorilla Safaris Uganda Travel has trips and vehicles in Uganda and Rwanda and Mist Rwanda Safaris sells combined itineraries.
What are the best alternatives to Home to Africa Tours and Travel and Golden Rwanda Safaris for gorilla trekking in 2026?
For Home to Africa Tours and Travel look at Gorilla Safaris Uganda Travel or Primate Safaris. For Golden Rwanda Safaris look at Hope Tours Africa or Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris.
How do I check a gorilla safari operator's licence?
In Rwanda, Hope Tours Africa and Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris say they are licensed by RDB and none gives a number. In Uganda, Gorilla Safaris Uganda Travel and Home to Africa Tours and Travel give Uganda Tourism Board licence numbers to check.
Built to answer the question in the main heading. What is shown: facts each operator published on its own website, read on 29 October 2026, with reviews per platform (SafariBookings, Google and Trustpilot) and register listings read the same day, from the Uncompromised Travel local safari operators table. Every operator in that table filed under Rwanda and Uganda whose own website lists gorilla trekking in Volcanoes, Bwindi or Mgahinga is on this page; operators whose websites would not open are not. Cards are in alphabetical order; "Who to contact first" is in the order Uncompromised Travel suggests asking. No company paid to appear or for its place. Sources: the company pages linked in each card. Prices are in the currency each company showed and were not converted. How this site earns · How we work.
Richard Jasinski · Uncompromised Travel · written from Valencia · first published 29 October 2026 · updated 29 October 2026
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