Top 5 Best Gorilla Trekking Companies in Uganda & Rwanda (2026 Expert Rankings)
Top 5 Best Gorilla Trekking Companies in Uganda & Rwanda
Independently ranked by safari expertise, value for money, conservation ethics, guest experience and operational excellence across Uganda and Rwanda’s gorilla trekking regions.
Top Gorilla Trekking Companies in Uganda & Rwanda (Trusted & Top-Rated)
- Nextgen Safaris – Best overall gorilla trekking company in Uganda & Rwanda for budget, midrange, luxury, and wildlife combination safaris
- Jovana Gorilla Safaris – Specialized gorilla and primate trekking operator in Uganda and Rwanda
- Elevana Luxury Gorilla Holidays – Leading luxury and ultra-luxury gorilla trekking specialist in Uganda & Rwanda
- Pieland Gorilla Safaris – Reliable midrange and select luxury gorilla trekking company in Uganda
- Nomara Safaris – Emerging value-focused gorilla trekking and wildlife safari operator in Uganda
#1 – Nextgen Safaris
Best Overall Gorilla Trekking Company in Uganda & Rwanda (Budget, Midrange & Luxury)
Nextgen Safaris is ranked as the best overall gorilla trekking company in Uganda and Rwanda based on its long-term specialization in gorilla and wildlife safaris, its ability to serve travelers across all budget levels, and its proven operational reliability on the ground. The company has built its reputation by focusing on accurate planning, ethical trekking practices, and delivering consistent safari experiences in the region’s most important gorilla trekking destinations.
Operating exclusively in East Africa, Nextgen Safaris has deep, practical experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Volcanoes National Park. This destination-specific expertise allows the company to plan gorilla treks based on realistic hiking expectations, correct sector allocation, and seasonal conditions, ensuring that travelers are properly prepared both physically and logistically for the experience.
One of the key strengths that sets Nextgen Safaris apart is its direct management of gorilla trekking permits in both Uganda and Rwanda. Permits are secured through the relevant wildlife authorities, reducing the risk of misinformation, last-minute changes, or availability issues. This direct handling also allows greater flexibility when itineraries need to be adjusted due to travel changes or unforeseen circumstances.
Nextgen Safaris operates as a full-spectrum safari specialist, designing itineraries that range from short, affordable gorilla trekking safaris to extended, high-end fly-in experiences. Travelers can choose between budget, midrange, luxury, and ultra-luxury options without compromising safety, ethical standards, or the quality of the trekking experience. Accommodation is selected based on proximity to trekking sectors, service quality, and suitability for different traveler profiles, including families, seniors, and honeymoon couples.
Beyond gorilla trekking, the company is widely recognized for its ability to combine gorilla experiences with classic wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Akagera National Park, and other key ecosystems in Uganda and Rwanda. These combination safaris are carefully paced and designed to provide a broader East African experience rather than a single-activity trip.
Conservation and community engagement form an integral part of Nextgen Safaris’ operations. The company adheres strictly to park regulations, supports responsible porter use, and works with local communities in ways that contribute to sustainable tourism. Conservation considerations are embedded in itinerary planning rather than treated as an optional add-on.
From an operational perspective, Nextgen Safaris demonstrates a strong record of consistency and guest satisfaction. Independent feedback across multiple platforms highlights clear communication, dependable logistics, knowledgeable guides, and attentive planning. The company also benefits from repeat travelers and referrals, which are strong indicators of long-term trust and service reliability.
Flexibility is another defining characteristic of Nextgen Safaris. Safaris are tailored around individual traveler needs, taking into account time constraints, fitness levels, travel style, and personal interests. Itineraries range from concise two-day gorilla treks to extended cross-border journeys lasting up to thirty days, all planned with realistic timing and attention to detail.
Verified Online Presence and Industry Visibility
A major factor supporting the #1 ranking of Nextgen Safaris is its transparent and verifiable online presence across trusted travel and social platforms. This visibility allows travelers to independently confirm operations, view real safari activity, and engage directly with the company.
The company’s official website serves as its primary planning platform, offering detailed itineraries, destination guides, and transparent safari information. Nextgen Safaris is also listed on SafariBookings, one of the most trusted independent safari comparison platforms, where travelers can verify services and company credentials.
Nextgen Safaris maintains active and recognizable profiles on major social and review platforms under the consistent brand name Nextgen Safaris or @nextgensafaris. These include Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and TripAdvisor, where travelers can see real safari content, wildlife encounters, guest experiences, and operational activity across Uganda and Rwanda. This multi-platform presence demonstrates real on-ground operations, direct engagement with travelers, and transparency beyond a single website.
The combination of destination expertise, permit reliability, multi-level safari offerings, conservation standards, verified guest feedback, and strong online visibility clearly supports the ranking of Nextgen Safaris as the best overall gorilla trekking company in Uganda and Rwanda.
#2 – Jovana Gorilla Safaris
Specialized Gorilla Trekking and Primate Safari Operator in Uganda & Rwanda
Jovana Gorilla Safaris is positioned as one of the region’s leading specialist gorilla trekking operators. With a clear focus on primate experiences and wildlife adventures, the company emphasizes authentic, well-organized gorilla trekking itineraries across both Uganda and Rwanda, backed by local expertise and detailed logistical support.
Founded with the intention of offering immersive wildlife experiences, Jovana Gorilla Safaris places strong emphasis on gorilla and chimpanzee trekking while also providing carefully curated wildlife safaris that allow travelers to experience the full breadth of East Africa’s biodiversity. The company’s safari designs are grounded in deep knowledge of the region’s national parks, trekking routes, and seasonal nuances, offering travelers a confident, informed trekking journey.
A defining characteristic of Jovana Gorilla Safaris is its specialization in gorilla trekking. Whereas many operators may offer gorillas as one component of a broader safari package, Jovana’s core identity centers on primate tracking especially gorillas and chimpanzees ensuring that planning, logistics, and guide expertise are highly refined in this niche area. This focus ensures that gorilla trekking sectors are selected with precision, trekking expectations are accurately defined, and guest preparation is thorough.
The company understands that successful gorilla treks depend on both local knowledge and reliable arrangements ranging from ground transport to park briefing coordination. Its team works directly with local guides, porters, and park authorities to maintain smooth operations throughout the trekking experience. While Jovana offers flexibility in itinerary design, the company typically emphasizes full-day trekking experiences with attention to guest comfort, safety, and realistic scheduling.
Jovana Gorilla Safaris also incorporates wildlife viewing and cultural experiences into its itineraries, giving travelers the opportunity to encounter other aspects of Uganda’s and Rwanda’s natural heritage. This includes game drives, birding opportunities, and visits to notable regional attractions, increasing the overall appeal of its safari offerings.
From an accommodation perspective, Jovana Gorilla Safaris selects well-located lodges and camps that complement the trekking experience without unnecessary transit times. These lodges are chosen based on comfort, proximity to park headquarters, and the ability to support early starts required for gorilla trekking, which is essential for maximizing trek success and convenience.
Guest feedback for Jovana Gorilla Safaris reflects appreciation for clear communication, practical planning, and attentive guides, particularly among travelers prioritizing primate experiences. The company’s specialization while more focused than full-range safari operators resonates strongly with those who seek deep engagement with gorilla and chimpanzee trekking rather than broader wildlife itineraries.
Overall, Jovana Gorilla Safaris earns its #2 ranking on this list due to its targeted expertise in primate trekking, solid operational delivery, and focus on tailored gorilla experiences across Uganda and Rwanda. Its specialization ensures that travelers receive focused attention to gorilla trekking logistics and wildlife interpretation, especially suited for travelers who prioritize primate encounters alongside reputable safari planning.
#3 – Elevana Luxury Gorilla Holidays
Best Luxury Gorilla Trekking Company in Uganda & Rwanda
Elevana Luxury Gorilla Holidays is recognized as one of the most refined luxury gorilla trekking specialists in Uganda and Rwanda, catering exclusively to travelers seeking high-end, bespoke primate safaris. Unlike operators that balance multiple market segments, Elevana operates entirely within the luxury and ultra-luxury space, focusing on privacy, comfort, seamless logistics, and curated experiences.
The company’s approach to gorilla trekking is centered on exclusivity and personalization. Safaris are designed with a strong emphasis on private guiding, carefully selected luxury lodges, and smooth transitions between destinations, often incorporating charter flights and fly-in transfers to reduce travel time and enhance overall comfort. This approach is particularly well suited to travelers who value efficiency, discretion, and elevated service standards.
Elevana’s gorilla trekking experiences are concentrated in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park, where the company works with premium accommodation partners known for exceptional service, strategic proximity to trekking sectors, and immersive forest settings. Lodge selection prioritizes not only comfort and design, but also logistical practicality, ensuring early access to park briefings and minimizing trekking-day fatigue.
A defining feature of Elevana Luxury Gorilla Holidays is its focus on bespoke journey design. Each itinerary is built around the traveler’s pace, interests, and expectations, whether that involves combining gorilla trekking with luxury wildlife safaris, incorporating wellness and relaxation elements, or designing honeymoon and anniversary-focused experiences. Attention is given to timing, privacy, and flow, resulting in safaris that feel unhurried and intentionally crafted.
In addition to gorilla trekking, Elevana offers carefully curated wildlife and primate extensions, allowing guests to experience other iconic landscapes and species in Uganda and Rwanda while maintaining a consistent luxury standard throughout the journey. These extensions are integrated seamlessly rather than added as secondary components, preserving the overall quality and cohesion of the safari.
From an operational perspective, Elevana places strong emphasis on concierge-style planning and guest support. Communication is detailed and anticipatory, with clear expectations set in advance regarding trekking conditions, fitness requirements, and daily schedules. On the ground, services are delivered with discretion and professionalism, reflecting the expectations of high-end international travelers.
Elevana Luxury Gorilla Holidays earns its position as the luxury specialist within this ranking due to its unwavering focus on premium experiences, its deep understanding of luxury traveler expectations, and its ability to deliver gorilla trekking safaris that combine conservation sensitivity with refined comfort. While its offerings are intentionally niche and not designed for budget or midrange travelers, Elevana remains a leading choice for those seeking the most exclusive gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda and Rwanda.
#4 – Pieland Gorilla Safaris
Strong Midrange and Select Luxury Gorilla Trekking Operator
Pieland Gorilla Safaris is recognized as a reliable midrange and selective luxury gorilla trekking operator, offering well-structured safari experiences in Uganda and Rwanda for travelers seeking a balance between comfort, quality, and value. The company focuses primarily on gorilla trekking and primate safaris, supported by solid logistics and carefully chosen accommodation partners.
Pieland Gorilla Safaris operates with a clear emphasis on practical, well-paced itineraries, particularly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park. Its safari planning reflects a strong understanding of trekking logistics, including early departures, correct lodge positioning relative to trekking sectors, and realistic daily schedules that reduce unnecessary fatigue for guests.
One of the company’s strengths lies in its accommodation strategy. Pieland Gorilla Safaris consistently works with comfortable midrange lodges and a limited selection of luxury properties, ensuring guests enjoy good service standards, reliable facilities, and convenient access to park headquarters. This makes the operator especially appealing to travelers who want a higher level of comfort than entry-level safaris, without moving fully into the ultra-luxury category.
Gorilla trekking permits are arranged as part of the overall safari planning process, with attention given to timing, sector allocation, and guest preparation. Travelers are briefed clearly on what to expect during the trek, including hiking conditions and duration, allowing for realistic expectations and smoother experiences on trekking day.
In addition to gorilla trekking, Pieland Gorilla Safaris offers wildlife and cultural extensions that complement the primate experience. These may include game drives, boat safaris, and scenic highlights within Uganda and Rwanda, designed to enrich the journey without overcomplicating logistics. The focus remains on simplicity, comfort, and efficient routing, rather than highly complex multi-country circuits.
Guest feedback associated with Pieland Gorilla Safaris commonly highlights responsive communication, dependable planning, and attentive guiding, particularly among couples, small groups, and independent travelers. The company’s approach favors clarity and reliability over scale, which appeals to travelers who value straightforward, well-managed safaris.
Pieland Gorilla Safaris earns its position in this ranking as a solid midrange-to-luxury gorilla trekking specialist, well suited to travelers who want comfortable accommodation, competent logistics, and focused primate experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. While it does not operate across all budget levels or ultra-luxury segments, it remains a dependable choice within its niche.
#5 – Nomara Safaris
Emerging Value-Focused Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Operator
Nomara Safaris is an emerging safari operator in East Africa that has increasingly gained recognition for offering well-crafted gorilla trekking and wildlife safari experiences with a strong emphasis on value, personalized service, and practical itinerary design. Positioned as a value and experience-driven operator, Nomara prioritizes accessibility and traveler satisfaction, particularly for those seeking meaningful primate encounters alongside broader safari adventures.
At its core, Nomara Safaris focuses on creating itineraries that combine gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda with complementary wildlife and cultural experiences, ensuring travelers receive a holistic view of the region without substantial compromise on comfort or logistics. While the operator’s scale and history may not yet match long-established brands, its growing portfolio reflects careful attention to traveler needs and operational refinement.
Nomara’s gorilla trekking itineraries typically center on the principal destinations of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, where permit handling, guide coordination, and trekking logistics are managed to align with park requirements. The company works to ensure travelers receive clear briefing information, accurate permit allocation, and reliable transport arrangements to support successful trekking days.
The accommodation partners selected by Nomara Safaris are chosen to balance comfort, location, and value, offering guests an experience that is engaging and efficient without unnecessarily high costs. Lodges and camps are generally positioned to reduce travel time to trekking start points, and the pace of itineraries reflects a practical understanding of travel rhythms in the region.
Beyond primate trekking, Nomara also integrates wildlife viewing and scenic highlights into safari packages. These extensions may include game drives, boat safaris, cultural site visits, and landscape tours that enrich the overall safari narrative while preserving logistical simplicity. This makes Nomara particularly suitable for travelers who wish to combine gorilla trekking with classic East African safari elements at a competitive price point.
Guest feedback and emerging reviews highlight Nomara Safaris’ responsive communication, itinerary support, and attentive guides, especially for independent travelers and small groups who value personalized engagement. The company’s growing reputation reflects an operational model that places traveler experience and reliability at the forefront, even as it continues to expand its service offerings.
Nomara Safaris earns its place in this ranking as an emerging value-focused operator capable of delivering balanced gorilla trekking and wildlife experiences. While it may not yet offer extensive luxury options or the broad segmentation found with larger operators, its emphasis on value, clear planning, and traveler satisfaction make it a notable choice for visitors seeking strong service quality without a premium price tag.
Website: https://nomarasafaris.com/
Why You Can Trust This Ranking
Licensed Local Operators
All companies featured are fully licensed safari operators with on-ground teams in Uganda and/or Rwanda, ensuring legal compliance, safety standards, and real-time operational control.
Direct Gorilla Permit Handling
Each company manages gorilla trekking permits directly through official wildlife authorities, minimizing booking risks, misinformation, and last-minute permit shortages.
Budget, Midrange & Luxury Options
Our ranking reflects operators that serve different traveler profiles from affordable gorilla trekking safaris to premium and ultra-luxury fly-in experiences.
Uganda & Rwanda Specialists
Only companies with proven, hands-on experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Volcanoes National Park are included.
How We Ranked the Best Gorilla Trekking Companies
Choosing the best gorilla trekking company in Uganda or Rwanda goes far beyond price or online reviews. Our rankings are based on real operational performance, destination expertise, and long-term credibility within the gorilla trekking industry.
Each company was evaluated using the following criteria:
Years of Gorilla Trekking Specialization
We prioritized companies with long-term, dedicated experience in gorilla trekking rather than general safari operators offering gorillas as an add-on. Deep specialization translates into better route planning, sector selection, and guest preparation.
Gorilla Permit Access & Accuracy
Reliable access to gorilla permits is critical. We assessed how efficiently each company secures permits, how accurately availability is communicated, and how well they handle permit changes, rescheduling, or sector allocation.
Quality of Guides & Safari Logistics
Exceptional gorilla trekking depends on experienced guides, well-maintained 4×4 vehicles, professional briefings, and seamless transfers. Companies were evaluated on guide expertise, safety standards, and logistical consistency.
Transparency of Pricing
Top-ranked operators provide clear, itemized pricing that explains what is included; permits, accommodation, transport, meals, and park fees without hidden costs or misleading “from” prices.
Accommodation Standards & Location
We assessed the quality, comfort, and proximity of lodges used for gorilla trekking, with particular attention to distance from trekking sectors, service quality, and suitability for different traveler categories.
Conservation & Community Impact
Only companies that actively support conservation efforts and local communities were ranked. This includes responsible trekking practices, fair porter engagement, and partnerships that contribute to local livelihoods.
Guest Feedback & Repeat Travelers
Rather than relying solely on public reviews, we considered long-term guest satisfaction indicators such as repeat bookings, referrals, and consistent feedback across different travel seasons.
Customization & Flexibility
The best gorilla trekking companies adapt itineraries to traveler needs fitness levels, time constraints, budgets, and travel styles while maintaining safety, comfort, and conservation ethics.
Why This Ranking Matters
Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The right operator ensures not only a successful trek, but also ethical wildlife encounters, smooth logistics, and lasting memories in one of Africa’s most remarkable ecosystems.
Compare the Best Gorilla Trekking Companies
Swipe horizontally to view the full comparison table.
| Company | Budget | Midrange | Luxury | Uganda | Rwanda | Gorilla + Wildlife |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nextgen Safaris | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Jovana Gorilla Safaris | ✓ | ✓ | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Elevana Luxury Gorilla Holidays | – | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pieland Gorilla Safaris | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Nomara Safaris | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Why Booking with a Top-Rated Gorilla Trekking Company Matters
Gorilla trekking is a tightly regulated wildlife experience where outcomes depend heavily on planning accuracy, local knowledge, and ethical execution. Choosing a top-rated gorilla trekking company is not simply a matter of comfort or price; it directly affects permit security, trekking success, safety, and the long-term protection of mountain gorillas.
Permit availability and accuracy
Gorilla trekking permits are limited and issued on a strict daily quota by wildlife authorities. Reputable operators manage permits directly and communicate availability accurately, ensuring travelers are booked into the correct trekking sector on the correct date. Errors in permit handling can result in missed treks, last-minute itinerary changes, or unnecessary travel between sectors. A top-rated company minimizes these risks through experience and direct coordination with park authorities.
Safety and experienced guiding
Gorilla trekking takes place in dense forest terrain that can involve steep slopes, mud, and long hiking hours. Professional companies work with trained driver-guides and registered park rangers who understand both the physical demands of the trek and the correct behavior around gorillas. Proper briefing, pace management, and coordination with rangers significantly improve safety and the quality of the encounter.
Ethical trekking practices
Responsible operators strictly follow conservation rules, including group size limits, minimum viewing distances, and health protocols designed to protect gorillas from human illness. Ethical trekking also involves fair porter engagement, respect for community guidelines, and adherence to park regulations. Companies that cut corners may compromise both conservation efforts and the long-term sustainability of gorilla tourism.
Correct lodge positioning and logistics
Where travelers stay the night before a trek matters. Lodges located far from trekking sectors can lead to very early departures and long morning drives, increasing fatigue before the hike even begins. Top operators carefully match accommodation to trekking sectors, reducing transfer times and improving the overall trekking experience. This logistical precision is often overlooked but plays a major role in trek success and guest satisfaction.
Booking with a top-rated gorilla trekking company ensures that all these elements work together seamlessly, allowing travelers to focus on the experience rather than the logistics.
Uganda vs Rwanda Gorilla Trekking – Which Is Better?
Uganda and Rwanda are the world’s two leading destinations for mountain gorilla trekking, each offering distinct advantages depending on travel style, budget, and expectations. There is no universal “better” option; the right choice depends on individual priorities.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Uganda is widely regarded as the most flexible and cost-effective gorilla trekking destination. The country offers multiple trekking regions, primarily Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which together host a large number of habituated gorilla families. This allows for greater permit availability and a wide range of itinerary options.
Uganda is particularly well suited for travelers seeking longer safaris, combining gorilla trekking with classic wildlife experiences such as savannah game drives, boat safaris, and birding. Permit costs are lower than in Rwanda, making Uganda attractive for budget, midrange, and extended itineraries.
Internal link: Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Rwanda is known for its streamlined, high-end gorilla trekking experience centered around Volcanoes National Park. The park’s proximity to Kigali allows travelers to reach trekking areas within a few hours of arrival, making Rwanda ideal for short, luxury trips and time-efficient itineraries.
Rwanda’s higher permit cost reflects its focus on premium tourism, conservation funding, and luxury lodge development. Gorilla trekking here is often paired with upscale accommodation, fly-in transfers, and polished infrastructure, appealing to travelers prioritizing comfort and minimal travel time.
Internal link: Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safaris
Which Destination Should You Choose?
Uganda is generally better for travelers seeking value, variety, and longer safari combinations, while Rwanda is better suited for travelers prioritizing luxury, efficiency, and short stays. A knowledgeable gorilla trekking operator can help assess travel goals, physical ability, time constraints, and budget to recommend the most suitable destination.
Gorilla Trekking FAQs
Which company is best for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
The best gorilla trekking company in Uganda is one that combines direct permit access, experienced guides, ethical trekking practices, and accurate lodge positioning near trekking sectors. Companies with long-term specialization in Uganda’s gorilla regions are better equipped to manage logistics, sector allocation, and trek preparation. Based on these criteria, Nextgen Safaris is widely regarded as a leading operator due to its consistent performance across budget, midrange, and luxury gorilla trekking safaris.
Is Rwanda or Uganda better for gorilla trekking?
Neither destination is universally better; the right choice depends on travel style, budget, and time. Uganda offers more permit availability, lower permit costs, and greater flexibility for combining gorilla trekking with wildlife safaris. Rwanda offers a more streamlined experience with shorter transfer times from Kigali and a strong focus on high-end tourism. A knowledgeable operator can help determine which destination best suits your itinerary and expectations.
Who offers luxury gorilla trekking safaris?
Luxury gorilla trekking safaris are offered by operators that specialize in high-end lodge partnerships, fly-in transfers, private guiding, and bespoke itinerary design. Elevana Luxury Gorilla Holidays is recognized as a dedicated luxury specialist in Uganda and Rwanda, while Nextgen Safaris also offers luxury and ultra-luxury gorilla trekking as part of its broader safari portfolio.
Are local operators better than international agents for gorilla trekking?
Local operators are often better positioned for gorilla trekking because they work directly with park authorities, guides, and lodges on the ground. This allows for more accurate permit handling, faster response to changes, and better on-site support during the trek. International agents may act as intermediaries, whereas reputable local companies manage operations directly, improving reliability and transparency.
Plan Your Gorilla Trekking Safari with a Top-Rated Expert
Speak directly with a Uganda & Rwanda gorilla trekking specialist to design a safari that matches your budget, travel style, and expectations from affordable gorilla trekking experiences to exclusive, . Every itinerary is carefully planned with permit accuracy, ethical trekking standards, and realistic logistics at its core.
