Silverback Gorilla Tour Packages In Uganda & Rwanda (2025)

Whether you call it Silverback Gorilla Tours or Silverback Gorilla Tour, the experience is all about meeting face to face the giant silverback together with his family members in their families. YES, silverback gorilla tours take you deeper into the dense forests of East and Central Africa where these endangered primates live. Maranatha Tours and travel customizes best silverback gorilla tours to Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo at best prices. Seeing a silverback gorilla family guard his family is undeniably a highlight for any travelers doing gorilla trekking in Africa!.

Who is the silverback Gorilla?

Silverback Gorilla the head/father of the gorilla family. The silverback is the father of all gorillas in the entire family. He is the family head who determines the movements and activities to be done in the family. All other gorillas are submissive to the father just like in a human home where the dad is the overall.

There is only one silverback in each gorilla family because there cannot be tow fathers in one family. The silverback gorilla has the right to mate with all adult female gorillas 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 Uganda

Be part of our guided silverback Uganda gorilla tours to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park both located in south western Uganda. Uganda silverback gorilla tours offer you chance to encounter one of the 21 habituated gorilla families in the Pearl of Africa.

If you are trekking in Bwindi Forest, you will trek in any one of the four gorilla sectors that make up Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The 1-day gorilla trekking Uganda is the shortest gorilla safari package you can do, starting and ending in Kigali, Rwanda

 Silverback Gorilla Tours Rwanda

Go silverback gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National park located in north western Rwanda. The park is home to over 300 mountain gorillas which is the highest population in the Virunga Conservation Area. Rwanda silverback Gorilla Tours give you 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 Rwanda prices starts from $1500 for a permit. Rwanda offers the luxury silverback gorilla tours compared to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo

How much does it cost to see silverback gorilla?

The cost of seeing silverback gorilla tour depend 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?

Its undeniable that gorilla trekking is one of the most expensive travel experiences in the world. The adventure is categorize as expensive due to the high cost that comes with it. Imagine $1500 for a single permit for just an hour with the gorillas! The major reason for the high cost of mountain gorillas is the endangered nature of the gorillas. These primates are highly endangered hence require protection. Gorilla permits are also expensive to limit the number of visitors flocking into gorilla parks which can cause more harm than good to the gorillas.

Some people also ask

Are there silverback gorillas in Uganda?

YES, there are silverback gorillas in Uganda in the two gorilla Parks which are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National parks. There are 21 gorilla families habituated in Uganda and each gorilla group is headed by a silverback Gorilla.  Uganda silverback gorilla tours offer you chance to meet and interact with silverback gorillas in their respective families.

Where is the best place to see silverback Gorillas?

Some people say Uganda is the best place to see silverback gorillas. There are 21 gorilla families habituated in Uganda and the total number of gorillas is over 500 most of which live in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Also, Uganda offers pocket-friendly silverback gorilla tours at $800 each. On the other hand, Volcanoes National Park offers the best luxury silverback gorilla tours. Each gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 but the magical encounter with gorillas is 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?

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 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, 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.