The Great Gorilla Project
Enjoy witnessing the stunning Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat on this gorilla conservation project!
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Activities
On this gorilla project, you will engage in a wide variety of activities within the local communities, supporting areas of mountain gorilla conservation in and around the national parks. You will also take part in two breath-taking treks to see the beautiful endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Itinerary
Please note, itineraries are subject to change and what follows is simply a rough guideline. All trips, however, will include two gorilla treks, one chimpanzee trek and work with the local communities.
Day 1 - The Adventure Begins:
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be greeted by a project representative and transferred to your accommodation for the first night of your stay. Here, you will meet the rest of your group and enjoy a welcome dinner together before getting some rest, ready for the start of your adventure.
Day 2 – Travel to Kisoro & Dian Fossey Museum:
After breakfast, you will take a private transfer to Kisoro, approximately a 3-hour drive away. Along the way, you will visit the impressive Dian Fossey Museum and take a tour of the Ellen DeGeneres campus, where you will also enjoy a spot of lunch. You will then continue your journey to Kisoro, crossing the Rwandan-Ugandan border along the way. In Kisoro, you will have some time to relax and settle into your accommodation.
Day 3 - Community Development Projects:
Today, you’ll take part in sustainable projects run by the Mgahinga Community Development Organisation, creating lasting opportunities and a brighter future for the local community. These projects offer a meaningful way to connect with and learn from local people, whether by inspiring children in primary schools, supporting families through small-scale building and agricultural work, or planting trees in the buffer zone of the national park.
Day 4 - Kisoro Demo School & Organic Coffee Tour:
Visit the Kisoro Demonstration School, a place of learning and hope that supports children with disabilities. Here, you'll enjoy a hands-on experience, teaching, and playing games with the students. You may also help with classroom renovations that improve their learning environment. Afterwards, visit a local, family-run project that produces organic Arabica coffee. From planting and harvesting to roasting and tasting, you'll follow the journey of the bean, and savour a cup of coffee at its source.
Day 5 - Potter’s Village & Batwa Community Visit:
After breakfast, you’ll visit Potter’s Village, a local child crisis and medical centre where compassionate work is carried out to support abandoned, orphaned, and sick children. As part of your project fee, a donation has been made to the centre. You’ll stop en route to collect supplies and deliver them directly, seeing firsthand how your involvement helps improve lives within the community. Afterwards, you’ll spend time with a local Batwa community, learning about their rich history and culture.
Day 6 - First Gorilla Trek:
Today, you will join your first of two gorilla treks as you head into Mgahinga National Park. You will be led by park guides who will share their local knowledge and wisdom about the endangered mountain gorillas, their habitat, and the conservation efforts taking place. This is where some of the best memories are created as you witness the family of apes interacting and communicating with one another!
Day 7 – Lake Mburo National Park & Game Drive:
Your group will transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, pausing for lunch along the way. The drive will provide the opportunity to witness and appreciate the varying landscapes of Uganda before arriving at the charming safari lodge. That evening, you'll set out on an evening game drive, searching for leopards as they hunt at dusk and encountering the park’s captivating nocturnal wildlife.
Day 8 – Morning Game Drive & Boat Trip:
Spend the morning on a game drive, discovering the park’s stunning landscapes and searching for a rich variety of iconic African wildlife as the reserve awakens with the sights and sounds of the day. The afternoon will see you aboard a boat cruising along Lake Mburo, where you may spot pods of hippos surfacing with a splash and Nile crocodiles lounging along the shores.
Day 9 – Bush Walk & Travel to Kalinzu Forest:
After breakfast, you'll take a morning bush walk, exploring areas difficult for safari vehicles to reach. Enjoy soaking in the national park before lunch, and then you’ll head to Kalinzu Forest. Later, you'll arrive at the Cielo Country Inn, a charming family-owned hotel that operates several ecological projects benefiting the environment and the local community.
Day 10 – Chimpanzee Habituation Experience:
Cross another experience off your bucket list by embarking on a trek to locate troops of wild chimpanzees! Once you find them, you will spend time with the troop as part of their habituation process and learn the intricacies of their conservation, alongside what makes their social hierarchy and behaviours unique. In the afternoon, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi and settle into your accommodation, where stunning views await.
Day 11 – Lake Buyonyi & Transfer to Kisoro:
This morning is yours to unwind and soak in the breathtaking scenery of Lake Bunyonyi. Meaning "place of little birds," the area is perfect for birdwatching, nature walks, canoeing, or even a game of giant chess. Bikes are also available to rent if you'd like to explore on two wheels. You'll enjoy lunch in the beautiful lake-view restaurant before transferring back to Kisoro.
Day 12 – Mgahinga National Park:
Having already spent time at the Kisoro Demonstration School, today you'll accompany some of the children on a trek through Mgahinga National Park. As you navigate winding trails and dense forests, you'll share stories and experiences, giving the children a hands-on lesson in the very environment they are learning to protect. Discovering the sights, sounds, and wonders of the forest together, you'll create memories with them that last a lifetime.
Day 13 – Second Gorilla Trek:
Today, you’ll embark on your second gorilla trek, venturing into the dense Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for another unforgettable encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This trek takes you to a different gorilla family, giving you a unique opportunity to observe and appreciate the subtle differences between the two groups. By the end of the experience, you’ll leave with memories of a rare and profound connection that few people have the chance to witness.
Day 14 – Final Day:
Today, you will transfer back to Kigali. If you have an evening flight, you’ll be taken directly to the airport. If you would like to stay overnight or extend your time in Rwanda, we can arrange a drop-off at your chosen accommodation (please note that this stay is not included, though the transfer is provided free of charge).
Durations & Prices
Accommodation
Accommodation
On the first night, you will be staying at a lovely hotel situated near Kigali International Airport. The rooms here are spacious and overlook the beautiful hotel gardens. At Lake Mutanda, and in Kisoro, where you will spend most of your time on the project, the rooms are basic yet comfortable, and there is a bar/lounge area where you can make use of the free Wi-Fi. Next, you will stay in Lake Mburo National Park, where you can enjoy spectacular views from your beautiful cottage. The lodge features an on-site pool, stunning fire pit, and bar. In Kalinzu Forest, you will stay at an eco-friendly, family-run hotel with large rooms and modern amenities. At Lake Bunyonyi, your cottage will offer breathtaking lake views, and you’ll find a lake-view bar and restaurant on-site.
All rooms have ensuite bathrooms and are allocated on a twin-share, same-sex basis, although double rooms are available for couples. For more privacy, it is also possible to upgrade to a single room for an additional fee of $264.
Meals & Beverages
You’ll be well-fuelled for your adventure with three hearty meals provided each day. At most locations, a full menu will be available, though some may have a more limited selection. We can cater to vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs; please just let us know in advance. Drinks, including alcoholic beverages, are not included but can always be purchased at any of your accommodations along the way, each of which has a bar and lounge. When heading out on gorilla treks, you’ll be provided with fresh water and a packed lunch to keep you going on the trail!
Project Details
When is the best time to volunteer?
The most popular months to go gorilla trekking in Uganda are from May to September and December to February, as whilst it is warm throughout the year with average temperatures of 25-28°C (77-82°F), these are the driest months and so offer the best conditions for trekking.
We offer select group start dates during these months but can also offer private trips for groups of two or more throughout the year, except for in July and August as the schools are closed for holidays.
Getting There
You will need to arrive into Kigali International Airport (KGL) on the start date of your project, where you will be met by a project representative and transferred to Hotel Chez Lando in Kigali for your first night's accommodation. Arriving before 6pm is preferred as there is a welcome dinner at approximately 7pm, but if you have a flight arriving later, a transfer can still be arranged.
On the final day of the project, you are transferred back to Kigali in the afternoon and so will need to book a flight that departs Kigali International Airport after 7pm. This is because you may not get back to Kigali until 4pm so this will ensure you have enough time and will not miss your flight. You can also book another night at Hotel Chez Lando and fly the next day if there are better flight options but this will be at an additional cost.
Visa Requirements
Most nationalities will require a tourist visa to enter Rwanda and Uganda. It may be possible to obtain a visa on arrival, but if not, we recommend obtaining an East Africa Visa as this allows you to travel between Uganda and Rwanda, and means you only have to apply for 1 visa. Tourist visas for Rwanda can be applied for online at https://irembo.gov.rw/user/citizen/service/dgie/request_a_visa, and tourist visas for Uganda can be applied for online at https://visas.immigration.go.ug/.
Fitness & Skills
This project does not involve much in the way of physical labour but is heavily based around trekking on the gorilla tours - usually in fairly humid conditions. Therefore, all volunteers should have high enough levels of fitness to be able to partake in regular treks. No specific skills or experience are required, just commitment to the project and its aims. You must be prepared to work alongside other members of the team and to bring an upbeat, positive attitude to the endeavour as a whole.
Vaccinations
All visitors to Uganda are required to have a yellow fever vaccination and must present the certificate upon arrival. Any other vaccinations will depend on your medical history, so we recommend speaking with your GP/Doctor regarding your own vaccination requirements.
Videos
Discover The Great Gorilla Project
See how you could spend your time as a volunteer on The Great Gorilla Project. This project combines incredible wildlife experiences with community impact as you adventure through stunning national parks, visit indigenous communities and schools, go on a game drive and a boat cruise, and of course, join the highly anticipated gorilla and chimpanzee treks.
Volunteers Share Their Experience
Amira and Catriona share their volunteering experiences on The Great Gorilla Project. Over their fortnight-long adventure through Uganda, they explored the rich culture and landscapes of East Africa, visited rural communities, took part in two spectacular gorilla treks, and so much more.
Gallery
News & Stories
7
Volunteer Snaps from Lake Mburo Bush Walk
UPDATE | Aug 2025
While the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees steal the show on this project, there are other wildlife moments that capture the hearts of volunteers. Just take a look at the photos sent to us by recent volunteers of animals they encountered on a bush walk at Lake Mburo National Park!
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NEWS | Jul 2025
On World Chimpanzee Day 2025, we honour the species that taught us so much about ourselves. Learn how you can support their future before it’s too late!
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June Highlights: Wildlife Encounters & Community Connections
UPDATE | Jul 2025
Our June volunteers had an unforgettable experience with the gorilla troops and equally cherished their time in the local community, where they planted trees, painted classrooms, and even joined a traditional weaving lesson!
Reviews
The whole trip was well put together with a good mix of wildlife experiences and interaction with the community. Our guide Denis was exceptional and was instrumental in making the trip such a success. If I am to be constructive I would add the following comments: Although listed as a volunteering opportunity ie to contribute to the community through personal labour, the volunteering aspect is very limited and in some cases, the community were facilitating the volunteering at the cost of their time and effort. For example the tree planting was a token gesture and required 3 of the facilities staff member to be present to assist the two of us to plant 5 trees - ie we were more of a burden than a help! The main 'contribution' is really having a captive donation audience! ie at the various visits to schools etc there is a feeling of obligation to make a financial donation. This is not unreasonable and I was happy to do so but one needs to factor in bringing enough cash to make all these donations. For example at the gorilla trekking - the porters ( who you really do need) need $20 plus a tip... The whole trip was well put together with a good mix of wildlife experiences and interaction with the community. Our guide Denis was exceptional and was instrumental in making the trip such a success. If I am to be constructive I would add the following comments: Although listed as a volunteering opportunity ie to contribute to the community through personal labour, the volunteering aspect is very limited and in some cases, the community were facilitating the volunteering at the cost of their time and effort. For example the tree planting was a token gesture and required 3 of the facilities staff member to be present to assist the two of us to plant 5 trees - ie we were more of a burden than a help! The main 'contribution' is really having a captive donation audience! ie at the various visits to schools etc there is a feeling of obligation to make a financial donation. This is not unreasonable and I was happy to do so but one needs to factor in bringing enough cash to make all these donations. For example at the gorilla trekking - the porters ( who you really do need) need $20 plus a tip of around $5-10 ( the porters are not employed by the park and so this is their only income. There is only one trek per day so if you don't hire them and tip them , they make no money that day )then the trackers and there are usually 3 or 4 need a tip to share - around $15, then the guide another $10 and the security guy who has a gun to scare any aggressive encounters with large mammal - another $10 and then there is usually a traditional welcome dance by the local community $10. It is absolutely appropriate to tip as ensuring the local community are benefitting from the national parks is how the government ensure that these people don't return to taking game meat as they previously would have done ie they see the parks as a valuable asset that they can benefit from and so are also keen to preserve. The trip information says that a contribution from the price paid goes to the various projects but no information is given as to the amount of the contributions. It seems that the Lake residence near Kisoro where the tree planting takes place is owned by the same gentleman who owns the Golden Monkey hotel in Kisoro where we stayed for the bulk of the time. All in all thought this was definitely a fantastic trip. Having two very different gorilla treks was brilliant and the two trips are totally different from one another. I absolutely do recommend it. (Show More)
Fantastic experience! The itinerary was a good balance of tourist activities and community involvement activities. Gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, and the safaris were all amazing. Getting into the communities to see what work is being done to support local people was also very rewarding and eye opening. The guides on the trip were wonderful to work with and were very accommodating when request were made. The other members of the group were also great to travel with. I would definitely highly recommend this project.
This trip was more than I ever expected. From start to finish! Our guides were patient and very knowledgeable, friendly, and very welcoming, Peter thank you, you will be a long life friend to me, as will be Abel. Perfect gentlemen. Every day was filled with something. The gorilla trek was outstanding! I never thought I would get so close to these magnificent creatures! Let alone visit Rwanda and Uganda! The countries are beautiful. The history is interesting and sad. I can't recommend this trip enough! It's an opportunity of a lifetime! And I couldn't recommend The Great Projects enough either. I'm already planning next year's trip to Borneo to volunteer with the Orangutans! Thank you TGP for making my bucket list come true and making it perfect!! See you next year!
Download Project Guide
What's Included
- Two gorilla-trekking permits
- One chimpanzee habituation experience permit
- Two game drives in Lake Mburo National Park
- A boat trip on Lake Mburo
- A visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Dian Fossey Museum
- All accommodation and meals
- Transfers to and from the airport
- Full orientation and support from the project managers
- A monetary contribution to the Mgahinga Community Development Organisation and the Potters Village Child Crisis Centre
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Visas
- All beverages
From
$7,550.00€4,314.00£3,595.00$4,854.00
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Up to 6 Persons
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All Meals Included
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13 Nights
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Set dates - enquire for details
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Minimum Age 18 (Or From 15 Years Old With An Adult)
