Peut-on faire deux randonnées de gorilles? Comment ça fonctionne

Yes, you can go gorilla trekking twice, and many travellers do. Each permit covers one person for one day and one hour with one gorilla family, so a second trek means a second permit for a different day. You cannot trek twice on the same day, but you can trek on consecutive days, in different sectors or in different countries. The second trek is usually quite different from the first, which is why repeat visitors say it is worth it.

This guide explains how it works in Rwanda and Uganda, what changes the second time, the cost and the planning needed to make two treks comfortable.

A gorilla permit is valid for a single day and a single group. If you want to trek twice, you buy two permits for two dates. Permits are limited in every sector, and the best dates sell out early, so book both together. Permit rules and prices are reviewed from time to time, and were checked in October 2026, so we confirm them in your quote. You must be at least 15 years old to trek, and the permit is tied to the person who books it.

Read how to book a Rwanda gorilla permit and how to book a Uganda gorilla permit for the steps in each country.

Yes. Many visitors trek on two days in a row, particularly in Rwanda, where Volcanoes National Park has several habituated families close to one another, or in Bwindi, where different sectors have different groups. You are normally assigned to a different family on the second day. If you have a preference, ask us, and we will ask for it, although the final assignment depends on the park on the morning. A day of rest between treks is more comfortable, if you can spare it, because the walking can be steep and muddy.

Each gorilla family has its own size, personality and range. One group may live high on a slope and require a long hike, while another sits close to the park boundary. A family with a young baby or a dominant silverback behaves differently from a family with many juveniles. So the second trek is not a repeat. Many travellers find that on the second day they relax, take more time to watch and take better photographs, since they know what to expect.

Read which gorilla families you can visit in Rwanda and how many gorilla families there are in Bwindi to see the options.

Volcanoes National Park has several habituated families, and two treks can be done on separate days from the same lodge. The permit price is high, so many travellers treat the second trek as a special extra. See the 4-day Rwanda gorilla trekking tour and the 5-day Rwanda gorilla trekking, golden monkeys and culture for routes that can be extended.

Bwindi has four sectors, Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo, and each has several groups. Mgahinga has one group. A visitor can trek in two sectors, or in Bwindi and Mgahinga. The permit price in Uganda is lower than in Rwanda, so two treks are more affordable. Read how much it costs to trek gorillas in Uganda.

A combined trip is a popular choice. You trek in Rwanda, then cross to Uganda, or the other way round. The two countries offer different landscapes: the open volcano slopes of Rwanda, and the dense forest of Bwindi. See the 8-day Rwanda and Uganda primate trekking and Akagera safari. Read Rwanda vs Uganda gorilla trekking to compare.

The second permit costs the same as the first. In Rwanda, the permit is US$1,500 per person, so two treks double that. In Uganda the permit costs far less, which makes a second trek a modest addition to the budget. Remember the extra night and the transport. Low-season rates may apply in some months. Always ask for the current price and the terms in writing.

Two treks demand more fitness than one. A trek lasts from one hour to most of a day, in steep, wet terrain at altitude. Doing it twice, on consecutive days, tires the legs. If you are worried, choose a rest day, ask for a family that is easier to reach and bring a walking stick. Read how difficult gorilla trekking is in Rwanda for an honest view.

If you can, put a rest day between the two treks. A rest day lets muscles recover and gives you time to dry boots and clothes. If you trek on consecutive days, plan an easy afternoon after the first, with a long lunch, a massage if your lodge has one and an early dinner. Eat well, drink plenty of water and stretch. Tell your guides if you have sore knees or blisters, and ask for a family that is easier to reach on the second day. A walking stick and gaiters help. Good preparation prevents the second trek from feeling like a chore.

It often does. On the first trek, many visitors spend the hour taking pictures and miss the moment. On the second, they know how the hour passes and the rules about distance and light. You can focus on the composition, wait for expressions and try different angles. Gorillas in different families have different habits: some are in dense bamboo, others in open slopes. Bring a fast lens and a flash-free setup. Read gorilla photography in Rwanda for settings.

If a second gorilla permit is out of your budget, a different primate experience can fill the second day. In Rwanda, golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park is a lighter and less expensive outing. In Uganda, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale offers a very different encounter. Nyungwe in Rwanda has chimpanzees and a canopy walk. Many travellers choose one gorilla trek and one other primate activity, which gives a rich variety. Read golden monkey trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.

Choose your dates first, then confirm the permits for both days at the same time. Ask for the permit documents in writing, with the sector and date. Check that the names match your passports. Keep a record of payments. If your plans might change, ask about the terms for changes before you pay, since permits are often non-refundable. We handle the bookings and confirm each step with you. Read how to book a Rwanda gorilla permit and how to book a Uganda gorilla permit.

• Photographers who want a second chance at the perfect picture
• Travellers who loved the first trek and want to see another family
• Visitors who want to compare Rwanda and Uganda

• Travellers on a tight budget, especially in Rwanda
• Those with limited fitness or little recovery time

• Booking only one permit and trying to add one later. Dates sell out.
• Planning a trek on the day of arrival. Flights can be late.
• Skipping a rest day. Legs get heavy.
• Expecting the same experience. Families differ.

No. A permit covers one trek per day.

You are normally assigned a different one. Ask us if you have a preference.

Rules vary, and permits are often non-transferable. We explain the terms before you book.

Not normally, though low-season offers can apply. Ask us.

No, but if you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before you trek at all.

Yes, if they are fit and have the same permit as adults. Rest between treks matters even more for teenagers.

Tell us your dates, your budget and your fitness, and we will plan two treks that work. Talk to Our Tour Specialist, or compare options in gorilla trekking vs gorilla habituation.