Gorilla Trekking in Africa. Trekking Destinations, Costs & Full Guide: Discover gorilla trekking in Africa, the best parks in Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC, costs, rules, the best time to visit, and what to expect on this life-changing adventure.
Gorilla trekking is an extraordinary adventure that presents a unique opportunity to explore the dense forests of East Africa and Central Africa in search of the majestic creatures. The trek allows visitors to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, where they observe the nature and behavior of the mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking in Africa is only done in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the Virunga forests, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, all of which offer unforgettable experiences.
Mountain Gorilla
Imagine standing just a few feet away from a silverback, the leader of a gorilla family, as he calmly watches over his group. You hear the soft rustle of leaves as playful juveniles swing between trees, and mothers tenderly groom their young. This is the essence of gorilla trekking: a rare, intimate glimpse into the lives of these remarkable creatures.
One of the rarest wildlife experiences on Earth is gorilla trekking in Africa. It takes you deep into mist-covered mountains and thick rainforests in search of the endangered mountain gorillas, massive, intelligent, gentle beings that share 98% of their DNA with humans. Only three countries offer this experience: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Each destination provides a different atmosphere, landscape, and style of adventure, but all give trekkers unforgettable encounters with these remarkable primates.
Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa
Uganda: The Ultimate Gorilla Destination
Uganda holds over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking happens in:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: a UNESCO World Heritage Site with steep jungle landscapes and the highest number of gorilla families.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: home to the famous Nyakagezi family and part of the Virunga massif.
Uganda offers variety, affordability, and reliable success rates.
Rwanda: Luxury Gorilla Trekking
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers a premium gorilla trekking experience. The terrain is more open, the views are stunning—featuring five iconic volcanoes—and the accessibility from Kigali (2.5 hours) is unmatched.
Rwanda positions itself as a luxury destination with world-class lodges and elite service.
Democratic Republic of Congo: Untamed and Wild
DRC’s Virunga National Park is home to numerous gorilla families and the famous Mount Nyiragongo volcano.
However, as of now, the park remains closed due to security concerns, making Uganda and Rwanda the safest options.
What is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is an organized activity that involves hiking through dense forests and mountainous terrains in search of gorillas. Gorilla trekking is guided by very experienced trackers and game rangers who lead visitors through the forest and trails in search of gorillas. Depending on how far the gorillas have traveled in the forest, the hike can last anywhere from one hour to eight hours. Gorillas are usually located by the trackers, who then communicate with the rangers, and the process is simplified, as visitors don’t have to walk for a whole day in search of the gorillas. Upon locating gorillas in their natural habitat, trekkers are allowed one hour in the presence of the gorillas, where they get to discover the unique and social interaction of the gorillas. Witnessing these animals play, eat, and interact in their home is a wonderful moment that will leave unforgettable memories of your gorilla trekking experience.
Where can you go gorilla trekking in Africa?
Gorillas are adopted to cold areas; with their thick fur that covers their giant bodies, gorillas are able to sustain and adhere to these cold temperatures in the thick forests and mountains. In all of Africa, gorillas chose a few countries like Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where these coexist in groups of gorilla families.
Uganda.
In Uganda, gorillas can be seen in the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the largest habitat of gorillas in the world, with more than half of the remaining gorillas. Gorillas can also be seen in Mgahinga National Park, a small habitat that was part of the former Virunga massifs. The park is home to only one popular gorilla family called Nyakagezi and borders both Rwanda and DRC.
Rwanda.
In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is a well-known tourism activity that offers trekkers a luxurious experience, which is supported by the many luxury lodges located near Volcanoes National Park, where the trekking occurs. Volcanoes National Park is an ideal destination for gorilla trekking, providing visitors with incredible views of the five volcanoes, including Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabinyo, Mahavura, and Mgahinga. Located just two and a half hours from Kigali International Airport, Volcanoes National Park provides trekkers with convenient and simple accessibility for gorilla trekking. The high elevation is conducive for gorillas and presents a unique terrain that is open, making it less physically demanding. Rwanda’s commitment to high-end tourism is evident in its world-class lodges and services.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
The Democratic Republic of Congo is another destination that is home to gorillas, which are located in Virunga National Park, an area that borders both Rwanda and Uganda. The park has quite a number of gorillas, and as of now it’s still closed due to the political instability of the country and is not open for gorilla trekking. Virunga also offers unique attractions, including the active volcano of Nyiragongo, making the place an incredible destination to visit.
How do Mountain gorillas live?
Gorillas are part of the giant apes, and these primates live in groups of families, which we call “gorilla families.” The dominant silverback leads each gorilla family. The silverback is responsible for protecting the entire family from predators and any conflicts that may arise among the gorillas in the forest. The gorilla family is also made of other members, including several females, blackbacks, and juveniles, and some have more than one silverback, with only one leading the group. The female gorillas majorly take care of the little ones, nurturing them and teaching them how to live in the forest and protect themselves, while the juveniles, which are the young gorillas, basically enjoy swinging around the trees.
Gorilla trekking is a unique opportunity that allows visitors to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat, including all members of the gorilla family. Visitors will observe how these primates live in gorilla families’ troops and how they interact as a family. The whole essence of gorilla trekking is a rare glimpse into the lives of these remarkable creatures.
What is the best time to go gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is an all-year-round activity; visitors can embark on this remarkable adventure any time, as each month presents a totally unique and unforgettable experience. The dry season, however, is better preferred, and this runs from June to September and December to early March, when there are barely any rains in the forest. These seasons present dry trails and very comfortable weather conditions.
Mountain Gorilla Viewing
Gorilla trekking is at its peak, with so many visitors from all over the world coming to do it. During the wet season, fewer tourists visit the park, and gorilla trekking is less common during this time. The wet season runs from April to May and from October to November. Tourists during the wet season have an opportunity to enjoy quieter experiences since they are traveling off-season, and they enjoy discounts.
What is the cost of Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is a journey that begins long before you set foot on the trail in the forest and search for gorillas. The initial step commences with obtaining a gorilla permit, which varies from one country to another. With limited permits, visitors are encouraged to obtain them in advance for a remarkable adventure.
In Uganda, a gorilla trekking permit costs $800, while in Rwanda, it’s $1500, and as for the DRC, it’s more affordable, with a gorilla permit going for only $400 per person. The cost of gorilla trekking, however, goes beyond the gorilla trekking permit, with other factors that are crucial for gorilla trekking, including accommodation, transportation, and tips, among the many costs. These together, once properly considered, determine the cost of gorilla trekking.
Gorilla trekking rules and regulations
Gorilla trekking involves a set of guidelines and rules that govern the process to ensure the sustainability of the gorillas as well as consider the safety of the visitors who embark on the remarkable experience. Gorilla trekking rules include maintaining a safe distance of 7 meters from the animals; this is to limit the spread of diseases either from humans to gorillas or vice versa. Gorillas have DNA that is 98% like that of humans, meaning either of these can infect the other.
Among other rules is ensuring you don’t feed gorillas, as their food is basically organic, and feeding them the unusual may result in sickness. No littering in the forest, no flash on the camera, and ensuring you trek when you are healthy is also another rule to help preserve these animals in their natural habitat.
Preparing for gorilla trekking
Planning and preparation is key for an enjoyable gorilla trekking experience; among the many factors that require prior preparation is ensuring physical fitness. Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding; therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you are physically fit before the trek. Simple yoga and work outs ensure a safe trekking experience.
Other preparation stages include having the right trekking gear and packing list. The packing list includes water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, a long-sleeved shirt, gaiters, a raincoat, a water bottle, and a camera, which is also a must-have during the gorilla trekking exercise.
Important travel documents during gorilla trekking include a passport and a yellow fever vaccination card. Planning also involves ensuring your accommodation is booked and transportation making gorilla trekking a remarkable adventure.
Gorilla trekking is a unique adventure that helps save endangered species. Gorilla permits generate revenues that support the protection of mountain gorillas in their habitat. Local communities also benefit through job creation and funding development projects. Beyond the impact, gorilla trekking itself is a unique experience that presents visitors with awe-inspiring moments. Having to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat is an experience that remains unforgettable and a once-in-a-lifetime journey. With each country offering a unique experience, gorilla trekking can be enjoyed in either Uganda or Rwanda, with DRC remaining closed as of now due to the civil war in the country.
As you plan your gorilla trekking adventure, it’s critical to seek information regarding gorilla trekking, including the challenges, the best time, the planning and preparatory stages, and, most importantly, the cost of gorilla trekking.
