For the adventurous traveler looking for a thrilling wildlife experience, gorilla trekking checks all the boxes. After an unforgettable journey deep into the lush heart of Africa, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a wild family of gorillas for one life-changing hour.
In order to prioritize the gorilla’s well-being, these experiences are highly regulated, both in terms of the number of people who can participate each day and the restrictions on human behavior during the experience. Because permits are limited, it’s a good idea to book as early as possible once you’ve decided to include a trek in your travels (at least six months in advance).
By taking part in this experience, you are not only creating a lifetime of memories for yourself, but you’re also helping to protect these endangered animals. Money from ecotourism helps to preserve their habitat and support local communities. It also reduces poaching by offering alternative careers as trackers and rangers.
Where and when should I go gorilla trekking?
Uganda and Rwanda are the most popular countries to go gorilla trekking, although the Republic of the Congo is an off-the-beaten path alternative. We’ll look at each one in greater depth below.
For all three destinations, trekking is considered a year-round activity, but the best (i.e. driest) times to visit are from June to September and December to February.
Uganda
Situated in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most renowned places for gorilla trekking. The dense forest is home to over half of the world's mountain gorilla population, offering a higher chance of encountering these majestic creatures. A nearby but less crowded option is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Both destinations also offer the opportunity to see other iconic primate species as well, including colobus monkeys and chimpanzees. A full day’s drive from the capital city of Kampala, these destinations take a while to get to, but they tend to be more affordable– $700 per permit – than trekking in neighboring Rwanda.
Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest of Rwanda, is home to several habituated gorilla families, along with five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains range. The lush volcanic terrain is a true Gorillas in the Mist experience, as it was where famed primatologist Diane Fossey conducted her work. It's a well-protected and monitored reserve, and at least 10% of the revenue from tourism goes to community projects around the park.
The park is easily accessible from the capital city, Kigali, making it a convenient choice for travelers with limited time. It’s a bit pricier, at $1,500 per permit.
The Congo
Odzala-Kokoua National Park is an off-the-beaten path hidden gem for gorilla trekking and can be found in the Republic of the Congo (not to be confused with the Democratic Republic of the Congo). This remote and pristine park – one of Africa’s oldest national parks – lies in the heart of the Congo Basin, the second-largest rainforest in the world after the Amazon. It’s home to western lowland gorillas, a different subspecies from the mountain gorillas found in Rwanda and Uganda. This undisturbed equatorial rainforest is a sanctuary for about 100 mammal species, including one of Africa’s most diverse primate populations.
Permits here cost $400.
How should I prepare for a gorilla trek?
Gorilla trekking requires a moderate level of fitness. You'll need to be prepared for a physically demanding hike through dense forests and rugged terrain. In Uganda and Rwanda, you’ll be hiking at altitude (~4,000-13,500 ft; ~1,200-4,000 m) on sloped mountain terrain; in the Congo, you’ll be on lower and more level ground. All three destinations include thick rainforest environments.
The trek can vary from a few hours to a full day, depending on the location of the gorilla family you're visiting. Hiking through the jungle is an adventure in itself and provides the opportunity to see a wide variety of other plants and animals along the way. It can be steep, slippery, and physically demanding though, so it’s important to wear appropriate hiking gear and sturdy, waterproof boots.
What happens once we find the gorillas?
Once your tracker or guide locates the gorilla family, you’ll spend one hour observing and photographing them from a safe distance. You’ll be able to witness their social interactions, feeding habits, and the sheer strength and grace of these magnificent animals.
You’ll be required to follow strict guidelines to minimize disturbance to the gorillas and maintain their well-being. This includes maintaining a safe distance from the animals and never touching them or offering food. You may also be required to wear a mask. If you are sick, you will not be permitted to participate in the trek, as germs are easily passed from humans to gorillas and can have devastating impacts.
When your hour with them is over, you’ll make the hike back out of the forest and no doubt spend the rest of the day (and many more to come) recounting your experience and swapping stories with others who have also had the privilege of such an encounter.
If you’d like to learn more about this life-changing experience or how you can add it on to a more traditional safari, please get in touch. We’d love to help you find the perfect itinerary to make your gorilla trekking dreams come true.
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