Everything You Need to Know About Gorilla Trekking in Africa
Few wildlife encounters are as awe-inspiring as silently observing a family of wild mountain gorillas as they go about their day undisturbed in their natural, leafy habitat. The densely forested hillsides in Rwanda and Uganda, as well as the Democratic Republic of Congo, are home to these peaceful primates, with whom we share 98.3% of our DNA.
We’ll cover everything you need to know about gorilla trekking in Africa, from etiquette to ethical considerations and everything in between. Whether you’re heading to the bamboo forests of Virunga National Park or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, or to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorillas National Park, we’ve got you covered with all the information you’ll need for a memorable trip.
What can you expect when tracking gorillas in Africa?
Your gorilla trekking experience will typically start early in the morning. You’ll meet at the park headquarters, where your guide will brief you. You’ll go through essential safety protocols and the basic rules you must adhere to when in their presence. Your guide might also tell you more about the specific route you’ll take and the conditions you’ll likely encounter.
An important part of the pre-trip briefing is the temperature check. If your temperature is elevated or if you are unwell, you may not be allowed to participate in the trek. Because we share so much of our DNA with gorillas, they are susceptible to the same diseases as us, so you must disclose any illness, recent or current, at this time.
Once all the formalities are complete, you’ll depart from headquarters, making your way to the start of the hike. Sometimes the hike will start from headquarters, but usually there is a short drive to the trail head. Once in the forest, you’ll find yourself navigating steep and sometimes muddy paths as you go. Treks can last anywhere between one and six hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. A key distinction between Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trekking is the foliage. In Uganda, you’ll be making your way through thick forest foliage, whereas in Rwanda, the vegetation is mostly bamboo grasslands, so you’ll enjoy exceptional views of the surrounding undulating landscape. You’ll benefit from occasional wildlife sightings along the way in either location.
What happens when you reach the gorillas?
The gorillas’ movements can be unpredictable, so there are no guarantees on how long it will take to find them, but when you do, it’s nothing short of absolutely awe-inspiring.
You are permitted to spend a maximum of one hour observing the gorillas as they go about their lives—playing, grooming, feeding, or simply relaxing. The rules you were taken through in the pre-trek briefing will be important now, and it’s essential to always follow your guide’s instructions.
You are requested to keep at least 7 meters from the gorillas to avoid disturbing them and to minimise the risk of disease transmission. This distance is crucial for the safety of both the gorillas and the visitors. It’s important to remember that gorillas are wild animals, and maintaining this distance respects their space and reduces the risk of any potential conflict. That said, gorillas may approach you out of curiosity, and it’s essential that you remain calm and make no sudden movements or sounds.
While you’re absorbed in the interactions between mothers and their babies and the commanding presence of the large male silverbacks, an hour can pass by quickly, but you’ll leave with magical memories to last a lifetime.
General rules, guidelines and etiquette
There are strict rules and guidelines in place to ensure the safety of both visitors and the gorillas. Make sure you are familiar with these and adhere to them and your guide’s instructions throughout your trek.
Maintain a safe distance – stay at least 7 meters (23 feet) away from the gorillas.
No flash photography – flashing lights can disturb the gorillas and frighten them off.
No noises or sudden movements – the gorillas are calm, and the forest is generally peaceful. Sudden loud noises or movements can alarm the gorillas.
No eating or drinking near the gorillas – food can attract them and disrupt their natural behaviour.
Do not litter or disturb nature – be conscious of nature, keep the forest clean and try to leave the area as pristine as you found it.
Adhere to your guide’s instructions at all times. Your guide is experienced in gorilla behaviour and will give instructions to ensure the safety of the group and the gorillas.
How fit do you need to be to track gorillas?
Gorilla trekking typically requires an average level of fitness due to the sometimes steep terrain, dense forests, and sometimes muddy conditions. In addition to navigating high-altitude conditions, you’ll likely be trekking for several hours, so being reasonably fit is advantageous.
The terrain in Bwindi, Uganda, can be more physically demanding, as it is steeper and the foliage more dense. The treks here are often longer and more strenuous, especially during the rainy season. The dry season is considered best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda for less muddy conditions. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is typically less strenuous, as the terrain is somewhat flatter and the forest less dense.
You certainly don’t need to be an elite athlete to go gorilla trekking. Porters are on hand to assist you with your backpack and help you as you go. These porters are local residents who are familiar with the terrain and can provide valuable assistance, especially on more challenging treks. They can help carry your backpack, provide a steady hand on steep paths, and even assist with navigating through dense foliage. In the weeks leading up to your trip, you should prepare for your trek by taking regular walks and hikes. This will make you feel prepared and ready for the adventure.
What to pack for gorilla trekking?
Ensuring you have the right gear is crucial for a successful and comfortable gorilla trek. The weather can be unpredictable, so preparing for various conditions is advised. These items are essential:
Sturdy hiking boots – A pair of comfortable, waterproof hiking boots is essential for tackling those muddy trails and steep inclines. Make sure to wear in any new shoes to avoid discomfort on your gorilla trek
Long tops and trousers – protect your arms and legs from bug bits, scratches and encounters with stinging plants by wearing long sleeves and long trousers
Rain jacket – rain showers are common (even in the dry season), so waterproof clothing items are recommended
Hat and sunglasses – essentials on any trip to protect you from the sun
Garden gloves – these can be useful for gripping vegetation and keeping your hands protected in the forest
Insect repellent – mosquitos and other insects are plentiful in the forest
Camera with a zoom lens – an occasion like this deserves to be captured. A good zoom lens will ensure you can get great shots without needing to get too close to the gorillas
Water and snacks – while you can’t eat around the gorillas, you can refuel and stay hydrated along the way. Make sure to keep all wrappers and bottles in your backpack to dispose of in a bin when you get back
Can children go gorilla trekking?
Whether gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, the minimum age for trekking is 15 years. This limit is in place for various reasons:
Trekking conditions are physically challenging for younger children
Younger children are more prone to illness, which puts the gorillas at risk
Younger children can find it difficult to remain calm and quiet around the gorillas, thereby causing stress to the gorillas
What about costs and permits?
Gorilla trekking is an expensive endeavour. A permit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda costs US$1,500 per person, while a gorilla trekking in Uganda costs US$700. In addition, you’ll need to budget for accommodation, transportation, and additional services like porters and guides.
While it may seem expensive, the experience is absolutely worth it, and the fees for each permit purchased help protect the wild gorilla populations.
Are you guaranteed to see gorillas?
While there’s never any 100% guarantee where wild animals are concerned, when it comes to gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, your chances of seeing them are pretty good – over 90%. Experienced and knowledgeable trackers go out ahead of the trekking groups to locate gorilla troops, increasing the probability that you’ll get to spend some time with them.
All about tipping
Tipping is customary and much appreciated by local guides, trackers, and porters assisting you during your trek. While it isn’t mandatory to tip, it is a great way to show your gratitude for a job well done. Below is a rough guide to tipping:
Guides: US$10 – US$20 per person
Trackers: US$10 per person
Porters: US$5 – US$10 per person
Carrying cash in small denominations is a good idea, as card facilities are not always available.
Is gorilla trekking safe?
Gorilla trekking is considered safe as long as you adhere to your guide’s rules and instructions. Your adventures into the forest are in the company of extremely knowledgeable and experienced guides who will keep you safe.
The gorillas you’ll encounter are used to the presence of humans at a distance and will not feel threatened by you. However, sudden movements and noises can change that. They are, after all, still wild animals.
Is gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda ethical?
Gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda is widely regarded as an ethical form of wildlife tourism. Both countries play a significant role in the recovery and protection of mountain gorilla populations, which were once near extinction.
The funds derived from gorilla permits are reinvested in conservation projects, anti-poaching measures and community development. Local communities are incentivised to protect the gorillas and their habitat by benefiting directly from the income generated from tourism to the area.
The strict rules and guidelines that you’re asked to follow are in place to minimise the impact on the gorillas. These include how close you’re allowed to get and limiting the number of visitors per day.
Getting the most out of your trip
If you’re planning to enjoy gorilla trekking, it’s possible to combine this with a Uganda safari at one of the savannah parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park or Murchison Falls or a Rwanda safari in Akagera National Park. Our travel experts can help you craft the perfect safari and advise on any other places to visit in Rwanda and places to visit in Uganda to create a memorable trip that you’ll remember for years to come.
It’s also possible to keep on the primate theme and combine your gorilla trekking adventures with chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania and perhaps a classic Serengeti safari?
Final thoughts
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda offers an intimate experience of one of the world’s most extraordinary animals. Not only is it an incredible, one-in-a-lifetime adventure, but by visiting, each tourist supports vital conservation efforts of the gorillas and their habitat.
Yes, it’s physically demanding, but coming face-to-face with a family of wild mountain gorillas is immensely rewarding and worth every penny.
We’ve covered what you need to know about gorilla trekking, but if you have further questions or are ready to begin planning your soul-stirring encounter with the gorillas, contact our team today.
