A Guide to Gorilla Trekking: Gorilla trekking is one of the most memorable wildlife experiences in the world. Being just a few meters away from a family of endangered mountain gorillas in their natural rain forest habitats is both exciting and emotional for most visitors. Mountain gorillas can only be found in a few locations in East and Central African countries of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These subspecies of gorillas attract visitors from all parts of the world who are searching for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with these majestic creatures.
Where to Go Gorilla Trekking?
For enthusiastic adventure seekers, trekking with mountain gorillas can only be done in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Each of these gorilla trekking destinations offers a unique experience for visitors.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is considered top-notch compared to its competitors in Rwanda and DR Congo because it’s more affordable, has more gorilla families, and offers great trekking opportunities. Uganda is home to half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas, and the activity can only be done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The most popular gorilla trekking destination in Uganda is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and it’s famed for its dense forest vegetation and steep hills, which present a unique challenge for visitors trekking mountain gorillas in the park. The national park has four gorilla trekking sectors, namely: Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Nkuringo.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is situated in the southwestern part of Uganda, is also another great destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda. The park is strategically situated within the Virunga Massif, and it borders Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park offers visitors a more scenic trekking experience with stunning views of volcanic mountains.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes National Park and offers less of a challenge when it comes to the trekking experience. The park is situated about 3 hours from Kigali city, Rwanda’s capital. It is famous for its bamboo forests and luxury accommodation facilities. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is often marketed as a luxury experience compared to Uganda.
Gorilla Trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo is less crowded and offers a more adventurous gorilla trekking option. To see mountain gorillas in DR Congo, you will have to travel to Virunga National Park. The park is known as Africa’s first national park and one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world. Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a lot cheaper than in Uganda and Rwanda.
Best Time to go for Gorilla Trekking
Visitors can always trek mountain gorillas at any time of the year; however, the best time for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons when the hiking trails are much easier to navigate.
Dry Season
The ideal times for gorilla trekking in the dry seasons are from June to September and December to February. During this time, the forest trails are less muddy, and hiking is made easy. Also, this is the best time for nature photography because of great exposure (natural lighting) and less mist.
It is important to note that during these periods, travel is at its peak, so gorilla trekking permits need to be booked at least 4-6 months in advance.
Wet Season
Gorilla trekking during the wet season takes place from March to May and October to November. Trekking mountain gorillas during the wet or rainy season can be very challenging because hiking trails are steep, muddy, and slippery during this time. However, gorilla trekking during this period is characterized by fewer tourists, and some parks offer discounted gorilla permits.
Cost of Gorilla Permits
The cost of gorilla permits varies between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. A gorilla trekking permit will give you only an hour to spend with a gorilla family once you have located one.
Gorilla permits in Uganda cost $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and $1500 in Rwanda for gorilla permits for non-residents and $500 for foreign residents. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, gorilla permits cost $450 for foreign non-residents and $300 for foreign residents.
Visitors intending to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo should be advised to follow travel advisories by their respective embassies and consulates, as well as follow park rules and regulations.
What to Expect During Gorilla Trekking?
Trekking with gorillas is such an adventurous activity, and it offers you a great and memorable experience hiking through rainforests, viewing stunning wildlife and landscapes, as well as offering great cultural experiences with local communities neighboring gorilla parks.
Before Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla treks in all three countries of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo start early morning, with trekkers converging at the respective park headquarters at 7 am. You will be assigned to a gorilla family based on your level of fitness and group size. You will also be briefed about gorilla trekking rules and regulations to follow during your gorilla trekking experience.
Hiking Through the Forests in Search of Mountain Gorillas
Hiking through the forests in search of your gorilla family can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on their location. Hiking can present a challenge as you navigate thick forest vegetation, steep hills, slippery and muddy trails; however, your hike is rewarded once you have located your gorilla family. It is important to pack the right trekking equipment for your gorilla trek; water proof hiking boots, long-sleeved trousers and shirts, a light rain jacket, gloves, a cap/hat, snacks, bottled water for drinking, and your camera.
When with the Gorillas
The gorilla trekking highlight is the amazing moment when you finally locate a gorilla family and come face-to-face with these majestic creatures. Visitors can spend one hour monitoring them from a safe distance of about 7-10 meters. You could watch the gorillas feeding, grooming, playing, or sleeping calmly in the treetops. Silverbacks, the dominant males, are particularly remarkable because of their massive size and calm dominance. Despite their strength, mountain gorillas are often docile and acclimated to human presence, although they need to be approached with caution.
Gorilla trekking is such a wild and raw travel experience that every wildlife enthusiast should get to experience at least once in their lifetime. Although the activity is physically challenging, it offers a unique experience compared to the typical safari and connects you with Mother Nature. So, whether you choose to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo, gorilla trekking offers you such a rare privilege to come into direct contact with these majestic forest dwellers that have such a close relationship and likeness to the human race.
