Going on a wildlife safari is not just about doing game drives in safari jeeps. There are so many unique and varied experiences that go beyond game drives. One of the most immersive and unforgettable safari experiences you can have is gorilla trekking.
What Is Gorilla Trekking?
Gorilla trekking involves going on a guided walk that takes you deep into the jungle to track down the world's largest primate: the gorilla. There are two different species of gorilla in Africa - the Eastern Gorilla and Western Gorilla. When you go gorilla trekking in East Africa, the Eastern Gorilla is the species that you encounter.
In most places you will particularly see a critically endangered subspecies of Eastern Gorilla known as the Mountain Gorilla, which is found in the volcanic mountain ranges in the border regions of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The trek can be tough, as you are walking for miles through dense tropical rainforest, but it is completely worth it when you finally get to see these incredible gentle giants. A big silverback gorilla can stand six feet tall and weigh up to 450 pounds. Being in close proximity to such impressive creatures while on foot, as well as seeing their various similarities to humans, is truly awe-inspiring.
Why Do The Gorillas Allow People To Come Near Them?
The gorillas that you see on a gorilla trekking tour, although wild, are habituated to humans. This means they are used to seeing people and are comfortable with their presence, allowing you to get close to them and observe them behaving completely naturally as if you weren't there.
The local guides and researchers monitor the habituated gorilla families almost daily and therefore always have a good idea of where to find them.
There are other gorilla families that are not habituated to humans but you generally don't see them since they prefer to avoid people and won't let you get close to them.
How Long Does Gorilla Trekking Take?
The time it takes to find the gorillas you are searching for can vary widely. You may find them within just a couple of hours or spend over 8 hours trekking through the jungle before you find them. Once you find the gorillas, you will have one hour to spend with them.
Where To Go Gorilla Trekking In East Africa
There are three countries that offer gorilla trekking tours in East Africa: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Uganda and Rwanda, you will see the Mountain Gorilla, whereas in the DRC you can see both Mountain Gorilla and Eastern Lowland Gorilla (both are subspecies of the Eastern Gorilla).
These three countries have lush tropical forests that are home to a very rich diversity of primates. Apart from gorillas, one can also see chimpanzees, golden monkeys, various species of colobus, pottos, galagos, and a wide array of other primates in these forests. This makes these countries great safari destinations for anyone who is interested in primates.
Uganda
Uganda is the preferred choice of most tourists seeking gorilla trekking tours. This is because it is much cheaper to go gorilla trekking here than it is in Rwanda and most people consider the Democratic Republic of Congo as a less safe destination due to the country's instability.
There are two places where you can go gorilla trekking in Uganda. These are the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is the most popular as it is bigger and has many more gorillas (about half of the global Mountain Gorilla population).
A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $700 USD per person (rises to $800 from July 2024) for non-residents. East African citizens pay around $80, while citizens of other African countries pay $500. Foreign residents pay $700.
Rwanda
Rwanda is another popular gorilla trekking destination. The Mountain Gorilla nearly went extinct in the country in the 1980s and 90s due to poaching but it has now rebounded to several hundred individuals thanks to diligent conservation efforts.
The place to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda is Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost $1,500 USD per person for non-residents. East African citizens pay $200 per person. There are sometimes discounts if you visit other Rwandan national parks such as Nyungwe or Akagera.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Gorilla trekking in the DRC is done in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park, both of which are located near the Uganda and Rwanda borders. The enormous Virunga National Park is Africa's oldest national park.
Both of these parks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They protect important populations of gorilla but also host a wide range of other wildlife, with habitats ranging from dense forest to open savanna.
Unlike the parks in Uganda and Rwanda, Virunga is home to both Mountain Gorillas and Eastern Lowland Gorillas while Kahuzi-Beiga is home to Eastern Lowland Gorillas.
The DRC can be a bit more of a challenging destination to visit due to the country's political instability as violent conflict sometimes breaks out in certain parts of the country. This has also hindered the country's development and infrastructure is generally poor in most places.
Certain parts of the country, however, are generally safer than some other areas. This is why it's important to travel with local tour operators who know what the situation on the ground is.
Virunga NP receives about 6,500 visitors annually while Kahuzi-Beiga NP receives much fewer visitors - around 400 annually.
A gorilla trekking permit in the DRC costs $400 USD per person. There is sometimes a special rate of only $200 per person during the low season months of mid-March to May and mid-October to mid-December. The high season months are mid-December to mid-March and June to mid-October.
How To Prepare For A Gorilla Trekking Tour
What to carry on a gorilla trekking tour
Here are some essentials that you should bring when you go gorilla trekking:
- Hiking boots - Hikes can be long and the terrain can be rough
- Rain Jacket - you are in a rainforest after all so there's a good chance it will rain
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Long pants
- Hat
- Water bottle
- Snacks
It's also advisable to carry a camera to capture the incredible adventure. For those not in great physical condition, a hiking pole or walking stick is very useful. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also generally good to have when on safari in Africa.
Make sure to pack as light as possible to minimize the load you need to carry around. If you feel like what you're carrying is too heavy, there are porters who you can hire to help carry your load. They typically charge around $10-$25 per porter.
Other things to keep in mind for your gorilla trekking tour
Be in decent physical shape - Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding as you might be walking for hours before you find the gorillas, so a basic level of physical fitness is required. This doesn't mean you must be a world champion athlete, but you need to be able to endure a fairly challenging hike in a hilly and sometimes wet jungle environment.
Get appropriate vaccination/medication - It's advisable to get the yellow fever vaccine if you haven't already. Many people who travel to Africa also carry anti-malaria drugs or get the malaria vaccine. Check with your doctor before your trip to see if there is any other medication you need to carry.
Always follow your guide's instructions and guidelines on how to behave around the gorillas - Remember that gorillas are wild animals and can therefore be potentially dangerous no matter how peaceful they might look. In order to ensure your safety, you must listen to your guide.
Gain a basic understanding of the destination you are visiting - Reading about the country's wildlife, history, and culture before you travel can help greatly enhance your experience on the trip.
Book your trekking permits early - Gorilla trekking permits sometimes sell out weeks or even months in advance so make sure to book yours early in order to avoid last-minute frustrations. You cannot go gorilla trekking without a permit.
Consider a cultural village visit - After your gorilla trekking tour, you will often have a chance to visit a local village and interact with the local community. This gives you a great insight into their culture and day-to-day life. We advise that you take advantage of this opportunity as it adds to the overall experience of your trip.
On such visits, make sure to be respectful of the culture. Also buy some local goods or souvenirs if you can as this supports the community and fosters a positive attitude towards tourism and wildlife (which benefits gorilla conservation).
How Safe Is Gorilla Trekking?
Each gorilla trekking tour is led by experienced guides. As long as you follow your guide's instructions and guidelines, you will be fine. You are also accompanied by park rangers for added safety. Hundreds of people go on gorilla trekking tours safely every year.
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Go Gorilla Trekking?
Although gorilla trekking destinations are open to visitors year-round, the best months of the year for gorilla trekking tend to be the months of June to September and December to February. These are typically the driest months of the year so the trails are drier and easier to navigate. Trekking through the jungle without heavy rain overhead is also generally a more pleasant experience.
Where Do You Get Gorilla Trekking Permits From?
Gorilla Trekking permits are obtained through the following authorities:
- Uganda: Uganda Wildlife Authority
- Rwanda: Rwanda Development Board
- Democratic Republic of Congo: Virunga Tourism Office
It is best to purchase your permit through an accredited tour operator rather than trying to do it yourself as it makes the process much easier and smoother.
To ensure you do not find gorilla trekking permits sold out when you want to go, make sure to book your permit well in advance.
How Do Gorilla Trekking Safaris Benefit Gorilla Conservation?
The money earned from gorilla trekking permits, park entry fees, and other related costs provides income for local people and communities.
This not only improves their quality of life but also provides a strong incentive for them to conserve and protect the gorillas and their environment. Some of the money also directly funds conservation efforts such as anti-poaching patrols and park monitoring.
The daily observation of gorillas through the trekking tours themselves also help researchers and guides further monitor and understand the movements, behaviors, and biology of the gorillas. This improved knowledge also contributed to the development of well-informed conservation programs.
How To Choose A Good Gorilla Trekking Tour Operator
When searching for a tour operator to take you on your gorilla trekking tour, it's important to do your due diligence and choose a tour company that is licensed, reputable, and experienced in the area you want to visit.
Ask them questions about the tour and also read reviews online from other clients to get a good idea of the quality of their service.
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Need help planning the right safari itinerary for your specific needs and deciding which tour operator to go with? Feel free to request a safari recommendation from us.