Gorilla Trekking Safari is a unique and thrilling wildlife experience that involves hiking through the dense forests of central and east Africa in search of wild mountain gorillas. This activity typically takes place in designated national parks or conservation areas where gorilla populations are protected. During a gorilla trekking excursion, participants are accompanied by experienced guides and trackers who lead them on an immersive journey into the gorillas’ natural habitat. Once the gorillas are located, trekkers are granted a precious hour to observe and quietly observe these majestic creatures in their natural environment, allowing for an unforgettable encounter with one of the closest relatives to humans in the animal kingdom. Gorilla trekking not only offers a rare opportunity to witness these incredible animals up close but also promotes conservation efforts aimed at protecting gorilla populations and their habitats.

Gorilla trekking duration: Tourist watching silverback gorilla

Gorilla trekking duration: Tourists finally make it and enjoy moments with the gorilla in Bwindi impenetrable national park

Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda offers one of the most unique and thrilling wildlife experiences in the world. This East African country is renowned for its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and, most notably, as one of the last remaining habitats of the endangered mountain gorilla. Embarking on a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda not only promises a close encounter with these majestic primates but also immerses you in the lush, untamed beauty of Uganda’s national parks.

  1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

What is gorilla trekking? Tourist in Bwindi impenetrable national park

Tourist on a gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is perhaps the most famous destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Located in the southwestern part of the country, this UNESCO World Heritage Site spans over 321 square kilometers of dense rainforest. The park is home to approximately half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, with around 20 habituated gorilla families available for trekking. The experience in Bwindi is particularly special due to the park’s varied terrain, which ranges from bamboo stands to montane forest, providing trekkers with a challenging but highly rewarding journey.

The park is divided into four main trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each sector offers unique gorilla trekking experiences and various accommodation options, from budget-friendly lodges to luxury camps. Treks in Bwindi can be strenuous, often lasting several hours, but the chance to observe a gorilla family in their natural habitat makes every step worth the effort.

  1. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla ParkThough smaller and less frequented than Bwindi, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers an equally enchanting gorilla trekking experience. Located in the Virunga Mountains, which span the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area. The park covers approximately 34 square kilometers and is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, which has become accustomed to human presence.

Mgahinga’s scenic beauty is unparalleled, featuring three volcanic peaks: Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo. Trekkers in Mgahinga often have the added benefit of fewer crowds, allowing for a more intimate and serene experience. Additionally, Mgahinga offers the unique opportunity to encounter golden monkeys, another endangered species residing within the park.

Preparing for the Gorilla Trekking Safari In Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda requires a fair amount of preparation. Permits are mandatory and should be secured well in advance due to high demand, particularly during the peak seasons from June to September and December to February. As of 2024, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is $800 per person.

Trekkers should be in good physical condition, as the treks can be strenuous, involving steep climbs and dense vegetation. Essential gear includes sturdy hiking boots, waterproof clothing, gloves, and insect repellent. Hiring a local porter is highly recommended, not only to assist with carrying gear but also to support the local community.

Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda

Volcanoes national park; where to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Volcanoes national park- Rwanda

Rwanda, often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a captivating destination for those seeking the extraordinary experience of gorilla trekking. Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Rwanda offers a unique opportunity to observe the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This small but vibrant country is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and, most notably, its commitment to conservation, making it a premier destination for eco-tourists and wildlife enthusiasts.

Volcanoes National Park

The crown jewel of Rwanda’s gorilla trekking experience is Volcanoes National Park. Situated in the northwestern part of the country, this park forms part of the Virunga Massif, a chain of dormant volcanic mountains that straddle the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Covering approximately 160 square kilometers, Volcanoes National Park is home to around one-third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, with several habituated families available for trekking.

The park is renowned not only for its gorillas but also for its breathtaking scenery. The lush, verdant slopes of the volcanoes provide a dramatic backdrop for the treks, which can range from easy to challenging, depending on the location of the gorilla families. The most notable peaks within the park are Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura, each offering unique trekking routes and varying degrees of difficulty.

Gorilla Trekking Safari Experience at Volcanoes National Park

Female gorilla and her baby in Volcanoes national park Rwanda

Female gorilla and her baby in Volcanoes national park- Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is a highly organized and regulated activity, aimed at both protecting the gorillas and ensuring an unforgettable experience for visitors. Each day, a limited number of permits are issued, and trekkers are divided into small groups, each led by experienced guides and trackers. These guides are adept at navigating the dense forests and have an intimate knowledge of the gorillas’ habits and movements.

A typical trek begins early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi. Trekkers are then assigned to a specific gorilla family and set off into the forest. The duration of the trek can vary from one to several hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. The terrain can be steep and muddy, requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance. However, the reward is immeasurable: the opportunity to spend up to one hour in the presence of a gorilla family, observing their behavior and interactions up close.

Gorilla permits Permits and Preparation in Rwanda

Securing a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is essential, as the number of permits issued daily is strictly limited to minimize the impact on the gorillas. As of 2024, the cost of a permit is $1,500 per person. This fee contributes significantly to the conservation efforts and community development projects in the region.

Preparation for the trek involves more than just physical readiness. Trekkers should equip themselves with essential gear, including sturdy hiking boots, waterproof clothing, gloves, and a good quality rain jacket, as the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. Hiring a local porter is highly recommended, not only for the convenience of carrying gear but also as a way to support the local economy.

 

Gorilla Trekking Safari in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Silverback Gorilla in Virunga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo

Silverback Gorilla in Virunga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) offers an unparalleled gorilla trekking experience for the adventurous traveler seeking to explore one of the last frontiers of African wilderness. This vast Central African nation, characterized by its lush rainforests and rugged mountains, is home to some of the most significant populations of both mountain and eastern lowland gorillas. Gorilla trekking in the DRC provides a unique and often more raw and off-the-beaten-path experience compared to its more frequently visited neighbors, Uganda and Rwanda.

  1. Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the premier destination for mountain gorilla trekking in the DRC. Located in the eastern part of the country, along the borders with Uganda and Rwanda, Virunga is Africa’s oldest national park, established in 1925. Spanning over 7,800 square kilometers, the park is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, dramatic landscapes, and its significant role in mountain gorilla conservation.

Virunga is home to several habituated mountain gorilla families, and the trekking experience here is both challenging and rewarding. The park’s terrain is characterized by dense tropical forests, towering volcanoes, and sprawling savannas. Treks typically begin at the Bukima Patrol Post, where visitors receive a briefing before setting out into the forest. The hike can vary in difficulty and duration, often involving steep climbs and navigating through thick vegetation. The effort is richly rewarded with the breathtaking opportunity to observe gorilla families in their natural habitat, witnessing their social interactions and behaviors up close.

  1. Kahuzi-Biega National Park

For those interested in encountering eastern lowland gorillas, Kahuzi-Biega National Park is the destination of choice. Located near the town of Bukavu, in the eastern DRC, this park is named after its two prominent volcanoes, Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega. Covering an area of approximately 6,000 square kilometers, Kahuzi-Biega is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the few places where tourists can trek to see eastern lowland gorillas.

The park offers a distinct gorilla trekking experience, with the eastern lowland gorillas being larger and more robust than their mountain gorilla cousins. Treks in Kahuzi-Biega typically start from the Tshivanga Visitor Center, where visitors are briefed and then guided into the forest to locate one of the habituated gorilla groups. The terrain here is less mountainous compared to Virunga, but still requires a good level of fitness due to the thick forest and occasional steep sections.

Permits and Preparation

Obtaining permits for gorilla trekking in the DRC is essential and should be arranged in advance. As of 2024, the cost of a permit in Virunga National Park is approximately $400 per person, while in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, it is around $200 per person. These fees are significantly lower than in Uganda and Rwanda, making the DRC a more affordable option for gorilla trekking.

Trekkers should prepare for varying weather conditions and challenging terrain. Essential gear includes sturdy hiking boots, waterproof clothing, gloves, and insect repellent. Hiring a local porter is recommended to assist with carrying gear and to support the local economy.