Trek on volcano slopes & through pristine rainforests to meet the mountain gorillas in the mist
Meeting a mountain gorilla family amidst stunning rainforest scenery is one of nature’s true natural wonders & nature lovers memories of a lifetime. Gorilla trekkers lucky enough to undertake a gorilla safari can travel to three African nations to view these fascinating great apes in their rainforest homes.
In Uganda gorilla trekkers hike through the pristine highland rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or they seek out a mountain gorilla family on the slopes of Virunga massif’s volcanoes, an idyllic landscape of volcano peaks under the transnational protection of three national Parks; Virunga National Park in D.R. Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
Browse our collection of articles written by gorilla safari specialists for further inspiration for your gorilla trekking trip, as well keeping you up to date on the mountain gorillas & local communities on the ground. Our gorilla trekkers guide provides insightful information for planning your very own gorilla safari.
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Uganda
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Gorilla Trekking Questions
How many days do you need to go gorilla trekking?
A minimum of three days are required for gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda & Uganda, when starting from Kigali & Kampala respectively. A minimum of four days is required for mountain gorilla trekking trips to D.R. Congo when starting from Kigali then travelling to the Grande Barriere border crossing to reach Virunga National Park.
Is gorilla trekking worth the money?
Yes we think so, while a permit is a considerable trip expense, gorilla trekking is a once in a lifetime experience you’ll never forget. You’ll also find a huge number of gorilla trekkers leaving positive reviews, so they obviously agree & feel it was worth the money. All gorilla trekking permits bought in D.R. Congo, Rwanda & Uganda contribute to the ongoing protection of the mountain gorillas as well as the very special protected rainforests that they call home.
How much does a gorilla trekking trip cost?
Gorilla trekking permit prices are set in each of the three respective countries, in D.R. Congo a gorilla permit is $400 USD, in Uganda a gorilla permit is $700 USD & in Rwanda a gorilla permit is $1500 USD. There are discounts available on these prices for East African Residents & Citizens. Additional costs then need to be planned for to cover your accommodation with a wide variety of gorilla safari lodges on offer, transport & meals.
Where is the best place to go gorilla trekking?
The experience with the mountain gorillas is similar for gorilla trekkers in D.R. Congo, Rwanda & Uganda, with each location allowing you to enjoy the same length of time with the gorilla family & equally high chances of seeing the mountain gorillas. D.R. Congo is the preferred destination for gorilla trekkers wanting to get off the beaten track, with the added bonus of having the opportunity to hike to the summit of Mount Nyiragongo to view the world’s largest lava lake. Rwanda is the best option for gorilla trekkers looking for a high end level of luxury, thanks to its wide selection of upmarket gorilla safari lodges, Volcanoes National Park also offers stunning views of the iconic peaks of the Virunga Volcano chain. Uganda is the best option for gorilla trekking for gorilla trekkers looking for a broader range of gorilla safari lodge options, Uganda is also the location of the stunning rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is home to approximately half the world’s mountain gorillas & has the highest number of gorilla trekking permits available per day.
Is gorilla trekking ethical?
Yes, tracking the gorillas is ethical! All mountain gorilla families tracked with gorilla trekking permits purchased through the authorities in D.R. Congo, Rwanda & Uganda have first undergone a gorilla habituation process, whereby they’ve gradually become accustomed to a human presence. This ensures they are not distressed by visiting gorilla trekkers & their natural behaviours remain unaffected. Additionally, as long as you follow the gorilla trekking guidelines, such as keeping your distance, limiting visits to one hour & forgoing the trek if you’re ill, the risks to the gorillas are mitigated.
What is the age limit to go gorilla trekking?
There is a minimum age limit for gorilla trekking in D.R. Congo, Rwanda & Uganda of 15 years old, with no waiver systems in place. This minimum age limit is in place for the protection & safety of both the gorilla trekkers & mountain gorillas. If you are travelling with people below this minimum age a number of lodges provide child care services, or an adult group member can accompany them on other activities such as nature walks to explore the rainforest while the other group members complete their mountain gorilla trek.
What is the best month to trek to see the gorillas?
The best months to go gorilla trekking in D.R. Congo, Rwanda & Uganda are in the drier season months of June – September, as well as December to February. During the other months of the year gorilla trekking still takes place in all three countries, but there are more frequent rains during these months. It’s better to trek during the dry seasons as the paths are in a better condition making the going easier under foot.
How fit do you need to be to go gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekkers should be of a good level of fitness to complete your gorilla trek, but you don’t need to be a superstar athlete. It’s not possible to accurately predict how long a specific gorilla trek will be in advance, as it depends on where the gorilla family is in relation to the trailhead on that morning. A gorilla trek can last anywhere from 30 minutes to eight hours, with one hour spent with the mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekkers are divided into groups on the day based on ability to try & make sure the trek is enjoyable for everyone.
