Gorilla Trekking is an experience in which a group of people hike through thick forests to capture a glimpse of what gorillas look like and view the environment in which they live.
Gorilla Trekking in Africa takes place in four national parks in three countries: Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Forest), Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park), and Congo (Virunga National Park).
Gorilla trekking tours in Uganda are done at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park in the southwestern region, on the edge of the Rift Valley. Tourists can choose gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda and Rwanda in a single itinerary. Such trips can begin either way depending on a client’s preference, making it possible to gorilla trekking in Bwindi from Rwanda – about (4 – 5 hours’ drive) from Kigali.
Where to Go for Gorilla Trekking
Mountain Gorillas inhabit three African countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Few national parks inhabit mountain Gorillas, including Mgahinga National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park is an endemic forest of the Albertine Rift in Eastern DRC. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga Mountains are three National parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rwanda Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda is done in the Volcanoes National Park located just 3 hours from Kigali the capital city of Rwanda at the border of DRC and Uganda. The park hosts 150 habituated mountain Gorillas, which are split into 12 Groups, and 96 permits are sold daily to trekkers.
Rwanda inhabits the oldest habituated Gorilla group. Rwanda is best for high-end, low-impact tourism, which doubles the cost of gorilla trekking, which doubles the Uganda permit and is four times the cost in DRC. Rwanda’s tourism strategy has always been to attract the most exclusive resorts and promise higher income to the local communities at the edge of the Volcanoes National Park, where gorillas live. For luxury gorilla safari experience, Rwanda is the best option since it has no budget gorilla safaris.
Uganda Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking in Uganda occurs in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park. Mgahinga National Park is part of the Congo, the Virunga National Park, and the Volcanoes National Park. It has only one habituated Gorilla family. The rest of the gorilla groups inhabit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A maximum of 500 mountain Gorillas are split into 37 social groups. Of these, 36 are in Bwindi. The 25 habituated Gorilla groups are visited daily, and 1 group is kept for research and habituation.
Bwindi has four Gorilla sectors, including Ruhija Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Buhoma. Eight people are allowed to trek each Gorilla family, and permits are charged at 700 USD per person. However, effective 1st July, the gorilla permit will cost 800 USD
It takes a maximum of 9 hours to reach the park and 11 hours, depending on the traffic jam. However, in countries with no traffic jams, you will drive smoothly as you spot several things, including the rolling hills of Kigezi and cattle grazing. The area is generally referred to as the Switzerland of Africa.
Uganda is the only country where trekkers can decide to go for a habituation process, and the ticket costs 1500 USD. Habituation takes place in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You can use a private charter to arrive early, in 30 minutes, like the tour operators in Uganda.
DR Congo Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking in DRC was closed in May 2018 due to an unstoppable civil war. However, gorilla trekking and other activities will resume after the country has resolved its conflicts. Visitors are always advised to consult with their tour operators to get the real truth of what is happening on the ground before making their decisions.
The country still faces political stability since there have been many wars and unrest on the sides of Goma, where the Virunga National Park is found. Virunga National Park is the game of Africa with many features. The highest biodiversity in the world is the oldest one in Africa. Nyiragongo Mountain can be optioned after trekking the mountain Gorillas, viewing the boiling lava and smoking cones. It’s the largest lava lake in the world.
The number of Gorillas has increased to over 300 today, and the park has welcomed 17,000 visitors since it reopened in 2014. There are 6 habituated Families in DRC, although the number keeps changing as new families flock and are created. The permit in DRC costs $400 for international trekkers and $150 for Congolese.
Gorilla trekking Permit costs
To trek the mountain Gorillas, you must first contact a tour operator who will be in charge of purchasing a Gorilla permit and accommodation and organizing the rest of your trip to trek the mountain Gorillas. A gorilla permit is an identity that is issued and allows you to trek the mountain gorillas from the authorities in charge of wildlife in every country.
Each country has different charges for gorilla permits. Uganda charges 700 USD, Rwanda 1500 USD, DRC 400 USD. The permit allows one to trek the mountain Gorillas. Gorilla Trekking takes approximately 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on the location of the Gorillas assigned by the park rangers. Travelers have a briefing session at the park headquarters early in the morning. You will be divided into 8 people per gorilla family in the sector chosen. The permit fee is to help conserve the environment and improve the health of the mountain Gorillas.
Some of the rules and regulations for gorilla trekking
The rules and regulations to consider while on a Gorilla trekking tour are put in place to protect the Mountain gorillas in their habitat environment from encroachment. You’re allowed only to stand 7 meters away from the Gorillas. Uganda, DRC, and Rwanda mountain gorilla trekking rules remain the same. Visitors cannot consume drinks or food in front of the Mountain Gorillas. You will have your packed lunch by the lodge, and food is a must since the time spent trekking the gorillas is unpredictable. Do not litter anything in the forest. Carry all your plastics back to the lodge or rubbish bins to the park headquarters. The forest is cherished since it’s home to the mountain Gorillas in Africa.
- One should be clean and always wash their hands before heading for Gorilla trekking.
- Always keep your voice low during the trek and observe or keep an eye on the park habitats, such as birdlife, primates, mammals, geckos, reptiles, and many more in the forest.
- You’re not supposed to leave rubbish in the park, so keep it in your bag. Whatever you carry should be taken back with you.
- In the early morning, you will be briefed about Gorilla trekking rules and regulations. Then, you will be put in groups of 8 people and set off to the forest with a ranger.
- When you approach the mountain Gorillas, the rangers and guides will inform you about them, or you will hear the noise in the forest. However do not make noise out of excitement, remember their friendly primates but also wild animals and they can change time.
Uganda Wildlife Authority is an empowered force that regulates, protects, and secures mountain Gorillas. By vigilantly monitoring tourism to the Gorilla habitat, the Wildlife sectors can ensure a stress-free life for the Mountain Gorillas.
Mountain Gorillas were once endangered due to habitat loss and poaching due to encroachment by farmers and local hunters. This led to the displacement of the Batwa people/pygmies from the park. The forest is under a 24-hour watchful eye, and visitors without gorilla permits are prohibited. The rules of the law deal with poachers.
There is a lot to spot during Mountain Gorilla trekking. This includes birds, trees, wildlife, waterfalls, geckoes, and reptiles. Enjoy trekking the mountain Gorillas as you spot several things in the jungle. Gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC include tracking Gorillas and other wildlife.
Budget Gorilla Trekking Tours
Many budget trips include budget Gorilla trekking tour packages with low but comfortable facilities. Budget gorilla trekking tours do not mean one gets facilities at a lower cost. One acquires almost the same facilities, and the only difference is accommodations. They are categorized as luxury, mid-range, and basic/ budget, where some visitors are altered according to what they want.
Regarding transportation, the tour company may use budget cars for gorilla trekking safaris that will not consume a lot of fuel. Travelers may decide to hire a car and drive themselves throughout the safari to avoid extra costs, book their basic lodges, and also minimize some activities that may need to incur some extra costs.
There are many affordable gorilla trekking packages, including visits during low seasons when the accommodations are lower in terms of charges/pricing.
The discount offered doesn’t affect the price of permits. In Uganda, Permits cost 800 USD, and effective July 1st, 2024, the Uganda gorilla permit will be increased to 800 USD. Rwanda costs 1500 USD, and DR Congo costs 400 USD. One has to book and pay for the permit before 3 months of travel. This is because they tend to get done since many travelers want to trek, and there are limited permits, so book early for availability and secure your permit on time.
Rwanda’s permit is high, but Rwanda is the top luxury Gorilla trekking sector in all countries that inhabit mountain Gorillas. Their gorilla trekking permit does not change, whether in the low or high seasons. Charges remain the same whether you are a citizen of the country or a foreigner.
The best option for budget safari gorilla trekking/tours is Uganda at the moment, which has cheap gorilla permits and several basic and moderate accommodation options you can choose from. They are considered basic lodges but offer good services to their clients
Travel during the low season, from March to May and October to November, to get a discount on accommodation facilities. Although there is much rainfall during that period, national parks and various game reserves are available. Contact us for more information about the cheapest gorilla trekking safaris in East Africa.
Gorilla Trekking Safari
On the day of the trek, wake up early and have breakfast. Our guide will drive you to the park headquarters for a short briefing about gorilla trekking. You will then meet the local guides and rangers, who will trek with you and teach you the etiquette of the whole gorilla trekking safari. Hike through the forest trails, where you will spot the mountain Gorillas in their wilderness.
Trekking takes about 1 to 6 hours as you hike towards the high altitudes; the forest is steep, rough, and muddy. The hike requires physical fitness. As you trek, you will see many of the surrounding scenery, such as different vegetation cover, butterfly species, and bird species, making your trek worthwhile.
When one finally meets the gorillas the fatigue is all gone and forgotten, the experience is worth a memorable one. One hour is allowed to be spent in the presence of the gorillas; take pictures as many as you want, and record videos for memorable purposes
