Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo

Since gorilla trekking is the best wildlife experience which bring most travelers to Africa, Lets Go Tours Rwanda gives you a detailed guide on gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo. Before confirming any gorilla safari to Africa, travelers are advised to read these common questions and their answers to ensure a lifetime experience.

Where is the best place to trek gorillas?

Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are the only places to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. There are roughly 1006 mountain gorillas surviving in the jungles forest of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Virunga Conservation Area shared by Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda, Virunga National Park in Congo and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Uganda is home to half of the world’s total population followed by Rwanda. Gorilla trekking experience in each country is exceptional and unique in its own kind. You can do gorilla treks in all countries for better comparisons and experience.

What is the cost of gorilla trekking in Africa?

Gorilla trekking costs depend on which country you chose to visit for these endangered species. In Uganda, each gorilla permit costs $700 for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East Africa citizens. In Rwanda, each permit costs $1500 while in Congo; a single gorilla permit costs $450. Rwanda offers the most expensive gorilla permits which make it a luxury gorilla destination compared to the neighboring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The gorilla permit cost includes park entrance fee, conservation fee, government taxes and ranger guide fee.

When is the best time to see gorillas?

Dry season between June to September and December to February is rated the best time for gorilla trekking in Africa. This season is mostly dry with les or no rains which make it easy to trek through the jungles in search for the endangered gorillas. Travelers visiting in the dry season are advised to book gorilla permits as early as six months in advance due to high demand for these gorilla passes.

How long is gorilla trekking time?

The length of gorilla trekking experience is not specific. This depends on the location of mountain gorillas and the physical fitness/hiking speed of travelers. The trekking time can range between 2 to over 8 hours. However, the allowed time with the endangered gorillas is strictly an hour counted from the time you meet the gorillas.

What is the age limit for gorilla trekking?

In all gorilla countries, the age limit is 15 years. This means that only travelers aged 15 years and above are allowed to trek the endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

What to pack for gorilla trekking?

Travelers visiting gorillas are reminded to pack the right attires and other essentials to ensure a peaceful trek. Your gorilla trekking packing list should include hiking boots/shoes, gardening gloves, hat, sunglasses, rain jacket, Scarf, warm sweaters. The other essentials to carry include insect repellents, first aid kit, bottled drinking water, toiletries, energy giving snacks and emergency medicine.

What are gorilla trekking add-ons?

There are many interesting activities you can add on your gorilla trekking experience. These include chimpanzee trekking, cultural tours, bird watching, mountaineering, game viewing, nature walks, golden money trekking, camping, wildebeest migration and city tours among others. These complement gorilla trekking making your African safari more enjoyable. Depending on you available time and budget, you can choose any additional activity to do along your gorilla trekking experience.

How many people are allowed to visit a gorilla family?

Each people are allowed to visit a gorilla family each day. Tis means that each gorilla family has 8 permits available for travelers.

What about gorilla habituation experience?

Gorilla habituation experience is the act of training wild gorillas to familiarize them with people. The 2-3 years’ experience takes place in Rushaga sector in southern Bwindi Forest. Apparently, 2 gorilla families are undergoing habituation experience and only four people are allowed to visit each family. There are therefore only 8 habituation permits available every day. Travelers are allowed to spend four hours with the wild gorillas in the jungle.

What are the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking?

At the start of each gorilla trekking day, travelers are briefed on the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking experience. These guidelines have been put by conservation bodies in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo to ensure safety of the endangered gorillas and travelers. These include:
• Keep a distance of 7 meters away from the gorillas
• Do not trek gorillas when sick
• Do not look direct into the eyes of the gorillas
• Do not eat or drink when with the gorillas
• Do not touch the gorillas
• Do not use flashlight cameras
• Do not litter anything in the park. Leave only the footprints
• Do not pluck any vegetation from the park
• Follow the footsteps of your ranger guide
• Use a low tone when communicating
• Spend strictly an hour with the gorillas
• Keep within your group/ do not move away from your group members.

Validity of gorilla permit

The mountain gorilla permit is valid for an hour. After seeing the gorillas, the permit is claimed expired.

Do I own the gorilla permit?

No, travelers do not own the gorilla permit even after paying. The permit remains a property of the respective government. At the start of the trekking day, travelers are asked to submit gorilla permits to the park managers. Permits are recycled and reused.

What I fail to see the gorillas?

In rare cases when travelers fail to see mountain gorillas after a full day of searching, they are given a second chance to trek again without paying. However, if a traveler fails to see gorillas due to his/her weaknesses such failure to hike or sickness, he/she loses the permit and the chance to trek. He will be asked to pay again for another trekking chance.

Can the elderly and travelers with disabilities trek gorillas?

Yes, elderly and physically unfit travelers also have a chance to trek gorillas. There are sedan chairs at the park headquarters for hire. Here travelers are lifted to and from the jungle by local porters.