Gorilla trekking is an unforgettable wildlife experience that involves hiking through dense forests to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Uganda is currently the most popular place for gorilla trekking because this country is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. I worked as a tour leader for many years in East Africa. I took hundreds of guests up to see the mountain gorillas and in this post, I will explain more about gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.
Quick Overview: What is Gorilla Trekking Exactly?
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Southwesterm Uganda is where you need to reach in order to trek the mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park is located Just across the border in Rwanda and this means you essentially trek the gorillas in the same region – no matter which country you decide to visit. But what is gorilla trekking going to look like?
The trek typically begins early in the morning, guided by experienced park rangers who lead small groups through steep, mist-covered terrain. The long walk can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the location of the gorilla families, as they move frequently in search of food. Along the way, trekkers may encounter other wildlife and plant species, adding to the richness of the experience. Once you find a gorilla family, you’re allowed to spend a magical hour observing them up close—watching their behavior, interactions, and even playful moments. The experience is both humbling and awe-inspiring, as you witness these critically endangered primates in their forest home. Now you know more about what is gorilla trekking, you will need to know about permits…
Getting Visas and Gorilla Permits
Most countries in this region require you to get a visa. There is also an option to apply for an East Africa Tourist Visa which covers Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. Uganda and Rwanda strictly control gorilla trekking to protect the animals, with only a limited number of permits issued each day. This helps ensure the conservation of the gorillas while offering visitors a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This means you need to get your hands on a Gorilla permit which will be one of the main costs for your trip. Gorilla permits sell out really fast and you will need to book a tour in order to secure one. I always recommend this tour with G Adventures because the company and staff are competent in terms of logistics. But maybe you are wondering ‘Where should I go gorilla trekking’?
Have you already factored in the cost of travel insurance for your gorilla trek? You will need this and I always suggest you at least get a quick quote from World Nomads to know the cost. It takes just a few seconds on the link below…
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda & DR Congo
I won’t go into any detail with regard to gorilla trekking in DR Congo. The permits are more affordable in DRC (approximately $400) but I don’t feel it is safe to encourage travel here. Rwanda is now charging up to $1500 for a gorilla permit but it is possibly the easiest when it comes to logistics because the travel time is minimal. I always suggest people take a look at Uganda where the permits are approximately $700 per person and it offers the same experience as you find in Rwanda. And when is the best time to see the gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda?
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda
June to September and December to February is the dry season in Uganda and Rwanda. This is the best time for trekking conditions as a wet and muddy landscape can make for difficult trekking. I think you should keep this in mind because it can take a long time to trek the gorillas depending on where they happen to be located on your given day. At the same time, you should be ready for all conditions no matter what time of year you go gorilla trekking. Some of my clients had to trek through torrential rain during the dry season and you really cannot dictate whether or not you will be trekking near or far on the day. What is gorilla trekking without this unpredictability!!
Do You Need Vaccines and Medication for Gorilla Trekking?
You will need to speak with your doctor or local travel clinic about vaccinations for the trip. Travelers often receive vaccines for yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A but there are more vaccines that you might want/need. The same goes for malaria medication because malaria is present in this part of Africa and you need to take as many precautions as possible to avoid getting sick.
What Clothing Do You Need for Gorilla Trekking?
When you go gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, you need to wear the right clothing. Opt for comfortable, moisture-wicking clothes in earthy tones to help you blend into the forest and move easily through the rugged terrain. It’s not about becoming Indiana Jones but rather you just want to feel comfortable. Long-sleeved shirts and pants are important for protecting against scratches, insect bites, and exposure to the elements. This is important as you’ll often be trekking off the beaten path, with guides using machetes to clear a path through the thick forest. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good traction are a must, as the rainforest terrain can be slippery and muddy. A lightweight, waterproof jacket will keep you dry in case of rain, and bring a hat, sunglasses, and gloves as there are many thorny plants etc in the forest.
Booking Your Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda
There are many tour operators that offer gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. However, I suggest you stay away from companies that price the tours low because there are often complications with gorilla permits that involve some of these companies. This is the main reason I always suggest G Adventures – they make sure everything about your logistics and gorilla permit is in order. PS. The specific overland tour in Uganda that I recommend to friends and family is listed below…
