Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo from Mauritius
If you’re planning for a gorilla trekking from Mauritius to Uganda, Rwanda or Congo, you will likely need to take connecting flights. These flights usually pass through major hubs like Nairobi in Kenya or Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. Mauritius doesn’t have direct flights to Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, so you will have to stop in one of these cities before reaching your final destination. Most travelers find it convenient to start their journey in either Kigali, Rwanda, or Entebbe, Uganda, as both cities offer easy connections and are popular gateways for exciting safari experiences.
Why Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa?
Gorilla trekking in Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Many travelers come from all over the world to see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Although the cost and effort of booking a trip, flying, and trekking through thick forests can be challenging, the experience of watching gorillas up close makes it all worth it. Gorilla trekking involves hiking through the forest, sometimes over difficult terrain, thick vegetation, and even crossing rivers and swamps. It can be physically demanding, so it’s important to be fit before you go on the trek.
In Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo, you will have the chance to see gorillas for an hour in the wild. However, if you want to spend more time with these amazing creatures, you can take part in the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you can interact with the gorillas for up to four hours.
Best Places to See Gorillas in Africa
Gorilla trekking in Africa is only possible in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). These countries are home to the last remaining mountain gorillas. In Uganda, gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is the main place for gorilla trekking. In DR Congo, you can visit Virunga National Park for mountain gorillas and Kahuzi-Biega National Park for lowland gorillas.
To go on a gorilla trek in any of these parks, you need to buy a gorilla permit. Since permits sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons (June to September), it’s best to book your trip at least five months in advance. You can book your gorilla trekking trip through a trusted tour operator like Iconic Africa Safaris, or you can book directly with the park authorities.
Cost of Gorilla Permits in Uganda
In Uganda, the cost of a gorilla permit is $800 per person for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, $500 for citizens of other African countries, and $90 for East African citizens (from Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan). This permit allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda has 22 habituated gorilla families, with 21 in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga, which means there are 176 gorilla permits available each day for trekking.
In addition to regular gorilla trekking, Uganda offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which allows you to spend 4 hours with the gorillas instead of just one. This experience is only available in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and the permit costs $1500 per person. The experience is led by researchers and trackers, and you will get to see the gorillas in their natural environment as they go about their daily activities.
Gorilla permits in Uganda can be booked directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a trusted tour operator like Iconic Africa Safaris.
Cost of Gorilla Permits in Rwanda
In Rwanda, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit is $1500 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents, and $200 for East African citizens. This permit allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda has 12 gorilla families, which means there are 96 gorilla permits available each day for trekking.
You can book your gorilla permit in Rwanda directly through the Rwanda Development Board or through a reliable tour operator like Iconic Africa Safaris.
Cost of Gorilla Permits in DR Congo
In DR Congo, gorilla trekking is done in Virunga National Park for mountain gorillas and in Kahuzi-Biega National Park for lowland gorillas. A gorilla permit for trekking in Virunga costs $400 per person during the high season (from mid-December to mid-March and June to October) and $200 during the low season (mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December).
For lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, the permit costs $400 for foreign non-residents, $200 for East African residents, and $20 for national residents.
You can book your gorilla permits in DR Congo directly through Virunga National Park or with a tour operator like Iconic Africa Safaris.
Additional Costs and What’s Not Included
When you book your gorilla trekking tour, keep in mind that the price of the gorilla permit does not cover other costs such as accommodation, flights, transportation, meals, or other expenses. Be sure to check with your tour operator for a full breakdown of what is included in your package. You can book everything together through a tour operator, which can help with organizing your accommodation, transport, and meals as well.
Gorilla Trekking Age Limit
The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Africa is 15 years old, and the maximum age is typically 85 years, depending on fitness. For elderly trekkers who may not be able to walk long distances, Uganda offers the option of using a sedan chair carrier. This chair allows trekkers to be carried by porters to and from the forest. The cost of hiring a sedan chair ranges from $400 to $500 and can be arranged in advance or on the day of the trek.
Gorilla Permit Cancellation Policies
When you book a gorilla permit, it’s important to note that cancellations are usually not refunded. If you need to change your trekking date, you may be able to do so, but this depends on the specific park’s policy. Due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, some countries have relaxed their cancellation policies, allowing travelers to change their trekking dates. For example, Uganda has allowed people to change their trek dates up to two times.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking can be done throughout the year, but the best time to go is during the dry months, which are from January to February and from June to early September. These months are ideal because the weather is better, and the trekking conditions are easier. During the dry season, the vegetation is less thick, making it easier to spot the gorillas.
Gorilla Trekking Rules
Before you go on a gorilla trek, there are a few important rules you must follow to protect both yourself and the gorillas:
Be healthy: Don’t trek if you’re sick, especially if you have a contagious illness like the flu or diarrhea.
Keep your distance: Stay at least 8–10 meters away from the gorillas.
Be quiet: Speak in a low voice and avoid sudden movements.
Don’t touch: Never touch the gorillas.
No eating or drinking: Don’t eat or drink within 200 meters of the gorillas.
Carry out trash: Take all your waste with you.
Bury human waste: If you need to go to the bathroom, dig a hole at least 30 cm deep to bury your waste.
Follow your guide: Always listen to your guide and follow their instructions.
Wear muted colors: Wear earth tones like green, brown, or blue. Avoid bright colors.
Wash your hands: Clean your hands before the trek.
Don’t run: If a gorilla charges, don’t run. Crouch down slowly and let the gorilla leave.
Stay in your group: Don’t surround the gorillas.
Keep your bag closed: Make sure your bag is closed so it doesn’t attract the gorillas.
Non-flash photography: Avoid using a flash when taking pictures.
The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 7 hours, depending on factors like the fitness of the group, the location of the gorillas, and the condition of the terrain.
Gorilla trekking is an unforgettable experience that brings you closer to nature and allows you to see one of the most endangered species on Earth. Whether you choose Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, each destination offers a unique opportunity to encounter these amazing creatures. Book your permit early, stay fit, and follow the rules to ensure a safe and memorable trek.
