The best guide for Planning Gorilla Trekking in Africa by Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd
If you’re planning gorilla trekking in Africa, this guide by Iconic Africa Safaris will help you plan and book your gorilla trek successfully. Gorilla trekking is an amazing experience but requires careful planning due to its high costs and the challenges of the trek itself.
What is Gorilla Trekking?
Gorilla trekking involves hiking through forests, sometimes facing difficult terrain, thick vegetation, and even crossing rivers and swamps. It’s physically demanding, so you need to be fit for the trek. The goal is to find and observe gorillas in their natural habitat. In Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo, you get the chance to spend an hour with these incredible creatures. For those wanting a longer encounter, there’s the Gorilla Habituation experience in Bwindi Forest, where you can spend up to 4 hours with the gorillas.
Where Can You Go Gorilla Trekking?
Gorilla trekking is mainly done in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. These countries are home to the only remaining mountain gorillas. In Uganda, you’ll find Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Rwanda boasts the Volcanoes National Park, while Congo has the Virunga National Park. In Congo, you can also see Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Beiga National Park.
To go gorilla trekking in any of these national parks, you need a gorilla permit. These permits are in high demand, especially during the peak season from June to September. It’s advisable to book your trip and permits at least 5 months in advance to secure your spot.
Tips for a Successful Gorilla Trek
- Book Early: As mentioned, permits and services sell out quickly, especially during peak season. Booking early ensures you don’t miss out.
- Choose the Right Time: The best time for gorilla trekking is during the dry season when the trails are more accessible. However, it’s also the busiest time, so plan accordingly.
- Be Prepared: Gorilla trekking is physically demanding. Make sure you’re fit and ready for the challenge. Wear comfortable hiking boots and appropriate clothing.
- Follow the Rules: Respect the gorillas and their habitat. Follow the instructions of your guides and keep a safe distance from the gorillas to avoid disturbing them.
- Stay Safe: Gorillas are wild animals, and while they’re habituated to human presence, they should still be treated with caution. Listen to your guides and stay calm if you encounter gorillas up close.
- Enjoy the Experience: Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Take in the beauty of the forest, the thrill of the trek, and the awe-inspiring sight of gorillas in their natural habitat.
Gorilla Permits in Uganda:
In Uganda, if you want to go see the majestic mountain gorillas up close, you need to get a gorilla permit. The cost varies depending on where you’re from. For foreign non-residents, it’s $700 per person for one trek. If you’re a resident of Uganda, it’s a bit cheaper at $600 per person. But if you’re from East Africa (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan), it’s only $70 per person.
These permits give you the chance to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. There are 17 habituated gorilla families in Uganda, with 16 in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga. So, there are 136 permits available each day for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
If you’re really keen on spending more time with the gorillas, there’s an option called Gorilla Habituation Experience. This is only available in Bwindi Forest. It costs $1500 per person but allows you to spend 4 hours with semi-habituated mountain gorillas, guided by trackers and researchers.
You can get gorilla permits directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through trusted tour operators like Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd.
Gorilla Permits in Rwanda:
Rwanda also offers the incredible experience of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The permits here are a bit pricier. For foreign non-residents, it’s $1500 per person for one trek. Foreign residents pay $500 per person, while East African citizens pay $200.
Rwanda is home to 12 gorilla families, so there are 96 permits available each day for trekking. Just like in Uganda, the permit allows you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas.
You can book gorilla permits in Rwanda directly through the Rwanda Development Board or through trusted tour operators like Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd.
Gorilla Permits in DR Congo:
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), gorilla tracking happens in Virunga National Park for mountain gorillas and Kahuzi Beiga National Park for lowland gorillas. The prices here are a bit more budget-friendly compared to Uganda and Rwanda.
In Virunga National Park, during the high season months from mid-December to mid-March and June to October, a permit costs $400 per person per trek. During the low season months from mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December, it’s $200 per person.
In Kahuzi Beiga National Park, it’s a flat rate of $400 for foreign non-residents, $200 for East Africa residents, and $20 for national residents.
You can book gorilla permits directly through Virunga National Park or through trusted tour operators like Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd.
Age Limit and Accessibility for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
The age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda is set at a minimum of 15 years old. However, there is no maximum age limit, as it depends on one’s fitness level. Now, even elderly individuals, like your grandparents or elderly relatives, can join the adventure. In Uganda’s Bwindi forest, sedan chair carriers are provided to assist those who feel unfit or unable to walk during the trek. These chairs, carried by potters, ensure that everyone can experience the wonder of gorilla trekking. The hiring cost for a sedan chair ranges from $400 to $500, and it can be arranged in advance or on the day of the trek.
Gorilla Permit Cancellation Policy
To embark on gorilla tracking, a gorilla permit is required. These permits are managed by various authorities, such as the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Rwanda Development Board, and Virunga National Park Authority in Congo. Ideally, those who book a gorilla permit should utilize it for the trek on the specified date. However, if circumstances prevent attendance, there are cancellation policies in place. Cancelling within 0 to 8 days of the trek results in no refund for the permits.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Africa
Gorilla trekking can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time is during the drier months. January, February, and June through early September offer optimal conditions. The dry weather makes travel to the parks easier and provides clearer views of the gorillas, as vegetation cover is not as dense.
Packing Essentials for Gorilla Trekking in Africa
Proper packing ensures a comfortable and enjoyable gorilla trekking experience. Here’s a list of suggested items:
- Comfortable Walking Shoes or Boots: The forest terrain can be muddy and steep, so sturdy footwear is essential.
- Long Sleeve Cotton Shirt and Lightweight Trousers: Protect yourself from undergrowth, stinging nettles, and biting ants.
- Insect Repellent: Keep bugs at bay during your trek.
- Torch/Flashlight and Spare Batteries: Useful for early morning or evening treks and navigating through the forest.
- Wet Wipes: Stay clean and refreshed during your adventure.
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the trek.
- Camera and Lenses: Capture the breathtaking moments of encountering gorillas in their natural habitat.
- Gardening Gloves: Protect your hands from scratches and rough surfaces.
- Hat and Sunscreen: Shield yourself from the sun’s rays, especially during open sections of the trek.
- Rain Jacket: Be prepared for sudden downpours common in tropical forests.
- Sweater/Fleece: Keep warm during cooler mornings or evenings.
- Swimwear: If your trek includes a visit to waterfalls or natural pools.
- Binoculars: Enhance your wildlife viewing experience, especially for birdwatching or observing distant gorilla activity.
