Gorilla Trekking – Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

What is gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking or tracking is the process of following (on-foot) a group of habituated mountain gorillas. this involves hacking (with machetes) your way through thick vegetation, hiking & trekking up slippery paths in the forest to find these gorillas – hence the phrase “Gorilla Trekking”.

Where is gorilla trekking done?

Mountain gorilla trekking is only done in three (03) East African countries; Uganda, Rwanda & DR. Congo.

In Uganda, gorillas can be seen at Bwindi or Mgahinga National park.

In Rwanda, gorilla tracking takes place in Volcanoes National Park.

The treks in DR. Congo take place in Virunga National park, however, for safety reasons, we discourage gorilla trekking In DR. Congo.

Read & learn why DR. Congo is considered not Safe for gorilla trekking.

**Every person intending to go gorilla tracking must have booked and fully paid up for a gorilla permit.

What is a gorilla Permit?

A gorilla trekking permit is an official confirmation issued to a traveller allowing them to trek mountain gorillas. Gorilla permit availability can affect your gorilla safari – we, therefore, recommend planning, booking and fully paying up your gorilla permit(s) at least 06 months in advance to avoid missing out on gorilla permits.

Gorilla permits can be directly booked and paid for through Rwanda Development board – RDB or Uganda Wildlife Authority- UWA. However, we recommend working with a local tour operator to book and pay for your gorilla permit(s).

What is the price of a gorilla permit?

Gorilla Permits in Uganda cost USD600 per person to trek and spend 01-hour with a group of mountain gorillas In either Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park.

In Rwanda, gorilla permits cost USD 1,500 per person to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National park.

Why are gorilla Permits so expensive?

The desire of many people to see the endangered mountain gorillas has caused a high demand for gorilla permits. This in turn has caused the responsible governments to raise the price on gorilla permits to try and limit the numbers of people coming in to see these great apes of East Africa.

**The high price on gorilla permits, does limit numbers of persons coming to see the gorillas – hence promoting future conservation of the mountain gorillas.

Is gorilla trekking worth it?

Gorilla trekking is definitely worth every penny. We do understand that USD600 in Uganda or USD,1500 if trekking in Rwanda is no cheap money to spend on a gorilla permit to only stay 01-hour with the gorillas.

Many tourists often get concerned over the price of gorilla permits but however, none of them complains of it being a ripoff but rather say words like “It was worth every penny”, “I wish I could have stayed longer with the gorillas” or “had I known, I would have purchased two permits”.

What is the best place to do gorilla trekking?

The best place to go gorilla tracking depends on your budget and interests. If cash is not a hindrance to you, then Rwanda might be an idle destination to go gorilla trekking. On the other hand, if you are having budget constraints, then Uganda might be the answer for you. Gorilla permits in Uganda cost USD600 per person( $700 after 1/July/2020). An all-inclusive 3 days Budget gorilla safari in Uganda starts from as low as USD979 per person. secondly, if you are looking to see a lot more wildlife other than just gorillas, then Uganda would pass as the Best place to see mountain gorillas.

A gorilla safari in Uganda can easily be combined with white water rafting on the Nile, chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey trekking, and a search for tree-climbing lions – Uganda has got it all!

When is the best time to go gorilla Trekking?

The best times to go gorilla trekking is in the drier months of  June to August and December to February.  The hiking trails are a lot drier and less challenging to navigate. Travellers visiting during this time are likely to enjoy a dry gorilla trekking experience.

What is the age limit for gorilla trekking?

The minimum age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years. The reason the age limit is set at 15 years is to ensure that persons taking part in gorilla trekking are a lot more enduring and are able to take instructions while on the gorilla trek. Children under 15 years have in the past exhibited low concentration levels and often non-enduring and are likely to get tired and weary much faster than those 15+ years.

How difficult is gorilla trekking?

Gorilla tracking is no ‘piece of cake”. It can be very challenging especially if you haven’t prepared adequately. Most important at the preparation stage is to ensure you are physically fit to endure the treks that can last from 30 minutes to 4-hours hiking through tangled vegetation. Gorilla tracking is not on a  proper trail but rather a ” hack your way through” affair. Gorilla tracking does get a lot more difficult during the rainy season when the ground is wet and slippery. Bringing the right gear and also hiring a local porter make the experience a lot more enjoyable than difficult.

What to pack for Gorilla Tracking?

• Good hiking shoes.
• Rain Jacket.
• Gardening gloves.
• Long-sleeved shirt & trousers.
• Repellent.
• Camera (incl. accessories).
• Binoculars.
• A Day Pack to carry all your personal items.

Read our dertailed article about Gorilla safari Packing List