Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda

Few wildlife encounters are as thrilling and awe-inspiring as an encounter with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, silently observe a family of wild mountain gorillas as they go about their day undisturbed in the emerald rainforests of Central Africa. The densely forested hillsides of Uganda, Rwanda and DR. Congo, are home to these gentle giants with whom we share 98.3% of our DNA.

 

In this blog, we cover the following

1. What to expect when tracking gorillas in Africa?
2. What happens when you reach the gorillas
3. Gorilla trekking rules, guidelines and etiquette
4. How fit do you need to be to track gorillas?
5. What to Pack for gorilla trekking?
6. Can children go gorilla trekking?
7. Gorilla Trekking costs and Permits?

Whether you are heading to the emerald impenetrable forests of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, or the bamboo forests of Virunga National Park or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, we have got you covered with all the information you need for a gorilla trekking in Africa safari.

What to expect when tracking gorillas in Africa?

Gorilla trekking experience in Africa typically starts early in the morning with pick up from your lodge, meet other visitors at the park headquarters for briefing about gorilla trekking and the right way to behave while in the forest and with the endangered mountain gorillas. You will go through essential safety protocols and the basic rules and regulations you must adhere to when in the presence. Also, your guide might tell you more about the specific route you will take and the conditions you will likely encounter.

The most crucial part of the pre-trek briefing is the temperature check. If your temperature is elevated or if you are unwell, you may not be allowed to participate in the trek. Because we share so much of our DNA with gorillas, these gentle giants are susceptible to the same diseases as us, so you must disclose any illness, recent or current, at this time.

Once all the formalities are complete, you will depart from headquarters, making your way to the start of the hike. Sometimes the hike will start from the park headquarters, but usually there is a short drive to the trail head. Once in the rainforest, you will find yourself navigating steep and sometimes muddy paths as you go. The treks can last anywhere between one and six hours, depending on the location of the gorillas.

The foliage is a key distinction between Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trekking. In Uganda, you will be making your way through thick forest foliage, whereas in Rwanda, the vegetation is mostly bamboo grasslands, so you will enjoy exceptional views of the surrounding undulating landscape. Along the way in either Uganda or Rwanda, you will enjoy occasional wildlife sightings.

What happens when you reach the gorillas?

The movement of mountain gorillas can be unpredictable, so there are no guarantees on how long it will take to find them, but when you do, it is nothing short of absolutely awe-inspiring.

When you locate these gentle giants, you are permitted to spend a maximum of one hour observing the gorillas as they go about their lives – playing, grooming, feeding or simply relaxing. The rules and regulations you were taken you through in the pre-trek briefing will now be important, and it is essential to always follow your guide’s instructions.

All visitors are requested to keep at least 7 meters from the gorillas to avoid disturbing them and to minimize the risk of disease transmission. This distance is crucial for the safety of both mountain gorillas and the visitors. It is crucial to remember that though habituated, gorillas are wild animals and maintaining this distance respects their space and reduces the risk of any potential attack as well as conflict. That said, gorillas may approach you out of curiosity and it is essential that you remain calm and make no sudden movements or sounds as they may scare the gorillas and force them to attack.

Gorilla trekking rules, guidelines and etiquette

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda is governed by strict rules and guidelines put in place to ensure the safety of both the already endangered gorillas and visitors. Make sure you are familiar with these and adhre to them and your guide’s instructions throughout your trek.

1. Maintain a safe distance – Stay at least 7 meters (23 feet) away from the gorillas.
2. No flash photography – Flashing lights can disturb the gorillas and frighten them off
3. No noise or sudden movements – The gorillas are calm and generally the forest is peaceful, so sudden loud noises or movements can alarm the gorillas
4. No eating or drinking near gorillas – Food can attract the gorillas disrupt their natural behavior.
5. Adhere to your guide’s instructions at all times – Your guide is experienced in gorilla behavior and will give you instructions to ensure the safety of the group and the gorillas.

How fit do you need to be to track gorillas?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda typically requires an average level of fitness due to the sometimes steep terrain, dense forests and sometimes muddy conditions. In addition to navigating high-altitude conditions, you will likely be trekking for several hours, so being reasonably fit is advantageous. The terrain in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable can be more physically demanding, as it is steeper and the foliage more dense. The treks here are often longer and more strenuous, especially during the rainy season.

In Uganda, the dry season is considered the best time to go gorilla trekking for less muddy conditions. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is typically less strenuous as the terrain is a bit flatter and the forest is less dense.

Certainly, you don’t need to be an elite athlete to go gorilla trekking. Porter are available to assist you with your backpack, provide a steady hand on steep paths, and even assist with navigating through dense foliage. In the a few weeks leading up to your gorilla trekking trip, you should prepare for your trek by taking regular walks and hikes. This will make you feel prepared and ready for the adventure.

What to Pack for gorilla trekking?

Having the right gears will elevate your gorilla trekking experience, it is also crucial for the comfort and success of your experience. The weather in the rainforests is unpredictable, so prepare for the various conditions and we advise you carry the following items.

• Sturdy hiking boots – A pair of comfortable, waterproof hiking boots is essential for tackling the muddy trails and steep inclines. Make sure you wear in any new shoes to avoid discomfort on your gorilla trek.
• Long tops and Trousers – Long attires will protect your arms and legs from bug bites, scratches, and encounters with stinging plants by wearing long sleeves and long trousers
• Rain Jacket – It can rain at any time in the rainforests even in the dry season, so waterproof clothing items are recommended.
• Hat and Sunglasses – These are essential on any trip in Africa protecting you from the sun.
• Insect Repellent – Mosquitos and other biting insects are plenty in the forest, so protect your visible body.
• Camera with a Zoom lens – An occasion like an encounter with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat needs to be captured. A good zoom lens will ensure you can get good shots without needing to get too close to the gorillas.
• Water and energy giving snacks – While eating around gorillas is prohibited, you need to stay hydrated and energized during your gorilla trek. Make sure to keep all wrappers and bottles in your backpack to dispose off in a bin when you get back.

Can children go gorilla trekking?

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is 15 years. This limit is place for various reasons

1. Trekking conditions are physically challenging for the younger children
2. Younger children are more prone to illness, which puts the gorilla’s health at risk
3. Younger children can find it difficult to remain calm and quiet around the gorillas, thus causing stress to the gorillas.

Gorilla Trekking costs and Permits?

Gorilla trekking is an expensive experience with a gorilla permit costing US$ 1,500 in Rwanda and US$ 800 in Uganda. Additionally, you will need to budget for accommodation, transportation and additional services like porters and guides.

Though it may expensive, the experience is absolutely worth every coin, and the fees for each permit purchased fund the protection of wild gorilla populations plus their habitat.