Top places to go gorilla trekking.

Gorilla trekking is a unique activity that involves hiking through the deep tropical forest in search of the gentle giants the Mountain Gorillas. Gorillas are mammals that are extremely similar to humans. They are divided into two species the eastern and western gorilla species and the mountain gorillas belong to the Eastern gorilla species. They live in the tropical rain forest and feed on leaves, stems, fruits and bamboo. The trekking activity is done in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo that is in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), Mgahinga Gorilla national park (Uganda), Virunga National Park (Congo) and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda). This activity offers visitors a chance to have a one-on-one experience with the gorillas in their natural environment. For one to trek gorillas has to be 15 years old and above however young children can trek with permission from the authorities. The following are the top parks where gorilla trekking is carried out.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in the southwestern part of Uganda with a size of 331km2. The park is divided into four sectors that is Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma and Ruhija sectors. Further the forest is home to many birds, butterfly’s species as well as the endangered mountain gorillas. The park has half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and it’s a UNESCO world Heritage site. Bwindi offers to types of gorilla trekking experiences that is the normal trekking experience and gorilla habituation. Both experiences give you a chance to see mountain gorillas close up. For those trekking for gorillas in Bwindi have a high chance to see the gorillas because there are 20 gorilla families that is Mubare, Katwe, Mishaya, Rwigi, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Posho, Muyambi, Nkuringo, Bitukura, Mukiza, Bweza, Mucunguzi, Busingye, Oruzogo, Nshongi, Kahungye, Christmas, Kyaguriro among others.  All the gorilla families are not open for trekking.

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda

The park is situated in the northwestern parts of Rwanda on the slopes of the magnificent Virunga ranges that is (Bisoke, Karisimbi, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo) and it was established in 1925. The park has a size of 160km2   and a two-hour drive from Kigali.  The park is at a height of 4507m high and its home to the most unique ecological, biological and landscape in Africa. The park nests over 200 bird species golden monkeys, and the endangered mountain Gorillas. The park offers a unique opportunity to the visitors to have a close encounter with the mountain gorillas. It has 12 gorilla families that is Titus, Susa, Karisimbi, Amahoro, Umubano, Sabyinyo, Agashya, Kwitonda, Hirwa, Ugenda, Bwene families and all these families are not open for trekking.

Mgahinga National Park in Uganda

The park is situated in the southwestern part of Uganda on the Virunga mountains (Mount Muhavura, Sabyinyo and Gahinga) near the border of Democratic Republic of Congo. The park has a size of 33.7 square kilometres hence making it the smallest national park in Uganda and it stands on a height of 2,227 to 4127 meters high. Its home to gorillas, over 184 birds and golden monkeys and it has one gorilla family that is Nyakagezi Family.

Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is situated in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is a UNESCO world heritage site, and it was established in 1925 with the size of 7800sq km. The park is home to a number of bird species, mammals and primates like Chimpanzees. The park is famous for being a home to the endangered Mountain gorillas which are divided into eight gorilla groups that is Humba, Kabirizi, Bangeni, Nyakamwe, Munyaga, Lulengo, Mapuwa and Rugendo. It offers visitors a chance to see mountains gorillas close.

Gorilla trekking permit

A gorilla trekking permit is a document issued by the government that is required for one to trek for gorillas. The permit cover Park entrance fee, a guided trek with a guide and an armed ranger. A permit can be obtained through the tourism board or the authorities

Trekking Permit in Uganda

A trekking permit costs 800USD while the habituation permit costs 1500USD. The permits are issued by the Uganda wildlife authority (UWA) and every day there are about 152 gorilla permits, and 8 gorilla habituation permits. The trekking permit grants visitors one hour with the gorillas unlike the habituation permits which grants them four hours.

Budget Gorilla trekkingRwanda

A trekking permit costs 1500USD per person and it’s issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). And every day 96 permits are issued by RDB. The permit grants visitors one hour with the gorillas.

Democratic Republic of Congo

A permit costs 400USD and it’s the cheapest comparing with all the others. The permits can be purchased through the park website.

The gorilla trekking experience

The trek starts early in the morning with a briefing, registration and permit checking at the park headquarters. After this you are divided into groups of 8 people and each group treks for one gorilla family. During briefing you are given guidelines to follow while interacting with gorillas. After that you will be given an armed ranger and a guide. During the trek the guides are in touch via the radio with the expert trackers who follow the mountain gorillas. This helps the guides to know the right path to follow while trekking. While on the trek to the gorillas you can get a chance to see a number of birds, wildlife as well as stunning views. When you finally find your gorilla family you are allowed to only spend one hour with them. During that hour you get a chance to see the gorillas eating, playing, feeding and grooming each other. After that one hour you will head back to the starting point.

Booking

You can book your permit directly through the authorities like Uganda wildlife Authority (UWA), Rwanda Development Board (RDB). However, the best option is booking through a licensed tour operator since they are more knowledgeable about the booking process. Note you need to book in advance before your trekking date because the permits run out quickly especially in June to September and December to February.

Packing list for a gorilla trek.

  • Warm Socks -To keep your feet dry
  • Long sleeved shirts -To protect your arms from scratches
  • Trekking boots -for easy navigation through the forest
  • A jacket -To keep you warm during the chilly mornings
  • Waterproof trouser -to protect you from the thorny bushes and scratches
  • Gloves -To protect your hands from thorns
  • Backpack -For keeping essentials like Insect repellent
  • Camera (Smart phone) -for taking pictures
  • Water bottle -In order to stay hydrated
  • Insect repellent -For keeping mosquitoes and bugs away
  • Hand sanitizer -for a quick clean up
  • Raincoat -To keep you dry
  • Sunglasses and Hat -For protection from the sun rays

Best time to do gorilla trekking.

The best time to do gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo is during the months of June to September and December to February that is in the dry seasons since these months have little to no rainfall. Due to this the trails are dry and less muddy hence making movement easy. During this time there is no fog hence offering a clear view of the Virunga mountains.

However, it’s possible to do gorilla trekking in the wet season, during this season the parks are less crowded due to the muddy trails. And also, in this season the prices tend to be low in terms of accommodation and transportation.

 Gorilla trekking rules and regulations

  • You must be 15 years old and above.
  • One must have a gorilla trekking permit
  • You must attend briefing at the park headquarters.
  • In case one has signs of infectious illness like flu and cough, you will not be allowed to trek.
  • You are required to keep a distance of 7 meters from the gorillas to control the easy spread of diseases.
  • You are required to be very quiet when you are in the gorilla’s presence but its okay to ask questions
  • You are not allowed to touch the mountain gorillas.
  • No drinking eating and smoking when you are with the gorillas.
  • One gorilla family is only visited by one group of people (8 people)
  • Taking photos with the flash is prohibited
  • You are supposed to wear a face mask when you meet the gorillas
  • No littering in the forest and park
  • You are allowed to spend only one hour with the gorillas.
  • In case a gorilla charges at you follow the guides, instructions and avoid eye contact.

How to get to the trekking point.

Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The fastest way to get to the park is by air, the flight set off from Entebbe International Airport and it lands either at Kisoro airstrip or Kihihi airstrip in about 1-2 hours. There is another option for one to fly from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which takes 3-4 hours to reach the park you pass by Gatuna border.

However, one can also travel by road from Entebbe which is a 9–10-hour drive depending on the traffic. You can use a private rental car (this is the best option). This is the most affordable mean of transport to the park.

Mgahinga National Park

By air

You can take a domestic flight from Kajjansi airfield which lands at Kisoro airstrip which is a 1-hour flight. However, when you reach the Kisoro airstrip, you will have to drive to Mgahinga National Park which also takes only an hour. There is another option to reaching Mgahinga National Park through Rwanda (Kigali) which takes 3 hours only.

By road.

If you use the road, the drive from Kampala to Mgahinga is 8 hours depending on the traffic. You can use a private rental car this is the best option. This is the most affordable option of transport to Mgahinga National Park

Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park

By air

This is the fastest way to get to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali. There are daily flights to the park from Kigali international Airport. The helicopters land at Musanze Airstrip in only 30 minutes. When you use air, you can experience breathtaking views of Rwanda.

By road

This is the most affordable way to get to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali. The distance from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park is 105 km(65miles) which is a 2-3 hours’ drive depending on the road traffic. You will still have a chance to see the breathtaking views of Rwanda.

Virunga National Park

The drive from Goma to Virunga National Park takes around an hour.

Visitors can alternatively drive to Gisenyi, cross the border to Goma, and fly into Rwanda’s Kigali airport. By this method, one can reach the Virunga in three to four hours.

Where to stay while on your visit

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Luxury

  • Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
  • Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
  • Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge

Mid-range

  • Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
  • Buhoma Haven Lodge
  • Gorilla safari Lodge

Budget

  • Bwindi Backpackers Lodge
  • Community Rest Camps
  • Broadbill Forest Camp

Mgahinga National Park

Luxury

  • Mount Gahinga Lodge

Mid-range

  • Lake Chahafi Resort
  • Travellers Rest Hotel

Budget

  • Golden Monkey Guesthouse
  • Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp

Volcanoes National Park

Luxury

  • Bisate Lodge
  • One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
  • Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Mid-range

  • Five volcanoes Boutique
  • Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Budget

  • La Locanda
  • Amahoro Guest House

Virunga National Park

Luxury

  • Mikeno Lodge
  • Tchegera island camp

Mid-range

  • Bukima Tented camp

Budget

Goma city guest house