Mountain Gorilla Trekking
In the misty jungles of Uganda and Rwanda
Mountain Gorilla Tracking
in Uganda & Rwanda
Mountain Gorilla Trekking is the major highlight of all the visits to Uganda and especially Rwanda. The endangered Gorillas inhabit the Virunga Conservation area and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is one of the most sought out adventures as you enjoy a close up with these gentle giants.
The world’s estimated population is over 1000 mountain gorillas with nearly half of the remaining population being inhabited in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This rare wildlife experience involves hikes within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in search for the endangered mountain gorillas.
In some areas the Gorilla trekking experience is challenging as you may have to hike in search of these rare primates in the jungle.Gorilla tracking may last from 1hr to 8hrs depending where the gorillas nested the night before,you are allowed an hour with the gorillas after you get to their location.
Gorillas live in families of around 10 individuals though just like humans the number keeps varying in accordance to births, deaths and when the black backs decide to leave the group to form their own. A gorilla family is led by the most powerful silverback with the rest of the group comprising females and younger males. The silverback makes important decisions for the group and protects them from danger.
While Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga and Volcanoes National park, you stand a chance of seeing other wildlife since the forest contains many other animals including 90 species of mammals,10 primate species such as the black and white colobus monkeys, green monkeys, Schmidt’s red-tailed monkeys, and duiker.
What To Carry
Gorilla Trekking safaris in Uganda are an unforgettable amazing experience that you will last in your memory for a life. Below is a list of the things you may need on your adventure in the jungle.
- A walking stick for the steep terrain
- Jungle shoes suitable for steep muddy slopes.
- Rain gear since it is a rainforest and rain may come down anytime
- Insect repellent for protection from the jungle bugs.
- Long Sleeve shirts and trousers
- Your camera gear
- Garden gloves to avoid touching thorny plants on your hike
The Gorilla Permit
You’ll need a gorilla trekking permit to allow you an escorted hike into the jungle to see the mountain gorilla. Each gorilla permit allows one individual to one gorilla family and spend one hour in their presence. A gorilla permit cannot be transferred and will expire once the stamp date expires or is used.
Gorilla Permit Costs:
Uganda Gorilla Permit Costs US$800 per person per day (starting 1st July, 2024)
Rwanda Gorilla permit Costs US$1,500 per person per day
Gorilla permits are issued by the government authorities (UWA in Uganda and RDB in Rwanda) and no one else. We and other operators process the permit on your behalf. Our gorilla tours are all inclusive with the gorilla permit so don’t have to process it yourself.
Gorilla trekking rules
There are several rules and regulations that guide the gorilla trekking adventure and they are aimed at protecting the endangered mountain gorillas as well as streamlining gorilla tourism and sustainable.
- Keep distance of minimum 5 metres from the gorillas while in their presence.
- Do not eat or drink near the gorillas.
- Flash photography is not permitted.
- In case of an emergency toilet, dig a hole of 30cm and fill it up after use.
- Don’t drop litter in the park.
- No smoking near the gorillas.
- If you must sneeze or cough, cover your face and turn away from the gorillas and if you have a cold or an infectious disease, do not visit the gorillas.
- Children below the age of 15 years old are not allowed..
- Do not look at the gorillas directly into the eyes.
Gorilla Trekking is one of the main tourism attractions in Uganda which can be supplemented with wildlife safaris and or birding safaris
When to go for gorilla trekking
The best time for gorilla trekking is, most importantly, when you can get a permit to do so. They are like gold dust, but that is where the specialist tour operators like Gap Travel Safaris step in. We’re like the Willy Wonkas who give out golden tickets into the magical worlds of gorillas. Worlds where it rains all year round, but much more so between November or between March and May. Tourists tend to stay away during those times, but the gorillas are always there.
The gorilla sanctuaries: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga NP (in Uganda) and Volcanoes National Park (in Rwanda) are open for gorilla trekking all year long, but the best times to go are from June to August and December to February.
At these times, the forest trails are drier and therefore less slippery. Also, your chance of a dry gorilla viewing experience is higher during these months. This might result in a better experience and photography will be easier.
High Season: June to September (Gorilla permits need to be booked long in advance at any time of the year)
Low Season: March, April, May, October and November (Some lodges and camps close down)
Gorilla Trekking Destinations
Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Mountain gorilla trekking, nature hiking, bird watching and cultures.
Volcanoes National Park
Mountain gorilla tracking, golden monkeys and cultural encounters.
