Gorilla Trekking
Why Go Gorilla Trekking?
Gorilla trekking is a rare chance to see our closest animal relatives in their natural jungle homes. There are only two groups of mountain gorillas left in the world: one in the Virunga Volcanoes and the other in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Our gorilla safaris in Uganda and Rwanda offer you a unique opportunity to get up close with these incredible creatures.
The treks may be muddy and humid (since you’re in the rainforest!), but once you spot a powerful silverback or a playful baby gorilla, all the effort will feel totally worth it. Gorillas are incredibly strong. A male silverback can weigh over 200kg, is nine times stronger than an average human, and can bite more forcefully than a lion! Yet, mountain gorillas are surprisingly gentle and shy. They form close family bonds, care deeply for their young, and spend most of their waking lives peacefully foraging for plants to eat.
A gorilla family divides its day between rest periods and travelling or feeding, covering a small home range on any given day. Tracking them is, therefore, reasonably manageable. Join us on gorilla trekking adventures of a lifetime. Let them leave an indelible mark on your conscience, inspiring a deeper connection with nature and a renewed commitment to conservation. This experience is not just a journey but a soul-stirring connection with these magnificent creatures and the natural world.
Where To Go Gorilla Trekking
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Uganda is possibly the best destination for a gorilla trekking adventures in Africa, home to half the world’s mountain gorillas living in the wild. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in the southwest of the country covers hills and valleys and is home to over 25 gorilla families which are habituated for tourist visits. Small groups of up to eight people can go on a trek to spend an hour with these gentle giants, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience that many safari goers dream of.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Rwanda is another amazing place for unforgettable mountain gorilla safaris in Africa. In Volcanoes National Park, you’ll join an expert guide and a small group of up to eight people to visit a gorilla family that is used to humans. During your one-hour visit, you can watch and take photos of these gentle creatures as they interact, feed, play, and relax in their natural home.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the smallest national park in Uganda, offers a unique safari experience. It is home to one gorilla family that is used to humans, and their territory stretches across both Mgahinga and the nearby Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. This gorilla group has stayed in Uganda for the past three years, making it another fantastic spot for gorilla trekking.
When To Go Gorilla Trekking?
The best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda is during the dry seasons, from June to early September and late December to February. During these months, trails are less muddy, vegetation is thinner, and gorillas are more likely to remain at lower altitudes, making them easier to find. Clear skies and ideal lighting conditions also make this a prime time for photography. However, with peak-season trekking comes higher prices for accommodations.
Trekking is still possible during the wet seasons, from March to May and October to November, though it presents more challenges. Trails can become muddy and slippery, making the trek more demanding. On the upside, the wet season brings fewer tourists, more affordable rates, and beautifully lush, green landscapes.
Good To Know
Fitness And Etiquette
Gorilla trekking is an exciting but physically demanding adventure, lasting from one to eight hours. You’ll hike up and down steep, muddy trails through thick vegetation, often at high altitudes. To prepare, start exercising at least six months before your trip. Practice hiking with a backpack and wear the shoes you plan to use on the trek.
When you meet the gorillas, keep at least 7 meters (23 feet) away. Do not touch, feed, or provoke them. Avoid eye contact, pointing, sudden movements, loud noises, or using flash photography. (We’ve also shared some simple photography tips for gorilla trekking.) Because gorillas are closely related to humans, they can catch our illnesses. Visitors with colds or infections won’t be allowed to trek. Always speak softly and move carefully. By respecting these rules, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable experience and help protect these incredible animals. Remember: you are a guest in their forest.
What To Expect
After an early breakfast at your lodge, you will be driven to the park headquarters to meet your park ranger and trekking team. Here, you’ll get a briefing about the gorilla group you will visit and the rules to follow during the encounter. After the briefing, you will head to the starting point of your trek — sometimes by car, sometimes on foot.
The trek can take anywhere from a few hours or more, passing through different types of vegetation, including bamboo forests, giant stinging nettle areas, and steep, muddy slopes. Once your group finds the gorillas, you are allowed to spend up to one hour with them. You might see young gorillas playing in a clearing, the family relaxing and feeding, or moving through the forest. Every experience is different, but our guests always describe it as unforgettable and amazing.
The hour will pass quickly, and your ranger will let you know when it’s time to leave. You will then trek back to where your guide and vehicle are waiting. Return to your lodge for a hot shower, some well-deserved rest, and a celebratory dinner to share stories about the incredible experience of the day.
