Uganda, Rwanda, Congo Gorilla Trekking Tour: On the African continent, gorilla trekking tours are a great way to see rare and endangered primates. Gorilla trekking, on the other hand, is characterized as a trip to Africa’s bamboo and tropical rain forests, which are home to mountain gorillas.
Three protected national parks-Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in Congo, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in southwest Uganda-are home to mountain gorillas.
With a total of 10063 mountain gorillas globally, half of them are found in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Over 21 habituated gorilla families are listed under the four gorilla sectors of Ruhija, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Rushaga in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where mountain gorillas can be walked. Rwandan gorilla trekking tours are available in Congo‘s Virunga and Volcanoes national parks.
Trekking with Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The highlight of all the activities at Uganda’s safari location is the gorilla trekking experience, which typically begins early in the morning when your driver guide takes you to the park headquarters for a briefing at 7:30 a.m. Following the briefing, a gorilla family will be assigned trackers to hike in groups of eight. Follow the rangers and guides into the forest to look for gorillas.
You will probably have the opportunity to see various species while trekking, including monkeys, animals, and stunning butterflies. The foliage cover is particularly enjoyable. Our visitors should be aware that the forest can occasionally be difficult and that physical conditioning is necessary.
Then anticipate being sweaty and muddy at the end of the day. After the gorillas are found, you will spend an hour with them, snap pictures with your camera, and discover more about their way of life. After that, either return to the resort or decide to visit a Batwa Pygmy traditional community. The same is true for other Rwandan and Congolese gorilla hotspots.
How much does a Ugandan Gorilla Trekking Permit cost?
Ugandan gorilla trekking takes place in either Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Millions of people typically travel to Uganda to partake in this unique pastime, which costs USD 800 for gorilla trekking permits. We recommend that customers always reserve their gorilla permit through a tour operator, who can also make hotel arrangements during their visit.
The Gorilla Habituation Experience is an option; it costs USD 1500 and lasts for the entire day. Only three nations in Africa-Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo-allow gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda costs $1500 USD, which is the same price as Uganda’s Gorilla Habituation Experience. A trekking permit for the Congo Gorilla costs $400 USD per person per day. The visas for East African citizens cost USD 250,000 Shillings.
Guidelines for Post-COVID Visitors and Gorilla Trekkers
98% of our genes are shared by our great apes, making them susceptible to the coronavirus and other airborne illnesses including the flu, malaria, and diarrhea.
Mask wearing and self-sanitization are crucial.
Keep your distance from the gorillas at seven meters.
Trekkers need to be older than fifteen.
Don’t sneeze close to gorillas.
Don’t raise your voices.
Keep additional batteries for your digital camera with you.
Trekking with mountain gorillas is permitted for those who are unwell.
What should I bring on an African gorilla tour?
The items include, among other things: sunscreen, energy snacks, insect repellents, ponchos, waterproof hiking boots, cameras, binoculars, mineral water bottles, lightweight rain jackets, day packs, hand gloves, long pants, and warm clothing.
Trekking with gorillas
When to travel to Africa to see mountain gorillas
In Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda, gorilla trekking is possible all year long. The months of June, July, August, September, and December are the greatest times of year to undertake gorilla trekking without weather interruptions because there are fewer rains and the park’s pathways are drier during these times, making it possible to hike and see the gorillas. 11 degrees Celsius in the morning and 23 degrees Celsius in the afternoon are the typical year-round temperatures in Bwindi.
Accommodations
Every Gorilla Safari destination offers cozy lodging options with good in-room amenities for a pleasant stay; the lodge you choose will depend on your budget. These options range from luxury to mid-range to budget lodging.
Make your reservation right now since gorilla trekking is a worthwhile adventure that will not let you down on the African continent.
Gorilla Trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is home to two gorilla species found nowhere else together: mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park and eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas, Gorilla beringei graueri) in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Virunga National Park – Africa’s oldest national park, established in 1925 – covers 7,900 km² of remarkable ecological diversity, from the volcanic peaks of the Virunga Massif to the glaciers of the Rwenzori Mountains and the tropical lowland forests of the Congo Basin. The park is also home to hippos, elephants, okapis, and the entire cast of Congo rainforest wildlife.
Eastern Lowland Gorillas – A Unique Encounter
The eastern lowland gorilla (Grauer’s gorilla) is the world’s largest subspecies of gorilla, with silverbacks weighing up to 220kg. Found only in the DRC, Grauer’s gorillas are considerably rarer than mountain gorillas – their population has declined by more than 70% since the 1990s due to conflict, habitat loss, and poaching. Kahuzi-Biega National Park in South Kivu offers the only reliable trekking experience with habituated Grauer’s gorilla families.
A gorilla permit in the DRC costs USD 400 per person – significantly cheaper than Rwanda (USD 1,500) or Uganda (USD 800). The experience is raw, off-the-beaten-track, and unforgettable for travellers seeking something genuinely uncommon.
Practical Information for DRC Gorilla Trekking
Getting to Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega
The most common entry point to eastern DRC is via Kigali, Rwanda. Goma – the gateway to Virunga National Park – is just 80km from Kigali. Direct flights from Nairobi and Kampala also serve Goma. Bukavu (gateway to Kahuzi-Biega) is accessible from Goma by road (3-4 hours) or by light aircraft.
Is it safe to trek gorillas in the DRC?
Security in eastern DRC is complex and fluctuates. Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega have experienced periods of closure due to armed group activity. Always check current security conditions with your tour operator and your government’s travel advisory before planning a DRC gorilla trek. Reputable operators with established local security networks are essential.
Recommended Tours: 8 Days Congo Gorillas & Nyiragongo Safari | 5 Days Lowland Gorilla Safari Congo
