The Most Magical Primate Experience of Your Life
If you know me, you know this has been on top of my bucket list for as long as I can remember. Something about seeing these beautiful, POWERFUL, majestic animals up close and personal IN THEIR OWN TERRITORY just gets my heart going! I started “The Bucket List” series as a chance to plan out all of my dream trips so when the time comes the research/ game plan are almost all ready done and good to go. It was very fitting to kickstart this all off with Gorilla Trekking in Africa! This post contains all the research I have done and will continue to do around this topic in preparation for the big trip! So without further discussion here is your guide to Trekking with Gorillas in Africa!!
Of note, these photos were taken and cited from articles around the web and tour guide sites from Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC – Africa.
African Mountain Gorillas
Unfortunately there are only ~850 Mountain Gorillas left due to wild and severe poaching, dwindling habitat and environmental factors. The chance to view these incredible creatures up close and personal is a once in a lifetime experience and one that may not be around forever. These majestic creatures dwell mainly in three countries in Africa: Rwanda, Uganda and the DR Congo. They prefer open canopy forests that allow sunlight and feed mostly off of bamboo, roots, stems and vines. They communicate through grunts, screeches, barks and chest beatings and they prefer to walk on all fours via “knuckle walking”. They live in families – usually groups of 2-30 individuals, but the average family is ~9. For size reference, males can weigh up to 200kg (440lbs!!!) & stand around 6ft tall/ females average around 100kg (220lbs!!) & stand up to 4ft 11 in tall. Imagine stumbling across one of these big boys!! There is usually only one dominant male (aka SILVERBACK) per family with a role of protecting the pack – you will know which one is alpha when you see him that’s for sure!
Where to Go for Gorilla Trekking + How to Get a Permit
So now that I’ve got your attention… you might find yourself asking – “Where do I even start when it comes to Gorilla Trekking??” – Here is the short answer:
Three African Central Countries: Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. Here are the more specific locations along with the associated permit price (as of 2019):
- Rwanda: Volcanos National Park, $1500
- Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, $600
- DR Congo: Virunga National Park, $400
- On Your Own: Apply directly to UWA via email or phone. Of note, there is no online site.
- African Safari Agent: There are 1,000+ tour agencies in Central Africa that are willing to help you through the permit process.
- Book a Tour: **Recommended** If you book a tour with one of the companies they will handle everything for you including the permit which they will include in the tour price.
Rwanda vs Uganda vs DR Congo
Okay… So How Do I Narrow it Down??? Essentially there are pro’s and cons to each experience, it just depends what type of adventure you’re after – Here’s the breakdown:
RWANDA:
- Luxurious: Ideal for Luxury travelers & known for its high end tourism – There are plenty of luxury resorts and accommodations in this country.
- Quick Trip: This is also a good option for travelers with limited time since the whole experience can be achieved in ~3 days with Volcanos National Park and the neighboring transport accommodations.
- Safe: Rwanda also stands out as the safest and most luxurious country to view these beautiful primates.
- Gorilla Count: ~150/ 12 families
UGANDA:
- Multi-Taskers: Ideal for those adventure seekers who are itching to add additional animals to their African escape. It’s a great option for adding on safari’s to catch a glimpse of this continents diverse landscape.
- Mostly Safe: It’s a great balance between permit price and safety. While known for being as safe as Rwanda, it still is a good option for trekking and the price is a bit more reasonable for those looking to safe a few $.
- Gorilla Dense: Uganda is home to about half of all the remaining mountain gorillas in the world! Most of these families reside in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park – this means more gorilla permits are distributed than any other country.
- Takes Time: Trekking in Uganda requires a minimum of 2-3 days NOT including additional days for traveling to and from the campsite. It takes about 9 hours to drive from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi National Park – However there is an option for domestic flights or to land in Rwanda at Kigali International Airport and drive 5 hours to Bwindi. Either way, plan on extra travel time!
- Gorilla Count: ~500/ 17 families (15 in Bwindi & 2 in Mgahinga)
DR CONGO:
- Thrill Seekers: This destination is ideal for those who prefer to travel off the beaten path. Definitely no shortage of adventure in this country at the moment.
- Cheapest: It does stand as the cheapest place to acquire a gorilla trekking permit.
- Living on the Edge: Of note, this country has been very unstable the past few years and fighting has taken place on the Eastern side of the country (right around Virunga National Park). Unfortunately many rangers and trekkers have lost their lives due to this grim circumstance. The park was closed for a few years after two British tourists were kidnapped, but has since reopened as of February 2019. Definitely something to be aware of when making decisions.
- Incredible Interaction: Although there are many unfortunate circumstances surrounding gorilla trekking in DR Congo, it is known as an African gem and a most unique travel destination. Virunga National Park is one of the oldest parks in Africa and has one of the highest rates of biodiversity in the world. Hopefully the contention can calm down soon and this part of the world will be more accessible again.
- Gorilla Count: ~300/ 6 families
Quick Gorilla Trekking FAQs
- Best Time of Year: Gorilla Trekking is offered year round, but dry season makes for a much more pleasant hiking experience (also lower malaria risk) – June-Sept/ Dec-Feb are the most desirable months to plan your getaway to the African mountains!
- Cost of Trekking Permits:
- Rwanda: ~$1500
- Uganda: ~$600
- DR Congo: ~$400
- Trekking Time: Can range from 1-5 hours depending on where the families are in the forest, fitness level of group and weather conditions.
- Trekking Terrain: Hiking altitude through mostly thick forested slopes
- Time Allowed with Gorillas: 1 HOUR (unless you choose a tour with a research group which can beep to 4 hours with restrictions in place) – Anything past the 1 HOUR mark can start to put stress on the Gorilla Family and the result would be unfortunate for both parties!
- Most Party Restrictions: Minimum of 15 years of age with a max of 8 guests per trekking group. Everyone must be healthy (no flu/ cold symptoms) – Gorillas are very sensitive to human diseases and the common cold could wipe out an entire Gorilla family. Most tour groups will reschedule for no additional fee if you are found under the weather on the day of your trek.
- Hiring a Porter: A Porter is someone who carries your day pack for you during your trek for ~$15. Depending on your activity level or levels of those in your group it might be a good option to consider. Also, you would be helping a member of one of the local villages, so that is always a plus!
- Gorilla Encounter Rules:
- Keep ~7 meters apart at all times.
- If a silverback charges you or moves aggressively towards you DO NOT MOVE OR RUN AWAY. Instead, try acting submissive or crouch down.
- Avoid staring into the eyes of the gorillas, they might take it as a sign of hostility.
- Smoking, drinking, or eating is prohibited within 200 meters of the gorillas.
What Should I Pack??
Things to pack for the big day of GORILLA TREKKING:
- Long-sleeve breathable shirt
- Long hiking pants
- Durable, waterproof hiking boots (keep in mind you will be trudging through mud, rivers, sliding soil and will probably encounter RAIN).
- Long hiking socks
- Rain Jacket
- Hat
- Garden Gloves
- Daypack – first aid kit, sunscreen, water, snacks, camera, binoculars, insect repellent
- Of Note: Avoid wearing camouflage, this is associated with African military/ soldiers. Ideal colors are neutrals and safari colors aka browns, khaki, greens, blacks and grays.
I cannot wait to someday cross this off my bucket list! Have you been trekking with the gorillas? What was your experience like? Would love to hear all the stories in the comments below!