Everything You Need to Know Before Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering an unparalleled encounter with one of our closest primate relatives in their natural rainforest habitat.1 However, it’s also a challenging adventure that requires careful planning and preparation.2

Here’s everything you need to know before embarking on a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda or Rwanda:

1. Where to Go: The Gorilla Havens

Mountain gorillas are found in only three countries in the world, within four specific national parks:

  • Uganda:
    • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Home to roughly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, divided into four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.3 Each sector has multiple habituated families.
    • Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Part of the larger Virunga Massif, it’s home to one habituated gorilla family (the Nyakagezi group), which occasionally ranges into Rwanda.4
  • Rwanda:
    • Volcanoes National Park: Part of the Virunga Massif, it’s famous for its association with Dian Fossey and offers treks to several habituated families.5
  • Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC):
    • Virunga National Park: Also part of the Virunga Massif.6 While it offers trekking, ongoing security concerns often make it a less recommended option for tourists compared to Uganda and Rwanda.

Your choice of country will significantly impact the cost and logistics.

2. Gorilla Permits: The Golden Ticket

  • Necessity: A gorilla trekking permit is mandatory for every trekker. Without it, you cannot go.
  • Cost (as of July 1, 2024):
    • Uganda: $800 USD per person, per trek.7
    • Rwanda: $1,500 USD per person, per trek.8
  • What it Covers: The permit grants you one hour with a gorilla family once located. It also contributes significantly to gorilla conservation efforts and local community development.9
  • Booking:
    • Book Well in Advance: Permits are limited to 8 people per gorilla family per day to minimize disturbance.10 They sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons.11 Book at least 6-12 months ahead, or even more for specific dates.
    • Through a Tour Operator: Most visitors purchase permits through their safari tour operator, who will handle the booking with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or Rwanda Development Board (RDB).12
    • Directly: You can attempt to book directly with UWA or RDB, but it can be more complex, especially for international travelers.
  • Gorilla Habituation Experience (Uganda Only): This unique option allows you to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family.13 The permit costs $1,500 USD (as of July 1, 2024) and is even more limited, requiring even earlier booking.

3. Physical Fitness & Health Requirements

  • Strenuous Activity: Gorilla trekking is physically demanding. You’ll be hiking through dense, steep, uneven, and often muddy terrain.14 The altitude can also be a factor (Bwindi is 1,160m to 2,600m; Volcanoes is 2,500m to 4,507m).
  • Trek Duration: Treks can range from 1 to 8 hours or more depending on where the gorillas are located on that particular day. You cannot predict how long your trek will be.
  • Preparation: Regular exercise (walking, hiking) in the months leading up to your trip is highly recommended.
  • Health Restrictions:
    • Minimum Age: 15 years old in both Uganda and Rwanda.15
    • Illness: You must NOT trek if you are sick with a cold, flu, cough, or any contagious illness. Gorillas are highly susceptible to human diseases, and an outbreak could devastate the population.16 Guides have the right to deny you entry if you show symptoms.
    • Pregnancy: Generally not recommended due to the physical exertion and remote medical access. If pregnant, consult your doctor thoroughly and consider hiring a sedan chair.

4. What to Wear & Pack (Essentials!)

  • Sturdy Hiking Boots: Waterproof, worn-in, with good ankle support and grip.17
  • Long-Sleeved Shirt & Long Trousers: To protect from stinging nettles, thorns, and insects.18 Lightweight, breathable materials are best.
  • Rain Gear: Lightweight waterproof jacket and trousers.19 The rainforest lives up to its name!
  • Gardening Gloves: Highly recommended to protect your hands when pushing through vegetation or gripping vines/branches.20
  • Gaiters: To prevent mud, water, and insects from entering your boots.21
  • Hat & Sunglasses: For sun protection during the initial and final parts of the trek.22
  • Insect Repellent: Essential.
  • Small Backpack: For your essentials.
  • Plenty of Water: At least 2-3 liters.
  • Energy Snacks: High-energy bars, nuts, or fruits.23
  • Camera Gear: See previous answer for detailed recommendations. NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY.
  • Binoculars: For bird watching and distant sightings.
  • Medication: Any personal medications you may need.
  • Cash: For porters and tips.

5. On the Day of the Trek: The Process

  • Early Start: Wake up early (typically 5:30-6:00 AM) for breakfast and drive to the park headquarters.
  • Briefing: At the park headquarters (usually 7:00-8:00 AM), you’ll be briefed by rangers on rules, safety, and what to expect. You’ll be assigned a gorilla family.
  • Porters: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to hire a porter (or two). They carry your daypack, help you navigate difficult terrain, and their fees directly support local communities.24 It’s a small cost for a huge benefit.
  • The Trek: Head off into the forest with your assigned group, guides, and armed rangers. The pace is set by the slowest member.
  • The Hour: Once the gorillas are located, you’ll spend a magical hour observing them. Keep your voice low, move slowly, and follow all instructions.
  • Return: Trek back to the starting point, receive your gorilla trekking certificate, and then transfer back to your lodge.25

6. Gorilla Trekking Rules & Etiquette (Crucial for Conservation)

These rules are for your safety and, more importantly, for the well-term survival of the gorillas:

  • Maintain Distance: A minimum distance of 7 meters (23 feet) must be maintained from the gorillas at all times. Do not touch them, even if they approach you.
  • One Hour Limit: To minimize stress and habituation, your time with the gorillas is strictly limited to one hour.26
  • No Flash Photography: Never use flash. It can scare or disorient the gorillas.
  • Keep Your Voice Down: Speak in a low voice, and avoid sudden movements or loud noises.27
  • No Eating or Drinking Near Gorillas: This prevents the transmission of diseases and stops gorillas from associating humans with food (which can lead to aggressive begging).
  • Never Leave Anything Behind: Pack out everything you pack in.
  • If You Sneeze or Cough: Turn your head away from the gorillas and cover your mouth.
  • Bury Waste: If you need to relieve yourself, your guide will dig a hole away from the main path.
  • Follow Guide Instructions: Your guide and rangers are experienced and know gorilla behavior.28 Their instructions are paramount.
  • Do Not Go Trekking If Sick: This is a non-negotiable rule.

7. Best Time to Go

  • Dry Seasons (Peak Season):
    • June to September: Long dry season.
    • December to February: Shorter dry season.
    • Pros: Easier trekking conditions (less mud, less slippery), typically better for photography.
    • Cons: Higher demand for permits and accommodation, potentially more expensive.
  • Wet/Green Seasons (Low Season):
    • March to May: Long rains.
    • October to November: Short rains.
    • Pros: Lush scenery, fewer tourists, often discounted permit prices (Rwanda sometimes offers this, Uganda rarely), excellent birding.
    • Cons: Very muddy and slippery trails, higher chance of rain disrupting the trek, potentially longer trek duration.

8. Respect and Responsibility

  • Conservation Impact: Your permit fees directly fund conservation efforts, anti-poaching units, and community development.29 By going on a trek, you are contributing to the survival of these magnificent animals.
  • Ethical Tourism: Choose a reputable tour operator committed to sustainable and ethical tourism practices.

Gorilla trekking is a profound experience that connects you deeply with nature and conservation.30 With careful preparation and an adventurous spirit, it will undoubtedly be a highlight of your travels.