Beginner’s Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Gorilla trekking is defined as a hike to the tropical forests of Africa to see the mountain gorillas and it’s the most popular tourist experience in Uganda and Rwanda that enables visitors to walk with the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The Gorilla Trekking experience takes place in the Virunga Mountains that straddle the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo in the major National parks of Virunga national park in DR Congo, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla national parks in Uganda.
Interested In Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda? Here’s Everything You Need To Know
What is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is defined as a hike to the tropical forests of Africa to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking involves a guided hike through dense jungles to spend time with a habituated gorilla troop in their natural environment. Visiting the mountain gorillas is such a life-changing and emotional experience especially as you watch thе youngsters at play, thе females cooing over thеir infants аnd thе brash posturing оf a ѕilvеrbасk.
At Engabi Tours and Travel, we think that bеfоre you embark оn your оnсе-in-а-lifеtimе gоrillа trеkking trip to Uganda or Rwanda, thеrе аrе a few things you need to knоw to be able to prepare well for the experience and ensure that you have a great encounter of these human-like creatures. Here’s our list of the top things we think you should know before booking booking your gorilla trekking tour to Uganda or Rwanda.
A. Where is the best place to go gorilla trekking?
The two places to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. However Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is arguably the best place for gorilla trekking in Uganda as it offers better gorilla trekking experiences due it’s large number of Mountain gorillas than Mgahinga National Park.
The best place for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda shares the same gorillas population as Mgahinga National Park over the border. This is because the animals are allowed to roam freely between the parks as they form one habitat.
Very few people head to the DRC for gorilla trekking due to the ever unstable security situation
B. When is the best Time to Go gorilla Trekking
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda can be done all year-round however the dry Months of June, July, August, September all through to December and February are regarded the best Months/Time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. These Months are the time whеn Uganda has the least rain.
C. How to obtаin a gоrillа trekking pеrmit
According to Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda, Gorilla Trekking Permits can only on be obtained through a registered and licensed Tour operator like Engabi Tours and Travel while in Rwanda Gorilla Permits can be obtained online or through a reliable tour operator.
We also think that it’s good to book your tour or obtain your permit through a tour operator like Engabi Tours and Travel because we have enormous knowledge about gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda especially the locations of lodges and sectors for a great gorilla safari.
When you plan your gorilla trekking trip with Engabi Tours and Travel, we organize your gorilla trekking permit for you, as well as your transport, accommodation and more no matter which gorilla park you choose to visit.
D. How much does a gorilla permit cost?
According to Uganda Wildlife Authority, a Uganda gorilla permit costs 800USD for Foreigners and 700USD for Foreign Residents, 500USD for Rest of Africa and 300,000UGX for East Africans . A Uganda Gorilla Habituation Permit costs 1,500 for foreigners, 1,000USD for Foreign Residents and Rest of Africa and finally 750,000UGX for East Africans.
In Rwanda a gorilla Permit costs $1,500 for foreigners.
E. Am I guaranteed to see mountain gorillas?
From experience, we guarantee that you have 99% chances of seeing the mountain Gorillas. This is because the parks send out trackers before anyone embarks on their trek. These trackers are in contact with your guide via radio and GPS which means you’ll know you’re heading in the right direction to locate gorillas!
F. How many people are in a Gorilla Trekking group Per day?
In Uganda and Rwanda, each gorilla troop is allowed to viewed by a maximum of 8 visitors per day excluding the trekking rangers and guides.
G. How long does it take to find the gorillas during the trekking?
Based on the prior information provided by the rangers and trackers on the proximity of the gorillas, visitors can choose between a medium, short or long trek. If one chooses a short trek, they can expect to find their assigned gorilla troop in around half an hour, while if they choose a long trek it can take two to three hours, or more. From Experience, we recommend that you go for the long trek only if you are in a good physical shape as the treks can involve long hikes before you meet the gorillas.
H. What happens when gorillas are found?
On finding the gorillas, you will only be allowed to spend a maximum of 1 hour with them watching and taking memorable pictures. nсе уоur group findѕ its gоrillа troop, thе сlосk starts: you hаvе just аn hour to ѕреnd with thеm. To ensure a smooth stay with gorillas, you will be advised by the rangers/guides not to use your camera flash, to stay quiet, mоvе slowly аnd аvоid making ѕuddеn mоvеmеntѕ.
I. Is it safe to be close to mountain gorillas?
Yes it is safe to get close to the Mountain Gorillas during your gorilla trekking experience as these gorillas are already habituated and used to the presence of human beings and you will be advised by the park ranger/guide and how close you can get. To ensure maximum safety, always оbеу all inѕtruсtiоnѕ given bу уоur guidе/park ranger as he/she knows the gоrillаѕ vеrу wеll аnd will direct you аѕ to where it’s ѕаfе to ѕtаnd or sit.
J. Is it safe to visit Uganda or Rwanda?
Yes it is safe to visit Uganda or Rwanda as these countries are that are welcoming towards tourists. That said, travelling with a tour operator like Engabi Tours and Travel who employs local tour guides is a sensible option. Locals know the in’s and out’s of any country and so travelling with a local guides helps to ensure your safety.
K. Can I take photos of the gorillas?
Yes, you can take photos of the gorillas as long as you keep a minimum distance of three metres, don’t use flash photography and you are within the allowed 1 Hour of stay.
L. What is the weather like on a gorilla trek?
Mountain gorillas live in montane rainforest with day time temperatures usually around 23° C (73° F), and 11° C (52° F) at night. These forests have a mild, wet climate with no real dry season as rain can happen anytime here! So be sure to come prepared with waterproof clothing.
M. What can i pack for Gorilla Trekking?
See below our recommended Gorilla Trekking Tour packing list:
- Lightweight clothing. Daytimе tеmреrаturеѕ аrе gеnеrаllу wаrm tо hоt in Bwindi, so don’t wear thick materials that will make you uncomfortable.
- A long-sleeved top and long pants. You’re going to want to keep your arms and legs covered so you’re not scratched and bitten during the trek.
- A rain jacket. It could well rain at some point during the trek, so bring a rain jacket along in your daypack.
- Long, thick socks. These are to stop creepy crawlies getting too personal with your legs and feet.
Sturdy walking shoes. - Camera. You’re going to want to capture some scenes from your trek and time with the gorillas.
- Also bring a waterproof bag to put the camera in should it rain.
- Insect repellent. Ensure the repellant you bring contains DEET, as this is the ingredient that offers the best protection from mosquitoes and another annoying nasties.
- A tough pair of gloves. If you like to grab on to things when you walk (some of us do!), we would advise a strong pair of gloves as there are quite a few thorns in the rainforest.
- A walking stick. You may want a walking stick to assist you on the trek, especially if trekking on a wet day. These can usually be hired at the park gate.
- A daypack or rucksack. You’ll use this to carry all your essentials and goodies like your camera and rain jacket.
Here’s what not to bring:
- Navy or black clothes. Dark colors actually attract tsetse flies, which have a nasty bite. Green, tan, grey or brown clothes are great options as they help you blend in with the forest and be less of a distraction to the gorillas. They’re also good at hiding all the dirt and mud that one invariably accumulates during the trek.
N. What Shoes are best for Gorilla Trekking?
From experience, we recommend that you wear hiking boots that are properly worn in and water-resistant as the ground can be very muddy in places. You might even consider wearing gaiters.
O. Where can i stay during gorilla trekking in Uganda
Lodges to stay during gorilla trekking in Bwindi national park include luxury, midrange and budget lodges such as Buhoma lodge, Nkuringo lodge, Rushaga haven lodge, Gorilla leisure lodge, Ichumbi gorilla lodge, Bakiga lodge, Sanctuary gorilla forest lodge, Clouds mountain gorilla lodge among others.
Places to stay around Mgahinga national park during gorilla trekking include Mount Gahinga lodge, Mucha hotel Kisoro, Mutanda lake resort, Travelers rest hotel among others.
P. How you can choose a reliable Gorilla Trekking Tour Operator/Company?
Choosing a reliable gorilla trekking company can be overwhelming as there are a lot of tour operators offering tours to the gorillas. We recommend you check if the tour operator is licensed to operate, what other visitors are saying about them on TripAdvisor but above all choose a tour operator that is knowledgeable about the locations of the gorillas and other safari destinations, how to get to the gorillas and where to sleep on your visit to the gorillas.
Engabi Tours and Travel is a licensed Tour Operator by Uganda Tourism Board offering tours to Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya. You may also check out our TripAdvisor to see what our previous visitors are saying about us.
Top Gorilla Trekking Packages you May Book
1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek
Book this exciting 1 Day Gorilla Trek Rwanda that will take you to explore the Mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. The 1 Day Gorilla Trek Rwanda is fit for visitors staying in Rwanda’s Capital Kigali City or Musanze City and are interested in watching the gorillas in the shortest time possible.
2 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour
The 2 days Uganda gorilla tour is a short gorilla trek which takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park through Rwanda’s Capital Kigali. Your 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour will take place in either Ruhija or Rushaga Sector depending on the availability of permits and accommodation.
3 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour
Are you looking for a Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking package? Our 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour starting from Kigali is a perfect itinerary that will enable you arrive at Kigali International Airport, cross over to Bwindi for a gorilla trekking experience and then return to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.
5 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari
The 5 days Uganda wildlife safari offers the best of Uganda’s game viewing experience. The tour involves two game drive experiences in Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth national parks. It is concluded with a relaxing and amazing boat cruise on Kazinga Channel.
7 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Safari
Enjoy the ultimate Primates and Wildlife viewing experiences in Africa with this 7 Days safari in Uganda and Rwanda Itinerary which involves gorillas and chimpanzees trekking in Uganda, Golden monkey tracking in Rwanda and wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth national park Uganda.
12 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari
Visit Bwindi Gorillas, Kibale Chimpanzees and explore wildlife in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks with this 12 days Uganda Gorilla safari itinerary which brings you the best of Uganda safari experiences.
Interested in booking our Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trekking tours, reach out now on WhatsApp(+256757341593) and you chat with your reliable travel planner .
We hope to have you join us soon!