Gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo

The exhilarating experience of gorilla trekking draws individuals eager to observe these magnificent primates in their natural environments. Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo are the final habitats of the mountain gorilla, which trekkers can observe from a safe distance. Identify the optimal gorilla trekking places, the ideal time for visitation, and the expectations during gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Bwindi impenetrable National park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, encompassing 331 square kilometers in the mountainous southwestern region of Uganda, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a refuge for approximately half of the global population of mountain gorillas, an endangered species of large primate residing in the dense forests of East Central Africa. The region hosts a captivating variety of wildlife species. A significant hub for tourism, a substantial portion of the park’s commerce revolves around gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi impenetrable National park

When to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda

Gorilla group and Permits in Uganda

Trekking in Bwindi is possible throughout the year; however, the optimal conditions for traversing the forest occur during the dry seasons, which are from June to August and December to February. During the rainy seasons, the forest is sufficiently thick and dense to provide ample shade for both the gorillas and their visitors. Gorilla safaris in Uganda can be reserved throughout the year; permits can be obtained in advance for any date.

Bwindi hosts 19 habituated gorilla groups, each governed by a dominant silverback male and consisting of a harem of females and their children. Trekkers are organized into small groups of up to eight individuals, each assigned to a specific gorilla family. Gorilla trekking permits must be reserved in advance via the Uganda Wildlife Authority or an authorized travel operator. In 2021, the cost of permits for trekking gorillas in Uganda was $800 per person. Daily participation fees from tourists contribute to the funding of conservation and community development initiatives.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the southwesternmost region of Uganda, is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, which spans the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Despite being a relatively small park with only one habituated gorilla group, it is valuable for that group alone, the Nyakagezi family, which consists of approximately nine members and is notably large and habituated. Visiting Mgahinga allows one to experience its renowned chain of volcanoes and, akin to Bwindi, the presence of golden monkeys. Gorilla trekking tours in Uganda often integrate Mgahinga and Bwindi.

When to go for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Similar to Bwindi, gorilla treks in Mgahinga are available year-round, with the dry seasons from June to August and December to February offering optimal walking conditions. Nonetheless, the park’s elevated height and chilly climate necessitate that trekkers, especially those originating from lower tropical regions, be equipped for unpredictable weather fluctuations and the possibility of rain or mist throughout the year. Mgahinga is typically included as an ancillary tour to excursions in Bwindi.

Gorilla Groups and Permits

The Nyakagezi family, Mgahinga sole habituated group, traverses Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, hence the ability to hike in Mgahinga is contingent upon the gorillas’ presence in the park. Mgahinga permits are priced at $800 per individual, with a daily limit of eight hikers permitted.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park (French: Parc National des Volcans) is Rwanda’s oldest national park, situated in the northwestern region of the country and encompassing part of the Virunga Mountains, a range comprising seven extinct and three active volcanic peaks along the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo. Approximately 20 habituated gorilla groups exist, along with a limited population of golden monkeys. The Karisoke Research Centre, renowned for monkey research like that of Dian Fossey, is situated within the park. Gorilla hiking is feasible in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.

Best time for Trekking Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is feasible throughout the year, with the most favorable months aligning with the park’s dry seasons (June to September; and mid-December to mid-February). Nonetheless, during the dry season, hikers may encounter mist or rain due to the elevated height and chilly temperatures of Volcanoes National Park. Be prepared to confront fluctuating weather conditions and several path types.

Gorilla groups and permits

Volcanoes National Park is home to 20 habituated gorilla groups, each comprising an alpha silverback male. The trekkers are thereafter organized into small groups of no more than eight individuals, based on the designated gorilla family.

In 2024, a gorilla viewing excursion in Rwanda is expected to cost around $1,500 per person, rendering it the most costly gorilla viewing experience in Africa. Nonetheless, these elevated permit costs facilitate the efficacy of Rwanda’s conservation ethos and augment their investments in adjacent villages and future conservation initiatives. It is advisable to organize your gorilla trip well ahead of time, as they tend to sell out rapidly.

Gorilla Trekking in the Congo

Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, is Africa’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site, currently hosting around one-third of the global mountain gorilla population, along with lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, and okapis. The tumultuous history of instability and persistent security challenges in Virunga complicate the pursuit of a distinctive gorilla trekking experience; hence, Congo gorilla safaris frequently integrate this area with excursions to adjacent parks and reserves.

The Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National park

Gorilla trekking in Virunga is feasible year-round; however, the most favorable conditions for forest access occur from December to February and June to September. Due to the park’s equatorial position and elevated altitude, weather conditions are unpredictable, and trekkers should expect intermittent rain or mist even in the drier seasons. Individuals contemplating a visit to Virunga should prioritize verifying the current security conditions and travel advisories, as the region’s stability has fluctuated since the park’s establishment.

Gorilla Groups and Permits

Virunga National Park is home to approximately 10 habituated gorilla groups, each led by a dominant silverback male that has been desensitized to human presence. Trekkers are often divided into groups of no more than eight individuals and allocated to a specific gorilla family. In 2021, permits for Virunga National Park were priced at $400 per individual, making it the most economical gorilla-trekking location in Africa. Nonetheless, the reduced costs indicate Virunga’s persistent security challenges and inadequate infrastructure. I recommend selecting a seasoned tour operator who has thoroughly assessed the region.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the hilly region of eastern Congo, is home to the largest extant wild population of eastern lowland gorillas, or Grauer’s gorillas. These gorillas are relatively larger than mountain gorillas and inhabit the lush lowland forests. Kahuzi-Biega, similar to its neighboring Virunga, hosts chimpanzees, baboons, and many types of macaques and mangabeys. Gorilla trekking in Congo frequently involves a journey to Kahuzi-Biega. Nevertheless, the park attracts fewer people due to its remoteness and limited infrastructure. best time to go Gorilla Trekking is feasible during the dry seasons (June to September; December to February) as well as the wet seasons (March to May; October to November). The warmest and driest months are June through August, offering optimal hiking conditions for hikers in the forest. The consistently low-altitude area of Kahuzi-Biega, coupled with its dense vegetation, results in elevated humidity year-round, potentially leading to rainfall on the trail at any moment. Consult your local foreign office for any travel advisories and recommendations before visiting the region, as Kahuzi-Biega has seen episodes of instability

Gorilla groups and Permits

Kahuzi-Biega National Park contains two resident gorilla family groups, each led by a dominant silverback male; nevertheless, because to its seclusion, there are relatively fewer habituation and gorilla trekking possibilities. In 2024, gorilla permits were priced at $400 per individual, rendering gorilla tourism at Kahuzi-Biega a more economical choice compared to other areas. However, both paths leading to distinct gorilla families necessitate a two-day journey, making it most appropriate for people seeking an unconventional experience. It is advisable to procure permissions via a local tour operator with expertise in the area.

Preparation for Gorilla Trekking

Physical Conditioning
Gorilla trekking is a physically difficult and arduous endeavor, necessitating adequate preparation from guests. Treks may range from 30 minutes to an entire day, contingent upon the proximity of the gorilla family; the terrain may involve trudging through steep, muddy regions, characterized by slippery descents. Tourists should anticipate hikes for durations ranging from 20 minutes to three hours. It is advisable to participate in regular exercise and cardiovascular activities for a minimum of six months before your trip to prepare for the demands of the journey. Africa’s gorilla trekking typically provides porters to transport your luggage and equipment, as well as to assist during the trip.

Altitude and Meteorological Factors
Mountain gorillas inhabit dense, high-altitude forests, which may cause trekkers to experience common symptoms of altitude sickness, including headaches, dyspnea, and exhaustion. Maintain hydration and incorporate breaks during the journey. Communicate your feelings to your guide and the park rangers. The weather in the Gorilla Mountains can fluctuate rapidly throughout the year. Intermittent and unforeseen precipitation or fog, especially during arid seasons, is commonplace; therefore, it is advisable to take additional attire, including waterproof jackets, durable hiking boots, and insulating layers.

Guides, Porters, and Park Rangers

Embarking on an expedition to find a silverback gorilla is not a solitary endeavor. No individual is dispatched into the wilderness alone. Each trekking group is escorted by a specialized gorilla guide, a contingent of armed porters, and park guards. All individuals are highly educated and proficient in gorilla behavior, habitat, and conservation techniques, and are committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of both trek participants and the gorillas. The guides serve as the most captivating source of knowledge during the gorilla hike, educating trekkers about the gorillas, their familial structures, and the offerings of their jungle habitat. Porters are an integral component that enhances the trekking group. They transport your equipment and provide assistance during your hike. Park rangers are a crucial component of the trekking itinerary. They ensure that hikers adhere to all regulations established for safe and responsible interactions with the gorillas.

What is the daily limit on the number of individuals permitted to track the gorillas?

Each day, a maximum of eight individuals may see a gorilla family. In Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to 10 habituated gorilla families, accommodating up to 80 individuals for gorilla trekking in a single day. Rwanda accommodates 80 individuals daily. Under equal conditions, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda possesses a little advantage over others, as its gorillas are predominantly well habituated and are frequently observed in bamboo rather than dense forest, facilitating photography.

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Compare Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda Which is Cheaper?

The primary obstacle in trekking mountain gorillas in Rwanda is the expense of the gorilla permit, which is US$1500, compared to US$ 800 per permit in Uganda. Nevertheless, Rwanda’s glory lies in its capacity for tourists to engage in gorilla trekking within a single day and return home, a feat unattainable in Uganda. Volcanoes National Park is located 116 kilometers from the capital, Kigali, and can be reached by car in around two hours. Bwindi is about 500 kilometers from the city, Kampala, or Entebbe Airport, requiring an eight-hour trip or longer. Consequently, a minimum of three days is required for a gorilla trekking safari: one day for travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, another for the gorilla hike, and the third for the return trip to the city, Kampala, or Entebbe. If a tour operator is managing your vacation package, they must consider this expense and incorporate it into your safari cost.

Nevertheless, the extensive journey to Bwindi National Park is captivating, featuring stunning vistas including the Equator and Lake Mburo National Park, and occasionally Queen Elizabeth National Park teeming with wildlife, picturesque terraced mountains with flowing rivers, and diverse rural African landscapes. This is not applicable when traveling from Kigali, Rwanda, to Volcanoes National Park.
Several travelers have opted to fly from Entebbe to either Kihihi or Kisoro, towns next to Bwindi, to track the mountain gorillas. An AeroLink airline ticket in Uganda costs $250. In that instance, you must arrange your transportation from this airfield to Bwindi, as well as the return journey. Consult any nearby tour providers for assistance in organizing this excursion.

In Uganda, you will incur extra expenses for transportation and invest more time trekking gorillas compared to Rwanda; however, this cost is offset by the lower price of the gorilla permit. Aside from certain sections of the roads going to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park being less comfortable to navigate, in Rwanda, one can drive on well-paved tarmac directly to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park. Nevertheless, access to the gorilla trek starting location from the Volcanoes park offices is exclusively attainable via a high-capacity 4WD safari vehicle.

Compare Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda Which is Cheaper?

Compare Gorilla trekking experience in Both countries The experience may vary due to the gorilla family’s behavior in the presence of trackers, the distance and duration of the trip to locate the gorillas, and the manner in which the park staff conducts this activity. I found the Rwanda gorilla trekking package to be more captivating than the Ugandan one on the day of tracking. Perhaps I might assert that this is attributable to the disparity in gorilla permit pricing. Nevertheless, on the day designated for gorilla tracking in Rwanda, you will undoubtedly receive more than that. At approximately 7:00 AM, you will partake in an early tea or coffee while being entertained by the SACOLA Traditional Dancers, who will showcase the captivating cultural customs of Rwanda.

In Uganda, you can experience evening entertainment at an extra charge, as local residents near the park perform songs and dances. The journey from the capital, Kampala, to Bwindi National Park is exhilarating, as it traverses another national park, potentially Kibale National Park or Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and diverse large mammals, or even Lake Mburo National Park, with a stop at the Equator. Prior to arriving at Bwindi, you will have experienced the marvels of this region, affectionately referred to as the ‘Pearl of Africa.’ For most people, traversing paved eucalyptus roads to access the gorillas’ sanctuary is not the optimal decision. Many individuals like to purchase trip packages that combine Rwanda and Uganda, engaging in gorilla treks in Rwanda and subsequently traveling to Uganda to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park for its Big Five species and chimpanzee treks, along with other excursions.

Additional Activities Following Gorilla Trekking

Ultimately, if you are not solely visiting to observe the gorillas and are interested in additional safari activities, Rwanda may not be the optimal selection. Many travelers occasionally enter Uganda after their gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda to explore other reserves, such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, which boasts a diverse array of species not found in Rwanda. This may explain why many individuals have persevered with the protracted journeys into Bwindi despite the existence of a more expedient alternative in Rwanda.

Ultimately, the prospective travelers are individuals seeking the ideal destination for gorilla trekking, which may not necessarily be Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo, but rather depends on their budget and personal preferences. If your primary interest lies in pursuing mountain gorillas, opt for the one-day Rwanda excursion; but, if you seek further excitement, consider the extended drive.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an unparalleled experience that is increasingly attracting travelers from around the globe. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park have gained prominence and popularity due to gorilla trekking.

Mountain gorillas are not present in zoos. Unlike their primate counterparts, such as chimpanzees, and other endangered species like pandas and orangutans, gorillas are only found in the wild. Particularly in Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda. Over fifty percent of the global gorilla population resides in Uganda, namely within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Gorillas emerged as a prominent tourist attraction during the “befriend a gorilla” campaign, and their appeal has persisted thereafter.

What distinguishes gorilla tracking from observing other wildlife species?

Tracking gorillas markedly contrasts with embarking on a game drive to observe lions in the African savannah or visiting a zoo to witness caged animals performing tricks. Gorillas must be trained to acclimate to human presence in their environments, and only a limited number of individuals may see them simultaneously. Uganda is home to approximately 30 mountain gorilla groups, of which only ten have been acclimated for tourist visitation. Accredited Nine groups exist in Bwindi and one in Mgahinga. Habituation is an extended process that may require up to two years.

What are the steps involved in planning and executing a trekking adventure?

Initially, one must obtain a gorilla trekking permit. Prepare for your journey by packing your lunch and ensuring you have at least two liters of water, a cap, boots, durable jeans, a long-sleeved shirt, a rain jacket, insect repellent, a backpack to carry these items, ample batteries, and a walking stick. Traversing the jungle can be challenging at times.

Once you have assembled all your equipment and are prepared, you may proceed to the designated park office. The location of your meeting is contingent upon the specific group of gorillas you will be tracking. It may be located in the Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, or Nkuringo regions of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Each habituated group of mountain gorillas is permitted to accommodate a maximum of eight visitors daily, for a duration of one hour.

Some individuals find that a single day and hour of gorilla trekking is insufficient, prompting them to arrange two days of this experience in Uganda. For some, it is an experience they can endlessly revisit, prompting multiple returns to Uganda.

Prior to commencing your gorilla tracking expedition, an orientation session typically occurs, during which guidelines regarding appropriate conduct are provided, and you are assigned a guide. Guides are essential as they possess expertise regarding the specific group of gorillas you will be tracking and can address all your inquiries. The guides are typically integral to the habituation process of the gorilla group to which they are assigned, serving as a valuable source of information and expertise. They possess an in-depth understanding of the group’s routines and movement patterns, enabling them to efficiently take you to the gorillas. The average tracking duration is approximately 8 hours. The climbs may be exhausting, although the panorama traversed within the forest is astonishingly magnificent. Additionally, you will observe several other species besides the mountain gorillas.

Chimpanzees, forest elephants, butterflies, and several avian species inhabit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park. The dramatic natural splendor of western Uganda is remarkable.

Are there any limitations to gorilla trekking in Uganda?

Uganda imposes some regulations about gorilla trekking. Criteria include: absence of influenza, coughs, or colds; no gastrointestinal issues; reasonable physical fitness; a minimum age of 15; prohibition on feeding the gorillas; and restriction on littering in proximity to the gorillas. The expense of the permits may impose budgetary limitations that prevent some individuals from experiencing this remarkable journey.

In Uganda, gorilla licenses are priced at $800, whereas in Rwanda, they cost $1500. These are the two most renowned mountain gorilla tourism locations in Africa and globally.

What are the accommodation options?
Numerous resorts exist in the mountain gorilla region of Uganda. Accommodations range from four-star lodgings for those seeking optimal comfort and willing to spend, to economical options for budget-conscious travelers.

What is the method to reach the gorilla habitats?
Travel to Kisoro area in South Western Uganda by bus, and upon arrival, utilize public transportation, such as a taxi, to reach the gorilla habitats of Bwindi or Mgahinga. The optimal course of action is to contact tour operators like us to arrange your gorilla trekking adventure . We sincerely hope you relish your gorilla trekking expedition in Uganda.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo