Travel has always been about experiences. Being one of the few people to visit a place or do something is the reason why we travel. In the dense, mist-laden forests of Africa, an adventure awaits that’s both hair-raising and heartwarming: gorilla trekking. The experience is as rare as it can get.
It’s the kind of expedition that combines the thrill of tracking elusive creatures with the profound privilege of witnessing them in their natural habitat. But let’s be clear from the outset: this isn’t your average Sunday stroll through the park. It’s a journey that’ll leave you breathless in more ways than one.
Those who have taken this once-in-a-lifetime adventure reported it to be a life-altering and eye-opening event that has become an indelible memory. Gorilla treks are a must-experience for animal lovers and ardent safari goers because they offer unrivaled up-close interactions.
The sheer majesty of being in the presence of these gentle giants, observing their familial bonds, and witnessing their daily rituals is a privilege that words struggle to encapsulate. In this article, we shall cover all the basics of what it entails to join the exclusive few who have walked the path;
Where to Gorilla Trek
There are only four places in the world to see these jungle giants in their natural habitat. Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo have carved out a niche for themselves in the safari industry. The three African countries stand out as the ultimate havens for gorilla trekking enthusiasts.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Perched in the lush greenery of southwestern Uganda, lies the enchanting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Its mist-shrouded hillsides, cloaked in verdant foliage, serve as a sanctuary for one of Uganda’s oldest and most ecologically diverse rainforests, with a history stretching back over 25,000 years and boasting nearly 400 species of plants.
Bwindi is renowned for its role as a haven for the critically endangered mountain gorillas, sheltering an impressive 459 of these majestic creatures, roughly half of the global population. There are several habituated groups, offering intrepid visitors the rare opportunity to track and observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Since April 1993, when the pioneering Mubare gorilla group first opened its domain to tourism, Bwindi has remained a beacon of conservation success, with nine additional groups now habituated for tourism and one dedicated to research, ensuring the protection and preservation of these remarkable primates for generations to come.
Mgahinga National Park, Uganda
Located on the border with Rwanda, Mgahinga National Park is a hidden gem, enticing travelers with its unique offerings. As a prime hub for cross-border adventures with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga is the sole destination in Uganda where enthusiasts can embark on captivating treks to encounter the elusive Golden Monkeys.
The park also presents a distinctive opportunity to combine the thrill of gorilla trekking with a visit to neighboring Nkuringo in Bwindi. Unlike its bustling counterparts, Mgahinga exudes an aura of tranquility, offering less challenging treks amidst its serene surroundings.
While gorilla families frequently traverse the border between Rwanda and Uganda, only one family, the Nyakagazi group, is habituated for contact within Mgahinga, comprising an impressive lineup of five silverbacks, two adult females, and three young gorillas, ensuring an encounter both rare and unforgettable.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Located in the far northwest corner of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is a testament to the country’s commitment to conservation and biodiversity. Here, the dramatic slopes of the volcanic mountain range are not only a stunning backdrop but also serve as a sanctuary for the endangered mountain gorilla.
Beyond the majestic gorillas, the park encompasses a diverse tapestry of montane ecosystems, ranging from lush evergreen forests to serene bamboo thickets, open grasslands, and mysterious swamps. Amidst this rich habitat, the forest comes alive with the vibrant calls of over 200 species of birds, creating a symphony of nature that envelops visitors in its embrace.
But perhaps the most coveted experience in this pristine wilderness is the chance to track and encounter the elusive mountain gorillas, an intimate journey through the rainforest where every rustle and chirp holds the promise of a rare and magical encounter.
Virunga National Park, DRC
Perched on the eastern edge of the Congo Basin, Virunga National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, boasting an impressive array of flora and fauna within its vast expanse. As one of Africa’s most biodiverse protected areas, it shelters over a thousand species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, including a significant population of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas.
Aptly dubbed the “park of fire and ice,” Virunga’s allure lies in its diverse habitats, ranging from the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori mountains to sprawling savannas and volcanic plains. Amidst the lush greenery of the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest, this park stands as a testament to nature’s resilience and a beacon of hope for conservation efforts in the region.
When to go gorilla trekking
Mountain gorillas can be tracked throughout the year, as their movements aren’t tied to specific seasons. But like all things in life, timing is key here. The sweet spot typically lies just after the rainy season subsides, when the landscape is still lush and vibrant.
This period usually offers the best conditions for trekking, with clear trails and abundant foliage. Yet, predicting the exact timing can be tricky due to the unpredictability of weather patterns influenced by global warming.
Nonetheless, those aiming for this post-rainy season window are likely to witness the countryside at its most picturesque. While you shouldn’t fixate on specific months, targeting the months following the rainy season, which generally occurs between December to February and June to September, increases the likelihood of an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure.
Permits and Fees
Gorilla trekking permits are the golden tickets that grant access to the enchanting world of habituated gorilla groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. These permits are the cornerstone of any gorilla safari, ensuring that adventurers can immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring presence of these majestic creatures.
It’s imperative to secure your gorilla permit well in advance, ideally at least six months before your planned trek, especially during peak seasons. In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, permits come with a price tag of $1500 and can be obtained online, from the Rwanda Development Board offices, or directly from the park.
Uganda offers a more affordable option at $700 per day, attracting a steady stream of visitors eager to experience gorilla trekking without breaking the bank. There are over 152 permits issued daily by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, permits are priced at $400 per person, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers seeking an authentic gorilla encounter.
Enjoy your time with the gorillas
Gorilla trekking isn’t just about ticking an item off your bucket list or racking up likes on social media (though those are certainly nice bonuses). It’s about forging a connection with nature, experiencing a sense of wonder that’s all too rare in our fast-paced world, and gaining a newfound appreciation for the incredible diversity of life on this planet.
