Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda

Gorilla Trekking Safaris

Sitting silently on the cold ground of an East African tropical rainforest for 60 minutes might be one of life’s greatest privileges. The population of mountain gorillas in the past years dwindled to just 1000 gorillas. Gorilla Trekking has given an opportunity to tourists to observe these mysterious creatures and conservationists to keep multiplying that number.

Mountain gorillas only live in the dense misty mountain vegetation of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. And along the dormant volcanic Virunga mountain range that stretches across Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In 1981, environmentalists estimated there were only 254 mountain gorillas left in the world, but the small population is rising slowly thanks to intense international conservation efforts. Since these critically endangered creatures can’t survive in captivity, the only way to see them is by trekking up to their natural habitat: misty cloud forests that can reach altitudes of 14,763 feet (4,500 meters).

What is Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking sometimes called gorilla tracking is the activity of being guided (bypark guides and armed security) into the misty jungles of the gorilla habitat. Hiking, tracking and sometimes listening out in total silence and breaking twigs to get to a mountain gorilla family.

Once located and found, you’re allowed to spend 60 minutes in their presence with strict rules not to interfere with their ongoing living like camera shutters off. total silence, keeping three meters away, not looking the male silverback into his eyes, etc. After this intense experience, you’re let away through the trail that brought you.

All this can only happen after you purchase a gorilla permit. A card issued for a hefty amount, by the government wildlife authorities. Allows you to get up close to these mighty creatures.

Where To Go Gorilla Trekking

Mountain gorillas inhabit the dense forests surrounding the Virunga mountains in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uganda boasts two premier gorilla trekking spots: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. While gorillas roam freely across the Virungas, disregarding political borders, Uganda stands out as a hub for these majestic creatures. Bwindi alone is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas, giving Uganda a unique edge. Due to ongoing security concerns, the DRC is often ruled out as a trekking destination, leaving Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park as the only other option for gorilla trekking enthusiasts.

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit?

The Uganda Wildlife Authority issues gorilla permits, which can be obtained directly from their Kampala office or through a licensed tour operator like Kyooma Gorilla Safaris. Specifically, the 2024 gorilla permit prices are as follows: USD 800 per person for foreigners, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African Nationals. In contrast, Rwanda charges US$1,500 per person per day for a gorilla permit. To acquire a permit, simply contact our reservation desk or directly reach out to the issuing wildlife authority.

Notably, strict regulations govern the gorilla trekking process to ensure the gorillas’ health and well-being. For instance, the gorilla trekking permit process has limited daily viewings for each gorilla group. Consequently, visitors must apply well in advance of their desired dates to secure a spot. Moreover, this precautionary measure helps maintain a safe distance between humans and gorillas, protecting both parties.

More Than Gorilla Trekking

Rwanda and Uganda’s tourism industry has become a lucrative goldmine, with most visitors flocking to see the majestic mountain gorillas. As a result, trekkers are encouraged to give back to the communities they visit. One popular way to do this is by hiring a local porter, often a reformed poacher, who expertly guides trekkers through the unpredictable and challenging park landscapes. These porters skillfully navigate river crossings and steep, muddy inclines.

Additionally, visitors can participate in community-led cultural initiatives. The Bwindi Bar in Bwindi village actively trains young adults in hospitality, providing rigorous classes and hands-on work experience. Meanwhile, elders of the Batwa tribe lead visitors on a forest tour along the Batwa Trail, sharing their traditional knowledge of medicinal plants and showcasing their self-sufficient, forest-dwelling way of life.

What To Expect

One look at southwestern Uganda’s green terraced hills and rolling volcanic slopes reveals that this area of the country is not for the faint of heart. Combine the high altitude with the challenging terrain, and gorilla trekking in Uganda promises to be the adventure of a lifetime.

Reaching the gorillas is hard work. You’ll navigate uphill and downhill through thick tangles of vines, thorns, and roots. Aptly named, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is only accessible by foot. There are no paths, no signs, no directions—and often no clearings (which is why park rangers carry machetes). The good news? The reward feels that much better after all the hard work.