Gorilla trekking involves hiking through dense montane and mixed vegetation to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. This highly sought-after activity attracts many tourists eager to encounter these rare primates. Mountain gorillas, classified as endangered, are found exclusively in the Virunga Conservation Area, which spans the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. This region encompasses national parks such as Virunga National Park in Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. A gorilla trekking tour in these countries offers a unique opportunity to see these remarkable primates up close.

Where Can You Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa?

Gorilla trekking is limited to the Virunga Conservation Area in East Africa, which includes montane and mixed vegetation zones across three countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. The key national parks in this region are Virunga National Park (Congo), Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda).

Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

Located in eastern Congo near the Uganda border, Virunga National Park is a cornerstone of the Virunga Conservation Area and a haven for mountain gorillas. Spanning approximately 7,800 square kilometers in the Albertine Rift Valley, the park was established in 1925 to safeguard its wildlife, including primates like mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, monkeys, and the endangered golden monkey, which can also be trekked. Past political instability and rebel activity in the region led to poaching and disrupted tourism, but restored peace has revitalized gorilla trekking in the park.

Costs of Gorilla Trekking in Congo: Permit prices vary by nationality. Congolese citizens pay $20, East African citizens and resident foreigners pay $200, and non-resident foreigners pay $400.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Situated in the Virunga Conservation Area, Volcanoes National Park is renowned for hosting mountain gorillas and five of the Virunga Mountains’ volcanoes: Gahinga, Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Karisimbi, and Bisoke. Covering about 160 square kilometers, this park, established in 1925 by the Belgian colonial government, is one of Africa’s oldest and Rwanda’s first national park, created to protect gorillas from poaching. The park was home to primatologist Dian Fossey, who fled Congo due to unrest and established the Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda. During the 1992 Rwandan civil war, the center was attacked, and Fossey was killed. Safety was restored in 1999, reopening the park for tourism.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park involves hiking through montane and bamboo forests to locate gorillas. The experience begins with a briefing at the park office, where visitors are informed about trekking rules and grouped into parties of eight, led by a professional ranger. Porters are available to carry luggage. Once the gorillas are found, visitors spend one hour observing them in their natural environment, often encountering other primates along the way.

Costs of Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: Rwanda’s permits are the most expensive in the region. Non-foreign residents pay $1,500, foreign residents pay $1,000, and East African citizens pay $500. Funds from permits support conservation efforts.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda, part of the Virunga Conservation Area, is home to two gorilla trekking destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which together host over half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: This park is home to over 400 mountain gorillas across approximately 50 families, with 18 habituated for trekking. The park is divided into sectors—Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga, and Ruhija. Trekking starts with a briefing at sector offices, followed by a guided hike through the forest to find the gorillas. Along the way, visitors may spot other primates like blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Once located, trekkers spend one hour with the gorillas, observing their behavior in the montane jungle.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: This park hosts over 100 mountain gorillas, with one habituated gorilla family available for trekking. The process mirrors Bwindi, beginning with a briefing, grouping into parties of eight, and a guided trek through bamboo forests to locate the gorillas. Visitors spend one hour with the gorillas once found.

Costs of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Permit costs vary by nationality. Non-resident foreigners pay $800, resident foreigners pay $700, and East African citizens pay UGX 300,000. A portion of these fees supports conservation and local community development.

What to Pack for a Gorilla Trekking Tour

Trekking through rugged, slippery terrain requires proper preparation. Essential items include:

• Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is critical during the energy-intensive trek.
• Energy Snacks: Long treks necessitate snacks to maintain energy levels.
• Hiking Boots: Sturdy boots designed for tough, muddy terrain are essential.
• Rain Jacket: Unpredictable weather, including rain in the dry season, makes a rain jacket vital.
• Long-Sleeved Shirts: These protect against thorny vegetation and insects in the forest.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, depending on your schedule and travel preferences. The dry season (June to September and December to February) is ideal, as thinner vegetation improves gorilla visibility and drier terrain simplifies navigation. However, the wet season offers lower accommodation costs, making it appealing for budget travelers during this quieter period.