What to Expect on the Gorilla Trekking Adventure?

What to Expect on the Gorilla Trekking Adventure?

There are few wildlife encounters that are as awe-inspiring and memorable as silently observing a family of mountain gorillas as they go about their day undisturbed in their natural habitat.

About Mountain Gorillas

Mountain gorillas scientifically known as “Gorilla beringei beingei” are giant primates, a subspecies of the eastern gorilla only found in East and Central Africa. It is the biggest primate, larger, more powerful, and has thicker, longer fur than other gorilla species, allowing them to survive only in harsh environments at high altitudes and in extreme cold.

Like human thumbprints, mountain gorillas have a nose print unique to each individual.

Mountain gorillas are the most threatened species to extinction and the only gorilla species found in Uganda, Rwanda and DR.Congo. Uganda’s rain forests hosts over half of the world’s mountain gorilla population found in the Virunga Mountain slopes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. In Rwanda, mountain gorillas are found in Volcanoes National Park and in DR.Congo are found in Virunga National Park.

Where You can do Gorilla Trekking.

Mountain gorillas are only found in the dense rainforests of Central and East Africa, and gorilla trekking can only be done in three destinations currently, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda (DR.Congo’s Virunga National Park is currently closed to gorilla trekking due to political unrest).

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

With two gorilla trekking destinations, Uganda is the best place to go gorilla trekking in Africa. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the premier destination for gorilla trekking, boasting half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, the park is home to 21 habituated gorilla families, including the famous Mubare, Habinyanja and Rushegura groups.

To take part in gorilla trekking in Uganda, a gorilla permit costs US$ 800 per person per trek. This permit allows visitors to embark on an unforgettable adventure, trekking through the lush forests and experiencing the thrill of encountering these majestic creatures up close.

Uganda offers a more immersive gorilla experience – the Gorilla Habituation Experience – allowing visitors to immerse themselves with a semi-habituated gorilla family for an extended 4-hour period, far surpassing the standard 1 hour encounter with the gorillas.

Rwanda

Rwanda is one of the best gorilla trekking destination renowned for offering the most accessible gorilla trekking experience.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park, a stunning mountainous Volcanoes National Park – home to 12 habituated gorilla families. The park is situated only a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali, making it the most accessible gorilla trekking destination in the world, with a permit costing $ 1,500 per person per trek.

Here is what to expect on the gorilla trekking adventure.

Pre-Trek Briefing

Before embarking on your gorilla trekking adventure, you will take part in the mandatory pre-trek briefing at the park’s headquarters conducted by a senior guide. This informative session is designed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both visitors and the gorillas.

Rangers will outline the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking, including maintaining a safe distance, not touching or feeding the gorillas, and staying within the group. Also, you will learn about potential hazards, such as steep terrain, inclement weather, and encounters with other wildlife.

Rangers will provide insights into the behavior and habitat of the gorillas, as well as the terrain and conditions you will encounter during the trek. Trekkers are assigned to a small group of typically 6-8 people, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience and allocated a specific gorilla family to track, taking into account factors like the family location, size and behavior.

The Trekking Experience

Trekking through the rainforests and its uneven terrain is a physically demanding adventure that requires preparation and endurance. The hike can take anywhere from 1-6 hours or move, depending on the gorillas movement and where they spent their previous night. Also, the trek involves navigating the dense forest, steep hills, muddy paths, and thick vegetation.

The weather can be unpredictable with rain being common even in the dry season, and trails can be slippery and challenging. A reasonable level of fitness is essential, and sturdy hiking boots, waterproof gear, and trekking poles are highly recommended.

Overall, gorilla trekking is a thrilling experience that requires careful preparation and physical effort, but also offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Intimate Encounter with the Gorillas

Once you locate the gorillas, you will have a magical hour to observe them from a safe distance of about 7 meters. During this time, you will witness their natural behavior including feeding, grooming, playing and interacting with each other.

In this period of time, you will be fascinated by their agility, intelligence and social complexity, and humbled by their emotional depth. Maintaining a safe distance ensures both your safety and the well-being of the gorillas, allowing you to observe them without disruption.

This unforgettable experience will leave you with a deeper connection with nature and appreciation for these incredible creatures and a renewed commitment to conservation efforts.

Rules and Etiquette

For a safe and enjoyable gorilla trekking experience, it is essential to follow certain guidelines as follows

• Maintain a safe distance of at least 7 meters from gorillas, unless one approaches you and in this case, remain calm and follow your guide’s instructions.
• Refrain from using flash photography and take photos quietly and calmly to avoid disturbing the gorillas
• Stay quiet at all times and avoid sudden movements to prevent stressing or provoking the gorillas.
• If you feel unwell, you won’t be allowed to participate in the gorilla trek, this is done to prevent the transmission of diseases to the gorillas.

By following these guidelines, you will contribute to a safe, enjoyable and memorable gorilla trekking experience.

Post – Trek Experience

After your encounter with the gentle giants, you will hike back to the base, receive a certificate of participation and head to your lodge for an evening of relaxation, share stories of your day’s adventure at a campfire.