Trekking Gorillas 101: All You Need to Know
An exceptional chance to see mountain gorillas in their native environment is provided by gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda. Both nations offer an unforgettable experience and have a long history of gorilla conservation. While Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park provides a more accessible and opulent experience, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is renowned for its sizable gorilla population.
After experiencing the joys of gorilla trekking on their honeymoon, our friends encouraged us to do the same. I would not advise going that way, though, as we went knowing very little. Here are all the things you should know before embarking on a gorilla trek.
Where to Find Mountain Gorillas
There exist four species of gorillas: Cross River, Mountain, Western Lowland, and Eastern Lowland. Mountain gorillas, residing at high altitudes, possess denser fur and inhabit larger social groupings than their relatives. They are located in the Virunga Mountains, a chain of extinct volcanoes bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda, as well as in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
Rwanda is presently the most favoured destination for trekking, as its park is more accessible and its tourism infrastructure is more advanced and upscale compared to Uganda. Conversely, the Congo is the least favoured due to safety apprehensions.
Why You Need to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda – Bwindi and Mgahinga Parks
Gorilla Permits
The visitation of mountain gorillas is meticulously regulated to save these critically endangered species. A permit is necessary for gorilla trekking, and costs differ based on the location. As of September 2024, the prices for a foreign non-resident are:
- Rwanda: US$1500 per person per day
- Uganda: US$800 per person per day
- DRC/Congo: US$400 per person per day
These licenses allow for one hour of interaction with the gorillas upon locating them, in order to minimise stress on the animals. Presently, Rwanda hosts 12 habituated gorilla families, with a daily visitation limit of 8 individuals per family, whereas Uganda has 13 such families. This constrains the overall quantity of licenses issued, so aiding in the regulation of tourism.
Funds generated from these permits are allocated to local conservation efforts, research initiatives, anti-poaching patrols, and similar activities.
We learnt that some individuals fail to observe gorillas during a single day visit due to the trackers’ inability to locate them for various reasons; so, we opted for a two-day excursion. The duration felt adequate, and we were quite content; I would not advise consecutive three-day visits.
Chimpanzee trekking serves as an alternative to gorilla trekking, costing US$250 per person per day in Uganda, with lower prices available in other locations.
What to Expect on a Gorilla Trek
For our Trekking Gorillas in Buhoma, Uganda, we departed from our lodge at 7:40 AM and convened at a central location in Buhoma, where we received a briefing regarding the gorillas, the park, and our itinerary for the day. Subsequently, we were divided into groups of eight based on our allocated gorilla families and received a detailed briefing about each family. For instance, on our initial day, we learnt that our gorilla family was the first to be habituated in 1993 and has one of the largest silverbacks in the forest.
Subsequently, we were allocated porters (local Ugandans capable of transporting our luggage and assisting us during challenging segments of the journey) if we desired their services (which we did, as noted in the Tips section below), utilised the loo once more, and then reconvened. We commenced our walk at approximately 8:30 AM.
Each group is accompanied by a guide and two armed guards, one positioned at the front and the other at the rear for protection. These guards are present to deter potential attacks from other wildlife, such as forest elephants or unhabituated gorillas, by discharging their firearms into the air to frighten the animals away. We have never experienced any encounters of this nature.
The assigned gorilla family dictates the length and challenge of your expedition. Trackers monitor the gorillas’ locations from the previous day to estimate their current whereabouts; but, since the gorillas forage, their movements are unpredictable, making it uncertain if a gorilla family that was accessible the prior day will remain so the following day.
The day prior to our second hike, a party traversed a drivable road that bisects the forest, where their gorilla family awaited them along the route. The following day, pursuing the same family, we trekked for 8 hours, ascending a mountain, descending, and then traversing laterally, navigating across the terrain without visible routes. We returned exceedingly late; the Ugandan drivers remarked that this was the latest a group of visitors had ever come back. One can never ascertain what to expect.
The majority of individuals often return by 2 to 3 PM, and I would normally advise preparing for a walk lasting three to six hours, which includes a one-hour interval to see the gorillas (who primarily remain stationary and feed) and a 15 to 30-minute break for lunch. Appreciate the walk, as the woodland is inherently exquisite.
Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is undeniably stunning, although it is distinctly untamed. Initially, you traverse trails or vehicular roads; however, as you approach the gorillas deeper within the forest, you encounter dense vegetation, steep and slippery paths, necessitating more rigorous trekking. When in proximity to them, you will be positioned on severed shrubs and vines to approach them more closely.
I contend that the structure on the Rwandan side is analogous; however, their forest predominantly consists of bamboo, resulting in a distinct landscape.
What to do When You Meet the Gorillas
Prior to approaching the gorillas, your guide will halt your progress, instruct you to hydrate (since it will be the final opportunity for an hour), don your masks, and retrieve your cameras. Subsequently, bidding a temporary farewell to your porters, you will accompany him towards the gorillas to engage in one hour of observation.
The gorillas will be remarkably proximate, and their presence is truly breathtaking. Utilise a subdued tone and maintain a respectful distance from them. The use of flash is also restricted, as it may harm their eyesight. The lighting conditions may be highly variable (e.g., on our second day, it rained and was notably dim), thus it is advisable to utilise a lens with a favourable aperture (f/2.8 or superior) and a focal length of approximately 24-70mm (24mm for contextual shots, potentially including you or your partner, and 70mm for close-ups of infants).
Absorb the experience, appreciate their distinctly human-like movements, and the hour will elapse before you realise it.
Upon departing from the gorillas, you will have the chance to provide gratuities to the trackers who will remain with them. You will subsequently descend with your party, guide, and porters, whom you may tip at the conclusion of the walk.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda – FACE TO FACE WITH WILD MOUNTAIN GORILLAS | Volcanoes National Park