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Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking, a rare and exclusive wildlife experience, is a top draw for African travelers. The limited permits sell out quickly, adding to the allure of this unique adventure. The tourism sectors in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are closely linked to the mountain gorilla’s survival. They are prominently featured in local advertising, further emphasizing the exclusivity of the experience.
These countries offer many wildlife experiences beyond gorilla trekking, including game viewing, chimpanzee tracking, and bird watching. The customizable safaris, ranging from 1 to 24 days, promise an exciting and diverse exploration of the region’s wildlife and cultural heritage, sure to thrill any adventure seeker.
Mountain gorilla tours occur only in two locations: the Virunga Mountains, spanning Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwest Uganda. Mountain gorillas exist solely in the wild, with no zoos housing them. Bwindi holds the highest population at around 450, followed by Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda (about 350) and Virunga National Park in Congo (approximately 200). The 2018 census indicated 1,064 mountain gorillas in the wild, likely more today. Uganda and Rwanda are particularly popular for seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Gorilla Tours: Choosing the Best Destination
Gorilla trekking is an awe-inspiring experience, and the choice of destination can affect your trip. Key factors include the cost of permits, travel distance from the airport, accommodation quality, transport options, and security.
Rwanda is the most expensive option, with gorilla permits priced at $1,500, aiming for high-end tourism with luxurious lodges. Uganda’s permits are more affordable at $700 for foreign non-residents and as low as 250,000 Ugandan Shillings for East African residents. The Democratic Republic of Congo offers the cheapest permits at $400, but it is less popular due to civil unrest.
Rwanda provides easier access: It is only a three-hour drive from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes National Park, compared to over ten hours from Entebbe to Bwindi in Uganda. Rwanda and Uganda are politically stable, ensuring a safe experience for travelers.

Best Season for Gorilla Tours
The dry season, from June to September and December to February, is the ideal time for gorilla trekking. This period ensures the best conditions for trekking, making the experience more enjoyable and successful. Regardless of the season, travelers should pack essentials like rain jackets and hiking boots, as rain can occur anytime in these areas.
Gorilla Permits
A gorilla permit is essential for visiting mountain gorillas. To enhance conservation efforts, only eight permits are issued daily for each habituated family. The easiest way to obtain a permit is through a credible tour agent, who can purchase it after receiving a booking fee. Due to limited availability, travelers should book at least six months in advance.

Gorilla Trekking Guidelines
Before trekking, visitors are briefed on guidelines aimed at prioritizing the welfare of the gorillas. These include limiting visitors to eight per group and restricting visits to one hour. Touching gorillas and making noise are prohibited to minimize human interference.

National Parks for Gorilla Tours
Gorilla tours occur in four national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the DRC. Bwindi is the most popular, home to over 20 habituated families. Volcanoes has 12 families, Virunga has 8, and Mgahinga hosts one family that periodically visits from Rwanda. Visitors may also spot other wildlife like golden monkeys, forest elephants, and various bird species during their tours.

What to Pack for Gorilla Tours
Gorilla trekking requires special gear for the dense jungles of montane rainforests. It’s a physically demanding activity, so it’s important to be prepared. Essential items include hiking boots, gloves, khaki trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, and a rain jacket. Your lodge typically provides drinking water, a packed lunch, and snacks.
Gorilla Families
Gorillas live in social family groups, usually led by a silverback male, with family sizes ranging from 2 to 30 members. Popular habituated families in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park include Susa, Agashya, and Mahoro.
Gorilla Tours in Rwanda 
Rwanda’s gorilla tours occur in Volcanoes National Park, home to 12 habituated gorilla families. Although permits are costlier than in Uganda and DR Congo, the park’s easy access and gentler terrain make trekking here less strenuous and more efficient.
Kwita Izina – Gorilla Naming Ceremony 
Rwanda’s ‘Kwita Izina’ is an annual ceremony held in September. During this time, newborn gorillas are named to aid in conservation efforts. The event, which attracts international guests, has significantly contributed to the increase in mountain gorilla numbers. Over 350 gorillas have received names since 2005, helping to monitor their populations.
Uganda Gorilla Tours
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwest Uganda is the premier destination for gorilla tours, home to over 450 mountain gorillas and more than 20 habituated groups. The park is divided into four sectors: Rushaga, Ruhija, Buhoma, and Nkuringo, where permits are allocated to support responsible tourism. Most travelers access Bwindi from Kigali, Rwanda, for a shorter journey.

In the Rushaga sector of Bwindi, visitors can participate in a unique gorilla habituation experience. This allows you to spend extended time with gorillas, observing their behavior and interactions. Only four guests per day join the rangers in this intimate experience, which costs $1,500 per person. Planning ahead is crucial, as permits sell out quickly.
In the DR Congo, visitors can see mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park and lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Eight habituated gorilla families live in Virunga, and permits cost $400. However, due to occasional instability in eastern Congo, it’s essential to check security conditions before planning a trek.