
All you need to know about gorilla trekking tours
So you are considering going gorilla trekking but are unsure about what it involves? We've got you covered. This post answers all your questions about gorilla trekking in Uganda.
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What is gorilla trekking?


Trekkers visit habituated mountain gorillas

Where can I go gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking Rwanda vs Uganda

How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost?
Is gorilla trekking safe?
Uganda and Rwanda are safe countries for visitors

The trek itself is safe

Mountain gorillas are gentle giants

What to look for in a tour operator

How to find a good tour operator
Browse the website to see that everything is solid and consistent Check for a physical address in the contact info. Browse the gorilla trekking section – a company that offers gorilla treks should offer plenty of details about it on their website. Compare their gorilla trekking prices with those of competitors; if it’s drastically cheaper, check they can explain why (remember, the gorilla trekking permit is a fixed fee in both Uganda and Rwanda). Search for independent reviews of their services and gorilla treks, not just those on their website (which could be made up). Check out their social media platforms, and read the comments. Ask them some questions about gorilla trekking and see if the responses provide sufficient detail. Assess their communication with you – don’t ignore your gut if it’s saying something is off.

What else is in the gorilla trekking package?

Find a company with feet on the ground

Things that make a gorilla trek good
Do a trek that’s the right difficulty for you

Hire a porter
Bring your camera

Is gorilla trekking worth it?
We've never met anyone who was anything less than thrilled with their gorilla trekking experience!

A few facts about mountain gorillas
The scientific name for the mountain gorilla is gorilla beringei beringei . Mountain gorillas live in high mountain forests. They’re a species distinct from other gorillas like the lowland gorilla (Gorillas World explains the different gorilla types nicely). Mountain gorillas are social creatures, and live in family groups known as troops or bands. Mountain gorilla babies are called infants, and they ride on their mother’s backs for two to three years. Older adult males are called silverbacks because they develop silver fur on their back and hips at around age 12. The average mountain gorilla lives for about 35 years in the wild. When fully grown, a mountain gorilla stands about four to six feet high. Mountain gorillas are vegetarians, eating shoots, bark, roots, fruit, wild celery and pulp.

Mountain gorillas are endangered

You hike through pristine rainforest
If you’re interested in botany, your heart will start racing with delight the moment you step into the forest on your gorilla trek!

Who should go gorilla trekking?
You have to be 15 years or older to go on a gorilla trek.

What's the best time for gorilla trekking?

Gorilla habituation experience
The four-hour gorilla habituation experience is only offered in Uganda.

How much does a gorilla habituation experience cost?
Only two groups of four can take part in a gorilla habituation each day, so book well in advance to enjoy this amazing experience.

What can I expect of my gorilla habituation experience?

Chimpanzee trekking
A chimpanzee trekking permit in Uganda's Kibale Forest National Park costs just US$150.
