Gorilla trekking tours

Most people who want to see mountain gorillas travel with a gorilla trekking tour operator. There are a few reasons for this, like less admin and safe and cost-effective travel.

So of course you want to choose a good tour operator – you don’t want a company that will in any way fudge this special trip! In this blog post we answer all of your questions about gorilla trekking tours so you feel empowered to choose a good tour operator.

Gorilla trekking refers to embarking on a guided group hike through the forest to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Because mountain gorillas don’t live anywhere in the world outside of the forests of Central and East Africa, gorilla trekking is the only way for humans to see and observe these special and rare apes. 

Our clients Amber and Scott took this snap of their gorilla trek guide

Gorilla trekking has become a very popular trip with conservationists, nature and animal lovers, eco tourists, and adventure travellers.

Fortunately mountain gorillas aren’t aggressive animals, unless provoked. That means we as humans get to come in relatively close contact with them on a gorilla trek.

In fact, you can usually come within a few metres of a gorilla troop. It’s an incredibly special experience that seems to leave a lasting impression on everyone who goes.

Gorilla trekking involves going on a guided hike to find a specific gorilla troop and spend an hour in their company

The mountain gorillas that you trek to see are those that have become habituated to the presence of humans. The process of gorilla habituation takes about two to three years.

Even though the gorillas you visit have become used to the presence of humans, there are still strict rules in place to protect them, their lifestyle, and the habitat. As there should be.

For starters, only one group of eight people is allowed to visit each gorilla troop per day. And each visit lasts only for an hour. Other rules, as discussed in 20 things to know about mountain gorilla trekking, include not making loud noises and sudden movements. Common sense sort of stuff, really. 

You trek through dense montane rainforest to see a gorilla troop

The finer points, like which hand signals might be problematic in front of a gorilla, are shared with you by your trek guide.

Mountain gorillas live in the montane (mountain) forests of East and Central Africa. The mountain range where they live is called the Virunga Mountains, and it consists of extinct volcanic mountains.

The Virunga Mountains stretch for 80 km (50 mi) over the border region of the DRC, Uganda and Rwanda. Given the current unrest in DRC, gorilla trekking takes place almost exclusively within Rwanda and Uganda.

You can go gorilla trekking in either Uganda or Rwanda. Rwanda and Uganda are neighbours, and their respective mountain gorilla populations live on either side of the border within the same forest ecosystem. 

Both countries have their pros and cons when it comes to gorilla trekking, and we discuss these in detail in Gorilla trekking Rwanda vs Uganda. A big factor in favour of Uganda is that it's by far the cheaper option. In Rwanda a gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 per person. Uganda, on the other hand, charges just $700. 

In Uganda you can visit mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. The gorilla population in Mgahinga isn’t as large and steady as that of Bwindi, making the latter the better and more popular option. At Follow Alice we head straight to Bwindi.

At Follow Alice we take our Uganda visitors to the Equator line too

Gorilla trekking isn’t cheap. This is because a gorilla trekking permit is expensive:

As you can see, Rwanda charges much more than Uganda for a gorilla trekking permit. That's their prerogative. In general Rwanda tends to target a wealthier travel, which is why many budget-minded travellers head to Uganda to see mountain gorillas.

Permits sell out well in advance, so it’s a good idea to book early or you might be sitting forlornly on the edge of the forest, watching others head off on a gorilla trek without you. Sad, sad, sad.

Every gorilla trek group is limited to eight people

So yes, gorilla trekking is undeniably expensive, even if you head to Uganda. Primarily this is because lots of money is needed for gorilla conservation.

When you go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, 75% of your permit fee goes to the park's gorilla conservation efforts. The Government of Uganda takes 15%. And the remaining 10% goes to the local communities surrounding the park. This is because their tribal land has been given over to gorilla preservation.

You're allowed amazingly close to the mountain gorillas on a trek

The financial needs of the mountain gorilla parks in both Rwanda and Uganda are substantial. They need to: 

A high tariff per gorilla trekker also helps the parks to cover their costs while keeping trekker numbers low. It’s important that gorillas – even habituated ones – not be overexposed to humans. Gorillas are susceptible to human diseases, for starters. Also, an overrun park would likely mean damaged vegetation, a degree of litter, and other sad marks of human existence.

So while a gorilla trekking permit is indeed costly, many console themselves that they’re making a meaningful contribution to the conservation and hopefully prosperity of these special apes.   

Is it just us, or does this gorilla look like he's just had a fantastic blow wave??

Yes, gorilla trekking is safe. The countries are safe to visit, the trek itself is reasonably safe, and mountain gorillas (especially those habituated to people) aren't dangerous.

We provide a few more details on each point below to further calm any fears or concerns you might have ...

Both Rwanda and Uganda are stable countries with thriving tourism industries.

And the are well run. Visitor safety is a top priority, and experienced trek guides always accompany every gorilla trekking party.

Further, park rangers and tourism police are on duty every day to ensure the safety of both visitors and the mountain gorillas.

Ugandans are renowned for being incredibly welcoming, warm and hospitable with foreigners

Aside from the usual dangers accompanying any hike into nature and the mountains, the trek is safe.

You can ask to go on a short or long hike; be honest with yourself and the trek guide about your fitness level. There are no large predatory animals in Bwindi Park, so no worries on that score. 

Note that you generally bushwhack to get to the gorillas – they obviously don’t sit themselves at the terminus of a trail like a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. 

A mountain gorilla troop

We suggest you read 20 things to know about mountain gorilla trekking if you’d like to know what clothing and equipment to bring for the trek.

Note too that occasionally some trekkers experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness, as the air is thinner up in the mountains. 

Mountain gorillas are gentle creatures, so gorilla trekking is quite safe in that respect too.

Further, the troops that trekkers visit have become habituated to the presence of humans.

Your trek guide brings you within a few metres of the creatures, and you can stay for an hour with them to observe them as they play, groom themselves, and more. 

Mountain gorillas aren't aggressive unless provoked

When investing time and money into a gorilla trek, you want to ensure you invest it well. This means choosing a reputable tour operator.

While you can book a gorilla trekking permit yourself, we find most people value the help of a tour operator. One of the reasons for this is that a gorilla trek is often part of a broader East Africa trip. A tour operator can be useful in booking accommodation and activities, organising group transport, acting as tour guide, looking after you, and more.

Follow Alice is an experienced, reliable and fun gorilla trekking tour operator

There are many tour operators out there; some offer a great service, while others ... not so much.

So how do you separate the wheat from the chaff?

Here are a few ways to ensure you’re dealing with a professional and reliable company that also has proper gorilla trekking experience:

A well-organised gorilla trek requires planning and knowledge of the system.

A good tour operator knows, for instance, which gate of Bwindi Park to take you to based on your permit. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a big place – 331 km2 (128 sq mi) – and arriving at the wrong gate will likely mean that you miss your trek!

You want a company that thinks of everything for you, like reminding you to bring your passport with you on the day to be let into the park. 

Map showing the different entrance gates and sections of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda

Most companies offering gorilla trekking do so as part of packages that take in other sights in Rwanda or Uganda. Both countries offer excellent safari opportunities, among other things, so why not do some game-spotting while you’re in that neck of the woods? 

Both Rwanda and Uganda offer excellent safaris

You also want to choose a tour operator with feet on the ground – not one that outsources the gorilla trekking trip to another company.

And you want someone who is there with you at all times, looking after your safety, ensuring the smooth running of your trip, and just generally serving as your touchpoint throughout your adventure. 

At Follow Alice we have knowledgeable local leaders who ensure you are where you need to be, with the equipment you need, the morning of the gorilla trek. They also look after your safety throughout the rest of your trip, answer your questions, troubleshoot any issues that may arise, and just generally look after you.

The goal of our local leaders is always to ensure you have a fantastic and utterly memorable time in Uganda or Rwanda! 

Our clients Brad and Rebecca in at the Dian Fossey gravesite with their guide Peter

One of the things that is vital to a good gorilla trek is coming properly prepared. Our article 20 things to know about mountain gorilla trekking is a good one to read before heading to Uganda for a gorilla trek. In it we discuss the sorts of footwear and clothes you should wear for the trek. 

Another factor in a good gorilla trek is taking on a hike that’s the right length and difficulty for you. Gorilla treks vary in duration. Some opt for the shortest hike, which can be about 30 minutes each way. Others choose a more arduous hike that can last a few hours.

If you travel with a tour operator, they'll ask after your preference before making a booking on your behalf.

None of the gorilla trek hikes are a dawdle, however: there are likely to be some steep climbs, the ground can be muddy, stinging nettles will try to leave their mark on you, and insects will search out bare flesh. The high altitude and humidity might also be a challenge for some.

You can generally ask for a longer or shorter hike to suit your preference

If you’re fit and want to see as much of the forest as possible, it’s important to go on a longer trek.

The Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Park is higher in altitude than the others, and the treks there are generally longer, so it’s better that only the young and very fit head there. We recommend a shorter trek of under an hour for anyone unused to hiking or strenuous exercise. 

For some, a porter might be a good idea. A porter will carry your water, fancy camera equipment, or whatever it is you want to take with you. Your porter is also there to help you navigate any sections of the walk that are tricky.

Please consider tipping your porter if you're happy with the service, as tipping is customary in this part of the world.

And speaking of cameras, be sure to bring yours along. But note that you’ll have to keep the flash turned off so as to not disturb the gorillas. It can get quite gloomy at times in the forest, but you’ll have to make do with the natural light.

You might consider bringing along a tripod to allow for longer exposures. 

All that said, remember to not spend your entire hour behind a camera.

Try to be present in the moment, breathing in the forest scents, listening to the sounds of nature, and watching the intricacies of the social interactions of the gorillas. If you’re going in a group, perhaps assign one person to be team photographer.

Or just decide that you’ll take a few photos and then put your camera away so you can sit and silently observe.

Protecting the mountain gorillas and their forest habitat requires hefty resources, hence the expensive gorilla trekking fee

Speak to anyone and they’ll tell you the same thing: gorilla trekking is 100% worth it! The time, the money, the effort – nobody regrets investing in a gorilla trek.

On a gorilla trek you encounter a species of ape that shares 98% of our human DNA. These similarities make for an extraordinary meeting.

It’s fascinating, for example, to watch the young gorillas at ‘play’, which includes activities like climbing trees, swinging from branches, and chasing one another.

For a whole hour you get to quietly observe these mighty animals as they engage with each other, munch on leaves and roots, groom themselves, suckle their infants, and more. You’re close enough to look into the gorillas’ eyes, and many visitors come away with an increased sense of connection to the animal world and nature in general.

Spending time with these fascinating primates is a privilege most of the world never experiences

You might be interested to know that:

Gorillas live in family units called troops

Unfortunately mountain gorillas are an endangered species, mostly thanks to humans. The plight of mountain gorillas was brought to international attention by Dian Fossey through her 1983 book Gorillas in the Mist. You’ve probably seen the movie adaptation starring Sigourney Weaver.

When you go on a gorilla trek your permit fee helps to protect these incredible creatures

Most mountain gorillas live in the Virunga Massif, a volcanic mountain range that runs along the border region of the DRC, Uganda and Rwanda.

A recent census put the Virunga mountain gorilla population at around a thousand individuals.

There are no known mountain gorillas in captivity. This means you can only see mountain gorillas by flying to Africa and visiting them in their natural habitat. What a great excuse for an African adventure!

Something else that makes gorilla trekking so special is having the opportunity to trek through a highly remote and pristine rainforest. Both Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda contain Afromontane forest, which is ancient and extremely diverse.

The Virunga Mountains are often shrouded in mist

In Bwindi Forest, for instance, you have more than a hundred fern species as well as about 140 tree species. These tree species include the Guinea plum, African alpine bamboo, and African mahogany.

The Virunga Mountains are a truly breathtaking part of the world.

Being so close to the Equator, the forests are humid; streams, waterfalls, rivulets and dripping leaves are all standard! And during your gorilla trek you can look forward to a vibrant rainforest soundtrack. There’ll be flitting and buzzing insects, frog croaks, bird calls and wing flaps, dripping water and splashing streams, monkey howls, and, of course, the closer you get to them, gorilla grunts!

Grey-cheeked mangabeys are among the various primates living in Bwindi Forest

We believe gorilla trekking is a fantastic experience for just about anyone.

There are, however, a couple of exclusions: children under the age of 15, and those unable to engage in a short hike.

For everyone else, gorilla trekking presents a wonderful opportunity for an eco adventure. It's suitable for groups as well as solo travellers. It's even a great adventure honeymoon idea in our opinion.

A Follow Alice gorilla trek group

You can go gorilla trekking any time of the year, as mountain gorillas don’t migrate, hibernate or anything of that sort.

That said, gorilla trekking in the wet season is a very muddy and slippery experience, so maybe don’t go then. The best times of year for gorilla trekking are the two dry seasons: mid December to early February, and June to September.

Don't wear anything fancy or special to you on a gorilla trek as it can get very muddy sometimes

The word dry is, however, fairly relative. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda as well Mgahinga and Bwindi in Uganda experience rain and mist to some degree throughout the year.

And when you go gorilla trekking, mud happens, and it happens hard. So leave your fancy kicks at home. 

The Uganda Wildlife Authority currently offers visitors a full-day gorilla habituation experience.

Habituation refers to the years-long process whereby a particular gorilla troop is made to grow accustomed to the presence of humans. Park staff spend hours each day in the presence of the troop, observing and learning about them, helping them grow accustomed to the presence of humans, and gradually readying them for visits from the public. 

A gorilla habituation experience is the ultimate gorilla trek

The habituation experience takes place in Rushaga, the southern sector of Bwindi Forest National Park. Rushaga is the only sector of Bwindi where gorilla troops undergo the habituation process. And it’s also the only place in the world offering a mountain gorilla habituation experience.

The permit for this experience is $1,500. 

Only eight visitors in total are allowed to take part in the habituation experience each day. There are two gorilla troops in the process of being habituated, so that’s four visitors per troop. You therefore absolutely have to book well in advance to secure one of these spots. 

It's amazing given their size and strength how docile mountain gorillas generally are

On the day of the trek, you’ll head out into the forest in the company of trek guides and trackers. The trackers will lead you through the forest to find one of the gorilla troops undergoing habituation.

Once you’ve found them, you spend four precious hours with them. During this time you as a visitor watch and engage in the habituation process.

This could mean being asked by the guides to make certain noises, for instance. The gorilla habituation experience is a rare treat, and something you’ll no doubt be telling others about for the rest of your life!

A gorilla habituation experience lets you spend four hours with a gorilla troop

If you’re keen on seeing mountain gorillas in the wild, chances are you’d also love to see chimpanzees in the wild. The beautiful Kibale Forest National Park, which is about 230 km north of Bwindi Forest, is one of the best places in the world to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. 

Chimpanzee trekking here costs just $150.

Humans and chimps share about 99% DNA!

Similar to gorilla trekking, small groups go on a hike with trained rangers to see and spend time with a chimpanzee troop in the wild.

Chimps are very similar to gorillas in many ways, while also of course having easily noticeable differences like size and shape. One of the main differences between a chimpanzee trek and a gorilla trek is that chimps spend much of their lives in trees. So a chimpanzee trek has you looking up a lot more.

Fortunately, the best times of year for chimp trekking are the same as for gorilla trekking: November to February, and June to October.

At Follow Alice we offer a gorilla trekking Uganda trip as well as a gorilla trekking Rwanda trip. We’re also more than happy to organise a gorilla habituation experience in Uganda for anyone who’s keen to spend even more time with the gorillas.

If you’d like to chat more with us about Uganda or Rwanda, mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, or anything else vaguely related, please feel free to drop us a line!

We’re regular folks like you with a thirst to explore our beautiful planet. Let’s each sit down with a cuppa and have a cyber chat, or we can chat via email. Whatever floats your boat. ⛵️