Visit the Mountain Gorillas : Trekking for Mountain Gorillas in the rainforests and observing their daily interactions of these critically vulnerable primates is arguably one of the great wildlife experiences in the world and a greatest life privilege.
Follow a habituated gorilla family as they go about their lives, watch how a female gorillas “mother” tenderly feeds her young under a watchful gaze of a silverback – weighing over 200 kg as he keeps a protective eye over his troop. Spending time with a distant relative is a profound experience that makes spending time with the endangered mountain gorillas an unsurpassable wildlife encounter.
Mountain Gorillas are critically endangered primates and highly sociable creatures, they spend most of the waking hours searching for food on the ground, moving less than 1 kilometer a day which makes tracking them easy. On a gorilla trek, you will be guided by an experienced gorilla tracker through the park’s towering Africa bamboo, weaving vines, African redwoods and flowering lobelias to the areas where you will have a soul-stirring face to face encounter with one of the closest living relatives of man-kind.
Where to Go for a Mountain Gorillas Visit
Mountain gorillas are only found in the equatorial rainforests of East-Central Africa in three countries; Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. There are only about 1,060 mountain gorillas left on earth and trekking into their native forests is the only to see them. Unlike other species of gorillas, mountain gorillas cannot survive in captivity.
Mountain Gorillas Visit in Africa is currently possible in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
- Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Rwanda offers the most accessible gorilla trekking in the world, Volcanoes National Park lies only 80 kilometers (50 miles) – about three hours by road from Kigali International Airport is the flagship reserve for tourism in the country.
Situated in north-western Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park covers 160 square kilometers of rainforest, encompassing five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains Range. The park is a mystical gorilla conservation experiences in Rwanda and it served as a base for extensive studies on these endangered primates by the famous American primatologist – Dian Fossey.
On your Mountain Gorillas Visit, you can even pay your respects at Fossey’s Grave.
There are 23 groups of gorillas living in and around Volcanoes National Park, of which 12 groups are fully habituated for mountain gorillas visit, with the other groups habituated solely for scientific research. Each gorilla group consists of at least one silverback along with several females and youngsters.
Insider Tip – while Rwanda offers unparalleled convenience and luxury, it is important to note that the Gorilla Permits here are pricier, currently at $ 1,500 which doubles the cost of gorilla permits in Uganda. This makes Rwanda a more expensive gorilla trekking destination option for budget-conscious travelers.
Best For – Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is best for travelers with limited time. You can simply land in Kigali, be driven to your lodge, Trek Mountain gorillas the next day, and leave for the airport the same day making it possible to wrap up your gorilla trekking trip in 2 days.
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Home to half of the remaining mountain gorilla population with a total of 21 habituated gorilla groups, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers truly unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.
Mountain gorillas live in an impenetrable forest dominating Uganda’s South-western mountains, a day’s drive (approximately 10 to 11 hours) from the capital Kampala. For a quick transfer, charter flights are available but a bit costly.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dominated by both montane and lowland forest that provides a verdant habitat for about 120 species of mammals, 350 bird species, 220 butterfly species and many more reptile and amphibian species. Unlike other gorilla destinations, Bwindi offers a wider variety of gorilla family (21 habituated gorilla families) and trekking trails to suit different preferences and fitness levels.
For visitors interested in a more immersive mountain gorillas visit, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a 4-hour gorilla habituation experience allowing you to spend more time observing gorillas as they are trained to become accustomed to human presence.
Insider Tip – With a total of 4 gorilla trekking trail heads as well a wide variety of habituated gorilla families, it is hard to miss out on this grand opportunity of trekking mountain gorillas regardless of the time of the year.
Best For – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is best for tourists of all budgets. With a wide range of accommodation options, Bwindi is accommodations all travelers’ budgets. The park is also best for travelers interested in spending more time with mountain gorillas, it is possible to do both gorilla trekking (for one hour with the gorillas) and gorilla habituation experience(for four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family).
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
Set on the Ugandan slopes of the Virungas, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s hidden gem and a perfect destination for a mountain gorillas visit. Covering an area of only 33.7km2, Mgahinga is the smallest national park in Uganda covering the northern slopes of the three northernmost Virunga Volcanoes; Muhavura (4,127 m), Gahinga (3,474 m), and Sabinyo (3,645 m).
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is border to the South by the Volcanoes National Park and the Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west forming the Virunga Conservation Area. There is only one habituated gorilla group – Nyakagezi.
When to Go: Best Time for Mountain Gorillas Visit
Uganda
Uganda experiences two dry and two wet seasons in a year. Although gorilla trekking in Uganda is considered a year-round activity, most visitors prefer the drier months of June to September and December to February, when the trekking conditions are more favorable.
Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is regarded as a year-round activity, however the dry season offers by far the easiest hiking conditions and the lowest risk of malaria. Long rainy seasons in Rwanda lasts from about March to May, this long dry season starts in June and lasts until about mid-September., this is generally the preferred time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
October to November sees a shorter rainy season, which is followed by a brief dry season from December to February – this is a good time to see gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, although it can be a little more humid than the June to September.
Gorilla Trekking Permits
It is a must to have a gorilla permit on a mountain gorillas visit, these permits cost differently depending on a destination are visiting.
- Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda – a gorilla permit costs $ 1,500 USD per person
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – a gorilla permit costs $ 800 USD per person.
- A gorilla habituation experience permits which is only exclusive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park costs $ 1,500 per person.
Typical Day of Mountain Gorillas Visit
Your mountain gorillas visit adventure begins early in the morning with briefing at the park headquarters. Here, you will be assigned a gorilla family to trek and have a briefing sessions about essential instructions from experienced guides and park rangers. Then head into the misty forests looking for mountain gorillas.
The trek itself is an exhilarating journey into the mist jungles, depending on the location of the gorilla family you are trekking and where it spent its previous night. The trek can last from 30 minutes to eight hours, it involves navigating through dense vegetation, traversing the steep slopes, and crossing muddy trails. The terrain can be challenging that is why being physically fit is essential, the anticipation of encountering these gentle giants will however fuel your determination.
With every step further into the misty jungle, your senses will come alive. The air filled with melodic sounds of the birds and calls from several hidden animals like chimpanzees.
The moment your eyes meets with the huge fur covered mountain gorillas is truly magical, you will have an hour to observe these gentle giants within the natural sanctuary. Observe their social interactions, playful behavior, and gentle nature as they go about their daily lives.
While in the presence of the gorillas, remember to maintain a respectful distance of 10 meters (32 feet), do not touch the gorillas and religiously follow the instructions of your guide. Put your camera to use and capture this unforgettable moment with photos and videos, but prioritize experience the encounter firsthand.
After a thrilling time with the mountain gorillas, you will retrace your steps back through the forest, carrying memories that will stay with you forever.
General Safety Tips for a Mountain Gorillas Visit
While gorilla trekking is safe, it is essential to be prepared and follow several guidelines most of which are passed to you during the briefing session.
- Listen to your guide – always follow your guide’s instructions and adhere to the park’s regulations.
- Main a distance of 10 meters – while in the presence of a gorilla family, keep a safe distance of 10 meters (32 feet) from the gorillas.
- Stay Health – if you are feeling unwell, inform your guide and postpone your gorilla trek. Note that gorillas are susceptible to many of the same infectious diseases that affect humans including cold and flu.
- Travel Insurance – it is recommended to have a comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.
