What You Need To Know About Gorilla Trekking: Embarking on an Africa safari into Rwanda and Uganda’s misty forests to trek into habitat of the endangered mountain gorillas is a journey that leaves any travelers who embarks on it forever changed with a new perspective about nature and wildlife. This humbling experience of encountering these magnificent creatures in one of the last places on earth they thrive in is a meaningful one and has an impact not only on the traveler, but on furthering conservation in East Africa.
While planning for gorilla trekking in Africa, there are many questions frequently asked by the visitors. We have taken the liberty to answer some of the pressing questions.

-
How much does a trekking permit cost?
Rwanda: Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost US $1,500 per person per day which is non-refundable. Only 96 permits are issued each day.
Uganda: Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost US $800 per person per day (this is non-refundable). Only 152 gorilla permits are available per day.
For the reason of limited gorilla permits per day, it is a good idea to acquire yours ahead of time, to make sure this part of your gorilla trip is secured
The cost of your gorilla permit goes towards sustainable conservation initiatives whose goal is to preserve and protect mountain gorillas, conserve the precious natural landscapes, and support the development of communities living around Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
What gear do I need to bring?
On the day of gorilla trekking, you will need walking sticks, hiking boots, water-resistant pants (gators) and jackets, gloves and backpacks. Your lodge often provides you with an on-the-day essential kit, which includes snacks, a packed lunch, a water bottle, and comfort kit (containing a buff, hand sanitizer, sunblock and a sweat towel).
Bring comfortable hiking shoes with a good grip and that can withstand the terrain, which is often quite slippery and muddy.

How do I Prepare a head of the trek?
Before the day of the trek, your guide will give you a comprehensive briefing, this informal talk covers all the practical details and gives guests a better idea of the purpose behind this conservation initiative.
You will also be taken through what your trek will entail from a practical perspective – everything from the day’s agenda, to important safety protocol. They will also tell you a little about the various gorilla families who call these rainforests home. Finally, they will take you through the gears you need and help you with selecting and fitting equipment that is if your lodge has them. Often luxury lodges have Gear Rooms where they keep equipment visitors can use.
What will the day itself hold?
On the morning of your gorilla trek you will be woken at 5:30 am a head of gathering at the main lodge at 6 am for a light continental breakfast and a cup of freshly brewed Coffee. Your guide will be on standby for any assistance needed with gear.
By 6.45 am you will depart for the trekking headquarters (normally 10-15 minutes’ drive from your lodge). On arrival, you will have time to enjoy a cup of coffee while your Driver-Guide secures your spots with specific gorilla families (selecting the most suitable family depending on the group’s requirements, however there is no guarantees).
Guests will then join their group and the park’s guide for a detailed briefing. At exactly 8 am, vehicles will depart to the various trailheads for a 15-minute to one hour driver – depending on the gorilla family each group has been allocated. At the start of the trailhead, guests will be allocated a porter to assist with carrying bags and navigating challenging terrain (hiring a porter is recommended). Cash is required to pay these porters (the minimum amount is US10).
How long will we trek for?
The time that it takes to reach the gorilla family varies and can take anything from 30 minutes to 3-4 hours, and treks reach an altitude from 2,500 – 4,000m. The terrain varies from farmland to thick bush the closer you are to the park boundary. Additionally, you may be allocated to a family which is mobile, which makes your trek longer.
Once you have located the gorilla family you are seeking, you will have one hour to sit and observe these magnificent animals. Trekkers will be on hand to assist and guide your interactions (these trackers also head up the mountain a head of guests to locate the respective families). Once the time allocated has elapsed, you will meet your porter again, enjoy lunch and have some time to take in the experience, and then make your way back down.
Your arrival time back at the lodge could be anywhere between 12 pm and 5 pm. On arrival, you will be welcomed by refreshments and will then be able to spend a remainder of the day at leisure, whether reflecting in your room with a view of the forest canopy or one of the Virunga Volcano in the distance, and the fireplace lit, enjoying an in-room treatment, or soak in at your heated pool and absorbing the sounds and scents of the surrounding. Landscape. As the timing is unpredictable, and the experience is best enjoyed unhurried, we recommend you don’t book a trek on your day of departure.

What are some of the important rules when trekking?
While gorilla sightings are reliable, viewing is dependent on factors such as weather, but trekking will take place regardless of weather conditions. In order to best preserve the integrity of the mountain gorilla habitat, and to limit their contact with humans, there are various rules and regulations governing gorilla trekking.
To ensure the impact on the habituated mountain gorilla families is limited, the maximum number of visitors per trekking group is eight (8) and the maximum duration of a viewing is an hour.
For the safety of the gorilla’ health, the minimum age to trek is 15, as younger children are more prone to infection, this partially minimizes the risk to the gorillas. Should any guest show sights of cold, flu or respiratory illness, they unfortunately won’t be permitted to participate, and their permit will be refunded. All guests are additionally required to wear a facemask when in proximity of the gorillas for their protection. Smoking and spitting in the park is strictly prohibited.
As trekking is an occasionally strenuous activity dependent on the terrain, visitors with conditions that preclude taxing physical activity are advised to consult a doctor or physician prior to trekking, and are required to provide a certificate of health. However, stretchers are available for visitors with limited mobility, at a rate of US $200.
Join Us the rainforests of Rwanda and Uganda for gorilla trekking.