What is Gorilla Trekking?
Gorilla trekking is an adventure where travellers hike through dense forests to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This activity happens in four national parks across Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda, with many treks in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. A trip can include gorilla trekking in both Rwanda and Uganda, with a travel time of about 4 to 5 hours from Kigali to Bwindi.
Guides and park rangers lead the treks, clearing paths with machetes. Many consider this experience one of the best wildlife encounters in Africa, allowing visitors to see gorillas from a safe distance of at least 7 metres. Uganda is often preferred for this activity because its permits are cheaper than those in Rwanda. Besides gorilla trekking, Uganda offers other activities like chimpanzee trekking and game drives in various national parks.
Why you should not miss the Magic of Gorilla Trekking?
Only Western Lowland gorillas are found in zoos, while the other subspecies, like Mountain, Cross River, and Eastern Lowland gorillas, live in the wild. Seeing gorillas in their natural habitat is thrilling and important for their conservation since all gorilla species are endangered.
Gorilla trekking helps fund conservation efforts by providing money for Park Rangers, anti-poaching initiatives, and community infrastructure. When local communities benefit from tourism, they are less likely to harm gorillas. Gorillas share 98% of our DNA, making them fascinating relatives. Tracking them also allows explorers to experience Africa’s jungles and discover other wildlife.
During gorilla trekking, park rangers will guide you while you observe the primates. Remember to bring your camera, but do not use flash when taking pictures of gorillas, as it can startle them. Maintain a distance of at least 7 metres from the nearest gorilla and avoid eating food nearby. There will be no fence between you and the primates, so they may come close, but do not touch them, especially infants, as it could upset the mothers or the dominant silverback.
Although gorillas are usually peaceful, they may do mock charges to show dominance. If a gorilla charges, stay calm, lie low, and act submissive. Gorilla populations have decreased by over 50% due to habitat loss, poaching, and diseases. Organisations like the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund are working to protect them.
Gorilla trekking is a unique and costly experience that allows people to see creatures similar to humans. These gorillas are endangered, making it a unique and attractive adventure experience for tourists. After tracking the gorillas, visitors can spend only one hour with them. During this time, you can observe their familiar behaviours, such as playful juveniles climbing trees, females nursing, and adults grooming each other, all while being watched over by the dominant silverback.
Gorillas mostly feed and rest during the day and make nests for the night, while mothers sleep with their infants. Each group is led by a silverback who protects the family from dangers and maintains order. For more information about gorilla mating, you can read our article.
Classification of Gorillas
Gorilla trekking takes place in several African countries, and you need to choose which subspecies of gorillas to see. Western Lowland gorillas live in swamps and rainforests of West/Central Africa, while Cross River gorillas are found only in Cameroon and Nigeria. Eastern Lowland gorillas, the largest subspecies, are located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain gorillas are in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda, attracting many tourists due to easier access. Western Lowland gorillas are harder to reach due to their remote habitats, requiring challenging treks through dense forests.
What is the best time for gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking occurs all year but is best during the drier seasons. Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, located near the equator, experience two rainy and two dry seasons. The first dry season is from December to early March, and the second from June to early October. However, rain can happen at any time, as gorillas live in rainforests. Global warming has altered rain patterns, making rain possible even in dry seasons. Tourists like the dry season because the forest is less thick, encounters with gorillas are clearer, and trails are less muddy, reducing the risk of tripping.
What to carry for gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is accessible to anyone, but being in good physical condition is important for the trek. Elderly or disabled individuals should seek special information for their needs. Emotional and physical readiness are crucial to face challenges during the trek. You should pack items like long-sleeved shirts, a pair of trousers, rain jackets, waterproof shoes, gaiters, hiking boots, insect repellents, energy-giving snacks, double-layered socks, a face mask, and others. However, People with flu, colds, or other infections are not allowed to get close to the gorillas due to health risks.
Chances of Gorilla Encounters
Today, over 98% of people get the chance to see mountain gorillas in the wild. This occurs as a result of a team of trackers being dispatched before tourists. This advanced squad of trackers uses radio communications to direct the team leading tourists and assist in pinpointing the precise location of the gorilla troop. The likelihood of spotting primates during tracking is extremely high, but there is no assurance that you will.