FAQs About Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda provide essential answers to everything you need to know when planning for your next gorilla tracking expedition to any of the two gorilla safari destinations.

The FAQs about mountain gorilla trekking encompass different aspects that are of visitor interest when planning for a successful gorilla tour to Uganda or Rwanda.

Gorilla trekking is with no doubt the main safari highlight of any Uganda holiday or Rwanda safari. Here are the top Frequently Asked Questions about gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.

FAQ About Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda -Frequently Asked Questions

What is gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking is a unique primate adventure involving hiking or walking through the natural forest to look for the already habituated family of mountain gorillas. The process of gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda is the same and often begins with briefing and allocation of gorilla families and park ranger guides. During gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda, visitors are led by an experienced park ranger guide in the respective gorilla safari park.

Each day, a maximum of 8 (eight) guests are allowed to track one habituated gorilla group in Rwanda or Uganda. The length of trekking mountain gorillas varies depending on the visitors’ fitness levels and the nature of the gorilla habitat.

What is gorilla habituation?

Gorilla habituation is the process of converting/training the wild mountain gorillas to get used to the human presence before they are officially visited by tourists. Gorilla habituation involves steps and takes a period of about 2-3 years for a gorilla family to fully get familiar with human presence and then it is opened to trekking.

The gorilla habituation experience involves following the wild mountain gorilla family while observing how they behave and taking pictures. Habituation is conducted across all the gorilla families. Gorilla habituation experience as an adventure holiday is so far enjoyed in only Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, specifically in the Rushaga sector or region.

Where can I see gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda?

Gorillas in Uganda can be seen in the two (2) parks and include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mgahinga and Bwindi are located in Southwestern Uganda. In Rwanda, gorillas can be spotted/trekked in Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes National Park is lying in the northwestern part of Rwanda.

What is the best gorilla safari package in Uganda/Rwanda?

There are multiple gorilla safari packages worth booking in Uganda or Rwanda. They include a 3-day gorilla safari to Bwindi or 3 days Rwanda gorilla tour, 3 days of gorilla habituation experience, 22 day Uganda Rwanda tour, a 5-day gorillas & chimpanzee safari, a 5-day gorilla safari, and more. Gorilla safari packages comprise short and long trips thus providing multiple options to book.

How many mountain gorillas are left on earth?

Not more than 1063 mountain gorillas are found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Over half of them survive in Uganda, specifically in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.

Is gorilla trekking safe?

YES! Gorilla trekking is safe for all visitors on an African safari, especially if you intend to do it in Uganda or Rwanda. Gorilla treks in Uganda and Rwanda are carried out by experienced park ranger guides and in designated parks.

The gorilla safari parks in Uganda and Rwanda are monitored by park rangers to ensure the safety of both visitors and gorillas.

Besides, during the actual gorilla trek, visitors are allocated already habituated gorilla families and the park official conducts a briefing early morning on the safety guidelines.

How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda and Uganda?

Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost USD 1500 per person. Gorilla permits in Uganda are open for booking at USD 800 per person. Book a gorilla permit and gorilla tour through Maranatha Tours and Travel at info@adventureugandasafaris.com.

When is the best time to go to trek gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda?

Gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda/Uganda can be enjoyed at any time of the year. But the dry months are the most preferred months of the year because they guarantee excellent treks due to minimal or no rainfall.

On the travel calendar of Uganda/Rwanda, the peak dry months begin from June, July, August to September then December, January to February.

Other visitors also prefer visiting gorilla safari parks around the wet or rainy months from March to May or October to November.

However, the rainy months often experience heavy rainfall and the ground becomes a bit slippery/muddy thus posing a challenge when trekking through the forest in search of gorillas.

How long is a gorilla trek?

A gorilla trek in Rwanda or Uganda can take about 2-6 hours and this may depend on the visitors’ walking speed, the nature of the habitat, and location of the gorillas.

How long should you stay with gorillas?

Upon locating a group of mountain gorillas in the wild, expect to spend a maximum of 1 hour face-to-face with these large apes. This involves observing how gorillas behave and taking pictures.

Who is eligible for gorilla trekking?

A gorilla trek can be done by anyone above 15 years. As per the park authorities, such persons are considered eligible to visit gorillas.

How hard is gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking is generally a challenging primate adventure. The level of difficulty may vary depending on the location of the gorillas, the terrain of the park, and the fitness level of visitors to conquer the tough hikes.

Interestingly, with adequate preparation, you can have a successful trek. Even the elderly have had successful treks with gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda.

There is also an option of hiring a porter to assist you with heavy luggage or a stretcher/sedan chair, especially for persons with disabilities.

What are the chances of seeing gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda guarantees visitors a 99% chance of seeing mountain gorillas in the wild.

What should I pack for gorilla trekking?

Essentials are a must to pack for your gorilla trek including a valid gorilla permit, long-sleeved shirts/trousers, gardening gloves, a pair of socks, insect repellents, a camera free from a flashlight, long pants, and a rain jacket.

Other items include a pair of binoculars, a first aid kit, snacks, bottled water, and more.

How close should I stay from Gorillas?

A distance of about 8-10 meters must be kept away from gorillas. This should be done at all times while in the gorilla habitat.

What should I expect on the gorilla trek in Rwanda and Uganda?

On the actual gorilla trekking excursion, expect to start the day with a briefing about gorilla trekking rules. The briefing session usually begins at 7:00 a.m. and also involves allocating gorilla families and park ranger guides.

When should I book my gorilla tour/permit?

It is recommended to book your gorilla permit/tour at least 2-6 months in advance to the planned date of trekking mountain gorillas. Gorilla tours/permits can be safely booked through Maranatha Tours and Travel.

Are there gorilla trekking rules & regulations to follow?

Yes! Before you embark on a trek to see gorillas in Rwanda/Uganda, you undergo a briefing about gorilla trekking rules and regulations/guidelines. These include observing a distance of 8-10 meters from gorillas, respecting the 1 hour of a face-to-face encounter with gorillas, not making noise, and no using flashlight cameras, etc.

Conclusively, the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda provide a deep understanding of numerous areas of interest when planning your gorilla tour.

With the above information, we believe you have answers to questions that you have been asking yourself about gorilla trekking/gorilla safaris.

Feel free to contact us to plan your gorilla trip or for more inquiries not only on gorilla tourism but also on other safaris in Uganda and Rwanda.