For anyone Planning to go Gorilla Trekking, this set of GORILLA TREKKING FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions might come in handy (15 minutes read)
#1: What is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is an on-foot wildlife experience (with a maximum of 08 people per group), through east Africa’s rainforests to get up close with endangered mountain gorillas.
Learn more about Gorilla Trekking.
#2: Why is gorilla trekking such a sought-after experience?
The plight of Africa’s mountain gorillas really came about in the 1960s predominantly through the work of Dian Foessey. A lot of the work she did, through extensive studies and research, launched Africa’s mountain gorillas to fame.
Reasons for trekking mountain gorillas vary from person to person and there may be a few people who can’t even give you a valid reason why they are so interested in it. However, whether you have a reason or not, gorilla trekking remains one of the most stirring and rewarding wildlife experiences there is.
#3: What are the current threats to Africa’s mountain gorillas?
There are a number of threats to mountain gorillas, but the main ones are:
- Habitat loss and human encroachment – Mountain gorillas already live in a limited habitat range and with human populations growing, this is putting their habitats under more pressure.
- Poaching – Bush meat is sought after by local communities as a source of protein and mountain gorillas can be poached for their meat, as well as for traditional medicines.
- Disease – Despite the protection national parks offer, mountain gorillas are still susceptible to disease. Gorilla families are subjected to regular visits from trekkers, who can bring in diseases and pathogens. Although we share a similar genetic makeup, a gorilla’s immune system has not evolved to cope with human disease.
Mountain gorillas have a limited habitat extent and are only found in three countries that span four national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda), Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda), Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) and Virunga National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo).
#5: Is gorilla trekking Safe?
When you finally catch a glimpse of a mountain gorilla, you will be amazed (perhaps intimidated) at their size and physique, so the issue of safety will definitely come to mind. Compared to other wildlife encounters, gorilla trekking is one of the safest there is. That being said, there are rules (outlined later), that should be followed without exception.
#6: When is the best time to trek gorillas in Africa?
Trekking can be done during the dry (June to September and December to February) or rainy seasons (March to May and October to November). The rainy season does make trekking more challenging, so it’s often recommended to trek during the dry season. One of the benefits when trekking during the rainy season is that accommodation at lodges and hotels are at discounted rates.
#7: What do i need to pack/bring or wear for gorilla trekking in Africa?
- Hiking shoes or boots – It’s important to have shoes or boots that are waterproof as the trails are often waterlogged or muddy.
- Warm jacket or sweater – Early morning treks are cold. It’s recommended to bring a warm jacket or sweater for the first couple of hours of the morning.
- Rain jacket – Rainfall is not in short supply where you’re heading and it’s advised to have a rain jacket handy.
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen – A little bit of sun protection.
- Insect repellent – Africa’s forests are not only home to mountain gorillas, but insects that nip and bite too. It’s a good idea to have some insect repellent with you.
- Long-sleeved shirt and long pants – These will protect you from scratches, bites, cuts and thorny vegetation.
- Walking stick – These will be provided by your guides and they make trekking those steep inclines in the forest a lot easier.
- Water and a packed lunch – There’s no telling how long your trek will last so it’s important to have some water and snacks on you. That being said, don’t leave wrappers or litter along the trail.
#8: How long does a trek last?
You will have an early morning wake-up on the day of your trek. Depending on how far your lodge is from the park gates, you could leave between 06:30 and 07:00. Once you arrive you will be briefed by the park’s rangers and guides. When the trek begins, there is no pre-determined amount of time you will spend in the forest. Time spent in the jungle is dependent on the movements of the gorillas and where they have slept for the night. Treks can last for 30 minutes or up to 5 hours. Once a gorilla family has been found, you will spend an hour with them.
#9: How much do permits cost?
Gorilla Permit costs depend on the country you’re trekking in (DRC, Uganda, or Rwanda).
- DRC – $450
- Uganda – $700
- Rwanda – $1,500
Although the costs for permits vary, so do the experiences in each country. One thing to bear in mind though is while the permits may seem expensive, you are contributing significantly to mountain gorilla conservation efforts.
#10: Any dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking?
- You will not be allowed to trek if you are sick. Mountain gorillas are very susceptible to diseases brought in by trekkers. Because their habitats are so isolated, gorillas aren’t used to encountering disease beyond their habitat range.
- Follow the instructions of your guide(s) to the letter. Your guides will instruct you on how to move and behave when you encounter the gorillas. These guides are experts on how gorillas behave, so you need to pay attention to them. This is for your safety, the safety of those around you and the safety of the mountain gorillas.
- Maintain the recommended distance from the gorillas. Your guides will instruct you during the briefing, prior to trekking, what distance you should maintain between you and the gorillas (7 m is the norm). It’s vital you maintain this distance. Although the gorilla families are habituated and are considered ‘gentle giants’, they are still wild animals and should be given the respect they deserve.
- Keep limited eye contact. Staring into the eyes of the gorillas may come across as a form of intimidation or a challenge. There’s no telling what could happen as a result, so don’t do it.
- No sudden movements. Once again, this could be seen as an act of hostility by the gorillas. If you are approached by a mountain gorilla remain calm and still and wait for it to wander off.
- Make sure your camera flash is off. There’s nothing wrong with taking pictures, but make sure your camera flash is turned off.
- No talking or shouting prior to your trek and during your encounter. Making loud noises could put your chances of encountering gorillas at risk. Gorillas are sensitive to loud noises and you will also make the trek unpleasant for other members of the group.
With your questions answered, all you need to do is get kitted up with your walking stick in hand and head to the home of east Africa’s mountain gorillas. Wildlife experiences don’t come much better than this. Contact us today (info@realmafricasafaris.com) for our gorilla trekking packages or if you have any further questions that we didn’t answer.
Interested in staying longer (04 hours ) with the mountain gorillas? Read more ” Full Day Gorilla Habituation Experience” – Only happens in Uganda
How close can I get to the Mountain Gorillas?
Officially you are required to keep a 27-foot / 7 meters distance from the gorillas. In practice, the Mountain Gorillas often violate this rule by coming closer to you as you stand quietly observing or photographing them. It is still helpful to have a telephoto capability on your camera since some animals are shy, and the Silverback may be very protective of the young. You are not allowed to touch the gorillas, though it would be easy to do so.
Read more ” Gorilla trekking Rules and etiquette“
Read more ” Gorilla Photography tips “
Are the Mountain Gorillas dangerous?
All wild animals are best considered potentially dangerous and treated as such, but Mountain Gorillas are not aggressive or prone to be angered by tourists. Many people are surprised that the Mountain Gorillas seem to ignore the tourists in their midst completely. You should not get between a mother and a baby or tease animals, use a flash, make distracting noises or move quickly.
How old must you be to track Mountain Gorillas?
There is a minimum age of 15 years for anyone obtaining a permit to track Mountian Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda. Park Authorities will check the age of all permit holders against the birthdate in your passport.
Where can I stay near the gorillas during my safari?
There are many lodges in Rwanda and Uganda offering a range of accommodations, vehicles, airport transfers, and other safari services. Realm Africa Safaris uses a variety of accommodations in the higher, Mid-range & Best budget comfort ranges – Speak to us – we will advise you.
When is the best time to see and track Mountain Gorillas?
The most comfortable times for gorilla trekking are the dry seasons July-September and December-February. It can and does rain in every month and the effects of climate change are quite evident in this area of East Africa with seasonal rains being much less predictable and sometimes more intense. All gorilla tracking parties leave around 8am when there is least likelihood of heavy rain. If you happen to be assigned a distant gorilla group requiring four or more hours of tracking your chances of returning in the rain increase.
How do different types of gorillas compare?
How do Mountain and Lowland Gorillas compare?
How can I see Lowland Gorillas?
Mountain Gorillas and Lowland Gorillas are separate species of Gorillas. Their current ranges do not overlap. There are few, if any, Lowland Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda, though this species is widespread in the rainforests of central Africa. Few Lowland Gorilla groups are habituated for tourists and, in general, they are difficult to see and observe. Lowland gorillas are widely hunted for bushmeat in unprotected areas of their range. Some opportunities exist to see Lowland Gorillas in Gabon and Central African Republic.
What else is there to see in Rwanda besides Mountain Gorillas?
Rwanda is a beautiful, green, thriving country, known as the land of Thousand Hills. The volcanic soil is very rich and subsistence agriculture produces food year around. The genocide of 1994 is powerfully memorialized in a museum in Kigali and at other sites around the country. Visitors are encouraged to partake in these experiences and learn from them. Currently, there is no apparent ethnic conflict or significant insurgent or militant activity. There is a dynamic rebuilding of the social fabric and a commitment to the youth of the country. You might wish to hike to Karisoke where Diane Fossey conducted her pioneering research, or take a trek to see the Golden Monkeys of Parc des Volcanes. This park has the greatest diversity. Other wildlife parks of Rwanda generally do not compare the diversity of species or quality of management with the parks and reserves of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Interested in Visiting Rwanda? Read more ” Top Things to Do & See in Rwanda “
What else is there to see in Uganda besides Mountain Gorillas?
Travel to Uganda for wonderful cultures, large wildlife parks with few other tourists, and spectacular birding. Uganda may be the best safari country in Africa for a large variety of bird species and great birding safari habitats. Determined birders often see more than 400 species on a 12-14 day Uganda birding safari. There are also many other species of primates you are likely to see on a Mountain Gorilla safari or a pure birding safari trip. The Rwenzori Mountains invite more extended hiking. Wetland habitats and Lake Victoria also hold cultural and natural history safari attractions.
Interested in Visiting Uganda? Read more ” Top Things to Do & See in Uganda “
Tips for a successful Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari
- Purchase your permits as far in advance as possible for priority assignment to a choice group and to be sure you obtain a permit at all.
- You will be with a group and guide. Also, consider hiring a local person as a porter assistant, even if you are very fit. This adds a great cultural dimension to the experience and is not really expensive.
- If you have the choice, visit the largest group available to you to maximize the photo opportunities and the different behaviors you will see.
- Prepare for the possibility of rain at any time of year.
- Wear long sleeves and slacks and bring gloves to protect against thistles nettles and thorns.
- Wear durable hiking shoes, you will be off-trail in rough terrain.
- Expect you might have a long hike. Be in the best physical shape you can be.
- Understand your camera well, Cameras with built-in video are very good. The telephoto ability helps.
- Consider traveling with a companion or friend with whom you will share the lifelong memory of the encounter.
- Listen to the advice of your guide. Trust that he or she really wants you to get great photos and have the best possible experience.
What about Chimpanzee tracking?
How does Chimpanzee Tracking work?
There are more Chimpanzees than Mountain Gorillas left in the wild and they survive over a much broader range. The parks authorities of Uganda and Rwanda also monitor Chimpanzee populations and the groups which have been habituated for tourist visitors also require advance-purchased permits to visit. Two main sites for viewing chimpanzees in Uganda are Kibale Forest and Kyambura Gorge. You will hike in groups of 6-12 visitors accompanied by a park guide. Close encounters with Chimpanzees seem to be less predictable than with Mountain Gorillas, though less hiking may be involved. In the experience of Realm Africa Safaris™ groups, visits to the Chimps of Kibale Forest have been more successful than visits to Kyambura Gorge.
Gorilla trekking FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions – are meant to facilitate you in planning your next gorilla trekking Safari – Holiday to Africa. We hope we have addressed every concern you Might Have had about gorilla trekking in Uganda – Rwanda. If you have any other questions concerns and or additional information in regard to the gorilla trekking FAQs, please contact us.
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