Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Africa can be only done at three (03) locations; Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. However, the safest place to go gorilla trekking is in either Rwanda or Uganda. DR Congo still suffers political unrest characterized by abduction and killing of tourists including locals. Want to learn more about the unsafe DR Congo – read our Blog; Why DR Congo is Considered Unsafe for Travel.
What is Gorilla Trekking? This is an active adventure activity that involves hiking up tropical forested mountains making way through tangled vegetation in search of rare mountain gorillas. While on this hike, it is rare to find a decent trail, you will make your own path using pangas/machettes assisted by well-trained and experienced local rangers, porters, and trackers. The hike to the Gorillas can be absolutely strenuous – we like to advise that you spare a couple of weeks or months to ensure you are in a reasonable fitness state before you embark on gorilla trekking. However, for those that are not Fitness freaks but would like to do gorilla trekking, then you need to consider speaking to your tour operator to arrange a sedan chair – in it, you will be carried to/from the gorillas by a team of local porters. The cost of booking a chariot ride (sedan chair) to the gorillas ranges from $300 to $1000 – depending on how far, and how well-fed (Big/heavy) you are.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking In Uganda
In Uganda, there are two (02) National Parks where you can go gorilla trekking. These are; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
When is the Best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda? Mountain Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be conducted all year round. However, the best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the months of June, July, August, September, and December to February. This is because there are fewer rains and the parks are generally drier, making it less demanding to hike and see the gorillas. The average temperature throughout the year is 11°C/52°F in the morning and 23°C/73°F in the afternoon.
- January and February: Low season offering fewer crowds. Very little or no rain.
- March, April, and May: This is the rainy season. Its rains a lot during these months, and the trailheads are slippery and challenging to navigate.
- June, July & August: These are the official Peak season months for tourism in Uganda. If you plan to visit for gorilla trekking in these months, please ensure you book and fully pay for your gorilla trekking permits early since they get sold out.
What is the price Of a gorilla trekking Permit in Uganda? Gorilla Permits in Uganda cost;
- $700 per person for Foreign Non-Residents.
- $600 per person for foreign Residents.
- UGX250,000 (approximately $80) per person for East African Citizens.
How do I book/Pay for my gorilla Permit in Uganda? We usually book this for you if you are on an organized Gorilla tour with Realm Africa Safaris™. Otherwise, you may have to do it directly through UWA.
See: How to directly book a Gorilla Permit
Popular Uganda Gorilla trekking Safaris & tours for 2022 – 2023
Mountain Gorilla trekking In Rwanda
Unlike Uganda, Rwanda only has one Gorilla trekking Destination; Volcanoes National Park. This park is very historical in regards to mountain Gorilla trekking In Africa.
As of 2022, there are 10 mountain gorilla groups habituated making 80 gorilla permits available for visitors to purchase on a daily. A maximum of 8 people are allowed (with permits) to trek/see a particular gorilla group. endangered apes.
When is the best time to trek gorillas in Rwanda? While mountain gorilla trekking in Africa is an all-year-round activity, the best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the months of June, July, August, September, and December to February. This is because there are fewer rains and the parks are generally drier, making it less demanding to hike and see the gorillas.
- January and February: Low season offering fewer crowds. Very little or no rain.
- March, April, and May: This is the rainy season. Its rains a lot during these months, and the trailheads are slippery and challenging to navigate.
- June, July & August: These are the official Peak season months for tourism in Uganda. If you plan to visit for gorilla trekking in these months, please ensure you book and fully pay for your gorilla trekking permits early since they get sold out.
What is the price Of a gorilla trekking Permit in Uganda? Gorilla Permits in Uganda cost;
- $700 per person for Foreign Non-Residents.
- $600 per person for foreign Residents.
- UGX250,000 (approximately $80) per person for East African Citizens.
How do I book/Pay for my gorilla Permit in Uganda? We usually book this for you if you are on an organized Gorilla tour with Realm Africa Safaris™. Otherwise, you may have to do it directly through UWA.
See: How to directly book a Gorilla Permit
