Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda: A Practical Guide

Where mountain gorillas live

Mountain gorillas live only in two areas: the Virunga Massif, a chain of volcanoes shared by Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Thanks to decades of conservation, ranger patrols and tourism revenue, their numbers have increased, and the IUCN moved the subspecies from Critically Endangered to Endangered in 2018. They remain vulnerable, which is why the rules below exist.

Rwanda vs Uganda

Rwanda suits travelers short on time who want an easy logistics chain. Uganda suits longer, more varied trips and usually costs less for the permit itself. Permit prices are set by the Rwanda Development Board and the Uganda Wildlife Authority and do change, so check their current official rates before budgeting.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Virunga National Park also offers trekking at times, but access depends on the security situation. Check your government’s travel advisories carefully.

How a trekking day works

1. Early briefing. You report to the park headquarters or a sector office in the early morning. Rangers brief you and assign you to a gorilla family; groups are small, typically capped at eight visitors per family per day.
2. Drive to the trailhead. This can take a while on rough roads, especially in Bwindi’s sectors.
3. The trek. Trackers go ahead to find the family from where it nested the previous night. Your hike could be 30 minutes or several hours each way, up and down steep, muddy, slippery slopes, often at altitudes above 2,000 meters (about 6,500 ft) in the Virungas.
4. One hour with the gorillas. Once you reach the family, the clock starts. You leave bags and walking sticks with porters and approach with your guide.
5. Return. Expect to be back anywhere from late morning to late afternoon.

Ask about hiring a local porter. It is inexpensive relative to the trip, it directly supports nearby communities, and a porter’s steady hand on a muddy slope is invaluable.

Rules that protect the gorillas

Gorillas share most of our DNA and can catch human illnesses such as respiratory infections, which can be devastating for a small population. Expect rules like these:

• Minimum age: trekkers generally must be at least 15 years old.
• Don’t trek if you are ill. If you have a cold, flu or other contagious illness, tell the rangers; they may refuse entry. Face masks may be required near the gorillas.
• Keep your distance: the long-standing rule is at least 7 meters (about 23 ft), and many guidelines now recommend 10 meters. Gorillas sometimes approach you; follow the guide’s instructions.
• No flash photography, no eating or drinking near the gorillas, and keep voices low.
• Stay calm if a gorilla charges or beats its chest. Crouch, look down and do not run; your guide will manage the situation.

Fitness and what to wear

You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable hiking several hours on steep, uneven ground. Rangers try to assign families according to visitors’ fitness, so mention any concerns at the briefing.

• Broken-in waterproof hiking boots with good grip
• Long trousers tucked into socks (to keep out ants and nettles) and a long-sleeved shirt
• Gardening or work gloves for grabbing vines and stinging nettles
• A light rain jacket — it is a rainforest
• A small daypack with water, snacks and a waterproof cover for your camera

See our full safari packing list for more, and the travel health guide for vaccines and malaria advice.

Booking permits

Permits are limited and sell out, particularly for the drier months. You can book through the national wildlife authorities or a licensed local tour operator, who can also arrange transport and lodging. Book permits before flights where possible, and read the cancellation and rescheduling rules, which are often strict.