Gorilla trekking is a guided wildlife activity where visitors hike through forests to observe mountain gorillas or lowland gorillas in their natural habitat. It usually happens in protected areas like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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In the entire world, there are three safari destinations where the gorilla trekkers go to do gorilla trekking that is Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. To do Gorilla trekking, the tourists are required to obtain the gorilla permit to do gorilla trekking and this needs to be obtained in advance.

Gorilla trekking experience in all the safari destinations starts very early in the morning  at the park headquarters, this is where the tourists receive a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow during gorilla trekking by the park guides or park rangers, after the briefing you will be grouped in various groups of 8 members per group and after you will be assigned to the particular mountain gorilla family to trek, then the park ranger will lead you into the thick forest while searching for the mountain gorillas’ family or going to where the gorilla family spent the night. Gorilla trekking takes a period between 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on the location of the mountain gorillas, to do gorilla trekking needs when you are physically fit to be enjoythe activity.

Along the way looking for the looking for the gorillas you will be impressed with sighting various biodiversity that is beautiful and colorful bird species, animal species and the plant species. Once you find the mountain gorillas you will be given a period of one hour to be in the presence of the gorillas, that is the period when you will watch the gorillas feed, watching gorillas playing, watching the gorillas making their nests of the night, watching the female gorillas grooming their young ones, taking pictures and recording the videos of the gorillas though using the less flash or no flash cameras because the flash disrupts the gorillas, the silverback (dominant male) is often impressive to observe. Contact us for more information.

What the best time to do Gorilla trekking In Uganda and Rwanda?

The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is during the dry season that is during the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. Doing gorilla trekking in the dry season is so enjoyable and rewarding as you simply move through the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and then Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The dry weather makes the trekking trails less slippery and muddy, reducing the risk of injuries and making it easier to move through the forests. During the dry season also, that’s when there is better visibility thus allowing the trekkers to spot the gorillas more easily, and that’s when there is cooler temperatures making the trekking experience more comfortable, rails are drier and less slippery making the hike easier, the forest is less dense so gorillas are a bit easier to spot and photography is better, weather is generally pleasant though showers can still occur (it’s a rainforest). Furthermore, the dry season reduces the risk of malaria and other diseases and clear skies offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes making gorilla trekking more enjoyable and rewarding.

What is the minimum age limit for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?

The minimum age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda is 15 years and the age limit was set by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) a government body in charge of tourism in Uganda, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) a government body in Rwanda. The children below the age of 15 years will not accepted to gorilla trekking instead they will engage in other safari activities like cultural tours, guided nature walks and among many others as the elders for gorilla trekking.

This restriction is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both the trekkers and the gorillas. Children under the age of 15 years may not have the physical stamina or the emotional maturity to withstand the demands of gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, which can involve hiking for several hours through the forests. Also the young children may not be able to follow the rules and guidelines set inn place to protect the gorillas, such as maintaining a safe distance and not touching or feeding them, gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, and the terrain is tough for younger children, children are more prone to diseases (like flu or colds) that can easily spread to gorillas since they share 98% of human DNA, younger kids may panic, cry, or act unpredictably if they get scared, which could provoke gorillas. By restricting the age limit to 15 years and above, the park authorities can minimize the risk of accidents, disruptions, and stress to the gorillas, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for the gorilla trekkers.

Rules and regulations to follow while in the presence of Gorillas

1. Keep your voices low at all times. However, it is okay to ask the guide (s) questions.
2. You must stay in a tight group when you are near the mountain gorillas.
3. Keep a minimum of 7 metres (21 feet) from the Mountain Gorillas. This is to protect the Mountain Gorillas from human disease transmission.
4. Do not eat or drink while you are near the mountain gorillas.
5. Sometimes the Mountain Gorillas charge. Follow the guide’s example crouch down slowly. DO NOT look the Mountain Gorilla in the eye. Wait for the Gorillas to pass and do not attempt to run away as this could increase the risk of attack.
6. Do not touch the Mountain Gorillas. They are wild animals.
7. Flash photography is not allowed. When taking pictures, move slowly and carefully.
8. The maximum time visitors are allowed to spend with the Mountain Gorillas is one hour. This is done to limit their disturbance. If the Mountain Gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will end the visit early.
9. After the visit, keep your voices low until you are 200 metres away from the Mountain Gorillas.