If you’re looking for a truly life-changing experience, gorilla trekking in the misty rainforests of Africa is just the ticket. Stumbling upon one of these magnificent creatures, only to stare at each other in awe, will leave an unforgettable imprint on your soul.
Popular Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Africa
About The Gorilla Safaris in Africa
The Gorilla Species of Africa
While they may be peaceful, gorillas are no small fry. In fact, they’re the largest living primates on earth. Adult males tip the scales at around 440 pounds (200 kilograms), and stand about 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall. These gentle giants roam around in tight-knit family groups lead by a dominant male – known as a silverback.
There are two different species of gorillas found in Africa: Western Gorilla and Eastern Gorilla. Each of these species then splits off into two subspecies:
Western Gorilla
Western Lowland Gorilla
Cross River Gorilla
Eastern Gorilla
Mountain Gorilla
Eastern Lowland Gorilla (Grauer’s Gorilla)
Mountain gorillas — which can be found in Virunga Mountains and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest — are considered to be the most popular choice when it comes to gorilla trekking due to their accessibility and habituation to humans being nearby.
Where To Go For Gorilla Trekking in Africa
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Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda This Ugandan national park is home to almost half of all mountain gorillas left on earth. As its name suggests, Bwindi’s dense forests make them pretty tricky critters to track down. However, with a total of four sectors — Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, or Nkuringo — you’ll be spoiled for choice in terms of gorilla trekking experiences.
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda Located within the larger Virunga Conservation Area (which spans across three African countries), this remarkable national park features stunning scenery and forests so lush they’ll have you gasping for breath. Towering volcanoes provide a picturesque backdrop that turns a simple hike into an awe-inspiring journey. This is where the renowned primatologist Dian Fossey conducted her groundbreaking research on mountain gorillas.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda While it may be Uganda’s smallest national park, it doesn’t mean it falls short in the gorilla trekking department. Nestled away in the southwestern corner of the country, Mgahinga thrives on its dramatic volcanic landscapes and rich biodiversity that make every step feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo As Africa’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site, visiting Virunga isn’t just about seeing mountains and apes – you’re diving right into an unspoiled wilderness. Political instability has made travel difficult to this region over recent years. However if you can brave through it all, your reward will be something truly spectacular.
How To Experience The Gorillas of Africa
Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that immerses you in the wildlife. You’ll need to be fit and brave for this adventure. Experienced guides lead trekkers through dense forests, up steep hills, and down muddy paths in order to see gorilla families in their natural habitat.
After finding a family of gorillas, you get up to an hour to watch them from a safe distance. It’s an incredible scene: Big, hairy apes playing, feeding, and interacting with each other. It may sound scary at first but trust us when we say that it’s something you’ll never forget.
To make sure everyone stays safe:
Treks are limited to 8 people max
You must stay 7 meters (23 feet) away from the gorillas at all times
If youre sick or contagious, you can’t go on the trek
Spending time with the gorillas is capped at one hour
Don’t take any photos with flash on
Planning Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure
Get a permit To even step foot into the park you’re going to have to buy a permit from the national park authorities. Permits sell out months in advance so make sure you book one as soon as possible.
Choose your destination Every park is different so do your research before deciding where you want to go. Look into things like level of difficulty and likelihood of spotting gorillas.
Get in shape This isn’t going to be easy… Treks can last anywhere from 30 minutes up to several hours depending on how far away they are. By doing regular strength training exercises on your legs and core should help prepare yourself for what lies ahead.
Pack smart Make sure everything you bring fits well since there will be no changing rooms available.. Comfortable trekking boots are also essential for keeping your ankles supported during challenging hikes.
Hire someone experienced While it’s technically possible to do a gorilla trek on your own, we wouldn’t recommend it. Booking with a tour operator or guide can help make everything go smoothly. They’ll handle the permits and travel arrangements while also making sure you get all the information you need.
