Gorilla Trekking Tips: What You Should Know Before You Go

Gorilla Trekking Tips: What You Should Know Before You Go

These essential gorilla trekking tips will help you get the most out of this extraordinary animal experience

Found nowhere else in the wild on Earth and once critically endangered, the mountain gorilla – a subspecies of the eastern gorilla – has experienced a spectacular revival. A series of conservation efforts involving local communities has resulted in one of Africa's greatest conservation success stories. Although still listed as endangered, more than 1,000 mountain gorillas now roam the jungles of Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo, up from about 480 in 2010.

Just over half live in the Virunga Mountains, the chain of eight extinct volcanoes that straddle the borders of southern Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo. The rest is in Uganda's epically named Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a veil of tangled green that covers the country's southwestern mountains.

Here at Atlas & Boots, some of our best memories were forged while watching wildlife. Gorillas – one of humanity’s closest relatives – remain at the top of our wish list. That's why we asked leading gorilla trekking guides African Jungle Adventures for their expert tips on how to spend time with these gentle giants.

Gorilla trekking tips

With over 20 years of experience guiding gorilla safaris in the region, African Jungle Adventures has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to spending time with these magnificent creatures. Together we have put together the following gorilla trekking tips.

1. The gorillas come first

Human interactions with wildlife can have negative impacts and alter natural behavior. Therefore, the welfare of the gorillas should be the priority of every trekker. It is important to understand the importance of not damaging or altering habitats and letting the gorillas do their work, especially breeding.

Papa Bravo/ShutterstockThe gorillas always have to come first

Below are some best practices to follow when in the company of gorillas.

• Bleiben Sie immer mindestens 7 m (21 Fuß) von den Gorillas entfernt
• Wenn sie sich nähern, ziehen Sie sich langsam und ruhig zurück
• Gorillas teilen 98 % der menschlichen DNA und sind daher extrem anfällig für Infektionen. Gehen Sie also nicht, wenn Sie krank sind, und wenden Sie sich ab und bedecken Sie Ihren Mund, wenn Sie niesen oder husten
• Bleiben Sie in einer engen Gruppe, um zu vermeiden, Gorillas zu umzingeln oder einzuschüchtern
• Vermeiden Sie Augenkontakt mit den Gorillas, da sie dadurch eingeschüchtert und aggressiv werden können
• Sprich nicht so laut
• Bleiben Sie nicht länger als eine Stunde bei einer Gruppe Gorillas
• Folgen Sie der Führung Ihres Reiseleiters und tun Sie immer, was er sagt – er ist der Experte in der Gruppe
• Halten Sie sich an die Grundprinzipien des Verhaltenskodex „Leave No Trace“.

2. Organize approvals in a timely manner

If you are planning a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda and Uganda, you must obtain a permit to see the gorillas in any of the national parks.

GUDKOV ANDREY/ShutterstockA male gorilla in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda

A permit costs $600 in Uganda and $1,500 in Rwanda. A Ugandan permit can only be used once per day for gorilla trekking through two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla. Permits must be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. In Rwanda, they can be purchased online through the IremboGov website. In both cases it is strongly recommended to book in advance.

By far the easiest way to organize your permits is to book with a tour operator accredited by the Association of Uganda Tour Operators such as African Jungle Adventures. All of their gorilla treks, safaris and tours in Uganda and Rwanda include the necessary permits.

3. Visit in the dry season

Although gorilla trekking is a year-round activity, it is best to visit during the dry season. Hiking conditions are more pleasant and generally make it easier to spot wildlife throughout the country. It also means jungle areas are more accessible, roads are less prone to flooding and paths and trails are more navigable.

Kiki Dohmeier/ShutterstockUganda and Rwanda have tropical climates

Uganda has two dry seasons when conditions are best: December to February and June to August. Likewise, the best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is the dry season from June to September.

4. But be prepared for ALL weather

Regardless of when you visit, trekkers need to be prepared for changeable conditions. Expect a climate that can range from hot and humid to cold and wet over the course of a single day.

Daniel F. Purcaru/ShutterstockTrails can be far more challenging

Wear a sturdy pair of hiking boots with ankle support that have been thoroughly broken in and thick socks. Mountain trails can be notoriously uneven, muddy and slippery, so blisters can be a problem. It is called Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a reason.

It is also advisable to keep as much skin covered as possible in the jungle to avoid stinging plants and insect bites. Lightweight, quick-drying hiking pants are ideal. You will also need a waterproof jacket and clothing that can be worn in layers as it can get chilly at night and after rain.

5. Make your camera waterproof

Although not technically rainforest, the jungles of Uganda and Rwanda are tropical and therefore see significant rainfall throughout the year. Therefore, it is worth investing in a waterproof case or cover for your camera to protect it while hiking. We also recommend packing spare batteries and memory cards and purchasing or renting a telephoto lens for the trip.

Brina L. Colorful/ShutterstockConsider waterproofing your camera

Finally, remember that taking photos with flash is strictly prohibited while gorilla trekking so as not to disturb the animals. So make sure your flash setting is turned off.

6. Be patient

As with all wildlife viewing, patience is essential. Sightings are never guaranteed and wild animals have a habit of doing exactly what they want. Unfortunately, you can't ask a gorilla to wait in a clearing, look at the camera, or stand in better light.

Onyx9/ShutterstockA silverback gorilla in Rwanda

Sometimes it takes longer than expected to find the gorillas, or you may not be able to stay in their company for as long as you would like. This could be to your or their advantage. The only way is to be in the right place at the right time. Sometimes it may take longer, but it will always be time well spent.

7. GET FIT

While most gorilla treks can be completed by anyone with a basic level of fitness, a little preparation will never hurt you. If you don't have hiking experience, it's worth getting some practice.

Denys. Kutsevalov/ShutterstockIt's worth getting fit for the trek

Make yourself comfortable while hiking in the mountains. Spend some time outdoors climbing up and down steep, uneven slopes with a daypack. If you want to go the extra mile, any cardio prep like running and swimming will come in handy for long days on the trail.

8. There's more to see than just gorillas

Whether you see gorillas or not, Uganda and Rwanda are both worthwhile destinations in their own right, arguably combining the best of the continent in two small but stunning countries.

Uganda is home to Africa's highest mountain range, the Rwenzoris, known as the "Mountains of the Moon". The upper slopes, permanently snow-covered and glaciated, are home to challenging but deeply rewarding treks. The mountains are the source of the Nile, which in turn is home to some of the most exciting whitewater rafting trips in the world. Other attractions include Lake Bunyonyi and Murchison Falls, one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world, and a variety of national parks teeming with exciting wildlife, including Africa's five great wild animals, lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo.

Ondrej Prosicky/ShutterstockUganda is home to Africa's five major wild animals

Little Rwanda, also known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” thanks to its endless mountains, has it all. Beyond the Virungas, Rwanda has some of Africa's most beautiful inland beaches on the shores of Lake Kivu, while Nyungwe Forest National Park, with its incredible biodiversity, offers the chance to track chimpanzees.

For more information on things to do in Uganda and Rwanda, visit African Jungle Adventures.

Mission statement: Onyx9/Shutterstock

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