Gorilla Trekking Safaris: A Complete Guide

Permit prices vary by country. A mountain gorilla trek costs roughly US$700–800 in Uganda, US$1,500 in Rwanda and US$400 in the DRC. Uganda's gorilla habituation experience, up to four hours with a family, costs around US$1,500. Lowland gorilla trekking permits run roughly US$400–750, while gorilla watching from a baï treehouse in Odzala-Kokoua needs no permit. Permits are separate from your accommodation and other costs and channel revenue directly into conservation.

The dry seasons, mid-December to early February and June to September, are more comfortable for gorilla trekking because they offer firmer ground and clearer views. That said, don't be completely put off by the rains of November and March-May, as you will have the forests, mountains, guides and gorillas to yourself. Note that it can rain during the dry seasons as well.

You should be fit enough to walk for a few hours at a relaxed pace. The pace is gentle with frequent stops, but high humidity, steep terrain, and altitude make it tiring, and treks can take one to six hours each way. Hiring a porter to carry your pack makes the day considerably easier.

The minimum age is 15, with no upper limit. The rule exists to protect gorillas from childhood illnesses such as measles, mumps and chickenpox, to which they have no immunity.

Both are excellent for meeting gorilla families; the choice comes down to budget, time and priorities. Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is more convenient, roughly a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali, with premium lodges, the legacy of Dian Fossey's Karisoke research, and the annual Kwita Izina gorilla-naming ceremony, but permits cost US$1,500 each. Uganda's Bwindi has more habituated gorilla families, a better overall forest-and-wildlife experience and permits at roughly half the price, but a longer journey from Entebbe.

The regulated minimum distance is seven metres, which reduces the risk of passing human illnesses to gorillas, who share around 98% of our DNA. In practice, gorillas don't always honour the rule and may wander closer; if that happens, stay calm, remain seated and retreat slowly while rangers manage the situation.

Yes, well-managed gorilla trekking is ethical, and is a key reason mountain gorillas have recovered from fewer than 620 individuals in 1989 to more than 1,000 today. Permit revenue funds rangers, veterinary care and anti-poaching work, while Uganda directs 20% of park gate revenue and Rwanda 10% of permit revenue to local communities. The key is travelling with operators who source permits officially and benefit local people. Read more about gorilla trekking ethics.

Other animals in the region include forest elephants, forest buffalo, duikers, forest hogs, bush pigs, golden cats, jackals and civets. It should be noted, though, that sightings are rare due to the thick vegetation. There are 1,074 bird species in the Albertine Rift, of which 42 occur only there, and you can expect to tick off many colourful birds as you hike.

Trekking means hiking to spend up to one hour with a habituated family, wearing a mask and keeping your distance; a permit is required. Watching, available only in Odzala-Kokoua, means observing unhabituated western lowland gorillas from an elevated baï treehouse just a few minutes' walk from your lodge, with no time limit, no mask and no permit. These gorillas are fully wild and will leave if disturbed, but will often feed in the clearing for long spells, sometimes giving several sightings in a day. Lowland gorillas are smaller, more arboreal and constantly on the move, making encounters wilder and less predictable.

No, gorillas are not dangerous. They are gentle, and habituated families are used for gorilla trek meetings, so incidents are rare. A silverback may beat his chest, roar or even mock-charge as a threat display; if this happens, stay seated, avoid eye contact and follow your guide. The displays look and sound alarming, but the gorillas almost always settle quickly.

Worn-in waterproof hiking boots, gaiters and gloves for the nettles, several layers including a warm top, long trousers and long sleeves, a rain jacket, a wide-brimmed hat, insect repellent and a small day pack. Bring a surgical mask, waterproof bags for camera gear, water and snacks. Lodges often lend raincoats and day packs. Hiring a porter at a nominal fee of about US$20 eases the climb and supports local families. Never break in new boots on a trek.

Trekking rules are essential to protect gorillas' health, as they are susceptible to human diseases. Gorillas will be stressed if there are too many visitors or if visitors misbehave.

Mask

Wearing a surgical mask while meeting gorillas is mandatory.

Feeling sick?

If you show any sign of illness on the day of your trek, please let your guide or the park staff know. They may decide to prevent you from trekking on that day. Exposing gorillas to disease may be catastrophic for the entire population. Also, if you are in the company of gorillas and need to cough or sneeze, face away from the gorillas - even while wearing the required mask.

Group size and frequency

Each gorilla group is visited daily - only once. Group size is limited to 6 or 8 tourists, and the interaction time is 1 hour.

Minimum visitor age

The minimum age for tourists is 15 years old, to prevent exposing the gorillas to childhood diseases such as mumps, chickenpox, measles, etc.

Photography

Flash photography is not permitted - the flash may frighten the gorillas or provoke an aggressive reaction.

Minimum distance

Tourists must remain at least seven metres from the gorillas. Gorillas may approach you, in which case you should retreat slowly if possible.

Stay together

Try to remain in a tight group - to make it easier for your guides to manage the situation and to prevent the gorillas from feeling threatened.

Your behaviour while with gorillas

Remain seated or crouching and keep your arms at your side when spending time with gorillas. Keep quiet - even when filming a selfie. Shouting, standing or gesturing with your arms may be perceived as a threat by gorillas. Silverback gorillas have been known to beat their chests, roar and even charge at tourists. If this happens, remain seated and avoid eye contact with the gorilla. These threat displays look and sound scary, but the gorillas soon calm down and go about their business without harming anybody.

Eating, drinking & smoking

No eating, drinking or smoking is permitted anywhere near gorillas. This may attract their attention, leading to unwelcome close encounters. Your food may also be harmful to gorillas' health.

Toilet

Please go to the bathroom before you set out on your trek. If you need to go to the toilet whilst in the forest, you will need to dig a deep hole to bury any excrement and fill it in afterwards. Your guides will lend you a machete for this purpose, but you will need to bring toilet paper.

Litter

Please keep all of your rubbish in your backpack and deposit it at your lodge after the trek.

Permits are limited, and demand is high. For peak-season travel, plan 12 to 18 months ahead. Trips outside peak season can usually be arranged six to nine months out, often with better availability and rates. Permits are typically non-refundable and non-transferable, and treks depart in all weather, so build in flexibility. Because habituated families are monitored daily, the chances of finding them are very high.

As of now, gorilla trekking in the DRC's Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks is suspended owing to armed conflict, with access routes closed and staff evacuated. Uganda, Rwanda and Congo-Brazzaville remain open for trekking. Confirm the latest status with your safari expert before planning any DRC trip.