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What to Expect from Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is an extraordinary adventure that allows you to observe one of the most majestic creatures in their natural habitat. This guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to prepare for and enjoy your gorilla trekking experience.

Choosing a Destination for your Gorilla Trek

Gorilla trekking is available in several locations in Africa, with the most popular being Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

All come with their own pros and cons, but you can read our full guide here to make an informed decision on what destination to visit.

The Gorilla Trekking Experience

In this section we’ll walk you through the experience of your gorilla trek. It’s important to note that there are some differences depending on the destination but the below should give a good overview of what to expect.

Starting your Gorilla Trek

Each group (usually a maximum of 8 guests) is accompanied by experienced guides and trackers. The trackers usually go ahead to locate the gorillas using GPS and radio communications. Optional porters are available to hire. They can carry your backpack and assist you through difficult terrain. This is also a great way to support the local community.

Navigating the Terrain

It’s good to be prepared for a variety of terrains, including dense forests, steep hills, muddy paths, and occasionally water crossings. You will trek through dense undergrowth, bamboo forests, and sometimes open clearings. Rangers may need to use machetes to clear a path.

You’ll generally be fine to navigate these terrains if you can comfortably walk to the top of a set of stairs and not be out of breath but if you’re concerned about physical fitness then read our guide for more information.

Gorilla Trek Duration

The length of the trek can vary widely. It can take anywhere from 1 to 8 hours to find the gorillas, depending on their location. The good news is that the pace is generally moderate, with frequent stops to rest and hydrate.

Download our Gorilla Trekking Guide

Discover the top gorilla tracking experiences, when to go, best accommodation and more.

Gorilla Trekking Safaris

Dzanga Sangha Gorilla Tracking Safari

Track endangered western lowland gorillas, observe forest elephants, bongos, and mangabey monkeys, and join the local Ba'Aka tribe on a net hunt in the dense rainforests of the Dzanga Sangha reserve. Journey to the rainforests of the remote Dzanga Sangha Reserve on this pioneering safari to the Central African Republic. Dzanga Sangha is one of the few places in the world where you can track habituated western lowland gorillas, and is also home to forest elephants and the elusive bongo antelope. Join the local Ba’Aka people as they hunt and gather medicinal herbs, and trek through pristine rainforest in search of colourful birdlife and mangabey monkeys. Staying in the comfortable yet basic Sangha Lodge, this safari is perfect for adventurous travellers hoping to get off the beaten track for incredible wildlife experiences.

From 10345 per person

St Uganda Mountain Gorilla Shutterstock Photocechcz

9 Day Western Lowland Gorilla & Bai Safari

Located in the north-west region of the Republic of the Congo, discover two unique camps inside the pristine Odzala-Kokoua National Park, and a third on a private concession bordering the national park. This is a lowland rainforest characterised by a network of bais, rivers, marshes and swamps. This vast and truly wild region, with its wide range of landscapes and habitat, is home to an incredible diversity of life. Forest elephant, leopard, bongo, forest buffalo, giant forest hog and hippo live alongside the greatest density of western lowland gorilla in Africa.

From 15205 per person

Short Gorilla Tracking Safari

Nothing can prepare you for it. The moment you first encounter a mountain gorilla nestled in the midst of the verdant Rwandan thicket. As soon as you step foot in the legendary Virunga Mountains, there’s a palpable sense of interconnectedness, rippling from the land, to the wildlife, to the people.

From 11500 per person

RWA Cl Rwanda July Gorilla Sideview Credit Richard Denyer

Luxury Complete Rwanda Safari

The opportunity to visit Rwanda's three main wildlife hotspots whilst staying in the most luxurious accomodation and transferring vy helicopter, from tracking the world famouns mountain gorilla and meeting the doctors of the mountain gorilla vetinary project, to tracking the cheeky chimpanzee in Nyungwe and searching for a multitude of wildlfie on game drives in Akagera National Park.

From 39000 per person

Contact a Gorilla Specialist Today

Encountering the Gorillas

We’ve broken down this section into the different parts of your encounter with the gorillas.

Initial Sighting

Once the trackers locate the gorillas, they will notify your group. You’ll be given a final set of instructions before approaching the gorillas.

Observing the Gorillas

You’re allowed to spend one hour with the gorillas. This time limit is strictly enforced to minimise disturbance to the animals. Gorillas may be feeding, resting, playing, or moving but whatever happens, you can observe their social interactions and behaviors up close. Take photos and videos but remember to turn off the flash. It’s important to capture this unique experience while respecting the gorillas’ space.

Guidelines During the Encounter

Maintain Distance: Always keep at least 7 meters away from the gorillas.
Stay Calm: Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises.
Follow Instructions: Adhere to the guide’s instructions to ensure your safety and that of the gorillas.

Gorilla Trekking Planning

Gorilla Trekking: Uganda or Rwanda

While both countries offer the chance to come face to face with these enchanting apes, your safari experience will differ depending on where you choose to travel. To help you make your choice, we’ve outlined the differences below. Of course, you can always combine the two countries for the ultimate mountain gorilla experience!

Which is better?

Is Gorilla Trekking Safe?

Gorilla trekking is generally safe, whether you're in Uganda or Rwanda. Both countries have established robust safety measures to protect both visitors and the endangered mountain gorillas.

Safety Tips & Guidelines

RWA St Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Trekking Tourist Volcanoes National Park Karenfoleyphotography

How Challenging is Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking is not as hard as everyone makes out, but yes, you do have to be of decent fitness. We always say that if you can walk to the top of a set of stairs and not be out of breath then that should be your basic fitness level to work from. Read on to discover more on fitness levels required for gorilla trekking.

After the hour with the gorillas, you’ll hike back to the starting point. The return trek can also be challenging, so be sure to conserve some energy.

Upon return, there is often a sense of accomplishment and exhilaration, and many parks provide a certificate of participation, acknowledging your contribution to gorilla conservation.