Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Congo

Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Congo

Are you based in Congo and planning to embark on a thrilling gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda or Rwanda? Or perhaps you’re already in Uganda and thinking about combining your gorilla trekking experience with a safari in Congo? Trek Africa Expeditions is here to help you plan an unforgettable gorilla trip starting from Congo.

Congo has recently joined the East African Community, making it easier for travelers to visit with an East African multiple-entry visa. Although Congo was once known for political instability, the country has stabilized in the past five years, particularly in areas like Goma, which is now welcoming travelers.

Visiting DR Congo offers thrilling experiences, such as trekking lowland gorillas, mountain gorillas, and hiking to the summit of Nyiragongo Volcano—one of the world’s most active volcanoes. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we ensure your safety by guiding you to safe regions of the country, making your trip both exciting and secure.

Gorilla Trekking in Africa: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure

Gorilla trekking is a bucket-list activity for many travelers. It’s one of the most memorable wildlife experiences, offering an up-close encounter with these endangered apes in their natural habitat. While it requires physical effort—hiking through thick vegetation, crossing rivers, and sometimes dealing with challenging terrain—it’s an experience every adventurer should undertake during their safari in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo.

Trekking involves hiking through the forest to locate a gorilla family. After finding them, you can observe them for an hour in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo. For those who want more time with the gorillas, you can opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you’ll spend up to four hours with the gorillas.

Where Can You Do Gorilla Trekking in Africa?

If you’re traveling from Congo, you can start your gorilla trekking adventure in either Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo itself. These three countries are home to the last remaining mountain gorillas, and each offers unique trekking opportunities:

• Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park
• Congo: Virunga National Park (home to mountain gorillas) and Kahuzi-Biega National Park (for lowland gorillas)

To go trekking in these parks, you must obtain a gorilla permit, which grants you access to the gorillas for a set time. Permits can sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons (June to September), so it’s best to book your trek at least 5 months in advance. Trek Africa Expeditions can handle all the bookings and permits for you.

Cost and How to Get Gorilla Permits in Uganda

• Uganda Gorilla Permit Costs:
  • Foreign non-residents: $800 per trek
  • Uganda residents: $700 per trek
  • East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan): $80 per trek

Each permit grants you one hour with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda has 17 habituated gorilla families, with 136 permits available daily.

For a more immersive experience, you can choose the Gorilla Habituation Experience, available only in Bwindi Forest. This experience costs $1500 and allows you to spend four hours with the gorillas, guided by researchers and trackers.

Permits can be booked directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Cost and How to Get Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

• Rwanda Gorilla Permit Costs:
  • Foreign non-residents: $1500 per trek
  • Foreign residents: $500 per trek
  • East African citizens: $200 per trek

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is home to 12 gorilla families, and 96 permits are available each day. To book your permit, you can either go through the Rwanda Development Board or work with an experienced operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

What is the Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years, while the maximum age is typically 85 years, depending on an individual’s fitness level. While gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, we’ve made it more accessible for older travelers, particularly in Bwindi Forest, by providing sedan chair carriers. These chairs are perfect for those who may struggle with the terrain. If you need assistance, porters will carry you to and from the forest during the trek. Sedan chair hire can be arranged in advance or on the day of your trek, and the cost generally ranges between $400 and $500.

Gorilla Permit Cancellation Policy in Uganda

A gorilla permit is essential for your trek, and it’s important to ensure you can use it on your scheduled date. The cancellation policy for gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo is the same: if you fail to show up for your trek within 0 to 8 days of the scheduled date, you won’t receive a refund.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the cancellation policy has been adjusted. Uganda has allowed travelers to change their trekking dates up to two times for treks impacted by the pandemic, offering some flexibility.

When is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be done year-round. However, the best time to visit is during the drier months, from January to February and June to early September. During this period, the trails are less muddy, making the trek easier and more enjoyable. Additionally, the drier weather offers better visibility of the gorillas as the vegetation is less dense. Whether you’re coming from Congo or elsewhere, these months are perfect for exploring Uganda’s stunning wildlife.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

When preparing for your gorilla trekking adventure, packing the right gear is essential. Conditions can be muddy and challenging, especially when it rains. Here’s a list of must-have items for your trek:

• Comfortable hiking boots with socks (essential for slippery, steep terrain)
• Insect repellent to protect against bites
• Flashlight/torch (with spare batteries)
• Wet wipes for quick cleaning
• Water bottle to stay hydrated
• Camera (don’t forget extra lenses for those close-up shots!)
• Gardening gloves for handling thorny branches
• Long-sleeved cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers to protect against stinging nettles and ants
• Sandals/flip-flops for after the trek
• Hat and sunscreen for protection from the sun
• Rain jacket (the forest can be unpredictable)
• Sweater/fleece (temperatures can vary)
• Swimwear (for any post-trek relaxation)
• Binoculars for wildlife and bird watching

Why Book Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions is here to help you plan the perfect gorilla trekking trip in Uganda from Congo. We offer a wide range of safari packages—from budget to luxury options—along with booking the gorilla permits for you. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you have an unforgettable experience, providing excellent service and customer satisfaction.

Feel free to check out our TripAdvisor reviews and hear from our satisfied clients who’ve had amazing experiences with us. We take pride in offering expert advice and handling all the details of your Uganda safari so that you can relax and enjoy your adventure. Whether you’re trekking gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, we guarantee a safe and memorable experience!