Why Is Gorilla Trekking Limited to Once a Day?

Why Is Gorilla Trekking Limited to Once a Day?

Gorilla trekking takes place in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where four national parks protect the last remaining mountain gorillas. These include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in Congo. Congo also offers the opportunity to see lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

Mountain gorillas are trekked only once a day due to their unique way of life. They spend their day foraging for food and return to their nests in the evening, around 6 pm. This natural behavior, combined with the fact that mountain gorillas live only in the wild (not in zoos), has led conservation organizations to limit human interaction to a single trek each day. This ensures the gorillas are not overwhelmed by human presence and the experience remains sustainable for both the animals and visitors.

Gorilla Trekking Permits and How to Get Them

To go gorilla trekking in any of these parks, you need a gorilla permit. These permits allow you access to the gorillas’ natural habitat and provide an opportunity to observe them up close. We recommend booking your gorilla trek well in advance—especially if you’re traveling during the peak season (June to September)—as permits can sell out quickly. It’s best to secure your permits at least 5 months in advance.

Cost and How to Get Gorilla Permits in Uganda

In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs:

• $800 for foreign non-residents per trek
• $700 for foreign residents
• $80 for East African citizens (from Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan)

This permit allows you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda is home to 23 habituated gorilla families—16 in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga—providing 136 permits per day for trekking.

If you’d like to spend more time with the gorillas, consider the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi. This experience allows you to spend 4 hours with semi-habituated gorillas under the guidance of trackers and researchers. A Gorilla Habituation Permit costs $1500.

You can book gorilla permits in Uganda directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a trusted tour operator like Excursia Adventures.

Cost and How to Get Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

In Rwanda, a gorilla permit costs:

• $1500 for foreign non-residents per trek
• $500 for foreign residents
• $200 for East African citizens

This allows you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda is home to 12 gorilla families, and 96 permits are available each day for trekking.

You can book gorilla permits in Rwanda directly through the Rwanda Development Board or with a reliable tour operator like Excursia Adventures.

Cost and How to Get Gorilla Permits in DR Congo

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, gorilla trekking occurs in Virunga National Park (for mountain gorillas) and Kahuzi-Biega National Park (for lowland gorillas). The costs are:

• Virunga National Park:
  • $400 per person for the high season (mid-December to mid-March and June to October)
  • $200 per person for the low season (mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December)
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park:
  • $400 for foreign non-residents
  • $200 for East African residents
  • $20 for national residents

You can book gorilla permits in Congo directly through Virunga National Park or with a trusted tour operator like Excursia Adventures.

Important Note When Booking Gorilla Permits

Please note that gorilla permits cover only the trek itself. Additional costs, such as accommodation, airfare, ground transport, meals, and other expenses, are not included in the permit price. Be sure to check with your tour operator for a full breakdown of what’s included in your safari package.

What is the Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years. There is no official maximum age limit, as long as you are physically fit enough to take part in the trek. If you’re traveling with older family members—whether it’s your mother, grandmother, father, or an elderly uncle—don’t worry! Gorilla trekking is now accessible to older travelers as well. In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, sedan chairs are available for hire to assist those who may not be able to walk long distances. These chairs are carried by porters to transport you to and from the forest. You can arrange for a sedan chair in advance or hire one on the day of the trek, with costs ranging from $400 to $500.

When is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Africa?

Gorilla trekking can be done year-round, but the best time to visit is during the drier months: January, February, and from June to early September. During these months, the weather is more favorable for trekking, with less rain making the trails easier to navigate. Additionally, the vegetation is less dense, offering clearer views of the gorillas, making for better photo opportunities.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

When going on a gorilla trekking safari, it’s important to pack appropriately for the conditions. The forests can be muddy, especially after rain, and the terrain can be steep and strenuous. Here’s a list of essential items to bring:

• Comfortable, sturdy hiking boots and socks
• Long-sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight trousers to protect against the undergrowth
• Insect repellent
• Torch/flashlight (with spare batteries)
• Wet wipes
• Water bottle
• Camera (with extra lenses)
• Gardening gloves (helpful for gripping during the trek)
• Sandals/flip-flops (for after the trek)
• Hat and sunscreen
• Rain jacket (the weather can change quickly)
• Sweater/fleece for cooler evenings
• Swimwear (if your safari includes a lodge with a pool)
• Binoculars (for bird and game watching)

Why Book Your Gorilla Trek with Excursia Adventures?

At Excursia Adventures, we are here to help you book your gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. We offer a variety of gorilla trekking safari packages, from budget to luxury options, and we take care of all the details, including securing your gorilla permits. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional service, ensuring you have a smooth and memorable adventure.

Feel free to check out our TripAdvisor reviews and read about the experiences of other satisfied clients. With our team of experienced tour consultants, you can count on us for expert guidance every step of the way. Whether you’re visiting Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo, we guarantee you’ll have an unforgettable gorilla trekking tour with us.

Ready to start planning your adventure? Contact us now to learn more and book your trip!