Gorilla Trekking: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter

There are very few wildlife experiences that leave you genuinely speechless. Seeing a mountain gorilla in the wild is one of them. Deep in the mist-covered forests of Central Africa, the trek to find them is as moving as the moment you finally do. You climb slowly through tangled vines and moss-draped trees until, suddenly, the jungle opens and you are standing face to face with one of our closest relatives.

Why Go Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is one of the world’s most extraordinary natural encounters. It is a rare chance to see a species that exists in only two small pockets of Africa, with numbers so fragile that every visit directly contributes to their protection. Beyond the thrill of the trek itself, it is an experience that changes your perspective on conservation, community, and the balance between people and wildlife.

It is not about ticking off another “Big Five” sighting. Watching a silverback guard his family, or a young gorilla curiously mimic your movements, is an unforgettable reminder of how close we really are.

Where to Go

There are three countries where you can go gorilla trekking: Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Rwanda is by far the most popular, with the best infrastructure, world-class lodges, and a strong commitment to safety and sustainability. The country’s Volcanoes National Park is small, efficient, and incredibly well managed, making it ideal for travellers who value comfort and conservation in equal measure.

Uganda offers a wilder, more rugged experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, where the treks can be longer but the landscapes are breathtaking. It is less polished than Rwanda but equally rewarding.

The Democratic Republic of Congo also has mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, though ongoing security issues mean travel there is not currently advised.

Understanding the Gorillas

There are four recognised subspecies of gorilla: Cross River, Western Lowland, Eastern Lowland, and Mountain. It is the Mountain Gorilla that draws travellers here, found only in the high-altitude rainforests of the Virunga Mountains and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

These gorillas have thick fur to withstand the cool temperatures and tend to live in large family groups led by a dominant silverback. They are critically endangered, with only around 1,000 individuals left in the wild, yet their numbers are slowly increasing thanks to tightly managed tourism and anti-poaching efforts.

What to Expect on the Trek

Your day begins early, around 7am, at the park headquarters where you meet your guide and fellow trekkers for a briefing. Rangers assign each group to a habituated gorilla family, with only eight visitors per family per day, and explain the plan for the morning.

From there, you drive to the trailhead and begin your trek at around 8:30. The path winds through thick rainforest, along steep, sometimes slippery slopes, and across narrow footpaths tangled with vines. A porter can carry your bag and lend a hand during the steeper sections, which is well worth it.

Each group is accompanied by an expert guide and two armed rangers, though their rifles are used only to fire warning shots if wild animals approach, which is very rare. Trackers move ahead to locate the gorillas, communicating by radio to guide you to their position.

The length of the trek depends on where the gorillas have moved overnight. It could take an hour, or it could take five. But when you find them, everything else disappears. You spend one hour quietly observing them as they eat, play, and interact. They are astonishingly human in their gestures and expressions. Trackers know each gorilla by name and can identify them by face and personality.

Permits and Conservation

Because gorilla tourism is so carefully controlled, permits are essential and limited. In Rwanda, permits cost around US$1,500 per person per day. In Uganda, they are US$800. In Congo, they are US$400.

Each permit allows one hour with a gorilla family, and the funds go directly into conservation, supporting anti-poaching patrols, research, and the surrounding communities. Many of the trackers and rangers were once poachers themselves and now earn their livelihoods protecting what they once hunted.

You will not be allowed to trek if you have a cold or any contagious illness, as gorillas are extremely vulnerable to human diseases.

When to Go Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, but the best times to visit are during the dry seasons: December to February and June to October. Even then, “dry” is relative. This is still rainforest, and you should expect mud, humidity, and unpredictable showers. These months offer better visibility and slightly easier trails.

The Experience

Watching a gorilla family in their natural habitat is humbling. The forest falls silent except for the rustle of leaves, the soft grunts of communication, and the rhythmic tearing of stems as they feed. There is no barrier between you, only a few metres and the quiet understanding that you are guests in their world.

It is one of the rarest, most meaningful wildlife experiences on the planet, not just because it is hard to reach, but because it feels deeply personal.

If you have ever dreamed of seeing gorillas in the wild, I can help you plan a completely tailored experience, from securing your permits to choosing the perfect lodge base and combining your trek with other highlights across East Africa. Get in touch now!