10 Travel Tips for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda & Uganda

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There are only between 980 and 1,100 mountain gorillas left in the wild, and they are listed as critically endangered. However, the mountain gorilla population has been growing in the past several years, and much of it is attributed to controlled tourism and conservation efforts. It’s no surprise, then, that the chance of tracking gorillas in their natural habitat is the ultimate bucket-list experience for every safari-goer.

To see mountain gorillas face-to-face, you will have to go to their natural habitat since they cannot survive in captivity. You can go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

It’s important to understand that you will need to make preparations beforehand in order to have an encounter with a silverback in the wild. To help you have the best possible experience, we’ve shared ten tips for gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.

Tips for Gorilla Trekking

1. Improve your fitness before your trip

This should probably be everyone’s first piece of advice. Gorilla trekking can be challenging, and you can make your whole experience far more pleasurable if you get in shape before you tackle it. If you can, practice some hill climbing!

2. Pack and dress appropriately for the hike

Packing everything you’ll need in your day pack and dressing appropriately will ensure you are prepared and comfortable during the hike. Read what to pack and wear for gorilla trekking.

3. Tell the rangers the truth about your level of fitness

You should let the rangers know if you don’t think you’re very fit so they can, if possible, place you in a less difficult group. If you don’t let anyone know, you can end up hiking farther than you intended to. Employing a porter is another option.

4. Take breaks and move at a rate that seems comfortable

If you feel the need to slow down or take a brief break, let your guide know right away. Drink a lot of water as you travel.

5. Bring local currency with you.

It’s normal to tip in Uganda or Rwanda. The amounts don’t need to be excessive, but it’s a good idea to have some local currency on hand to tip the trackers and rangers in your group. Additionally, you’ll need cash if you wish to hire a porter, purchase souvenirs, or participate in optional activities that are not part of your trip.

6. Go in the dry season

Trekking in the torrential rains and trying to keep your gear dry is no fun. Although rain can fall at any time of year, it is less likely to fall during the dry season and almost certain to fall during the wet season.

7. Stay overnight near the meeting point

Stay near the trailhead to minimize your travel time in the morning. We also advise staying in the same location for a second night on the night of your scheduled excursion so you can unwind without having to travel anywhere.

8. Be prepared for any weather

Gorillas live in tropical rainforests of Uganda and Rwanda which means these forests receive rain throughout the year. The weather is most likely to be both hot and humid as well as slightly chilly and rainy on the same day. So, timely preparation for varying weather conditions on your gorilla trekking adventure will make for a comfortable encounter with the gentle giants in the wild.

9. Have good travel insurance

For most tour companies, you’ll be required to have travel insurance as part of booking a safari package. In any case, it’s usually a good idea to get travel insurance that explicitly pays for things like medical expenses and air evacuations. The cost of travel insurance is a small fee to pay for peace of mind, even if it is unlikely that anything will happen to you.

10. Enjoy the moment!

For most people, meeting the gorillas face-to-face for the first time in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You will hike through shrubs, tree branches, thickets, and streams to look for a family of habituated mountain gorillas, and after finding them, you will be allotted a maximum of one hour in their presence. This time is enough for you to observe them munching, playing, grooming and napping. So be careful to enjoy the hike and your time with the mountain gorillas in the present.