How difficult is gorilla trekking? Gorillas are an endangered species. Currently, you can only find them in three African Countries, Rwanda at Volcanoes National Park, Uganda at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Congo at Virunga National Park. They are found living in their natural habitats and this means tracking them in the mountainous forests bursting with other wildlife, different flora, and fauna.
Mountain Gorilla (gorilla beringei beringei) in the green jungle of the Virunga Mountains. Location: Volcanoes National Park (in the border triangle between Rwanda, DR Congo and Uganda), Rwanda, Africa. Shot in wildlife.
To measure how difficult it is, we’ll look at some factors for you to think about in regard to gorilla trekking.
1. Duration
Typically, you get to trek until you make contact with a gorilla nest, however, the trek normally takes about 1-6 hours and it can be challenging especially if one is not a natural or a hiker but being prepared comes in handy.
Gorillas are constantly on the move, following their tracks is the whole idea if this adventure and it sure is unpredictable. It is very possible to land on a nest 40 minutes into the trek as much as it is to not find one until 5 hours later.
It helps to go into this with an open mindset and readiness to trek however long it takes! After all, that is why you have made this decision. Once you find them, you get to spend a good 1 (one) hour with them.
On average, to maintain stamina on such a trek, one has to be at least medium fit or healthy. For older people or any persons who cannot walk for long periods, we would advise hiring a porter (about $15) at the sight to help carry your luggage, or even help you in difficult areas like crossing streams.
2. Terrain & Altitude
Let us just say, they are called Mountain Gorillas for a reason.
In Bwindi, the terrain is very mountainous, and rugged and the vegetation is very thick. Even with the help of a guide, it requires personal strength to manoeuvre the increasingly high altitudes. Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga mountains standing at 3,800m above sea level.
Due to the unpredictable nature of Gorillas, it is safe to assume that they might be moving higher and deeper into the forest. The trek can be strenuous and slippery so be sure to have very sturdy hiking shoes.
There are options of tracking to choose from and you can always select one that you feel is right for you. Whether in Bwindi or Volcanoes, there are slightly easier trails that you can request when booking your safari.
3. Weather
Generally, is always better to go on a trekking trip in the dry seasons. This makes it a lot easier to deal with other factors without having your tracking delayed because of heavy rains. Regardless, you are advised to carry a heavy jacket or raincoat since these are tropical rainforests.
The dry seasons are from June to September, and December to February. The seasons vary in pros and cons.
The dry seasons are more crowded and harder to access the tracking permits, therefore you should endeavour to book and secure your permit in advance.
In rainy seasons it is harder to trek the tough terrain and yet cheaper to find accommodation and trekking permits. However, I would advise trekking in the dry periods especially if a tougher trek doesn’t excite you.
4. Cost of Tracking Permits
For a foreigner in Rwanda, a permit is $1500 per person, in Uganda, foreign non-residents pay $700, Foreign residents with working permits pay $700 and East African Residents pay 250,000 UGX. In Congo $400 for foreigners and $200 for Locals.
This can be quite a spike in one’s budget especially the foreigners as well as those who are traveling on a budget but famously worth the money and effort and such a fulfilling experience that it will stay with you forever.
5. Unexpected Behaviour of Gorillas
By now you have probably read stories of when the gorillas have acted ‘out of character’ while surrounded by a few strangers. While these stories might make you scared, gorillas are generally gentle and calm beings. Before embarking on your trek, you will be briefed on a few things ‘to do and not to do’.
On some occasions, the gorillas might be playful or even come closer to you – especially the young ones. To some, this might feel like a life or death situation but with the guards nearby, you don’t have to be afraid. They are very well trained to handle any and such situations professionally to ensure your safety.
Conclusion
There are many variables to consider before going for this trek and obvious preparation is needed, be it mental, physical, or financial. However, the result makes all this a worthy adventure.
While the worry might mostly be on the hike, many people of all ranges of fitness have made the hike and looked into those calm and gentle eyes of the gorillas. As you are making your booking, you tell us whether you prefer a simpler trail and we’ll plan for your trek in a suitable zone.
Similarly, the permits are sold on a first come first serve basis, and we always advise booking ahead of time such that we can secure your permit in the desired location.
