Gorilla Trekking Tips
Gorilla trekking can be done in Uganda, Rwanda or Democratic republic of Congo. in Uganda, gorillas are found in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. In Rwanda gorillas are found in Volcanoes national park Rwanda and Virunga national park in eastern democratic republic of Congo.
Trekking gorillas in their natural habitat is a wonderful wildlife experience. Visitors are accompanied by guides and rangers into the forest hiking on foot in search of the habituated gorilla families. The chance to see gorillas in the wild is 99%. However it can be challenging due to a number of factors such as terrain, season thus it requires thorough preparation and planning.
Assess your fitness levels for gorilla trekking
The chances are 99.9 % seeing gorillas in their natural habitat in Uganda or Rwanda. But on the flip side, believe that hiking on foot through the tropical forests in search of the habituated gorillas is not easy; it requires physical strength and good health condition. How long does it take to see gorillas is the number one question asked by so many elderly visitors.
Mountain gorillas live in dense and steep forested mountains and move wherever they want looking for food. Thus it’s difficult to predict how easy, short or longer a gorilla trek will be. It can range anywhere between 30 minutes to more than 8 hours when the trek gets longer. However you can still track gorillas regardless of your fitness level. Mental preparation is important too.
There are some visitors who get problems along the way and end up being airlifted to and from the gorillas on emergency, though that incurs extra high cost paid to the porters. Visitors who feel are not fit enough can hire porters to assist carrying backpack and giving you a push where necessary.
Take not of the altitude and terrain. Bwindi forest is divided into four sections which are located at varying altitudes. Basing on your fitness level, getting to know the gorilla tracking sectors it can help determine which sector to book for a gorilla permit. For instance Buhoma Sector north of Bwindi forest lies at lower altitudes of 1100 meters and the trekking can be relatively easy. While the southern sectors including Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga lies at higher altitudes 2200 meters thus treks can be difficult.
In Rwanda, volcanoes national park is dominated by steep virunga volcanoes but the vegetation cover is not thick as it is in Bwindi. Trekking in Rwanda isn’t strenuous as it can be in Bwindi.
Generally, you don’t have to be in a shape of an athlete. Anyone including visitors of 70 years old age plus can have a successful and memorable gorilla trekking experience.
Book a gorilla permit in advance
Plan your gorilla tracking adventure well in advance at least 3-5 months in advance. No limit you can even book a year in advance. The reason for that is to have first choice of the gorilla permit at a preferred destination. Due to many travelers planning for gorilla tracking, often times gorilla permits are sold out and one can’t find out availability during the peak season for gorilla tracking between December to February and June to September. That’s true for those planning to track gorillas in Bwindi; you have to book in advance to secure a gorilla permit at one of the park’s gorilla centers as well as accommodation of choice.
If you are planning for Rwanda, gorilla permits may be available all year round but advance booking for accommodation is required. So check with your operator.
What else to do besides gorilla trekking?
Once you select your destination and secure gorilla trekking permits, it’s time to look to other activities you can whether its game viewing or cultural tour. It takes an itinerary tailored to your needs, budget and time by a safari expert. One day gorilla tracking is only possible in Rwanda due to the short drive time from Kigali to volcanoes national park. While it’s impossible to have such in Uganda, It’s possible to have 2 days gorilla trekking in Uganda only if you arrive at Kigali Rwanda. But if you arrive at Entebbe airport Uganda, the shortest itinerary is 3 days gorilla trekking safari. If you have more time, when visiting Uganda for gorilla tracking, it’s recommended to add Queen Elizabeth national park for game drives and boat rides to view elephants, tree climbing lions, hippos, and lots of game which can take 5 days itinerary. There are many options for those extending their gorilla safari in Uganda up to 7 days and it can include chimpanzee tracking in kibale forest national park.
When is the best time to track gorillas?
The months of December to February and June to September mark the peak/ dry season, which is the best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo. During the dry season, the tropical forest trails are drier and easier to navigate on foot while searching for gorillas. Nevertheless, make sure to bring a rain jacket because rainfall is unpredictable. It can rain any time of the day in Bwindi. The dry season is great for wildlife safari if you’re combining gorilla trekking with other activities such as game drives, birding, and hot air balloon safaris.
On the other hand, the wet/ rainy season from April to May and October to November are characterized by short and heavy rains. This season has its own advantages, despite the rains; gorilla trekking can be spectacular too. Visitors should expect and prepare for drizzles, heavy rains, muddy forest trails and a lot of plant foliage.
Special Credit for the featured picture: @Rod Waddington