These are some of the Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs and Rules about and when mountain gorilla trekking
What is Gorilla Trekking?
Gorilla trekking is an adventurous hike in the mountainous rain forests of Bwindi, Volcanoes, Virunga and Mgahinga looking for Mountain Gorillas and spending time with the gentle giants.
Is Gorilla trekking worth the money?
Yes. Whenever you go for a gorilla trekking experience, you are supporting the conservation efforts of these endangered species and also help with improving the livelihood of the communities around the forests where the mountain gorillas are habituated.
How much does a Silverback gorilla cost?
Mountain gorillas are not for sale. Poaching is strictly not allowed in these protected areas and the act is punishable in the courts of Law.
How much is gorilla trekking in Bwindi Uganda?
The cost of gorilla trekking safari depends on the accommodation you are willing to book and also the activities you would like in addition to Gorilla trekking.
However, the cost of the Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is USD700.
What is the cost of Gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda?
The cost of the gorilla permit in Rwanda is $1500.
Can you visit mountain gorillas?
Yes! You can visit the gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. These are the only countries where you can find the mountain gorillas in there natural habitat.
Where can I find mountain gorillas?
Half of the Mountain gorillas are located in the Virunga conservation area. This area covers Uganda (Mgahinga Gorilla park), Rwanda(Volcanoes National Park) and DR Congo(Virunga National park). The other half is found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
Is Uganda or Rwanda better for gorilla trekking?
Both countries are good for gorilla trekking. Incase you want a short 1 day or 2 days gorilla trekking expedition, then Rwanda is the better option since the drive from the airport to the volcanoes national park is just 2.5 hours. You can have a 1 Day Gorilla Trek in Rwanda and catch you flight on the same day, but you can not do the same in Uganda.
However if you need a more adventurous drive and you have more than 1 day, then Uganda is the better option for you. You can go visit nearby lakes(Bunyonyi/Mutanda) for relaxation and also visit the Batwa people. But you can also do gorilla trekking in both countries to compare the adventure for you self. But in our experience, the actual gorilla trekking is very similar since the terrain or habitat is similar.
What is the best time to visit Rwanda?
The best time to visit Rwanda is a period from June to September and December to February since these are the dry seasons in the country. This period increases your chances of not having rainfall in volcanoes during the gorilla trekking. However, rain can fall any time of the year, therefore you can go for a gorilla trekking trip any time of the year so long as you have the gorilla permit.
Is Rwanda safer than Uganda?
Both countries(Uganda and Rwanda) are very safe. Therefore a tour to these countries is recommended.
What do you wear to a gorilla trek?
- You should put on dull colored clothes
- Trekker shoes: You will need good waterproof comfortable shoes. Some times it rains during the trek, so skid proof shoes can come in handy.
- Rain Jacket: You are advised to carry rain jacket because if rains very often in Bwindi Impenetrable forest
- Trouser and Shirts Bwindi forest is covered with thick undergrowth, therefore light trousers and long sleeved shirts are advised.
- Socks: You will have to tuck in the trousers into the socks to avoid insects crawling inside.
- Gloves: You will need Gardening gloves because you will be grabbing tree branches, leaves, name it, and some can be thorny.
What countries can you find gorillas?
Mountain Gorillas can only be found in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. You can not find these gentle giants anywhere in the world in there natural habitat.
Why are gorillas killed?
Mountain gorillas are killed by the poachers for variety of reasons including, for Bush meat/food, Medicinal charms, when they unknowingly enter community farm lands. There are also poached by trophy hunters for petting and body parts and sometimes they falls into traps intended for forest antelopes, elephants and other forest animals.
However, these acts are highly condemned and are punishable in the courts of Law.
Where are gorillas in Rwanda?
In Rwanda, the gorillas are only found in Volcanoes national park in the north-west of the country, bordering Uganda and Dr Congo.
How much does it cost to go gorilla trekking in Uganda?
The cost of a 3 Days gorilla trekking safari in Uganda on a budget is USD 1440 for a single person and USD 1180 per person sharing. Cost for a 2 days Gorilla trekking tour is USD 1070 per person sharing and USD 1320 for a single traveler. For more pricing, drop us an email to tours@gorillaandadventuresafaris.com
However, the cost of the Gorilla trekking permit alone in Uganda is USD700.
How much does it cost to see gorillas in Rwanda?
The cost for a 1 Day Gorilla trek in Rwanda is USD 1840 for a single traveler and USD 1695 per person sharing.
How many gorillas are left in Rwanda?
The total number of gorillas currently is 1063, 459 in Bwindi impenetrable national park and the rest 604 found in the Virunga masiff(Volcanoes national park-Rwanda, Vurunga national park-Dr Congo and Mgahinga national park).
Is it legal to have a pet gorilla?
It is illegal to have a pet gorilla in anywhere since the existence of these animals is endangered.
Is Rwanda safe?
Rwanda is a very safe country and the people are very welcoming and friendly. On a trip around the country, you will find no problems wherever you go.
Where should I stay in Rwanda to see gorillas?
To do gorilla trekking in Rwanda, you will have to stay at anyone of the accommodations around Volcanoes national park. These are some of the accommodations;
- Gorilla Solutions Lodge
- Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
- Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
- Mountain Gorilla View lodge
- Five Volcanoes Lodge
- Sabyinyo Silverback lodge
- Virunga Lodge
- Bisate Lodge
- Gorilla Volcanoes hotel
- Hotel Muhabura
- Ruziz Tented Camp
- Gorilla Nest Lodge
- Kinigi guest Camp
- etc
Are there gorillas outside of Africa?
Gorillas are native of the tropical rainforest in Sub-saharan Africa. Therefore they cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Can you do a safari in Rwanda?
Apart from Gorilla trekking, Rwanda has other activities including a wildlife safaris in Akagera National park, Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe forest and Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National park.
Is Gorilla trekking safe?
Gorilla trekking is very safe as long as you follow the tour guide instructions as you track in the forests. When you are in the presence of the gorillas, its important to stay calm and silent and not drawing much attention as instructed by the guide.
How dangerous is a silverback gorilla?
A Silverback gorilla weighs about 400 pounds(180kg) and about 6ft in height when standing and dwarfs humans in girth and weight, however, they are peaceful animals and they allow humans to stay close to them on an expedition. Silverback Gorilla attacks are very very rare.
How can you be safe around gorillas?
You can only be safe around the gorillas by following the tour guide’s instructions when around the gorillas. However, it is important to;
- Stay calm
- Not to look directly into the gorilla’s eyes
- Not dressing bright colored clothes
- Not to take pictures with flash on
- Stay within you group and not to stray away.
Is Volcanoes National Park Rwanda safe?
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is very safe and is a conducive environment for tourists from allover the world.
The trek through the forest is a bit strenuous but very much manageable and incase of fatigue or sickeness, you can be escorted back or carried back safely. Inside the forest its self, there are not threats, Once in a while you can encounter forest Elephants and other animals but you will not be in any danger.
Is it safe to go gorilla trekking in Uganda?
It is very safe to go gorilla trekking in Uganda. Uganda as a country is a very safe nation and has some of the best and welcoming people in Africa.
Bwindi Impenetrable forest and Mgahinga national parks are where the places where you can track mountain gorillas. You can easily reach these parks since the access roads are developed and there are many accommodation facilities built around these national parks. Many accommodations are a walkable distance from the trekking starting points.
The parks are heavily guarded by the Park Rangers and the Army to protect the Gorillas, the forests and the tourists from poachers or anyother external threats.
Does the rain affect gorilla trekking?
Whether it rains or not, gorilla trekking will take place. However it is recommended to carry rain gear and trekker shoes so that movement becomes easier.
How long does it take to meet the gorillas?
Gorilla trekking can take a period of 30 minute to 8 hours. This depends on the location and movements of the gorillas.
What is the maximum number of people on a gorilla trekking group?
A maximum of 8 people in a group are allowed to trek and meet the gorillas.
How much time do I have when i meet the gorillas?
When you meet the gorillas, you are allowed a maximum of 1 hour. You can take pictures however, note that flash is not allowed.
How close can i get to the gorillas?
You are allowed a distance of 7 meters in presence of the mountain gorillas. You are not allowed to touch the mountain gorillas though there are rare cases when the gorillas touch humans. When this happens, you should not panic and you should know that the gorillas are always in control.
Are mountain gorillas dangerous?
These animals are very gentle and they seem to ignore tourists in their presence. However, do not take this for granted. You a not allowed to make any rush movements, do not block the way between a mother and baby.
How physically fit should i be before trekking?
You should be in good physical condition. If you are sick or do not feel well, then it is recommended that you should not do the trekking. Trekking can be tiresome and sometimes it can take the whole day, therefore being physically fit comes in handy.
How can I ease my self during gorilla trekking?
In case you want to ease your self, you should dig a hole of about 30 centimeters deep, and then cover the hole right after.
What do I need to pack for trekking?
- You should put on dull colored clothes
- Water: Gorilla trekking can be very tiresome and you need to refill your tank as the trek goes on. It is advisable to park a few water filtration tablets before you come for the trek.
- Trekker shoes: You will need good waterproof comfortable shoes. Some times it rains during the trek, so skid proof shoes can come in handy.
- Rain Jacket: You are advised to carry rain jacket because if rains very often in Bwindi Impenetrable forest
- Snack: You can carry a light snack to give you some energy during the walk in the forest
- Trouser and Shirts Bwindi forest is covered with thick undergrowth, therefore light trousers and long sleeved shirts are advised.
- Socks: You will have to tuck in the trousers into the socks to avoid insects crawling inside.
- Gloves: You will need Gardening gloves because you will be grabbing tree branches, leaves, name it, and some can be thorny.
- Camera: Carry a good camera (no flash ) to capture this lifetime experience
Gorilla trekking Rules and Regulations
- Keep voices down when in presence of the gorillas and if you want to ask questions, you can but only in a low tone
- Stay closer in the group when your close to the gorillas
- You are not allowed to eat, drink or smoke near the gorillas because this can increase the risk of transmission of infections
- You must stay a distance of 7 meters away from the gorillas
- Please do not touch the gorillas
- Incase the gorilla charges, do not attempt to run rather follow what the guide does tell you. Do not look direct in the eyes of the gorillas, crouch down and wait for the gentle giants to pass
- A maximum of 1 hour is allowed to be in presence of the gorillas
- You can take photographs so long as flash is not on
- After the time with the gorillas have elapsed, still keep the voices low until you are about 200 meters away from them.
- Please do not leave any rubbish, food, bottles or anything you have come with in the park to avoid any transmission of diseases
Where to stay
There are several lodges and hotels near the Gorilla parks. You chose to stay in any of these lodges. The choice of the lodge depends on you budget. The lodges range from Budget(shoe string) to Luxury(Upmarket).
Here is a list of some of the specialty lodges in Bwindi National park.
- Bwindi Volcanoes Lodge
- Engangi Camp Uganda
- Nkuringo Gorilla Campsite
- Buhoma Community Bandas
- Mantana Tented Camp
- Buhoma Community Rest Camp
- Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
- Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp
- Buhoma Lodge
- CTPH Gorilla Conservation Camp
- Silverback Lodge
- Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge
- Engagi lodge
- Gorilla Resort
- Gorilla Friends Lodge
- Jungle View Lodge
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
- Nkuringo Gorilla Camp
- Nshongi Camp
- Mahogany springs camp
- Bwindi Guest House
- Bwindi View Bandas
- Eco Marvels Gorilla Resort
- Nyundo Valley Hill Bandas
- Wagtail Eco-Safari Camp
- Gorilla Safari Lodge
- Lake Kitandara Camp
- Gorilla Resort
- Gorilla Forest Camp
- Buhoma homestead
- Gorilla Homestead
- Cuckooland
- Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
- Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp
- Trekkers Tavern cottages
- Gift of Nature Lodge
- Ruhija Gorilla Resort
- Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort & Campsite
- Ruhija Community Rest Camp
