Gorilla Trekking: Ask and answer questions and chat about gorilla trekking here.

Hello,

I was lucky enough to see the Gorillas in April this year it was probably my highlight of my past year of travelling. Even though it was 'rainy season' when I was there too, it didn't rain a drop but it doesn't matter - you're in the middle of the jungle watching wild gorillas - you probably wouldn't even notice.

Your feet will definitely get soaked, but my sneakers were fine.

The main reason I responded to your post was because I have some advice no one gave me (and almost resulted in me missing out): Make sure your American currency is in great condition. I had a 50 dollar note that had the tiniest corner missing and they wouldn't accept it. Luckily someone had a spare they could lend me. Also make sure it is recently printed currency too (anything made after 2003 is fine I think).

I'm sure you'll enjoy it, I certainly would recommend it - I wrote an entry about it as well if you want to find out what you're in for.

Oliver Reply to this

Thanks to both Oliver and Sarah. Your experience is very helpful to us! I'm doing the Stairmaster and trying to walk lots to get prepared. Linda Reply to this

I trekked for gorillas (the Amahoro group) in Rwanda on May 26 this year, and it was one of the highlights of my travels. In answer to your questions, we hiked for approximately three hours (in addition to another one-two hours following their movements) and struck some very tough terrain (in my opinion) but we were told afterwards that this was a normal trek. We managed to see 8-10 gorillas in total - including babies, young ones, greybacks and silverbacks. The cost of the permit was US$500.00 - which I believe is standardised across the three gorilla countries (Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo).

However, there are some cautions:

Stinging Plants - the bane of my existence - I even had gloves and thick socks, but they still had an impact. I wish I had worn thicker pants. Not sure of any way around this, possibly an anti-sting spray will numb the area, but not sure if it is necessary since the pain only lasts a few minutes.

Terrain - there can be some very steep sections, including vertical climbs and descents, and this isn't helped by the moisture that swirls through the air and causes the ground to be squishy and slippery. You may also experience light rain, so bring a light waterproof jacket. You may not strike such challenges, but be mentally prepared just in case.

Altitude - we were over 3,000 metres, and the thinner oxygen has a stark impact on your endurance. I was lucky to have hiked through the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia a couple of weeks before the gorilla trek, and this helped me tremendously. Also, higher altitudes can increase your water consumption - so bring plenty.

Surprise, surprise! - One gorilla unexpectedly emerged from the undergrowth and walked right through the middle of our group - his fur literally brushed my leg as he sauntered past, and he grabbed another party member to shove him out of the way. These are wild animals and anything can happen, so follow the advice of your guides without question.

Overall, was it worth it - absolutely yes!!! My blog of this day, Gorillas: A Very Close Encounter, will give you the full story. Reply to this

Hi

I in Uganda and Rwanda with World Primate Safaris in January and it was awesome. In terms of weather, they said they receive rain most of the time, but generally in the afternoons. Take long trousers, long sleeve shirt and good walking shoes as you have no idea which group you will be tracking. I tracked for 7 hours through very thick and thorny bushes to get to the gorillas, but I heard that other groups walked for about half an hour. The bush is thick and damp and the ground is generally quite muddy - but when you come across the family you forget about everything. It is an amazing experience and somethingI will never forget.

Peter. Reply to this

I have just returned from Africa and after meeting a few people who were fortunate enough to trek with the gorillas and in fact the gorillas are part of my next trip to Africa next year. Just a warning that I had several people tell me that the guides were saying that they are increasing the permit price to $1000US. Also had a few people warn me to be careful with which company you book through because the ugandian permits filled first, then Rwanda and last drc . Had a few people say that they had to do d.r.c. Due to their tour operator not booking the permits in advance. And yes, they had to pay border crossing / visa fee. Watch out for companies that "guarantee" your permit for a certain date (just email me if you want the name of the exact company) ---> it's normal for a tour to operate and then spend 3/4 days there to give everyone a chance to see the gorillas.

Reports though were that there was nothing wrong with trekking in drc (it's exactly the same forest and gorillas) as long as you didn't mind the reputation and make sure your travel insurance covers the Congo.

Will keep my eye on this thread over the next few months until I finally get to go too 😊 Reply to this

I too heard in 2008 that the price of the permit was going to rise, but that may be a continuing rumour, though eventually it will come true - it is just a matter of when.

Be cautious with the DR Congo - I was originally going to trek there in 2008, but things became so bad in that region that even the rangers left the area for a while. If the situation settles, it would be a great area to trek, but keep a close ear on developments there as it is a volatile part of the world. Reply to this

Hi, my name is Kyle and I'm inquiring about gorilla safaris. I saw this blog and thought I would see if anyone might be able to help me with some questions I have. I'm looking for a fun, rugged, low budget safari. I'm big on being respectful of the culture, not being just another dumb white tourist. Here are a few things I am looking for in my safari. I'm going to be in Kenya working with an orphanage for a few weeks prior, so I will have to stay on a tight budget. I'm thinking 3 days to 7 day safari depending on the price. I've heard great things about Bwindi and Mgahinga. Bwindi I heard is more rainforest which sounds very cool, but Mgahinga from what I've heard is a little less traveled and more wild. Also Queen Elizabeth is supposed to still be very wild. I have been to Africa before and gone on safaris and found that sometimes they can be like driving through a big zoo. I'm looking for the more rugged the better. I'm also looking for smaller groups, I'm very active and love to hike, The more time spent bush wacking the better. I also love to camp. I realize that this is a lot of stuff to throw out there but I figured I would give as much detail to see what ideas anyone might have. I'm just looking for other people that are physically fit, not people that hike 5 times a year. I'm 25 and very active. If anyone has any ideas on safari groups, or people to talk to that would be great. The more grass roots the trip the better. I love meeting the locals, hearing stories and experiencing the culture. Hope to hear from you soon, Kyle Reply to this

Hi Kyle,

the best fun rugged safari you can have is a camping safari. As you will be in Kenya for the few weeks. it would be appropriate to travel by road to Kampala and start your journey to Bwindi from there. You will have an overnight in Kampala and then a 2 nights in Bwindi and again Kampala before you travel back to Nairobi. Depending on what you would like to spend it is possible and I think <snip> can be of help to you. Having worked in both countries Kenya and Uganda I might also be of help if you could get in touch.

Martin Reply to this

Hi Kyle,
For a 3 days Gorilla Safaris,The park is located in the South Western Uganda on the edge of the western rift valley. Bwindi is home to over 350 endangered Mountain Gorillas which are quite possibly the most awe-inspiring animals to be found in Africa .There are also 346 species of birds and over 200 species of butterflies. Gorilla trekking is the major tourist activity in Bwindi with four groups currently available daily for tourists . Mubare group (10 gorillas; 1 silverback) was opened for tourism in 1993,Habinyanja group (18 gorillas, 2 silver backs) was ready in July 1998. Rusheguru group(10 members, 1silver back) was opened in July 2002 while Nkuringo group (19 gorillas , 2 silver backs ) was opened for tourism in April 2004 . Gorilla racking in Bwindi can be challenging therefore ensure physical fitness.It starts at 8:30a.m. local time and can last from a few hours to day depending on the movement of these giant apes.We can arrange you a budget safari-(info at <snip>😉

Reply to this

Could you please recommend a trstworthy budget priced agent for renting a car+ driver to travel in Uganda & Rwanda? Are you familiar with cycads safaris?
We are a group of 4 nature & culture lovers eager to see the counties, chimps and gorillas inexpensively, obtaining permits and seeking simple clean accommodation.
We would appreciate your assistance Reply to this