Gorilla trekking is one of the best adventure tourist activities in the world. This unique primate experience is done in just a few countries in Africa. Despite the fact that, gorillas are endemic to 10 countries in Africa, there are only three countries that are popular for gorilla trekking. These are Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These three destinations are quite popular because they host the mountain gorillas, a subspecies of gorillas that is as few as 1000 individuals.

Of the three countries, Uganda and Rwanda are the world’s best destinations for gorilla trekking safaris in Africa. There are organised meetups with the mountain gorillas in the popular  Volcanoes Park Rwanda and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The less known Mgahinga National Park is another popular destination where you can go gorilla trekking.

In this article, we share fascinating facts and information about gorilla tracking in Africa.

Here are 10 things to know about gorilla trekking in Africa:

1. The experience is expensive
   Gorilla Trekking is an expensive adventure activity. Despite the price, the activity offers a rare opportunity to meet the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. In Uganda , the permit to see the mountain gorillas costs US$800 while in Rwanda it costs US$1500. In addition to that, you have to book your gorilla pass well in advance due to that the activity is highly regulated and it is conducted along ecotourism guidelines.
2. The trekking requires maximum level of fitness – Many people like gorilla trekking but experience is strenuous and it involves climbing mountains and sloping down, crossing rivers and moving through slippery trails among others. Though the activity requires a reasonable degree of fitness, old people can also engage in this activity. There are families that are known not to roam far from the starting point and these are the families that are reserved for aged travelers.
3. Some forests habour dangerous insects, animals and reptiles. The fact that Gorilla trekking is conducted in Forested areas, trekkers stand higher chances of getting Malaria from Mosquitoes, Sleeping sickness from Tsetse flies among others.  However, we advise all our clients to move with mosquito repellent.
4. Gorilla trekking is tiresome – trekking involves moving through the forest while searching for the mountain Gorilla and the time to meet Gorillas in unpredictable and some times takes a reasonable number of hours. If you are looking to gorilla habituation experience, an activity that involves four hours of walking with the gorillas.
5. Gorilla permits are on a very high demand and are booked in advance yet some clients prefer paying on arrival. Any delay to pay for the permits can make a client miss trekking when all gorilla permits are sold out.
6. Gorilla permits are non refundable -once the client has paid for the gorilla permit and misses to come on the safari then, the Uganda wildlife Authority (UWA) OR Rwanda development Board (RDB) will not make refund by can only allow rescheduling.
7. Gorilla tracking starts early morning yet some people find it hard to wake up early especially on cold days. Early in the morning, Gorilla trekking trails are filled with fog and dew which hinders visibility and smooth walking to meet Mountain Gorillas.
8. Gorilla trekking is strictly done under instructions – only one hour is given to stay with Gorillas, No flash cameras, 7 metres distance must be left between Gorillas and the trekkers among others. Some people are not used to strict instructions.
9. Gorilla Tracking is Safe!
   Many travelers think that gorillas are violent creatures and thus can cause harm to human beings. However, gorillas are peaceable animals unless provoked. once you follow the set gorilla watching rules, you will definitely enjoy the company of these great apes safely.
10. There are strict rules to gorilla tracking that follow ecotourism. Children below 16years are not allowed to trek Gorillas yet some parents prefer trekking Gorillas with their children. Only one hour is allowed to stay with Gorillas –some clients find it less to maximally view gorillas and take photos.