The Ultimate Guide to Mountain Gorilla Trekking

 

There are only around 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the wild, and they cannot survive in captivity. Trekking through the dense, misty rainforests of Central Africa to spend an hour in the presence of these gentle giants is universally described as a life-changing experience.

 

Where to See Them

Mountain gorillas are exclusively found in two places on Earth:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda): Home to nearly half of the world's mountain gorilla population. The terrain here is steep and densely vegetated, offering a true jungle trekking experience. Permits are significantly cheaper here ($700 USD).
• Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda): Made famous by Dian Fossey, this park features stunning volcanic scenery and generally more open bamboo forests, which can make trekking and photography slightly easier. Permits here cost $1,500 USD.

What to Expect on the Trek

Gorilla trekking is physically demanding. You will hike through thick vegetation, muddy trails, and steep inclines at high altitudes. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours depending on where the gorilla family is located that day. Once your trackers find the group, you are allowed exactly one magical hour to observe them from a distance of 7 meters.

 

What to Wear

The jungle is full of stinging nettles, ants, and thorny branches. You must wear long pants tucked into thick socks, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy, waterproof hiking boots. Gardening gloves are highly recommended for pulling yourself up steep slopes by grabbing branches.

Remember to pack a waterproof jacket, as it can rain at any moment in the rainforest, and bring a camera capable of shooting well in low-light conditions without using a flash, as flash photography is strictly prohibited.