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Gorilla Trekking Small Group Tours & Trips
15 Gorilla Trekking trips. Tours from 6 tour companies. 82 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.
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Gorilla Trekking Reviews & Ratings
East Africa Adventure for Gorillas and Wildlife
This overland tour is inspired by the diversity of wildlife East Africa has to offer. The tour gave me the incredible opportunity to experience Rhinos and Gorillas i...
Experience with the gorillas and chimps was
Experience with the gorillas and chimps was amazing
Lelei is an inspirational leader oozing with
Lelei is an inspirational leader oozing with pride for his motherland of Kenya and demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of the other countries included in this trip...
The chimps and gorillas were incredible and
The chimps and gorillas were incredible and I enjoyed the camp sites and game pa...
Gorilla Trekking Tour Selection Trips
- You will need a gorilla trekking permit. Most tours will have permits included in the trip fee, but ask the tour operator if you need to secure your own.
- The most popular times for gorilla trekking is June through September. If traveling during these months, you may want to book over a year in advance!
- Understand the physical expectations of the trip before booking. Some tours include long hikes and overnight camping excursions.
Additional details
Tips for Gorilla Trekking
Prepare for rain and muddy conditions-- even in the dry season, equatorial weather is unpredictable and you don’t want to be caught without a light rain jacket and good hiking shoes.
Choose a tour that fits with your personal fitness level and travel style. Some treks include multiple-day hikes and overnight camping, while others include luxurious accomodation and less physical activity.
Bring conservative clothing that covers your shoulders and legs for cultural or religious events.
Pack snacks and water before setting out on the trek. Many tour operators will have meals provided, but it can be helpful to have small snacks for energy during the trek.
Flash photography of gorillas is generally prohibited.
For the safety of the animals, do not trek if you are sick. Gorillas can pick up diseases from humans.
Safety when gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking in central Africa is very safe. Groups must be accompanied by armed rangers, so you don’t need to worry about aggressive animals. And despite political turmoil in the past, Uganda and Rwanda are extremely safe tourist destinations. Still, there are a few precautions to note before setting off on your trek:
- Listen to your tour guide’s instructions when viewing gorillas. Mountain gorillas are generally shy and non-aggressive, but you should keep a distance of at least 20 feet to avoid frightening them.
- Avoid making eye contact with the gorillas; they perceive eye-contact as an act of aggression.
- If you visit larger cities in Africa, check with your guide or hotel staff about areas to avoid.
- Most national parks have army patrols to ensure proper tourist procedures, so don’t be afraid if you come across soldiers in the forest-- they are there to protect you!
Why choose a gorilla trekking tour?
Considering the declining populations of mountain gorillas, gorilla trekking tours are one of the only ways to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. Tours and permits may be expensive compared to other trip options, but much of the tourism revenue goes back into conservation efforts.
A gorilla trek is also a great way to visit the beautiful countries of Rwanda and Uganda. Both countries have had to rebuild themselves after periods of turmoil and violence-- the Ugandan Bush War in the 1980s and the Rwandan Genocide in 1994-- and have become generally thriving, safe, and welcoming countries. Most treks will include cultural or historical experiences, such as museum visits or experiences with locals.
What will you see?
Naturally, the focus of the trek will be tracking and viewing gorillas. Your tour guide will probably teach you their methods of tracking the animals and allow you to help out. Most gorillas will be in families, and may be curious, playful, or shy. You may also see elephants, antelope, monkeys, and other unique wildlife. No matter what, you will be able to experience the beautiful views and landscapes that the jungle has to offer.
Other activities during the trip
Aside from seeing gorillas, there are plenty of activities during a gorilla trek. Some tours might include long hikes, overnight camping, or boating on one of the many rivers and lakes. You might also visit some cultural sites, such as the Genocide Memorial Center in Rwanda.
Some tours include both a gorilla trek and a safari, or you might choose to do two separate tours while in the area. Safaris are a great way to see more wildlife that you might not find in the rainforests.
Will I be camping?
Some tours include overnight camping trips, but most do not. Accommodation in Rwanda and Uganda is generally luxurious, and can include hotels and lodges. If you are interested in camping, camping treks are a unique opportunity to sleep in some of the best-preserved rainforest areas in the world.
Common physical levels
While levels of physical activity vary greatly tour to tour, you can expect some hiking on your trek. Camping treks will likely require longer hikes and you might be expected to help with setting up the campsite.
Note that hiking distances may vary based on where the gorillas are the day you visit, so you might not know exactly how far you’ll have to walk in advance. When booking a tour, make sure to note the level of physical activity required for the trek, and get in touch with the tour operator if you have questions or are unsure.
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