Wendy Hunter, owner of The Safari Edit, lived and worked in Rwanda, managing a luxury safari lodge in Volcanoes National Park. Below, she shares her tips for a gorilla trek safari.
Meeting wild gorillas in Africa is described as the “greatest wildlife encounter on earth” by Sir David Attenborough. I can agree. I’ll never forget the hours I spent with different gorilla families. Babies tumbled together and scampered after their mothers, huge male silverbacks watched protectively over their troop, and the raw energy of being in their presence is just incredible!
The largest of the great apes, gorillas are one of our closest relatives, sharing over 98% of our DNA. Standing in their midst is a profound experience, as you can spot uncanny behaviours and social structures.
With populations concentrated in equatorial Africa, including Rwanda, Uganda and Congo, gorillas are classified as critically endangered. The only way to see them is on a gorilla trek with a reputable operator, and we can make the best recommendations. If you’re curious about what it’s like to meet these awe-inspiring primates, I’ve put together a list of gorilla trek tips based on our own experience.
10 expert gorilla trek tips
1. Choose the best gorilla trek location for you
Wild gorillas are found in tropical rainforests in equatorial Africa. The most popular places to see them are Rwanda, Uganda, and the Republic of the Congo (not to be confused with the Democratic Republic of the Congo). Rwanda and Uganda are home to the famous mountain gorillas, while Congo has a population of western lowland gorillas.
We recommend gorilla trekking in Rwanda. There is a wider choice of luxury camps and lodges, and we rate the outstanding level of service. You’ll find Rwanda’s mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, where there are 12 habituated families.
About half of the world’s mountain gorilla population lives in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with over 25 families habituated for tourism. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has just one family. Uganda gorilla trek permits are cheaper than in Rwanda, so it’s a good option for those on a budget.
Congo’s western lowland gorillas are based in Odzala-Kokoua National Park. There are two habituated families you can visit. While the terrain is flatter than in Rwanda and Uganda, the vegetation is thick, plus temperatures and humidity are much higher.
2. Pick the best time of year for your gorilla trek
Gorilla trekking is a year-round activity in Rwanda, but the driest months are from June to September and December to February. These are the peak seasons, so we recommend booking at least six months in advance – ideally, more if there’s a group of you, as there are only 96 permits available per day. We can arrange your permits for you.
If you’d like to combine gorilla trekking with other wildlife experiences, like tracking chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park, visit in May. The rainforests are lush with ripe fruits, making chimps easier to spot as they feed lower down in the trees.
May is the beginning of birding season, so you can look out for flashes of colourful feathers on your primate treks. It’s also towards the end of the rainy season, so there is less demand for permits.
3. Prepare for any trek length
You have about an hour with the gorillas, but the trek itself could take anywhere from three to six hours. Gorillas move around as they forage. Trackers can estimate where they will be based on their location from the previous day, but that doesn’t guarantee they’ll still be there.
You might reach them in 30 minutes to an hour following a well-beaten track, or you might end up climbing high up into the mountains if the family is on the move. You never know what you’re going to get, which is the exciting part!
4. Wear a mask to protect the gorillas
Gorillas are vulnerable to many human illnesses, like influenza, respiratory infections and gastrointestinal diseases. Even a simple common cold can be fatal for them.
The best way to protect the gorillas is to wear a face mask. It has become a requirement for most national parks since the COVID-19 pandemic. You don’t have to mask up for the entire trek. Your guide will advise you on when to put it on and take it off.
You won’t be able to eat or drink around the gorillas. This is to prevent them from becoming conditioned by human food or from coming into contact with diseases. Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to have some lunch and refreshments before or after you meet them.
5. Wear practical clothing
Prioritise comfortable, practical clothing. You’ll be trekking through thick vegetation in humid conditions, so expect to get very muddy, wet and hot.
You may experience more rainfall between March to May and October to November in Rwanda. The average temperature hovers around 20℃ during the day, but it can drop to around 7℃ as you ascend higher into the foothills.
With all these factors to consider, here’s what I recommend adding to your packing list:
- Quick-drying, lightweight long-sleeved top or shirt
- Lightweight fleece
- Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
- Khaki hiking trousers
- Breathable, blister-resistant hiking socks
- Worn-in hiking boots with ankle support
- Wide-brim, water-resistant hat
- Gaiters (optional)
- Lightweight gardening gloves (protect your hands from vegetation)
- Lightweight water-resistant daypack
- Foldable trekking poles (optional)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Lightweight microfibre travel towel
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitiser
- Mini first aid kit
- Water
- Camera or phone
- Portable charger
- Face mask
Just like our safari packing list, I suggest wearing neutral colours, like beige, khaki or dark green. Avoid patterns and bright colours, as they can disturb wildlife. Blue and black clothes tend to attract more insects.
While camouflage clothing isn’t illegal in Rwanda, it’s best not to wear it as it’s a criminal offence in many African countries, including Uganda, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
6. Know your fitness levels
Unlike a comfortable game drive or bushwalk, a gorilla trek is a lot more physically demanding. You’ll be climbing steep inclines through thick undergrowth at high altitudes, so ensure you know your fitness level and limits. I also recommend hiring a porter even if you feel fit.
Before you set off, you’ll be assigned a group depending on your physical ability. If you want to take it easier, you’ll join a group trekking to a gorilla family that’s at a lower altitude in the national park. More demanding treks will take you to the ones living higher up in the mountains.
If you’d like to go gorilla trekking as a family, the minimum age limit is 15 in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo. There isn’t a maximum age limit, but inform your guide of any health concerns so they can keep an eye on you.
7. Hire a porter to help you
Hire a porter even if you don’t think you’ll need one. These are experienced and well-trained local people who will help you navigate the trickiest parts of the trek and carry your bag for you.
The fee is around $10 to $15, plus a tip. It’s inexpensive and helps provide work for the local community and supports long-term sustainable development in the national parks. Many porters were former poachers and now advocate for gorilla conservation. They may go on to later train as safari guides or park rangers.
If you’re elderly or have reduced mobility, you can arrange a comfortable support chair with a seatbelt, carried by an experienced team. This service helps make gorilla treks more accessible and costs around $300 to $500.
8. Safety first: always listen to your guide
You’ll be given a safety briefing about how to interact with the gorillas before you set off. Tips include speaking quietly and staying calm. Try not to make sudden movements. Avoid eye contact, especially with male gorillas.
Keep a minimum of seven metres away from them if you can help it. These are wild animals, so they may approach you out of curiosity. If they come close, don’t run. Listen to your guide as they know these gorillas like family.
9. Learn about gorilla conservation
If you’re heading to Rwanda, make sure you visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. The research and education centre has exhibits and art installations showcasing almost 60 years of gorilla conservation. You can take a self-guided or VIP-guided tour and learn about the work that goes into protecting mountain gorillas.
Highlights include a replica of Dian Fossey’s forest cabin and a 360-degree cinema screening gorilla footage and virtual reality experiences. For an additional cost, you can also book a Silverback Sundowner experience and spend the evening chatting with Fossey Fund gorilla experts over drinks.
10. Don’t forget about the other primates
Mountain gorillas aren’t the only primates you can see on your trek in Rwanda and Uganda. Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Park are also home to golden monkeys. Treks to see them are easier, shorter and have no minimum age limit. I still recommend securing your permit in advance, and we can arrange it for you.
If you’d like to see chimpanzees, the best places are Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park in Rwanda. You’ll also find golden, colobus, blue and owl-faced monkeys alongside baboons.
