Gorilla Trek

Gorilla Trek

Gorilla trekking, also known as gorilla tracking, is an incredible wildlife experience that involves hiking through dense forests to observe and spend time with wild mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Mountain gorillas are a critically endangered species and are found in only a few locations in Africa. The two main places where gorilla trekking takes place are the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

The experience typically starts early in the morning with a briefing by park rangers who provide important guidelines and information about gorilla trekking etiquette and safety. After the briefing, you’ll be divided into small groups, each assigned to track a specific gorilla family.

The trek itself can take a few hours to a full day, depending on the location of the gorilla family and their movements. It involves traversing through rugged terrain, steep hills, and thick vegetation, making the journey physically challenging but incredibly rewarding.

Once the gorilla family is located, you’ll spend about an hour observing and being in the presence of these majestic creatures. During this time, you can watch them interact, groom, play, and go about their daily activities, all while maintaining a safe distance and following the guidelines set by the park rangers.

Gorilla trekking is strictly regulated to ensure the safety of both visitors and the gorillas. The number of daily permits is limited, and visitors are required to follow specific rules to minimize disturbances to the gorillas and their habitat.

It’s essential to book your gorilla trekking experience well in advance due to the limited availability of permits. Additionally, it’s important to be in good physical condition to handle the hike, as well as adhere to guidelines for gorilla conservation and protection.

Gorilla trekking is not only an unforgettable adventure but also contributes to the conservation efforts aimed at preserving these magnificent creatures for future generations. The revenue generated from gorilla trekking permits goes towards protecting the gorillas and their natural habitat, supporting local communities, and raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.