Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Doing gorilla trekking in Uganda via Rwanda is very possible. Uganda’s gorilla permit is priced less than that of Rwanda and Uganda has many habituated gorilla families than Rwanda which makes it more preferable to trek in Uganda. From Kigali, Bwindi impenetrable national park is a shorter distance so flying into Kigali international airport of Rwanda saves you time as you drive approximately 5-6 hours when compared to 8-9 hour’s drive from Entebbe international airport. With the introduction of an East African VISA, trekking Uganda from Kigali has only been made easier. This VISA only costs US$ 100 and gives you access to all East African countries i.e. Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi.

On each trekking trip, 8 people in each group are allowed to participate in the gorilla trekking. Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park consists of 14 gorilla families and Mgahinga national park has 1 family and a group of 8 people trek each of these groups. At times due to circumstances, more people are allowed to participate in the trekking but the park authorities are responsible and answerable since it is against the law governing gorilla trekking. 

To have a wonderful gorilla trekking experience you have to have gorilla trekking essentials which include long sleeved shorts, waterproof bag pack, waterproof jackets, gloves, strong well-fitted hiking shoes, a hat, insect repellents, packed lunch, refreshing water, and a camera.  

As per mountain gorilla trekking, age is a crucial factor considered by authorities. Mountain gorillas are moody creatures and though they are shy and gentle, they can get harsh and violent if threatened. Trekkers below the age of 15 are not allowed to participate in trekking so as to avoid any dangerous incidents. Kids are hard to control, they make noise and uncontrollable movements that threatens the peace of the animals.

Gorilla trekking expedition in the parks of Bwindi impenetrable national park, mgahinga gorilla national park of Uganda, Virunga national park of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National park depends on many factors such as movements of mountain gorillas, where the gorillas stayed overnight, the nature of trails, the guide or ranger heading the group, the mood of the gorillas and the pace the group members move at. Tracking down mountain gorillas starts with a morning briefing by a professional well-informed tour guide at the park’s headquarter, trekking may take about 2-5  hours but after finding them you are allowed one hour with them 

A gorilla trekking permit is entitled for only one trek allowing you one hour with the large primates (mountain gorillas) in their natural habitat. The permit indicates which sector and gorilla family you are going to trekking. As per trekking, the permit guarantees the tourist a professional tour guide and security while in the national park. 

Mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo is a memory rewarding activity which makes to be on high demand yet few gorilla permits are available daily. While going for trekking 8 people are allowed meaning 8 permits are available for every group. In Uganda, 120 gorilla permits are available daily. In Rwanda 80 permits are available and in the Democratic Republic of Congo 48 permits are available which is less than the number of people who want to for trekking. Due to the high demand mostly in the months of high season that is June, July, August, September, December, January and February, it is advisable to book your ticket 2-4 months prior to the day of your trekking so as not to miss out.

To get involved in mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga national park, Volcanoes national park of Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga national park you need to have a valid gorilla trekking permit. Gorilla permits cost differently according to where you going trekking.

Gorilla trekking permits in

• Uganda costs USD 700 for foreign non-residents, US $ 500 for foreign resident and UGX 250,000 for Uganda and East African residents
•  Rwanda costs USD 1500 
• Democratic Republic of Congo it costs USD 400.

Mountain gorilla trekking takes place throughout the year but the best time to go for the mountain gorilla trekking is during the drier months of June, July, August, early September and from December to February. Trekking mountain gorilla in the drier months is less difficult and more enjoyable as there is less or no rainfall and trails followed while tracking are dry, mud-free and not slippery. Gorilla trekking permits cost US$ 1500 in Rwanda, US$ 700 in Uganda.

The breathtaking mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in both Bwindi impenetrable national park and mgahinga gorilla national park. Tracking down mountain gorillas in Uganda happens in the thick forests on the slopes of mount muhabura, mount sabyinyo and mount gahinga which lies in the two national parks of Bwindi impenetrable and mgahinga forest national park. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in volcano national park involving climbing and navigate through the densely forested volcanoes of Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo. In the Democratic Republic of Congo gorilla trekking takes place in Virunga national park on the slope of mount Nyamuragira and mount Nyiragongo.

Gorilla trekking is one of the amazing activity which involves tracking down the critically endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats that is in the thick forests on mountain slopes. Gorilla trekking in Africa only takes place in countries of Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo, gorilla trekking adventure requires a tourist to be physically fit and healthy as it involves climbing the rugged steep terrain slopes of the volcanoes and navigating through the thick forest cover in search the rare animals.