The ultimate guide to gorilla trekking

The best way to book a gorilla trek is with a specialist tour company, like us. There are quite a lot of logistics involved in gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, securing the gorilla permits, safari accommodation and transfers to name a few. There are also rules and regulations to consider when you do mountain gorilla trekking, such as the amount of time you are allowed to spend with the gorillas and minimum ages to adhere to (which is 15 years for both Uganda and Rwanda).

We can organize the logistics for your gorilla trek, and a trip to see these critically endangered animals will be seamless. We can book your trip according to how many gorilla treks you’d like to do, as well as other activities in the national parks. In Rwanda for example, you can trek to see the golden monkeys.

In terms of logistics when you are there, the rangers and guides will run you through the procedure of the trek. You will meet at the park headquarters in the morning (both Uganda and Rwanda), and run through a comprehensive overview and safety briefing. You will then be allocated into your gorilla trekking group, which is a maximum of 6 people. Your guide will lead the way through the forest, accommodated by a team of trackers and porters. Image: Gorilla Forest Camp, Uganda

When you find the gorillas, you are allowed a maximum time of one hour with them. While you are asked and encouraged to keep a safe distance, these gorillas are wild animals and may come closer to you – particularly the younger gorillas as they are very inquisitive. During your hike, your porter will carry your bag and any camera equipment you bring. The porters do not come with you to spend the hour with the gorillas, so make sure that, when you find the gorillas, you take your camera and anything you may want with you for the hour (sunglasses or glasses for example).