How to Prepare for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Prepare to meet some of the world’s largest primates: gorillas in their natural habitat. This experience requires preparation in terms of physical fitness and mental readiness.

Gorilla trekking is the most popular safari activity in Africa and offers an experience you will never forget. Gorillas are closely related to humans, sharing about 98 percent of our DNA.

They live deep in Africa’s tropical jungles, spending their days eating plants and moving from one area to another.

Because gorillas live in hilly areas with valleys and high altitudes, it is important to prepare yourself physically and mentally for the trek.

The trek can take 2 to 6 hours on foot, depending on how far the gorillas have moved. It is an experience that can be challenging for those who are not used to physical activity.

In the weeks or months before your trip, you can prepare by jogging for about two hours in hilly areas, walking regularly, doing stretching exercises, or hiking a nearby hill to build your strength and get used to the conditions. While some treks are easy, others can be more challenging.

The gorilla family you are assigned to may be nearby, but sometimes they are farther away, requiring good fitness to reach them.

However, once you are in the park, you will achieve your goal of seeing these incredible creatures, no matter your physical condition.

Where to Find Gorillas

Gorillas live in Africa, specifically in the Virunga Mountain range, which stretches through Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

These areas are covered with tropical forests. The main destinations for gorilla trekking are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mountain gorillas live only in high-altitude areas and are not found in any zoo in the world.

Cost of a Gorilla Trekking Permit

Permit costs vary by country. Uganda charges $800, Rwanda charges $1500, and the Democratic Republic of Congo charges $400 per person per day. This fee is non-refundable except under specific conditions and covers park entry, conservation efforts, and ranger guide fees.

It is advisable to book your trek at least three months in advance, as permits are limited and in high demand. Each day, only eight people aged 15 years and above are allowed to track each gorilla group.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is available all year, with treks starting in the morning. It is important to be on time and honor your trekking date. The best months are from June to September and December to March, when there is little or no rain, making the trek easier.

Budget travelers can choose to trek from March to May and October to November, but they should be prepared for rain and muddy conditions. However, during these months, discounts on accommodation and other offers are often available.

What to Pack for Your Trek

After your fitness preparations, here are essential items to pack for your gorilla trekking trip:

• Good hiking boots for rough terrain
• Insect repellent to protect against insect bites
• Water bottle for hydration
• Hair bandana
• Hat for sun protection
• Professional camera for photos
• Binoculars to view distant wildlife
• Waterproof jacket as rain can fall at any time
• Long safari trousers and long-sleeved shirts or blouses

Required documents: Yellow fever vaccination card, a negative Covid-19 test result, and a passport valid for at least six months.

Physical preparation is important for a successful gorilla trekking adventure. However, even those who have not trained or those with disabilities are welcome to join and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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