Mountain gorilla trekking should top your list of things to do when visiting East Africa, and here are some tips for a fabulous gorilla trek.
Mountain gorilla tourism began in the 1970s when they were threatened by poachers and humans moving into their territory. Sustainable tourism has protected the gorillas and increased their numbers. Still, there are less than 1,000 mountain gorillas on Earth.
These tips for a fabulous gorilla trek stem from my March 2020 visit to Rwanda. I went on a day trip to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda during my stay. You can read more about my adventure in the My Unique Experience Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Uganda post.
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Choosing a Country
It’s possible to visit mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda. Both countries follow the same sustainable tourism approaches to gorilla trekking. Only one group of 8 people or fewer is allowed to visit a gorilla family each day. Trekkers are allowed only 1 hour with the gorillas. The minimum age for participation is 15 and all trekkers must be healthy with no cold or flu symptoms as illness can be passed onto the gorillas.
The biggest difference is price. A gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 in Rwanda but only $700 in Uganda. The Rwandan government says gorilla permits fund sustainable conservation of the gorillas. The proceeds also are shared with the local community. Rwanda has also made a decision to cater to the luxury tourist who can pay more for experiences.
Reasons to Choose Rwanda
There are a lot of good reasons to consider choosing Rwanda for your mountain gorilla trek. The gorillas are in Volcanoes National Park. Hikes to get to the gorillas can be shorter and less difficult than options in Uganda. You can visit the Karisoke Research Center to learn more about gorilla conservation. If you like the finer things in life, luxury lodges are available near the park. Finally, there’s an opportunity to see golden monkeys in the park.
Reasons to Choose Uganda
Reason #1 to choose Uganda is that it’s a lot cheaper to gorilla trek in Uganda than Rwanda. There are two places in Uganda to trek gorillas. Only one, Mgahinga Gorilla Park, is feasible for a day trip if you are based out of Kigali, Rwanda. These gorillas are actually on the same mountain as those in Volcano National Park in Rwanda. Mgahinga Gorilla Park is located about three hours from Kigali, so prepare for a long day! If you can stay a night or two, there are more budget and mid-range accommodation options nearby.
Choosing an Outfitter
Once you determine where to trek gorillas, you need to book a tour in order to secure your gorilla hiking permit and transportation to and from the park. Most outfitters are also able to book accommodation for you if needed. You can see tours based out of Kigali.
I booked a Gorilla Trekking from Kigali to Mgahinga Gorilla Park package with Katona Tours & Travel. The tour cost $930 for one person or $810 each for two people and included transportation to and from Mgahina Gorilla Park, a gorilla permit, lunch, border crossing fee, park entrance fees, and guides.
Get in Shape
My travel companion and I are middle-aged women, but we are fairly active. We both exercise most days of the week and don’t have any major health issues. But we were still exhausted after our trek! If you don’t exercise regularly, you should start a few months before your trek. You should also take a couple of long hikes on a thickly forested trail.
Packing for the Trail
The most important thing to pack is waterproof hiking shoes or boots that you have broken in. These are the ones I wore for my trek: Columbia Women’s Crestwood Mid Waterproof Hiking Shoe.
The vegetation on the trail is thick, so you will want to wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt. I wore jeans and was very glad I had on such thick material to protect my legs from the prickly plants and branches. You may also want to tuck your pants into long socks to avoid any invasions from creepy crawlies! You will definitely need a hiking stick, but you can rent one when you arrive. Prepare for rain with a rain jacket as well. Definitely take insect repellent and sunscreen!
Your trek could take up to 8 hours, so plan accordingly. Make sure you carry snacks and plenty of water as well. Finally, take a camera or your phone to capture great shots of the gorillas!
Have you been gorilla trekking?
If so, where? If not, which country would you choose – Rwanda or Uganda? Please comment below. We want to hear from you!
