Gorilla Trekking Procedure

Gorilla trekking is an extraordinary wildlife adventure that brings you face to face with the majestic mountain gorillas in their untouched rainforest habitats. It is a deeply emotional experience, a journey that blends raw wilderness, conservation ethics, and a rare connection with one of humankind’s closest relatives. The entire process is carefully organized by park authorities in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to ensure that the gorillas remain protected and that visitors have a safe, memorable encounter.

Securing a Gorilla Trekking Permit

Every gorilla trek begins with the acquisition of a gorilla trekking permit. This permit serves as your official authorization to join a guided group tracking a specific gorilla family. In Uganda, permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority for Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. In Rwanda, they are issued by the Rwanda Development Board for Volcanoes National Park, while in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the permits are managed by the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature for Virunga National Park.

As of 2025, a gorilla permit in Uganda costs eight hundred dollars per person per trek, in Rwanda one thousand five hundred dollars per person per trek, and in Congo about four hundred dollars per person per trek. Because the number of permits issued each day is limited to protect the gorillas, early booking is essential, especially for peak tourism months between June and September and again from December to February. Most visitors secure their permits through licensed tour operators who also organize transport and accommodation around the trekking dates.

Morning Briefing and Group Assignment

On the day of your trek, you will arrive at the park headquarters early in the morning for registration and a pre-trek briefing. The park rangers explain what to expect in the forest, the behavior of gorillas, safety protocols, and the conservation importance of the rules you must follow. Visitors are then divided into groups of no more than eight, with each group assigned to a specific gorilla family. The allocation often depends on the visitor’s fitness level and the location of the family being tracked.

Your trekking team will include professional guides, trackers, and sometimes armed rangers to ensure safety. Local porters are also available to carry your backpack and help you navigate the steep and sometimes slippery trails.

Entering the Forest

The trek begins shortly after sunrise, when the forest is alive with the sounds of birds, tree frogs, and rustling leaves. The guides lead you along narrow trails under the dense canopy, often cutting through thick vegetation as you follow the clues left behind by the gorillas—fresh dung, footprints, broken stems, and chewed bamboo shoots. The duration of the trek can vary widely depending on the gorillas’ movements; sometimes you find them within an hour, while other times it takes up to six hours of hiking through rugged terrain.

Rangers stay in constant radio contact with advanced trackers who set out earlier to locate the gorillas. This coordination ensures that by the time you approach the area, the group has already been sighted. As you draw nearer, voices are hushed, and a thrilling stillness descends upon the forest. You are then instructed to prepare your camera, turn off the flash, and move quietly.

The Unforgettable Hour

The moment you first see the gorillas is indescribable. The silverback might be lounging in the undergrowth, juveniles may be wrestling playfully, and mothers tenderly grooming their infants. For a full hour, you are allowed to observe these intelligent beings as they go about their daily lives. Every gesture, every grunt, and every deep gaze reminds you how closely related we are to them.

Visitors are required to maintain a respectful distance of about seven meters to avoid spreading diseases or causing discomfort to the gorillas. Speaking softly and moving slowly helps preserve the peaceful atmosphere of the encounter. Although photography is allowed, the use of flash is strictly prohibited. The hour passes quickly but leaves a lasting imprint that few experiences on earth can rival.

Returning from the Trek

After your time with the gorillas, you begin the return journey to the starting point. The descent feels lighter, often filled with laughter, shared memories, and a sense of quiet accomplishment. At the park headquarters, visitors receive a Gorilla Tracking Certificate, a small but meaningful recognition of their participation in conserving one of the world’s most endangered species. Many travelers celebrate the moment back at their lodge, exchanging stories over a warm meal as the rainforest fades into evening mist.

Conservation Etiquette and Health Protocols

Gorilla trekking operates under strict conservation regulations to ensure the safety of both visitors and gorillas. Tourists showing signs of flu, cough, or any contagious illness are advised not to trek, as gorillas are highly susceptible to human diseases. It is important to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking near the gorillas and to always follow the instructions of your guide. The small group size of eight people per family ensures minimal disturbance and helps maintain the gorillas’ natural behavior.

These measures are not mere formalities but essential acts of respect toward these endangered animals whose population barely exceeds one thousand worldwide.

The Gorilla Habituation Experience

For travelers seeking a deeper and more immersive adventure, Uganda offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This unique opportunity allows only four participants per day to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group still being accustomed to human presence. It is a raw, emotional, and deeply educational experience, often led by researchers and trackers who study the gorillas’ behavior. The permit costs one thousand five hundred dollars, the same as Rwanda’s standard trekking permit, but the extended time and intimacy make it a remarkable choice for passionate wildlife lovers.

A Journey that Changes You

Gorilla trekking is more than a safari activity — it is a transformative journey into one of the last strongholds of wild nature. Standing in silence as a silverback gazes back at you is an experience that transcends words. It reminds every traveler of the fragile bond between humans and the natural world, and of the urgent need to protect it. Those who trek the forests of Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes, or Virunga often leave with more than photographs; they leave with a renewed sense of reverence for life itself.