Important Gorilla Trekking Rules & Regulations You Should Know

Gorilla trekking offers one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife experiences, giving travelers an up-close encounter with our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. Mountain gorillas live only in the dense forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. In Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park host these endangered giants. In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park provides a sanctuary for gorillas, while Virunga National Park in the D.R. Congo supports a smaller but significant population. Together, these four parks shelter over 1,000 mountain gorillas.

The Democratic Republic of Congo stands out because it hosts both mountain and lowland gorilla species. Lowland gorillas, more numerous than mountain gorillas, primarily live in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Their lower-altitude habitats make trekking less strenuous than the high-altitude mountain gorilla hikes.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda ranks as the most popular destination for mountain gorilla trekking, harboring nearly half of the world’s population. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park hosts over 19 habituated gorilla groups that trekkers can visit. These gorillas are fully accustomed to human presence, letting visitors observe them without causing stress.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a more intimate experience. The park has only one habituated family, the Nyakagezi group, which allows just eight visitors per day. This ensures a private and exclusive encounter.

Uganda provides relatively affordable gorilla trekking. Visitors can purchase permits directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kampala or through reputable tour companies like Experiya Tour Company. Permit prices are $800 for non-resident foreigners, $700 for resident foreigners, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. Modern technology allows trekkers to secure permits conveniently via the Uganda Wildlife Authority website.

Most tourists prefer Uganda over Rwanda due to lower costs, while the D.R. Congo attracts fewer travelers because of security concerns. Accessing Uganda’s parks is straightforward: it takes about nine hours by road from Kampala City Center. Alternatively, travelers can take a one-hour flight from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kisoro or Kihiihi Airstrip, followed by a short drive to the trekking starting point.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, located in the Virunga Mountain ranges shared with Uganda and the D.R. Congo, hosts numerous gorilla families. Rangers conduct treks on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke, where visitors may encounter over 150 gorillas across 12 habituated families. The Karisimbi family, one of the oldest habituated groups, became famous thanks to the pioneering work of primatologist Dian Fossey.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda offers a luxurious experience. Permits cost $1,500 per person, reflecting the revenue’s role in supporting local communities and conservation efforts. These funds help employ staff in nearby luxury hotels, hire rangers within the park, and provide medicine and healthcare for sick gorillas, keeping the population healthy and protected.

Gorilla Trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Virunga National Park in the D.R. Congo offers a less crowded but equally extraordinary trekking experience. The park hosts eight fully habituated gorilla families, primarily on Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano with the world’s largest lava lake. Security challenges keep tourism levels low, offering visitors a more private and adventurous experience.

Despite these challenges, the D.R. Congo provides the most affordable trekking option, with permits priced at $400. Approximately 700 armed rangers patrol the park, ensuring the safety of both tourists and gorillas. The D.R. Congo also hosts lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Since lowland gorillas inhabit lower-altitude areas, trekkers find the hikes less physically demanding than mountain gorilla treks, though they must follow the same strict rules and guidelines.

Rules and Regulations for Gorilla Trekkers

Parks enforce strict rules to protect both visitors and gorillas. Following them ensures a responsible and rewarding experience.

• Minimum Age: Trekkers must be at least 15 years old. Because humans and gorillas share 98% of their DNA, young children risk transmitting contagious illnesses like flu, colds, chickenpox, or mumps.
• Health Requirements: Trekkers must be in good health. Anyone with a transmissible disease must refrain from trekking to avoid harming gorillas.
• Group Size Limit: Only eight people can visit each gorilla group daily. This restriction minimizes stress on gorillas and preserves the quality of the encounter.
• Physical Fitness: Mountain gorilla treks require stamina. Visitors should prepare for long hikes through high-altitude, rugged terrain with variable weather conditions.
• Environmental Responsibility: Trekkers must carry out all trash to protect the gorilla habitat.
• Behavior Around Gorillas: Visitors should move slowly, speak softly, and remain calm. Sudden movements or loud noises can provoke gorillas or cause them to retreat.
• No Physical Contact: Trekkers must not touch gorillas. Even if a gorilla approaches, maintain a safe distance.
• Photography Guidelines: Trekkers must avoid flash photography, which can startle gorillas and trigger aggression.

By following these rules, trekkers help conserve gorillas while enjoying one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife encounters on Earth. Gorilla trekking represents not only adventure but also a responsibility, a privilege, and an opportunity to witness the gentle strength of one of our closest relatives.

At Experiya Tour Company, we ensure every gorilla trekking experience remains safe, responsible, and unforgettable. Our trained guides provide briefings, accompany trekkers throughout the journey, and uphold ethical wildlife practices.

Whether trekking Uganda’s lush forests, Rwanda’s volcanic slopes, or the wilds of the D.R. Congo, following these guidelines helps gorillas thrive and allows visitors to experience this incredible wildlife encounter respectfully and safely.