Gorilla Trekking Tours from South Africa

Gorilla trekking tours from South Africa are highly feasible and provide an excellent opportunity to combine wildlife safaris in South Africa with gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Uganda is widely regarded as the top gorilla trekking destination in Africa due to its affordable gorilla permits priced at $800, as well as its numerous gorilla families located in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Compared to Rwanda, where permits cost $1,500 per person, Uganda offers a more cost-effective option. While the DRC offers the cheapest permits at $400 per person, the security situation in the region makes it a less desirable choice for many travelers.

Gorilla Trekking Tours from South Africa

Gorilla trekking is a thrilling adventure that takes visitors into dense tropical forests in search of the endangered gorillas. This experience is available in four African countries: Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park), Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park), and the DRC (Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park).

These parks are home to two types of gorillas: mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas. A recent census has revealed that there are approximately 1,063 mountain gorillas, with half of the total population residing in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, making it one of the best gorilla trekking destinations.

Gorilla Trekking Tours in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Located in the Kanungu district of southern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas, with 19 habituated gorilla families spread across four regions: Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, Rushaga in the south, and Nkuringo in the southwest. The day begins with a briefing on the expectations, rules, and regulations of gorilla trekking.

After the briefing, visitors are guided into the forest to search for gorillas. The trekking can last between 2 and 6 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located. Once the gorillas are found, guests can spend one hour observing the gorillas, capturing images, and learning about their behaviors. Bwindi also offers a gorilla habituation experience, where guests can spend four hours with the gorillas, assisting researchers and guides as part of the habituation process.

Gorilla Trekking Tours in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Located in Kisoro in southern Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to two habituated gorilla groups: Nyakagezi and Hirwa. The Hirwa family, originally from Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, moved to Mgahinga in 2019. Gorilla trekking begins with a briefing at the park’s Ntebeko gate, after which visitors are divided into groups of eight and assigned a guide.

The trek lasts between 2 to 4 hours, and once the gorillas are located, visitors can spend one hour observing their daily activities. This experience provides incredible memories and the chance to learn about the gorillas’ lifestyles, feeding habits, and behaviors.

Planning Your Gorilla Trekking Tour from South Africa

To experience gorilla trekking in Uganda, travelers from South Africa can fly to Entebbe International Airport, followed by a domestic flight to either Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips, close to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks. Alternatively, visitors can drive to the parks, but this would require a 9 to 10-hour journey. Another option is to fly into Kigali, Rwanda, and take a 3 to 5-hour drive to either Bwindi or Mgahinga.

Gorilla Trekking Tours in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park in northwest Rwanda is one of Africa’s most renowned gorilla trekking destinations. The park is home to 14 habituated gorilla families, which trekkers can visit daily. The trekking begins with a briefing on the rules and regulations, and then visitors are divided into groups of eight to trek a particular family. The trek usually lasts between 2 to 7 hours, and once the gorillas are found, guests can spend an hour learning about their behaviors and habits, as well as capturing photographs and videos.

Planning Your Gorilla Trekking Tour to Rwanda from South Africa

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is possible by flying into Kigali International Airport and then taking a 3-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. From there, it is easy to connect to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, or travel to Goma for access to Virunga National Park.

Gorilla Trekking Tours in Virunga National Park, DRC

Virunga National Park, located in eastern DRC, is home to eight habituated gorilla families. Trekking in Virunga begins with a briefing at the park headquarters, followed by the division into groups of eight to trek one of the gorilla families. The trekking takes between 2 to 5 hours, and once the gorillas are found, visitors can spend an hour with them, observing their behaviors and capturing photographs.

Planning Your Gorilla Trekking Tour to Virunga National Park from South Africa

To trek gorillas in Virunga, visitors must fly into Goma International Airport in the DRC. From Goma, it is a 35 to 45-minute drive to the park. Alternatively, the park can be accessed from Kigali, Rwanda, with a 5 to 6-hour drive, or from Gisenyi in Rwanda, which is about a 2-hour drive away.

Gorilla Trekking Tours in Kahuzi Biega National Park, DRC

Kahuzi Biega National Park, located on the border with Rwanda, is home to large eastern lowland gorillas, which are also habituated in five groups. Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega begins with a briefing, followed by a trek that can last between 2 to 5 hours through the jungle. Once the gorillas are found, visitors can observe their feeding, playing, and nursing behaviors for one hour while capturing the experience.

Planning Your Gorilla Trekking Tour to Kahuzi Biega National Park from South Africa

For those planning to trek in Kahuzi Biega, travel begins with a flight to Kigali International Airport, followed by a 7-hour drive to the park.

Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs

A gorilla trekking permit is a legal requirement for all visitors aged 15 and above who wish to trek gorillas in Africa. The cost of a permit varies by country:

• Uganda: $800 for non-residents, $700 for residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African residents.

• Rwanda: $1,500 per person. However, there are promotional offers for East African citizens and foreign residents, with permits priced at $200 for East Africans and $500 for foreign residents.

• DRC: $400 for foreign non-residents and $200 for foreign residents during the low season.

Booking Your Gorilla Trekking Permit from South Africa

You can book your gorilla trekking permit directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Rwanda Development Board, or Virunga Tourism offices in the DRC. Alternatively, a reliable tour operator, such as Monumental Expeditions and Safaris, can handle the booking process. You will need to provide your desired trekking dates, and once a permit is available, you will be required to place a deposit. After the payment is received, you will need to send a scanned copy of your passport for permit processing. It is recommended to book your permit 3 to 6 months in advance to secure your spot, as permits are often in high demand, especially during peak seasons.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

The best time to trek gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC is during the dry season, from June to September and December to February. The trails are less slippery, and access to the parks is easier during these months.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking

Essential items for your gorilla trekking safari include hiking shoes, garden gloves, energy snacks, a long-sleeved shirt and pants, long stockings, a warm sweater, insect repellent, a camera, and a bag.

Is Gorilla Trekking Safe?

Gorilla trekking is a safe and unforgettable adventure, offering an incredible opportunity to observe and learn about the endangered gorillas in their natural habitat. In addition to gorilla trekking, you can also participate in activities such as bird watching, nature walks, golden monkey trekking, and visiting the Batwa people, all of which will enhance your safari experience and create lasting memories.