- Seguku Katale. Kampala
FAQ
Mountain Gorilla Trekking:Frequently Asked Questions
Mountain Gorilla Trekking FAQs;
These creatures continuously roam in search of food and shelter, so how do trackers pinpoint their exact locations? In this guide, we explain how trekking to see these majestic creatures removes any doubts and answers your most pressing questions.
What is done to make the gorillas watchable?
Originally, all mountain gorillas in the Virunga Region were wild and unfamiliar with humans. Over time, experts introduced a habituation process to help gorillas become comfortable around people. First, they locate a wild gorilla family and closely monitor its movements and social behavior. Next, they gradually befriend the gorillas, allowing them to behave naturally without restricting their movement, feeding, or shelter-seeking in the forest.
This habituation usually takes a year or longer and involves a dedicated team of rangers and primatologists. Once a family becomes accustomed to human presence, it is ready for gorilla trekking. In fact, more than 40 habituated gorilla families currently live in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
What is done on the day of mountain gorilla trekking?
Early in the morning, a team of expert gorilla locators enters the forest to find where each gorilla family slept. These skilled park rangers track footprints, waste, and nests from the previous day. Next, they set up GPS trackers and remain with the gorillas to guide the trekking group. Consequently, when visitors begin the trek, they can easily locate the gorillas. As a result, it is rare for anyone to miss spotting these magnificent creatures during a Mountain Gorilla Trekking Expedition..
What exactly happens during the gorilla trekking experience?
On the day of gorilla trekking, visitors arrive at the national park headquarters by 7:00 a.m. First, they attend a briefing on the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking, and rangers verify their permits. Next, officials assign each visitor to a gorilla family based on interest and physical fitness, offering Easy, Medium, or Tough Trek options.
Then, able-bodied youth typically trek families located farther away, while seniors or less physically fit participants visit nearby groups. Each gorilla family accommodates up to eight trekkers. Before setting off, visitors check their gear—usually a waterproof backpack, bottled water, rain jacket, camera, and walking sticks.
Finally, because trekking can last two to six hours through hilly terrain, visitors often hire porters to carry heavy packs. This added help ensures trekkers can focus on the adventure without the extra weight.
The Dos and Don’ts of Gorilla Trekking Exercise
- Limit group size: Only eight visitors may trek a specific gorilla family per day.
- Follow ranger instructions: Listen to your ranger’s guidance and adhere to all rules.
- Dispose of waste properly: Never litter. Store trash until you can safely bury or discard it with a ranger’s help. The same rule applies to bathroom breaks.
- Stay on trails: Remain on designated paths when searching for gorillas.
- Keep your voice low: Speak softly throughout the trek, even near the gorillas.
- Observe time limits: Once you find the gorillas, you can only spend one hour with them.
- Avoid imitations: Do not mimic gorilla gestures or sounds.
- Maintain distance: Keep at least seven meters away and avoid sudden movements.
- Disable flash: Gorillas are sensitive to bright lights, so turn off your camera flash.
- Wear neutral colors: Avoid bright clothing like yellow or red, and do not shout. Gorillas might view these actions as threats.
- Use a mask: Protect both yourself and the gorillas by wearing a mask while hiking and during encounters.
The actual Gorilla Trekking Experience
Starting the Trek
After verifying permits, attending a short briefing, and receiving gorilla family allocations, visitors subsequently meet their ranger guide. Next, depending on the distance, some walk from the park headquarters to the starting point, while others choose to drive.
Hiking Through the Jungle
Once at the trailhead, trekkers enter the dense forest. They walk on marked paths to avoid damaging the natural habitat. As they hike through steep terrain, they might see forest elephants, different monkey species, various birds, and breathtaking scenery like rivers, streams, and valleys. Along the way, rangers share background stories about the park and the gorilla family. Because trekking can last two to eight hours, visitors usually carry packed lunches and refreshments.
Meeting the Gorillas
Eventually, the group encounters the gorillas. At first, the dominant silverback greets them, carefully checking for any threat. Once he senses no danger, he allows the group to observe the family’s daily routines, including feeding, playing, and caring for their young. Meanwhile, visitors can capture photos and videos (without flash) during this unforgettable hour.
Leaving the Forest
Other Information About Gorilla Trekking
About the Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas are a subspecies of eastern gorillas. They live in two regions: the Virunga Massif (shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo) and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List, only around 1,006 remain in the wild. To protect and conserve them, Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo developed the eco-friendly gorilla trekking experience, highlighting the importance of these rare apes and supporting local communities.
Places to see the Mountain Gorillas
Three countries offer natural mountain gorilla habitats:
- Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (with one habituated family).
- Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park in the country’s northwest, about two hours from Kigali. It hosts around 320 mountain gorillas and attracts luxury travelers.
- Democratic Republic of Congo: Virunga National Park, situated in the Virunga Massif. Despite political instability, it remains a key habitat for these magnificent primates.
