Spotlight on gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences. Getting up close to a family of critically endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is both humbling and exhilarating—a true privilege for those who embark on the journey.
Whether in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo, trekking through dense rainforest to find these gentle giants is unlike any other safari. The sheer effort required to reach them—hiking through thick vegetation, up steep slopes, in misty, high-altitude forests—only adds to the adventure. And when you finally lock eyes with a silverback or watch a playful youngster tumble through the undergrowth, every step will have been worth it.
Trekking or tracking?
You might see the experience referred to as both “gorilla trekking” and “gorilla tracking.” Both are correct. You trek through the forest to find the gorillas, while expert guides and trackers use their knowledge of the terrain and the gorillas’ movements to locate them. Your job? Simply to follow, take it all in, and enjoy the moment. You might return with a few scratches and muddy boots, but you’ll also come back with a heart full of unforgettable memories.
Jonathon’s gorilla encounters
Our founder, Jonathon, has been privileged to trek with gorillas multiple times, each experience as magical as the last. One of his most remarkable encounters was in the Virunga Mountains of the DRC, where he combined trekking with a hike up an active volcano, spending the night beside the world’s largest lava lake. But whether it’s in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, every gorilla trek is a journey into the wild like no other.
If you’re thinking about it, give Encompass Africa a call and ask to speak with Jonathon. He’s our Founder, avid adventurer and absolutely obsessed with trekking to see primates, especially gorillas.
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Meet the Gorillas
Gorillas are one of our closest relatives, sharing up to 99% of our DNA. Unlike their chimpanzee cousins who spend much of their time in trees, gorillas are primarily ground-dwellers. They live in the forests of central Africa, with two main species:
- Mountain gorillas – Found in the misty, high-altitude forests of Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC.
- Lowland gorillas – Inhabit the lower forests, swamps, and marshes of Central and West Africa, including Congo’s Odzala National Park.
Both species are critically endangered, making responsible gorilla trekking essential to their survival. Permits are strictly limited to ensure minimal disturbance, and a portion of the permit fees directly funds conservation efforts and supports local communities.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda
Uganda offers two incredible national parks for gorilla trekking, each providing a challenging yet deeply rewarding adventure. Trekking here requires a higher level of fitness than in Rwanda, as the terrain is steeper and the vegetation denser. But for many, including our founder Jonathon, that’s part of the magic. The journey through the rainforest is an adventure in itself—before you even reach the gorillas, you’ve already had an unforgettable experience.
Beyond gorilla trekking, Uganda has so much more to offer: chimpanzee tracking, classic game drives, breathtaking landscapes, and off-the-beaten-track safari experiences. It’s a destination that combines adventure, wildlife, and cultural encounters in one incredible trip.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Rwanda is often considered the easiest and most accessible place for gorilla trekking. From Kigali, it’s just a few hours’ drive to Volcanoes National Park, making it ideal for those short on time—you can complete a gorilla safari in just two or three nights.
The treks here tend to be shorter and less physically demanding, as the gorillas are often found closer to the base of the mountains. This makes Rwanda an excellent option for those who prefer a more comfortable trekking experience. However, permits here are the most expensive at USD1,500 per person for one hour with the gorillas. This strict time limit applies in all countries to protect the gorillas, as they are highly susceptible to human diseases.
Many travellers combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with golden monkey tracking or a visit to Lake Kivu for some well-earned relaxation. And if you want to extend your adventure, we love pairing Rwanda with a Kenya or Tanzania safari, or even a Zanzibar beach escape for a perfect finale.
Gorilla trekking in the Republic of Congo
For those seeking a true wilderness adventure, gorilla trekking in Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo offers a completely different experience. Here, you track lowland gorillas, which are more active than their mountain cousins and tend to move frequently throughout the day. Treks can be longer and more unpredictable, but they’re also incredibly rewarding.
This is one of Africa’s last great frontiers—remote, untouched, and teeming with wildlife. In addition to gorilla tracking, visitors can explore the rainforest by canoe, encounter wild chimpanzees, forest elephants, and sitatunga, and spend time with the Ba’Aka people, learning about their customs and hunting techniques. It’s an immersive, off-the-beaten-path safari for true adventurers.
Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is often overshadowed by its reputation, but for those willing to venture here, it offers one of the most incredible gorilla trekking experiences on the planet. Jonathon visited the DRC in 2017 and declared it the best gorilla trek of his life—even better than Uganda and Rwanda.
The gorilla populations here are doing well (touch wood) and the tourism infrastructure is improving every year. In Virunga National Park, you’ll find pristine, untouched forests, fewer tourists, and some of the most passionate conservationists working to protect these incredible primates. Visitors are required to wear protective masks to prevent the transmission of diseases, and the gorillas here are incredibly relaxed around humans.
If you’re looking for a raw, authentic gorilla safari, the DRC is the place to go—before it changes forever.
What to expect on a Gorilla Tracking Safari
So you know before you go!
What to expect on a gorilla trek
No matter where you trek, the gorilla trekking experience follows a similar format:
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Early start: After breakfast, you’ll pack your gear (we provide a packing list when you book) and head to the park headquarters for a briefing.
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Meeting your guides: Here, you’ll be assigned to a small trekking group and given important safety guidelines.
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The trek itself: Led by experienced guides and trackers, you’ll hike through dense vegetation, sometimes for hours, before finally coming face-to-face with a gorilla family.
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The encounter: You’ll have exactly one hour with the gorillas, an awe-inspiring experience as you watch them feed, play, groom, and interact. Guides will help you find the best vantage points for photos while ensuring a safe and respectful distance.
Many trekkers opt to hire a porter, which we highly recommend. Not only will they assist you on the sometimes slippery terrain, but you’ll also be directly supporting local communities.
Should you trek twice?
Absolutely. If budget allows, we always recommend doing two treks.
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The first trek is thrilling, but often overwhelming, you’re focused on taking photos and soaking up the experience.
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The second trek allows you to put the camera down, truly immerse yourself in the moment, and observe the gorillas in a deeper, more meaningful way.
You can also choose to visit a different gorilla family or even trek in a different country for a varied experience. No two treks are ever the same, making a second trek well worth it.
Why trek with Encompass Africa?
We believe in safaris that leave a positive impact. When you trek with us, you’re not only experiencing one of Africa’s greatest wildlife encounters but also contributing to the conservation of these incredible creatures. We work with expert guides, support ethical tourism initiatives, and ensure that every gorilla safari helps protect these magnificent primates for generations to come.
Whether you choose Uganda, Rwanda, the Republic of Congo, or the DRC, gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re ready to start planning, let’s make it happen.
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