Gorilla Trekking for Amateurs – A Beginner’s Guide

Gorilla trekking for amateurs: Amateurs are people who are considered to be beginners or they are doing something for the first time. This category of people has less experience or doesn’t have ideas about gorilla trekking in Uganda. Are you wondering whether amateurs can do gorilla trekking in Africa? Yes, gorilla trekking tours for amateurs are readily available and can be done any time of the year.

Our team of experts is more than ready to take you for your first-ever gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is one of the life-changing experiences that anyone can do on an African safari. During this activity, amateurs encounter several gorilla families in the parks.

Gorilla trekking is an incredible experience, but it can also be physically demanding. Here is a beginner’s guide to help you prepare.

Gorilla Trekking for Amateurs

What is gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking is a safari activity whereby a group of tourists (usually 8 people) follow a particular gorilla group or family in the forests and spend an hour in their presence upon meeting the gorillas. Unlike most of the safari activities, gorilla trekking involves walking on foot. It is a somewhat challenging but rewarding experience for both seniors and amateurs. Gorilla trekking also involves walking through rugged terrain, thorny trees, slippery walkways, and green vegetation. The activity can only be done in three countries in the world. These include; Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Gorillas are large and powerful primates that live in the forested areas of East and Central Africa. These gorillas are believed to be human cousins since they share 98% of their DNA with man. Only habituated gorilla families can be available for trekking. Gorilla trekking for amateurs involves spending an hour in the presence of a particular gorilla family.

Gorilla trekking for amateurs can best be done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Kahuzi Biega National Park, and Virunga National Park. These parks make up the Virunga Conservation Area which also involves a chain of volcanic mountains including Mount Nyiragongo. Once you book a gorilla trekking trip with us as an amateur, you will visit any of the above-mentioned parks.

Gorilla trekking tips for amateurs

By following these guidelines, you can have a safe and unforgettable gorilla trekking experience even when you are an amateur.

Research and learn about the mountain gorillas through knowing their behavior, and lifestyle while in their habitat.
Moderate physical fitness While you don’t need to be an athlete, a moderate level of fitness is recommended. This is because gorilla trekking involves walking through rugged terrain and slippery walkways, especially during the dry seasons.
Practicing regular hiking can help build the necessary stamina. Strengthen your legs, focus on exercises like squats, lunges, and hill climbs.
Pack Sturdy Hiking Boots. Ensure they’re well broken in and provide good ankle support. Additionally, carry a waterproof Jacket and Pants. The rainforest can be unpredictable. Long-sleeved shirts and Pants are equally important to protect against insect bites and scratches.
Book your trekking Permit well in advance. This is essential and must be booked in advance.
Acquiring the necessary vaccines allows you to visit the country to see the mountain gorillas.
Hire a Porter. If you need assistance carrying your belongings.
Choose the Right Time. The dry seasons (June-August and December-February) are ideal for trekking but rainy seasons are best for budget safaris in Africa.
Be Patient. Gorilla tracking can be unpredictable. Enjoy the journey.
Respect the Gorillas. Remember, you are a visitor in their home.
Stay hydrated during the hike and also pack enough snacks to keep strong for the trek.

What is the best place for gorilla trekking for amateurs?

While planning a gorilla trekking safari as an amateur, there are several destinations that you can visit and they include;

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the protected areas for the mountain gorillas which has the highest number of gorillas. This park is located in southwestern Uganda in the Kanungu district at the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is divided into 4 sectors where amateurs can encounter the gorillas. These sectors include Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Buhoma. In this park, there are over 25 habituated gorilla families that amateurs can encounter during their gorilla trekking tours.

If an amateur is to engage in a gorilla trekking expedition, he or she must have acquired a gorilla trekking permit. A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs about 800 USD for foreign nonresidents, 700 USD for foreign residents, 500 USD for the rest of Africa, and 300,000 UGX for the East African residents. Permits can only be booked through a reputable tour operator like Native Africa Tours Ltd.

Additionally, amateurs can engage in the gorilla habituation experience and they spend more time with the gorillas. Gorilla habituation is done in the Rushaga sector. A gorilla habituation permit costs 1,500 USD (foreign nonresidents), 1,000 USD (Foreign residents), and 750,000 UGX (East African residents). There are about 198 gorilla trekking permits and 12 gorilla habituation permits each day in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest national park that is within southwestern Uganda at the border of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo within the Virunga region. The park is a great destination where amateurs to see the mountain gorillas. In this park, there is one habituated gorilla family in the park and about 8 gorilla permits each day.

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is one of the Rwandese destinations that amateurs can engage in for their gorilla trekking safaris. This park is located in northwestern Rwanda within the Virunga region at the border of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This park holds a history of gorilla conservation works which were geared by Dian Fossey at the Karisoke Research Centre. In this park, there are about 13 habituated gorilla families that amateurs can encounter during their safaris.

In Rwanda, the gorilla trekking permit costs about 1500 USD for the foreign nonresidents, 500 USD for the foreign and rest of the African residents, and 200 USD for the Rwandese and East African residents. In this park, there are about 108 gorilla permits each day. Travelers are supposed to book in time to ensure availability during the safari. Only tour operators are allowed to book gorilla trekking permit from the Rwanda Development Board. We can help you reserve your gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda.

Gorilla trekking rules and regulations – guide for amateurs

An amateur planning a gorilla trekking safari, you should know the rules and regulations governing gorilla trekking and they include;

Gorilla trekking starts early in the morning at about 0700 hours at the park headquarters.
Amateurs are supposed to sanitize and put on a face Mask when they are going to do the gorilla trekking safaris.
Amateurs are supposed to have a valid gorilla trekking permit to ensure availability during the safari.
No feeding of the gorillas because they may contract a disease.
Amateurs are supposed to maintain a social distance of 7 meters while viewing the gorillas.
Gorilla trekking is done under the guidance of the ranger guide who ensures your safety during the safari.
Listen to Your Guide: They know the terrain and the gorillas’ habits.
Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep a distance of at least 7 meters from the gorillas.
Avoid Sudden Movements: This can startle the gorillas.
Don’t Use Flash Photography: It can stress the animals.
Don’t Touch the Gorillas: This is for your safety and theirs.
Respect the Environment: Don’t litter or disturb the ecosystem.