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Gorilla Trekking Do's and Don'ts

If you are planning on going gorilla trekking, there are likely many questions you may have around the dos and don’ts when encountering them in their natural habitat. These are some of the most protected animals in Africa so it’s always good to understand the guidelines before booking your trip. It’s worth noting that whilst there are some differences in location, you can comfortably apply these trips to any destination where you’re travelling to see gorillas. This includes Rwanda, Republic of Congo or Uganda.

Dos and Don’ts before Departing on your Gorilla Trek

Obtain Necessary Permits

Gorilla trekking is well-regulated, and permits are required to visit gorillas. As part of booking your trip we’ll ensure the cost of the tracking permits is included. This ranges depending on the destination but expect to pay upwards of around $1,500 per trek.

Pack Appropriate Gear

For a successful day of gorilla trekking, the choice of essentials depends on the time of year you plan to embark on your adventure. To ensure a comfortable experience, we recommend having at least the following items with you:

  • Lightweight clothing.
  • Rain jacket.
  • Sturdy walking shoes.
  • Long-sleeved top and trousers.
  • Long, thick socks.

Educate yourself before departure

We believe that it’s a far more enjoyable experience to go on a trek with suitable knowledge. In addition to the conversations, we can have with you before you head on your trip, there are several great resources and books that we’d suggest picking up:

  • We Wish to Infor, you that tomorrow we will be killed with our families
  • A Sunday at the Pool in Kigali
  • In the Kingdom of Gorillas
  • A guide to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park: Home to Critically Endangered Mountain Gorillas
  • Land of a Thousand Hills: My Life in Rwanda
  • Gorillas in the Mist
  • Mountain Gorillas: Biology, Conservation and Coexistence
  • Bradt Guide to Uganda

Gorillas

Read about Encounters with Primates

Sl Rwanda Gorilla David Yarrow


Gorilla Trekking Safaris

CAR Isak Pretorias

Dzanga Sangha Gorilla Tracking Safari

Track endangered western lowland gorillas, observe forest elephants, bongos, and mangabey monkeys, and join the local Ba'Aka tribe on a net hunt in the dense rainforests of the Dzanga Sangha reserve. Journey to the rainforests of the remote Dzanga Sangha Reserve on this pioneering safari to the Central African Republic. Dzanga Sangha is one of the few places in the world where you can track habituated western lowland gorillas, and is also home to forest elephants and the elusive bongo antelope. Join the local Ba’Aka people as they hunt and gather medicinal herbs, and trek through pristine rainforest in search of colourful birdlife and mangabey monkeys. Staying in the comfortable yet basic Sangha Lodge, this safari is perfect for adventurous travellers hoping to get off the beaten track for incredible wildlife experiences.


From 8210 per person
St Uganda Mountain Gorilla Shutterstock Photocechcz

9 Day Western Lowland Gorilla & Bai Safari

Located in the north-west region of the Republic of the Congo, discover two unique camps inside the pristine Odzala-Kokoua National Park, and a third on a private concession bordering the national park. This is a lowland rainforest characterised by a network of bais, rivers, marshes and swamps. This vast and truly wild region, with its wide range of landscapes and habitat, is home to an incredible diversity of life. Forest elephant, leopard, bongo, forest buffalo, giant forest hog and hippo live alongside the greatest density of western lowland gorilla in Africa.

From 15500 per person
RWA Rwanda Gorilla Richard Denyer

Short Gorilla Tracking Safari

Nothing can prepare you for it. The moment you first encounter a mountain gorilla nestled in the midst of the verdant Rwandan thicket. As soon as you step foot in the legendary Virunga Mountains, there’s a palpable sense of interconnectedness, rippling from the land, to the wildlife, to the people.

From 9375 per person

View All Gorilla Trekking Safaris

UGA Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable Park Far Horizons Joan Namulwya

Contact a Gorilla Specialist Today

Acquire the right travel insurance

Acquiring travel insurance covering medical emergencies and trip cancellations is paramount before embarking on your gorilla trekking adventure. This ensures peace of mind and financial security in unforeseen circumstances, such as sudden illness or injury during your trip.

Don’t Travel Without a Certified Guide

Certified guides possess invaluable expertise in navigating the intricate terrain of gorilla habitats while ensuring your safety and minimising disruption to the delicate ecosystem. Their knowledge of gorilla behaviour, conservation practices, and local regulations enhances the quality of your experience, providing insights that deepen your appreciation for these remarkable animals. With a certified guide by your side, you can embark on your adventure with confidence, knowing you are in capable hands and contributing to responsible tourism practices that prioritise the well-being of gorillas and their habitats.

Note that all trips run by NWS are operated by specialist guides.

Volcanoes National Park

The park is home to approximately half the worlds remaining population of the, critically endangered, mountain gorilla.

RWA St Rwanda Volcanoes National Park Mountain Gorilla Shutterstock Asaf Weizman

What to Expect from a Gorilla Trek

Dos and Don’ts during your Gorilla Trek


Have Clean Hands

Clean hands help to minimise the risk of transmission of any bacteria or viruses that can harm the gorillas, who are susceptible to human diseases.

Follow Instructions from your Guide

A simple one but these seasoned professionals possess a wealth of knowledge about gorilla behaviour, habitat, and safety protocols, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for you and ensuring that all gorillas remain safe.

Keep your Voices Down

Keeping your voice down will ensure the best experience for you and your group as the gorillas won’t get spooked. It’s perfectly fine to ask your guide questions, just make sure that you’re speaking quietly. Doing this will also ensure the best viewing potential for other forest wildlife before you get to where gorillas are located.



Remain at a Safe Distance

You need to remain at least 7 metres away from the gorillas. This is to protect both your group and to ensure gorillas are at less risk of catching any human disease. In addition, don’t smoke, eat, or drink near the gorillas for the same reason.

Don’t use Flash Photography

Flash photograph isn’t permitted and is dangerous. When taking photos your guide will advise you depending on the circumstances, but general advice is to move slowly and carefully. Keep in mind that drones are also not allowed during your gorilla trek.

Generally speaking, having common sense and listening to your guide will go a long way in making sure that you have the best time when you're on your trek. Take only photographs and memories, leaving nothing behind except your footprints.

Accommodation Choices for Gorilla Trekking

Dos and Don’ts after a Gorilla Trek


Gorilla Conservation Efforts

Support gorilla conservation efforts through donations or volunteering opportunities. Here are a couple that we’d recommend:

  • Virunga National Park
  • Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project

Also, please respect the privacy and security of gorilla populations by refraining from sharing specific location details or sensitive information online or on social media platforms.

Reflect on your Experience

Take time to reflect on your gorilla trekking experience and its impact on gorilla conservation and local communities.




Share your insights and observations with fellow travellers, friends, and family to raise awareness about the importance of responsible tourism and wildlife conservation. Be sure to send us your photos/videos as well as we’d love to see them. Tag us on Instagram or send us an email!

If you're ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of gorillas in their natural habitat, we invite you to book your trip with us. Our wealth of experience in gorilla trekking ensures you’ll have a memorable and immersive gorilla trekking experience while prioritising the safety and well-being of both visitors and gorillas.