When going on a gorilla trekking safari, it’s very important to know some basic tips and follow expert advice to enjoy this special experience.
Below are some helpful gorilla trekking tips and advice:
- Book your gorilla permit early – Always book your permit at least three months in advance, especially during the peak season, as permits are limited and in high demand.
- Use official sources or trusted tour operators – Book your permit through the official permit-issuing body or a trusted tour company in Rwanda, Uganda, or Congo.
- Pack the right clothing and gear – Bring a raincoat, warm clothes, waterproof hiking boots, a jacket, and garden gloves. Rain can fall even in the dry season in the forests.
- Budget travelers can trek during the rainy season – Gorilla permits in Congo drop to $200 in the wet season, and some lodges in Rwanda and Uganda offer discounts. Though trails may be muddy, gorillas are easier to find since they stay closer due to abundant food.
- Luxury and mid-range travelers may prefer the dry season – From June to September and December to February, roads are better, trails are less slippery, and it’s a good time to visit other national parks.
- Stay in the same sector as your permit – In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, book accommodation in the same sector where your permit is issued to avoid long travel times in the morning.
- Inform the park if you have mobility challenges – If you have a disability, tell your tour operator or the park in advance so they can arrange a sedan chair or bamboo stretcher and assign a gorilla family that is closer to reach.
- Follow all trekking rules – Always listen to your guide and follow park rules to avoid disturbing the gorillas. Making them feel unsafe may cause them to charge.
- Prepare physically for the trek – Start light physical training before your trip. Gorilla trekking involves hiking in high altitudes and steep terrain.
- Know the best times to go – Gorilla trekking is available all year round, but the best months are June to September and December to February.
By following these tips, your gorilla trekking experience will be safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.
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