Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Gorillas

The most well known type of gorilla is the fluffy variety, otherwise know as the Mountain Gorilla.  Experience trekking with these gorillas in the range of mountains and forests along the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.   Lowland Gorillas have less fur and live in the thick forests of Central African Republic, Cameroon and Congo.  Join a small group safari including gorilla trekking  For example, take a look at the Rwanda Primate Safari or the Gorillas and Mara tour.

Lifestyle of the Gorilla

Mountain gorillas have a home range that is decided by food source and usually includes various zones of vegetation. Their social structure is arranged by long term bonds between individuals and are led by a dominant Silverback.  Above all, this Silverback will fiercely defend his group and are usually dominant for around four years.  The usual group will have one leader with a few blackbacks, who are young males.   Additionally, there are three or four mature females plus their young. Most males and some females leave their birth group and join others after about the age of 11 years. The Silverback is the one who keeps peace in the group and is especially protective of the youngsters.   For instance, he will often adopt them if anything happens to their mother.

Mountain Gorillas, Rwanda

Gorilla Trekking

On a trek to see Mountain Gorillas, it is essential to be in good health as gorillas are sensitive to human diseases.  Importantly, a reasonable level of fitness is required.  You will have a very early start in the morning and this is when trekking groups are allocated.  For example, you can actually request an 'easier' group but there is no guarantee. 

You will then be driven to the trail head and off you go!  Above all, take plenty of water and snacks with you and keep your camera handy.  Most importantly, take a few porters with you.  Even if you think you don't need them, you will!   Furthermore, it helps the local economy by employing local people.  After this, you will enter the park perimeter.  Your guides are in touch by radio with the tracking teams and rangers who go ahead and locate the groups at sunrise.  Prepare yourself for the possibility of a lot of up and down before you find the gorillas.  Depending on the group and where they are, you can trek for anything from five minutes to nine hours.  Once you find them, you will leave all your belongings, apart from your camera, with the park guards while your guides take you close.  You will then experience first hand these amazing animals.  Bear in mind your time with them is strictly limited to one hour in their company.  

You will then return to base and be presented with a certificate to confirm your achievement.  After that, it's back to your hotel for a nice cold beer and a shower!

Baby mountain gorilla

Lowland Gorilla Viewing

Lowland Gorillas are not as 'commercialised' as there are very few habituated groups.  As a result, viewing is less guaranteed.  However, in addition to seeing the gorillas, you can lie low in a hide or viewing site and watch other species come to feed and drink.

If you particularly interested in Lowland gorillas, there are several places in West & Central Africa you can experience this.   Ask us for details of group tours or a tailor made quote and take a look at our pages for Congo, Central African Republic and Cameroon.

Treks in Rwanda

There are also other treks in Rwanda such as the hike to Visoke and Dian Fossey's grave and the Mount Gahinga Trek, plus the Golden Monkeys.  These are in the same area as the Gorillas but on the lower slopes in the bamboo forest.

Bwinidi, Uganda

Read Jules' blog about her own experience of gorilla trekking.

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