Journey into the lush rainforests of Uganda and Rwanda, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most remarkable safari experiences that Africa has to offer—an opportunity to spend an hour with the mountain gorillas in their native habitat.
What is gorilla trekking like? Here, we’re sharing what to expect on your gorilla trek into the jungle.
Early Morning
Meet the cool dawn of the forest with an early breakfast at the lodge. Afterwards depart with your guide for the trekking headquarters. There, you will meet with the park rangers for your pre-trek briefing.
At the briefing, you’ll gather with the other trekkers for the day as a park ranger goes over what to expect during your hike—sharing the basics about gorilla behavior and guidelines for what to do (and not to do) in the presence of the gorillas.
Your party will be assigned to a gorilla family and you’ll head to the trailhead close to where they were last seen. If you’d like, you’ll have the chance to hire a porter to carry your pack and assist you along the trail.
The trek begins!
Mid Morning
Your gorilla trek takes you through the depths of the forest in a small group of travelers, accompanied by a park ranger and a team of expert trackers and porters.
Along the way, you might hike up steep slopes, duck under rambling vines, or cross a log bridge set up over the small streams of the forest, with the help of your expert team.
The trackers will use their knowledge of each gorilla family as well as subtle signs of their presence and movement through the forest to lead the way. Take in the sights and sounds of the true African jungle as you journey in search of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Midday
Upon finding the gorillas, you’ll have the chance to spend an unforgettable hour with them in their native habitat.
Watch as they forage through the thick vegetation for roots and stems, care for the young clinging to their mothers’ backs, and swing among the branches. You might see a Silverback lumber slowly through the group or watch an unruly young gorilla somersault down the hill, full of playful energy.
While you’re with the gorillas, the ranger will help explain their habits—what certain behaviors mean, their diet, or how they take care of their young.
Early Afternoon
Round trip, the trek typically lasts between three to eight hours total, including your time with the gorillas. Depending on the length of your trek, your group might stop to enjoy a picnic lunch in the midst of the wild, taking in the natural beauty around you.
Begin the return journey to the trailhead, where you’ll commemorate the trek and reconnect with your guide to return to your lodge, regaling them with stories of your experience.
Late Afternoon
Relax at the lodge, sitting on a balcony looking out over the forest canopy or enjoying a massage at the lodge’s spa.
Or, if you’re up for more adventures, explore the region with a guided nature walk in the area or a visit with the local tribal communities. There, you’ll have a chance to hear traditional stories and songs, and learn the ancient ways of hunter-gatherer tribes.
Evening
Enjoy dinner at the lodge as the chorus of the jungle recedes into the evening.
Later, find a spot by the campfire with your drink of choice, reminiscing on the day’s excursions and looking forward to tomorrow’s adventures.
Looking for more about gorilla trekking? Explore our gorilla trekking itineraries or learn more about where & when to go gorilla trekking in Uganda. And when you’re ready to start planning your safari, just contact us.
