When to go on a gorilla trekking safari

Gorilla trekking is done all year round. However, hiking becomes tedious during the rainy season in April, May and then November. Within an altitude of 2,000m and above, it can rain at any time of the year, especially in Bwindi National Park in Uganda. December and February, July and August are the best times for Gorilla trekking.

Permits for gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking permits in all locations are supposed to be secured earlier.  This is because tracking any given gorilla family is limited to numbers (8 people). There can be difficulties in getting a permit at short notice, so visitors are advised to plan well ahead.  However, we have made all the arrangements to book your Gorilla permit.

In Volcanoes National Park, there are 96 gorilla-trekking permits available each day, costing US$1,500 per person. Visitors in Rwanda who plan to spend more than 3 days in either Nyungwe National Park or Akagera National Park are entitled to a 30% discount. Gorilla permits pay for a 24-hour guard for each gorilla family. Armed teams of rangers constantly track each Gorilla family every day to mark where they spend the night – Making it easy for visitors to find them without fail. The fees paid for Gorilla trekking in either Rwanda or Uganda strengthen conservation efforts and support the development of local surrounding communities.

What is the level of fitness required for one to track the Gorillas?

A minimum level of fitness is required. You must be healthy at least to walk for more than 3 hours in the Jungles. Depending on which Gorilla family you track, gorillas always keep moving in search of food down and up the mountains. During the rain, you might walk on pretty steep slopes for several hours. However, sometimes, but not so often, you could reach your group within 30 minutes. Walking can be at a slow pace, having time for breaks, but you better be prepared for the most active hike.