Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking
Why go
Explore the thrill of Africa with high-impact, adrenaline-pumping adventures that take you off the typical tourist paths. Immerse yourself in the African wilderness, living in canvas like an old-time explorer. This approach offers a unique and possibly ultimate way to experience the continent. Delve into the local communities for a more profound understanding of Africa.
For many travelers, the pinnacle of their journey is gorilla trekking, an experience that ranks among the most memorable. Gorilla trekking is unparalleled, providing face-to-face encounters with these endangered creatures, offering a potentially life-changing, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The indescribable feeling of being so close to our closest relatives adds to the uniqueness of this adventure.
The Mountain Gorillas are critically endangered, with only around 720 left globally. Almost half of this population resides in Uganda, while Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo also host these incredible creatures. The emphasis on these locations underscores the rarity and significance of the experience, urging travelers to consider these destinations for an extraordinary and conservation-focused journey in Africa.
Where to go
Choosing the right destination for professionally guided gorilla trekking is limited to a select few remote yet conveniently reachable locations. The Republic of Congo hosts Western lowland gorillas within its ancient forests, while Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park are home to the world’s remaining 720 or so mountain gorillas. Observing these majestic creatures can have a profound impact, as they reside in their natural habitat, exhibiting close-knit family dynamics that mirror many aspects of our human family structure. Their expressions of affections and emotions, such as delight, surprise, and irritation, resonate closely with our own.
How to proceed
While chimp trekking is still in its early stages, gorilla trekking is a closely regulated activity, and we highly recommend leveraging the expertise and planning capabilities of one of our Safari specialists. Obtaining permits is not only costly but also exceptionally limited and challenging. Immediate payment is required, as permits cannot be held provisionally. Navigating logistics can be intricate, and you’ll benefit from guidance in aligning your expectations with the experience. We suggest booking your permits 3-5 months prior to your planned departure date. Our permits are available for various locations, including Uganda (Nkuringo, Ruhija, Rushaga, Buhoma, and Mgahinga), Rwanda (Parc National Des Volcano’s), and Congo.
Guidelines for Gorilla Trekking:
Limited Access: A maximum of 8 visitors can visit a habituated Gorilla group per day to minimize behavioral disturbances and reduce the risk of exposing Gorillas to human-borne diseases.
Hand Hygiene: Always wash your hands before approaching the Gorillas.
Leave No Trace: Do not leave any rubbish in the park; carry back everything you bring into the forest.
Following the Trail: Guides will lead you to the Gorillas’ location based on their previous day’s whereabouts. Look for Gorilla nesting sites along the trail.
Camera Etiquette: Follow the guide’s instructions on when to prepare your cameras for approaching the Gorillas.
Maintain Low Voices: Keep your voices low to enhance the observation of birds and other wildlife in the forest.
When with Gorillas:
Safe Distance: Maintain a minimum distance of 7 meters (21 feet) from the Gorillas to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Whispered Conversations: Keep your voices low at all times, but feel free to ask the guide questions.
No Eating or Drinking: Avoid consuming food or beverages in proximity to the Gorillas.
Responding to Charging: If Gorillas charge, imitate the guide by crouching down slowly, avoid eye contact, and wait for them to pass—no running to minimize the risk of an attack.
No Flash Photography: Flash photography is prohibited; move slowly and carefully when taking pictures.
No Touching: Do not touch the Gorillas as they are wild animals.
Time Limit: The maximum duration allowed with the Gorillas is one hour. If they become agitated, the guide may end the visit early.
After the Visit:
- Maintain Low Voices: Keep your voices low until you are at least 200 meters away from the Gorillas.
Guidelines for Visitor Health
Gorilla Sensitivity: Keep in mind that Gorillas are highly susceptible to human diseases, and the following rules are designed to minimize the potential risks your visit may pose to them.
Time Limit Respect: Adhere to the allocated time limit for visitors with the Gorillas each day to reduce the risk of disease transmission and minimize stress to the group.
Illness Protocol: If you are feeling unwell or have a contagious disease while at the park, kindly volunteer to stay behind. An alternative visit will be arranged, or you will be refunded following gorilla reservation guidelines.
Respiratory Etiquette: If you need to cough or sneeze near the Gorillas, turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth to minimize the spread of bacteria or germs.
Safe Distance: Always maintain a distance of 7 meters (21 feet) from the Gorillas, as increasing the distance contributes to a more relaxed atmosphere for the group.
No Littering: Avoid leaving any rubbish, such as food wrappers, in the park, as these items can harbor diseases or contaminants.
Toilet Protocol: If you need to use the restroom in the forest, request the guide to dig a hole for you. The guide will fill it once you have finished.
Chimpanzee Trekking Experience
Africa’s exploration of great apes extends beyond gorillas, with chimpanzee trekking emerging as the continent’s latest wildlife adventure. While gorilla treks may offer glimpses of chimps and other primate species, specific destinations have gained recognition as standalone chimpanzee trekking havens. Uganda’s Kibale Forest stands out as the premier location for this activity, boasting a diverse array of primates, including Red Colobus, Red-tailed Guenon, White-nosed Monkey, Gray-cheeked Mangabey, Blue Monkey, L’Hoest’s Monkey, and the Black and White Colobus Monkey. Olive Baboons, Bush Babies, and Nocturnal Pottos may also be spotted. Chimpanzee trekking is also available in the forested regions of Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks, as well as Tanzania’s Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream, both renowned for their chimp populations.
Chimpanzee trekking differs from gorilla trekking, often occurring in more forgiving terrains. However, locating wild chimps can be challenging, making chimpanzee tracking an additional experience often paired with a big game safari. Habituated chimp groups, like those in Kibale, offer a face-to-face encounter similar to gorilla trekking, with a limited one-hour duration.
Facts: Chimpanzees inhabit 21 African countries, but Uganda stands out for its dense populations and easily accessible terrain, allowing for optimal sightings. Uganda is home to 4,950 chimpanzees, and these creatures share 98% of their genes with humans, making them our closest living relatives.