When one talks about wild adventure experiences in Africa, Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking normally tops the list or comes in a close number 2. When you talk about a bucket list, yours will not be complete unless it includes an experience with the beautiful primates. Uganda, Rwanda and Congo are the most popular destinations for Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking.
The best time for gorilla trekking is during the dry months, from June to September or between January and February. This is due to easier trekking conditions as the terrain can get quite slippery during rainy seasons. Become one with these primates in their natural habitat, it will be an experience you will never forget.
Where Can You Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa?
Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Uganda is home to half of the world’s mountain Gorillas and Bwindi contains a greater population of Gorillas in Uganda with upto 19 habituated Gorilla families making up upto 400 Gorillas. You have to see it to believe it!
Uganda: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Only 34 square kilometers, Mgahinga is the smallest park in the country but sometimes good things come in small sizes. Mahinga is also home to Golden monkeys so rest assured you will have a wonderful experience.
Rwanda : Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda. It’s also the most accessible park, located a mere two-hour drive from Kigali’s airport, the country’s capital city.
Sheltering the Rwandan section of the Virunga Mountains, this is where Dian Fossey started her mountain gorilla studies. And it’s the setting for the book and film “Gorillas in the Mist”. Home to over 400 endangered mountain gorillas, it’s a must-visit.
What to Pack for a Gorilla Trekking Trip?
You will be gorilla trekking through thick rainforests, so to avoid scratches and insect bites, we recommend wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers. It will often be a steep climb to get to the gorillas, so opt for light, breathable clothing.
– Long-sleeved shirt
– Warm jersey
– Long trousers, preferably waterproof
– Waterproof hiking boots
– Rain jacket
– Hat
– Multiple pairs of socks
– Gardening gloves
– Insect repellent
– Camera (but please note that flashlight photography is strictly prohibited)
How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost?
Depending on where you go, your gorilla trekking permit can cost anything from 700-1,500 USD per person. These funds contribute directly to protecting these primates and their habitat. The overall cost of your gorilla trekking holiday depends on various factors. Other than where and when you’re visiting, your accommodation, transportation, inclusions, and other costs.
Asking is gorilla trekking worth it is like asking is breathing necessary? Absolutely, yes! Topping bucket lists across the globe, gorilla trekking is an experience that few have the privilege of experiencing, but everyone should!
Chimpanzee Trekking in Africa
So then, if gorilla trekking is so special, is chimpanzee trekking worth it? A million times yes! Chimpanzees are majestic in their own right. Take it from Jane Goodall, who dedicated her life to studying and protecting these primates. Here are some of the best places to go chimpanzee trekking in Africa.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Tanzania
There are two protected national parks in Tanzania where you can see chimpanzees, namely Mahale Mountain National Park and Gombe National Park.
In Mahale Mountain National Park, you can admire their fascinating human-like behaviour by trekking along the forested mountain slopes. Mahale is not only famous for having the highest chimpanzee population, but it’s also the only place where you’ll see chimpanzees and lions cohabitating.
On the other hand, Gombe National Park is best known for primatologist Jane Goodall, who conducted her studies of the endangered chimpanzees and their behaviour here. A haven for chimpanzees with its thick forests, there are also many other species to observe, such as primates like vervet and colobus monkeys.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda
Uniquely located on a ridge between the Nile and the Congo Rivers, the Nyungwe Forest National Park is incredibly rich in biodiversity and protects one of eastern Africa’s largest belts of montane rainforest.
It’s home not only to a habituated group of chimpanzees but also to other primates, including the Ruwenzori colobus and L’Hoest’s monkey, more than 1,050 plant species that include 200 different species of orchid, 85 mammal species, 310 bird species, and more. Another highlight in this national park is the 200-metre long and 40-metre high suspended canopy walkway that offers a unique view of the forest.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park is the second-largest park in Uganda. Its key attraction is the habituated group of chimpanzees, with other wildlife including 95 mammal species, of which 10 are primates. You can also see 600 bird species flitting through the park, making it one of the best birding destinations in East Africa.
In the eastern part of the reserve, you will find the “Valley of Apes” where you can see chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons and red-tailed monkeys. The south of the park is very well-known for its unusual tree-climbing lions, a rare and special sight!
