La Pisada Africa Safaris designs tailor-made safari adventures across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa and Mozambique. From Masai Mara game drives to gorilla trekking and beach getaways, our expert local guides craft personalised, unforgettable journeys for every traveller.
Few wildlife encounters are as awe-inspiring as gorilla trekking in African countries like Uganda and Rwanda. Endangered species of Mountain Gorillas inhabiting the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda) and Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) are protected by the legal and government authorities of both countries.
Embark on a thrilling adventure of tracking the natural habitats, lifestyle and behaviour of mountain gorilla groups, accompanied by an experienced guide and forest rangers.
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Gorilla trekking is a unique safari experience that brings you face-to-face with the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Trekking is mainly done through the dense forests of Uganda or Rwanda, where you’ll witness these endangered creatures up close and observe their social behaviours and interactions. It’s an opportunity to connect with nature in an extraordinary way, offering unmatched wildlife encounters.
Gorilla trekking helps protect gorillas. Gorilla trekking supports the people who work to save the gorilla species. Gorilla trekking is very exciting. It also helps you understand the problems people face when trying to save the gorillas. We work with guides and experts who know a lot about the gorillas. This helps the communities and makes the trip to see the gorillas very special and something you will always remember. Gorilla trekking is a way to see the amazing animals that live in Africa’s rainforests. You get to see the gorillas and other animals living in their home.
Expect an adventurous trek through the dense vegetation and steep, uneven terrain of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Volcanoes National Park. You’ll be guided by experienced rangers on trails that will lead you to gorilla families. The exact timeframe cannot be guaranteed, and they may sometimes take hours to find. Once located, you’ll spend an hour observing the gorillas in their natural habitat, watching their social interactions, playfulness, and even grooming behaviours.
Gorilla Trekking is a deeply immersive experience that offers a rare opportunity to connect with one of Africa’s most endangered species. The trek can be physically demanding, but the reward of encountering these majestic creatures makes it a once-in-a-lifetime experience that supports wildlife conservation efforts.
The best time for African gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, which occur from June to September and December to February. These months offer the most favourable weather, with less rainfall, making trekking through dense forests easier and more comfortable. Dry conditions also improve visibility and increase wildlife sightings.
Gorilla trekking is available year-round, and the lush green landscape during the wet season (March to May and October to November) offers a different, vibrant experience. The dry months are generally the most popular and ideal for trekking.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda:
Known for its dense forest and diverse gorilla families, it offers the most iconic trekking experience.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda:
Famous for its mountain gorilla populations, it provides accessible trekking with stunning views of volcanic peaks.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda:
A smaller park with fewer tourists, offering more intimate trekking experiences.
Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo:
Known for challenging treks, it provides a more adventurous, remote experience.
Physical Preparation:
Be ready for a challenging hike; treks can last 2 to 8 hours through dense forests and steep terrain.
Pack Proper Gear:
Wear sturdy hiking boots, long sleeves, gloves, and a hat to protect from thorns and insects.
Respect the Gorillas:
Maintain a safe distance of at least 7 meters (21 feet) and avoid sudden movements or loud noises.
Stay Quiet:
Minimise speaking and avoid using flash photography to ensure a calm experience for the gorillas.
Stay Hydrated:
Bring water and snacks, as the trek can be physically demanding.
Our Gorilla Trekking tours are carefully planned and executed in accordance with the legal, ethical, and environmental guidelines set by national and international laws. Each traveller and traveller group is accompanied by experienced guides and rangers, and is assisted at every step with safety, precautions, and instructions for specific activities.
Gorilla trekking can typically last 4 to 6 hours, depending on how long it takes to locate the gorilla families and the time spent observing them. The actual mandatory encounter for observing gorillas is strictly limited to 1 hour, but finding and locating them takes up most of that time and is worth the experience.
Both destinations are suitable for different forms of gorilla trekking. Rwanda is best for luxury, convenience, and easier treks. Uganda is famous for budget-friendly, immersive and wilder treks.
General health and hygeine precautions for gorilla trekking include:
Safety Awareness: Stay alert to your surroundings to avoid potential hazards.
While spotting a gorilla cannot be guaranteed, the chance of seeing them in their natural habitat is 90% to 95%. Our experienced guides and forest rangers are familiar with the correct trails and pathways to mountain gorillas and guide tourists along the same paths to track the primates.
Wonderful holiday - Fred arranged a fly-in Masai Mara safari for us, followed by five days on the beach at Diani. All of the arrangements, flights and transfers went smoothly with no problems,... read more
Tris S
Top quality Safari planner and an AMAZING trip! - Fred from La Pisada Africa Safaris planned two safaris for us in 2023: 3-days to Masai Mara, and 3-day in Amboseli. Those 6 days were amazing and every detail was... read more
Terence M
Greatest experience in Kenya with Fred team - We spent 12 stunning days in Kenya. We are 2 families with kids 10-12 yo.
First if all, Fred designed for us the custom-made plan of the trip.... read more
Maruska_77
An awesome safari tour with La Pisada ! - With many choices of Kenyan safari tour companies, it can be difficult to choose one. La Pisada was the best decision I made!! Communication is key for me and... read more
Dina O
Nairobi National Park Tour - Each time I visit Kenya, myself and family always make a point to enjoy a Safari tour. Of my many tours, this recent tour with La Pisada is without a... read more
Archie O
Thank you La Pisada - Our La Pisada driver showed up at our apt on time. He offered to drive us to get coffee, offerred us the use if his personal phone charger, and... read more
Martin O
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