- info@greenwaynaturetours.com
- +256 704 324 972/+256 703 740 870
We often get asked questions like: “Is Gorilla Trekking difficult?” How difficult is gorilla trekking?” “What level of fitness is needed for gorilla trekking?” and “How long does a gorilla trek last?”.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda offers a unique combination of adventure, connection with nature, conservation and indeed personal growth that appeals to the young — and the young at heart. The minimum age to track gorillas is 15 years. There is no upper age limit.
The physical demands or difficulty of gorilla trekking depends on several factors, including specific location, the specific gorilla family you’re tracking, weather conditions, and your fitness level. In general, gorilla trekking is moderately to highly difficult. However, with the right gear and a supportive team, almost anyone can trek the gorillas.
Here are a few things to consider when planning your trek;
As the name implies, mountain gorillas reside at high altitudes. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, home to the largest population of mountain gorillas in the world, sits between 1,160 and 2,706 meters above sea level. Trekking at such elevations can sometimes lead to shortness of breath and fatigue, and dehydration can also be an issue. It’s a good idea to bring along two liters of water and some snacks—trust us, you’ll be surprised at how thirsty you get!
Gorilla trekking takes you through thick forests and rugged terrain, and frequent steep slopes, uneven ground, and muddy or slippery surface. Tackling this kind of terrain demands decent fitness, balance, and agility. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be able to complete a triathlon or bench press three times your body weight to go gorilla trekking.
Park rangers will make every effort to assign you to a gorilla family that suits your fitness and interests. The fittest or youngest people will be chosen to find the group furthest away. Your guides are very experienced in assessing how the group is coping and will stop when necessary for a break, to drink water, admire a view or even have a snack.
The treks can range from short, easy hikes of about an hour to longer, more challenging ones that can last three hours or more — not including the hour you’ll spend with the gorillas. On average, the entire gorilla trekking experience lasts about half a day, including the return walk to your vehicle.
As you might expect, rain is frequent in the rainforest, and the weather can shift from hot and humid to cold and rainy. Adapting to these conditions calls for the right clothing and, at times, a bit of perseverance! And it’s always easiest to trek in the dry season months of June to August. In the wet season, the mud can make trails slippery and the trek tougher.
Gorilla trekking is fully organized and led by expert rangers, with the support of porters and, of course, our experienced driver guides. Greenway Nature Tours driver guides have extensive experience tracking gorillas and are well-equipped to offer advice on what to pack in your day pack. They’ll also ensure you have enough water and can assist you in arranging walking poles if needed.
At the briefing point, wildlife rangers will provide you with an introduction to the trek. You’ll also have the opportunity to hire a porter (or two), who can be incredibly helpful by carrying your belongings and assisting you through more challenging sections of the trail, easing some of the physical effort. For those needing additional support, don’t hesitate to ask.
It’s even possible to be carried up the mountain in a simple chair-type stretcher, a service that started as an emergency option but has now become a comfortable and safe way for less mobile visitors to reach the gorillas. This is one of the many extra services our expert travel consultants can help arrange.
We highly recommend hiring a porter if offered their services during your gorilla trek, even if you feel physically capable of handling the terrain, altitude, humidity, and your daypack. For a small fee of around USD15, you’ll be supporting local villagers and providing them with a means of livelihood.
Many porters are former poachers. Without the opportunity to earn a living through gorilla conservation, some may be driven to return to poaching, capturing or killing gorillas for bush meat or illegal wildlife trafficking. By accepting their help and paying the small fee—equivalent to just a couple of coffees back home—you contribute to the ongoing conservation of gorillas.
The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda is 15 years, due to several important reasons. For instance, younger children may lack the stamina required to complete the full trek. This is particularly relevant in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where gorilla trekking involves traversing steep mountain slopes and demanding terrain.
The activity requires a certain level of fitness and determination, which mature travellers are more likely to possess. Adults are generally better prepared to handle challenges like muddy trails, insects, thick forests and steep inclines. If you’re traveling with younger children, we suggest choosing a lodge that offers childminding services, special children’s programs, or even safe, child-friendly forest walks.
Greenway Nature Tours Africa has extensive experience in catering to various fitness levels and needs. If you’re considering gorilla trekking and have concerns about your fitness or any other aspect, rest assured that we’ve addressed hundreds of similar inquiries. We can offer expert advice on the best options and help you make an informed decision about whether gorilla trekking is right for you.
Car Hire
Gorilla Permits Booking
Gorilla safaris packages
Family Safaris
Honeymoon holidays
Since 2016 our tour company offers 4×4 car hire, safari itineraries with accommodation and guided tours for group and the independent traveler in East African countries of Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.
+256 703740870
+256 704 324 972
info@greenwaynaturetours.com