Five Gorilla Trekking Tips in Virunga National Park

Five Gorilla Trekking Tips in Virunga National Park, Gorilla trekking is one of the most popular safari activities in Africa. It’s not only famous in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) but also in Uganda and Rwanda. To help you enjoy a successful gorilla adventure Safari, here are five helpful tips for your trek in Virunga National Park, including what you need to know before, during, and after the trek.

Meeting mountain gorillas in their natural home in Virunga is a life-changing experience. Imagine looking straight into the eyes of a massive silverback gorilla, the leader of the group, protecting his family just like a father does at home.

Apart from Virunga National Park, mountain gorillas can also be seen in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, as well as Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda . But if you’re planning a trek in Virunga, these are the top 5 tips to guide you.

Waterproof hiking boots

1. Get Ready Before Your Gorilla Trekking

While the decision to go gorilla trekking usually starts at home, the real adventure begins once you’re in Virunga National Park. To make the most of your experience, it’s important to pack the right items. Here’s a well-prepared list of essential items to pack for your gorilla trekking safari:

• Long-sleeved shirts or blouses – for protection against thorns and insects.
• Waterproof hiking boots – highly recommended, as the forest trails are often muddy and slippery
• Warm sweater or jacket – mornings and evenings can be cold.
• Scarf – optional, but can be useful.
• Insect repellent – especially mosquito repellent.Energy snacks and drinks – to keep you going during the trek.
• Long trousers/pants – helpful in thick forest, though optional.
• First aid kit – essential for treating minor cuts, scratches, or other small injuries during the gorilla trekking.
• Gloves (e.g. garden gloves) – for grabbing onto vines or branches, though not everyone uses them.

On the trekking day, dress appropriately and don’t forget essential items like your passport, gorilla permit, snacks, water, and a walking stick. Head to the park headquarters at Bukima for a short briefing. You can also hire a local porter to carry your bag and assist you during the hike. This helps you enjoy the trek comfortably and also supports the local community.
Respect the gorilla trekking rules and guidelines provided by park officials to help protect the gorillas and their forest environment.

2. Be Friendly and Stay with Your Group

Gorilla tracking is done in small groups, usually up to eight people per trek. You’ll be grouped based on factors like fitness level, language, age, or other preferences. During the trek, stay close to your team and cooperate with the park rangers. This helps keep everyone safe and improves your chances of finding the gorillas faster.
Virunga is home to many wild animals, not just gorillas. During your trek, you might see chimpanzees, golden monkeys, forest elephants, or even eastern lowland gorillas. Always keep your voice low and calm – loud sounds can scare away the wildlife. Staying quiet helps create a peaceful atmosphere and makes your experience even more rewarding.

3. Your Safety Comes First

Ensuring your safety is a key priority during gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park. Every trekking group is escorted by armed park rangers, with one ranger in front and others behind. These rangers are trained to handle any challenges that may come up in the forest, such as protecting you from wild animals or clearing difficult paths.
Although wild animals live in the forest, there have been no reports of tourists being harmed during gorilla tracking in Virunga. However, the protection provided by the rangers remains in place every day for your safety and peace of mind.

4. How You Find the Gorillas in Virunga National Park

You might wonder how long it takes to find the gorillas. Every morning, before tourists begin trekking, a team of advance trackers goes into the forest early to find the gorilla families and keep track of their movements. This helps reduce the time it takes for tourists to find them.
Depending on where the gorillas built their nests the night before, your trek may last between 1 to 6 hours. Sometimes it’s a short walk, and other times it may involve hiking through dense vegetation and uneven terrain. Just be patient—the experience is worth it.

mountain gorilla Trekking in Virunga national park

5. When You Meet the Gorillas in Virunga National Park

Once your group locates the assigned gorilla family, you’ll have the opportunity to spend a full hour observing them as they carry on with their daily life in the forest. This is your chance to observe their behavior, take photos, and quietly enjoy the incredible moment. Use this time wisely.
While watching the gorillas:

Remain quiet and avoid sudden movements.
You may look at the gorillas, but avoid direct eye contact with the silverback. They might see it as a threat.
If you accidentally lock eyes with a gorilla and notice any aggressive behavior, stay calm, do not run, and look away slowly. This shows that you are not a threat.

Always follow the rangers’ guidance and instructions to ensure a safe and respectful gorilla trekking experience. They are there to keep you safe and to make sure the gorillas are not disturbed.

Seeing the gentle brown eyes of a mountain gorilla is one of the most powerful and emotional wildlife encounters you can have in Africa. It’s an unforgettable moment that many travelers say changes the way they see nature forever.

Final Thoughts and Booking Advice

A gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is more than just a safari – it’s a personal journey into the wild. You’ll come away with stories and memories that last a lifetime. To make sure everything goes smoothly, we recommend booking your trip through a trusted local tour operator such as Aga Safaris.

They understand the local conditions and will help plan your transportation, accommodation, permits, and guides.
Remember, permits to trek gorillas in Virunga are limited, so it’s best to book early. And don’t forget to travel responsibly – respect the park rules, support local communities, and help protect the endangered mountain gorillas.

By following these five simple tips and working with experienced guides, your gorilla trekking adventure in Virunga National Park will be safe, enjoyable, and truly unforgettable.