Hi Reader,

You’ve probably figured out by now that Gary and I love animals. One of our favorite trips was gorilla trekking in Uganda last year.

We trekked through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. It was a bucket list experience we’ll never forget.

There’s something incredible about hiking through the jungle and suddenly seeing a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. No zoo or wildlife documentary can prepare you for that moment.

The trek itself was also part of the adventure. How long you hike depends on the location of the gorilla family assigned to your group. It could take one hour or several hours to reach them.

Our trek took close to four hours before we found the gorillas. After spending an hour with them, we hiked another hour and a half back.

It was challenging, muddy, and completely worth it.

If gorilla trekking is on your bucket list, here are my two most important planning tips.

Book With a Reputable Tour Company

A gorilla trekking permit is mandatory, and permits can sell out.

Choose an experienced tour company and confirm that your permit is included. Don’t assume it has been reserved just because you booked a tour.

Uganda gorilla trekking permits currently cost $800 per foreign nonresident during most of the year. Rates can change, so confirm the current price before booking.

This isn’t an experience you want to plan at the last minute. Your tour company should secure your permit well before your trip.

Prepare for a Challenging Hike

You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours on uneven terrain.

The jungle can be steep, slippery, and muddy. Your trek’s difficulty will depend on the location of your assigned gorilla family that day.

Walking and hiking regularly before your trip will make the experience much more enjoyable.

​Read more about our gorilla trekking experience in Uganda​

Why Hiring a Porter Is Worth Every Penny

Hiring a porter was one of the best decisions we made.

The porters carried our backpacks and helped us navigate the difficult terrain. My porter frequently held my hand, helped me climb steep sections, and made sure I didn’t fall.

The cost was roughly $20, plus a tip, and the help was invaluable.

We also learned that many porters are only allowed to work a few times each month. Hiring one provides important income for local families while making your trek safer and more manageable.

Even if you’re confident about your fitness level, hire a porter. You’ll be glad you did.

Consider Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Too

Uganda isn’t the only place in the area where you can trek with mountain gorillas.

Rwanda offers gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The park is relatively close to Bwindi, making it possible to include both countries in a longer East Africa itinerary.

We planned to trek in Rwanda during the same trip. Unfortunately, we ran into some challenges and weren’t able to do it.

A Rwanda gorilla trekking permit currently costs $1,500 per foreign visitor, compared with $800 in Uganda. The Rwanda permit costs more, but it gives travelers another option when planning this bucket list experience. You’ll still need to reserve it in advance and verify the current price before booking. Rwanda’s official booking portal confirms the current $1,500 rate.

If you’re considering both countries, work with a tour company experienced in cross-border itineraries. They can help coordinate permits, transportation, border requirements, and accommodations.

A Travel App That Has Already Paid for Itself

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Have you ever planned a trip around a bucket-list wildlife experience? Gorilla trekking was challenging, but it remains one of our favorite travel memories.

Until next time,

Melodie
​Travel Must Do's​

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