.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
There are very few wildlife encounters on earth that carry the weight of sitting in the presence of a mountain gorilla. Watching them move through the forest and interact with one another is an experience that stays with people for the rest of their lives. The current population of western lowland gorillas stands at around 100,000, with fewer than 1,000 mountain gorillas remaining in the wild. It is also one of the most significant conservation experiences that travel can offer.
THE GORILLA TREKKING EXPERIENCE
Gorilla trekking takes place in the montane forests of East and Central Africa, and the two most accessible and well-established destinations are Uganda and Rwanda, each offering a distinct experience. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The experience of trekking through its ancient forest is worth the journey alone, but the gorilla encounter at the end of it is something else entirely.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers a more structured experience set against a landscape of five volcanoes, and is also one of the best places to see the rare “golden monkey”. Rwanda has invested significantly in both the quality of the trekking experience and the conservation infrastructure that protects it. However, for those yearning for an off-the-beaten-track adventure, the Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic beckon with the opportunity to encounter western lowland gorillas.
These less-explored regions allow you to delve into the lush lowland rainforests, offering a unique gorilla trekking adventure. Gabon, Africa’s west coast gem, unfolds an extraordinary experience, offering the chance to trek amidst coastal rainforest environments, home to a robust population of western lowland gorillas. This distinctive gorilla habitat adds a unique dimension to your safari experience.
The conservation dimension is significant. Permit fees contribute directly to the protection of gorilla habitat and the communities that live alongside it. By choosing to trek, you are making a direct and meaningful contribution to the survival of a species that exists in genuinely precarious numbers. For those wanting to extend their primate experience, combining gorilla trekking with a chimpanzee safari is one of the most rewarding combinations East Africa has to offer.
It is worth understanding the physical demands honestly. Depending on where the gorillas are on any given day, a trek can last anywhere from thirty minutes to eight hours through difficult terrain. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, and altitude is also a factor worth considering. Bwindi sits at around 2,400 metres, and the Virunga volcanoes are considerably higher.
Lion
The African lion is an iconic big cat, recognized by its majestic mane in males. Lions are apex predators and live in groups called prides. They are known for their strength, stealth, and cooperative hunting strategies. Lions are often associated with bravery and royalty in various cultures.
Leopard
The African leopard is a solitary and elusive big cat with a beautiful coat adorned with distinctive rosette patterns. They are skilled climbers and opportunistic predators, known for their adaptability and ability to thrive in various habitats, from forests to grasslands.
African Elephant
The African elephant is the largest land animal, known for its immense size, distinctive trunk, and prominent tusks. They are herbivores and play a crucial role in shaping and maintaining their habitats. African elephants are highly intelligent, social creatures with complex social structures.
Black Rhino
Both black and white rhinoceroses are large, thick-skinned herbivores with two distinctive horns on their heads. Rhinos are critically endangered due to poaching for their horns, which are highly valued in illegal markets. They are essential for the ecosystem and are known for their gentle demeanor.
African Buffalo
The African buffalo is a robust herbivore with a distinctive, large, and curving set of horns. They often live in large herds and are known for their unpredictable behavior, making them one of the most dangerous animals to hunt. Buffaloes are vital to the ecosystem, shaping vegetation patterns through their grazing habits.
PLANNING YOUR GORILLA TREKKING SAFARI WITH ESCAPE SAFARI CO.
We manage the full permit booking process on your behalf and build your itinerary around the permit dates confirmed, ensuring the lodges, the transfers, the complementary experiences fit seamlessly around the centrepiece of your trek.
We have sent many guests into the forests of Bwindi and the Virungas, and the messages we receive afterwards tell us everything we need to know about what this experience means to the people who have it.
We would be honoured to help you plan yours.
Horseback Safari
Wildlife, Wellness & Yoga
Chimpanzee Trekking
Walking Safari
Cultural Experiences
