Mountain Gorilla Trek

About this Trek

High on the bucket list of many travelers is a visit to Virunga’s endangered mountain gorillas. Around one third of the world’s population of mountain gorillas live in the lush volcanic forests of Virunga’s gorilla sector and it is here that guests can come face to face with these magnificent creatures.

  • Dean-Starnes-gorilla_trek_tourists
    Mountain Gorilla Trek

    A visit with Virunga’s mountain gorillas is truly a once in a lifetime experience – allowing trekkers to spend time in the presence of these majestic creatures.

    Photo credit: Dean Starnes
  • BrentStirton-SilverBack
    Silverback

    An active silverback watches visitors as the female gorillas and babies socialize.

    Photo credit: Brent Stirton
  • BrentStirton-MountainGorillaFamily
    Mountain Gorilla Family

    A female member of the Humba family watches as infants play in the trees.

    Photo credit: Brent Stirton
Practical Information

All treks are led by Virunga Rangers and local pisteurs who are responsible for the daily monitoring of Virunga’s ten habituated gorilla groups. Treks usually require 1-2.5 hours of hiking each way, depending on location of the group being trekked and the difficulty of the terrain.

To safeguard the health of Virunga’s gorillas, visitors will be provided with surgical masks to wear when in the presence of the gorillas. As mountain gorillas are susceptible to human illness, we do ask that if guests are feeling unwell at the time of the scheduled trek that they cancel and/or rebook. The age restriction for visiting mountain gorillas is 15 years and older.

COVID-19 requirements to visit the park.

COVID-19 protocol for guest transfers and activities.

 

 

Weather

During the day the temperature averages 75 degrees F / 24 degrees C.

  • Long sleeve shirt
  • T-shirt
  • Long pants
  • Walking/hiking boots
  • Long socks
  • Raincoat or poncho
  • Water
  • Snacks
  • Camera

What our guests say...

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    “Staying in Virunga National Park and visiting the gorillas was one of the highlights of my entire life. The trek into see the family (we saw a ‘new’ family of about 25 gorillas, we were able to see about 14) was so beautiful and peaceful, and I just wish I had better pictures! To stand in silence observing and respecting these most gorgeous and peaceful animals was incredible. The rangers were so good and helpful and kind – to us and to the animals they watch over and protect.” (TripAdvisor review)

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    “The team of rangers made sure you get to experience of a lifetime. I have so much respect to the rangers who look after gorillas. They explained which family we are trekking, made sure our path is safe and easy to walk on.  The gorilla silverback is enormous! I could not believed that I am so close to such being. I am very pleased and happy to have such experience that was brought by this organization.”  (TripAdvisor review)

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    “The mountain gorillas are amazing! They are habituated to the human visitors and seem to be able to recognize the individual park rangers. The gorillas gave us a furtive glance. It is well worth the trip to the Eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C.) to see these majestic creatures.”  (Gregg L. Friedman MD)

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