Wikimedia Commons / Joe McKenna
For South African adventurers, gorilla trekking offers one of Africa’s most profound wildlife encounters – a chance to meet our great ape cousins in their natural habitat.
This guide to gorilla trekking for South Africans compares the three main destinations – Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – and highlights what you need to know before you go.
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Getting there: from South Africa to the gorilla highlands
Ease of access makes a big difference. Rwanda often comes out on top here: Volcanoes National Park (home to Rwanda’s gorillas) is just a 2–3 hour drive from Kigali, and Kigali is an easy hop from Johannesburg (under four hours on a direct flight). Rwanda is widely seen as one of the best gorilla trekking destinations partly because of this convenience – the park is only about 100 km from the capital, making logistics simple.
Uganda’s gorilla sanctuaries are more remote. South Africans can fly to Entebbe (sometimes directly from Johannesburg), then travel across Uganda’s lush countryside to reach Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga National Park. The drive from Entebbe to Bwindi can take 8–10 hours on winding mountain roads, though flying to a closer airstrip is an option. The extra effort pays off – Bwindi’s emerald hillsides hold roughly half the world’s mountain gorillas and offer a true jungle adventure.
The DRC’s Virunga National Park is the most adventurous option. There are no direct flights from South Africa into this part of the DRC, so travellers usually enter via Uganda or Rwanda. The most common route is to land in Kigali and cross the border by road into Goma, the gateway to Virunga. It’s a journey that needs some planning – and visas – but the reward is a truly off-the-beaten-track experience in Africa’s oldest national park.
Visas and permits: what paperwork you’ll need
Visa requirements vary. South Africans don’t need a visa to visit Rwanda for up to 30 days. Uganda does require one, but South Africans can also apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa which covers Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. The DRC needs a separate visa. If you’re heading to Virunga, park authorities can help arrange a special tourist visa – just be sure to apply well in advance.
The crown jewel of planning is the gorilla trekking permit. Each trekker needs a permit for a specific date, and numbers are limited to protect the gorillas. Booking well in advance (up to six months ahead) is essential. In all three countries, the rules are similar: only eight tourists can visit a gorilla family per day, and you’re allowed just one hour with them. This ensures a safe and meaningful encounter.
Permit prices vary widely. Rwanda positions itself as a luxury destination, and its permits are the most expensive. Uganda’s permits are about half the price and are popular with mid-range travellers. Even better, Uganda now offers discounted permit rates for African citizens. The DRC offers the lowest permit prices and sometimes even discounts them in the low season. If you’re looking to trek without breaking the bank, Uganda and the DRC are good bets – just make sure the DRC is safe to travel before booking.
Trekking experience: trail conditions and difficulty
Gorilla trekking is often described as challenging but manageable. You don’t need to be super fit, but a decent level of fitness helps. You’ll be hiking in mountainous terrain above 2,000 metres, through thick forests and occasionally steep, muddy slopes. In Uganda’s aptly named Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, trails can be tough – guides often cut paths through the undergrowth with machetes. Hikes can last anywhere from one to six hours depending on where the gorillas are.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the DRC’s Virunga usually offer slightly shorter treks (around 3–5 hours), partly because the gorilla families are easier to find. But “shorter” doesn’t always mean easier – you’ll still be climbing and sweating through the bamboo. Many travellers hire local porters to help carry bags or offer a steadying hand, and it’s a small cost for a big comfort.
Trekkers are grouped by fitness level each morning – the fittest get the more distant gorilla families, while those who prefer a gentler walk are given closer ones. No matter which group you’re in, the moment you lock eyes with a wild gorilla, the trek becomes worth every step.
Safety: health and security in the forest
Gorilla trekking is very safe when done through official tour operators. The gorilla families you’ll visit are used to humans and are calm by nature. Incidents are extremely rare. Each trek includes trained park rangers and guides who monitor the animals and ensure both people and gorillas are safe.
Because gorillas are susceptible to human diseases, you won’t be allowed to trek if you’re sick. You’ll need to keep a distance of around seven metres (even if a curious juvenile comes closer), wear a mask when appropriate, and use hand sanitiser. A yellow fever vaccination is required for all three countries. Malaria tablets and good travel insurance are also highly recommended.
In terms of political safety, both Rwanda and Uganda are stable and welcoming. Locals are proud of their conservation efforts, and tourism plays a vital role in protecting the gorillas. The DRC is more unpredictable. Virunga National Park has faced conflict and occasionally closes to tourists when needed. If you’re planning to go, only book through reputable companies and check safety updates before travelling. The rangers in Virunga are incredibly dedicated and won’t allow tourism if conditions aren’t safe.
The experience: adventure and wonder up close
No matter where you go, the reward is the same: an unforgettable hour with mountain gorillas in the wild. You might see a silverback lounging in a nest of leaves, juveniles wrestling in the undergrowth, or a mother gently cradling her baby. Sometimes a curious youngster wanders close enough to make your heart skip a beat. That quiet connection – when you realise how alike we are – is something you’ll never forget.
Each country brings something different to the experience. In Uganda, you can combine gorilla trekking with classic safaris or chimp tracking. Rwanda offers high-end lodges and meaningful cultural sites like the Kigali Genocide Memorial. For the adventurous, the DRC can be paired with a hike up Mount Nyiragongo to see its bubbling lava lake – if conditions are safe.
Choosing your gorilla trekking destination
So, which destination is best for South Africans? It depends on what matters most to you. If you want easy access and don’t mind paying more, Rwanda might suit you. If you’re looking for value and don’t mind a longer journey, Uganda offers a rewarding mix of nature and culture. And if you’re drawn to wild, remote experiences, the DRC’s Virunga is a thrilling choice – just be sure it’s safe when you go.
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