There are estimated to be 1,000 Mountain Gorillas left in existence making them the most endangered gorilla species. They can only survive in their natural habitat, the dense vegetation of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and along the dormant volcanic Virunga mountain range that stretches across Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Gorilla Trekking has become the largest tourist draw of these East African Countries and is considered a life-changing, once-in-a-lifetime privilege. 

Trekkers pay the country that they are visiting for a gorilla permit to spend one awe-inspiring hour alongside these amazing primates in their home habitat, cloud forests that can reach up to 14,763 feet. Ugandan permits are less expensive than Rwandan, and Bwindi is home to half of the existing mountain gorillas. Rwanda infrastructure is a little more advanced and the terrain could be easier for viewing the gorillas in less dense vegetation with easier hikes. 

The hike to reach your assigned gorilla family can be short and relatively easy, but more often, it is a strenuous hike over difficult terrain. Gorilla trackers follow their families, day and night, so they know where they are at all times. A guide leads a caravan of 8 trekkers to the easiest starting point to reach their gorilla family. The hikes from the starting point could last from an hour to several hours. A good guide will negotiate for a spot with the best hike for your needs.

Trekkers are encouraged to give back to the local communities in constructive ways. One way is to hire local porters. These local residents are paid to carry gear, water, and more importantly, help the trekkers over the terrain. Some trekkers even decide to use the “helicopter” service if they are concerned about making the trek. A group of porters carry the trekker in a chair up the mountain, but you still have to get off of the chair for the hour with the gorillas. The tips given to the trackers, guides and porters, go directly to them to help their families and support the local economy.

I’ve had the extraordinary privilege of gorilla trekking in both Rwanda and Uganda and create custom itineraries for my clients to give them the best experience possible.Reserve your dream vacation by contacting Lainey Melnick, the owner of the Westlake-area branch of Dream Vacations, 855-GR8-TRIP, www.855GR8TRIP.com, lmelnick@dreamvacations.com. Dream Vacations – Lainey Melnick & Associates is an American Express Membership Rewards Agency and an affiliate of Travel Leaders. Lainey has been a part of the Westlake community and Eanes ISD since 1998. As owner of a Platinum Ranked agency, she is the recipient of the 2018 Travel Influencer Award, 2017 Club Med Top Producer, and 2017 OPAL Award for Women, WTH Certified Spokesperson and serves as Executive Committee Communications Chair for Austin Women Invest to Elect.