Put on your walking boots and prepare to take the road less travelled. For the fit and adventurous, trekking in Africa is the ultimate in wild experiences. You can be out in the mountains or jungles for a few hours or for days. Treading over tricky terrain, often up steep hills and across rivers, you’ll be engulfed in pristine, remote wilderness. Longer trekking adventures are generally accompanied by porters who will carry your gear and provisions, often going ahead to prepare camp.
East Africa has no shortage of trekking options, the most famous being visiting the gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. We’ve included two more options that aren’t generally on the tourist radar and are considered very specialist: chimp trekking in the Mahale Mountains and hiking Mount Kenya.
Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the highest mountain in Africa and there are several different routes to reach the summit. You will walk through various climactic and vegetation zones, from lush rainforest at the base of the mountain to barren alpine desert at higher elevations. As you ascend higher, you will start to feel the effects of the altitude and your guides will monitor this carefully. Your final ascent starts at midnight and you will aim to reach the peak at sunrise.
Chimp trekking in the Mahale Mountains, located on Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania, is an experience reserved for the special few willing to make the effort to reach this remote location. You’ll need to take a small plane for a few hours and then a boat to reach this untouched part of the world. Daily treks ranging from a few hours to a full day will take you deep into the jungle. These are wild chimpanzees and, as such, sightings are not guaranteed, but your guides will do their utmost to find them for you.
Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa at 5,200 metres (17,000 feet. There are several different routes up Mount Kenya, each with their own unique characteristics and challenges. The most popular route is the Sirimon Route, which is considered to be the easiest and most scenic of the trails. Other routes are more strenuous, and hikers should be prepared for tough and challenging walking. A guide and porters will accompany you throughout and a high level of fitness with the appropriate gear is required.
Many people dream of meeting a gorilla in the wild. Gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows visitors to come face to face with one of the rarest and most fascinating animals on Earth.
Gorilla trekking typically takes place in the mountainous rainforests of Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. Both parks are home to populations of endangered mountain gorillas, which are known for their massive size, gentle demeanour, and striking appearance.
On the day of your gorilla trek, you'll meet your guide and a small group of fellow trekkers at the park headquarters. You'll receive a briefing on the rules and procedures for gorilla trekking, which may include staying a certain distance away from the gorillas and not making loud noises or sudden movements.
Once you've been assigned a gorilla family to visit, you'll set off on foot with your guide and a small team of porters. The trek through the forest can be challenging, as you'll need to navigate steep slopes, thick underbrush, and muddy terrain. However, the reward is well worth the effort.
When you finally come upon the gorilla family, you'll be struck by how close you are to these majestic animals. You'll have the opportunity to observe them as they go about their daily lives, which may include feeding, grooming each other, or playing.
Gorilla trekking is a strictly regulated activity, with only a limited number of permits available each day to ensure the protection of the gorillas and their habitat. As a result, it's important to book your gorilla trek well in advance, and to be prepared for a physically demanding experience.
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is located in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, ensuring a truly immersive experience into the realm of gorillas. Due to its location, you may even find gorillas in camp occasionally.
Kwitonda Lodge in Uganda is part of the Singita family of lodges and delivers the trademark Singita experience. Located on the border of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this conservancy is an important buffer zone between farmers and the reserve, contributing to the long-term survival of the gorillas. Wildlife conservation and the people surrounding these reserves work hand in hand to protect these wild spaces. Encounter a gorilla family in the wild and understand the background behind the protection of this special species.
Tucked into the forest canopy of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, the Wilderness Safaris Bisate Camp is unique in its design and feel. Trek into the cloud forests of the lush Virunga Mountains to find the resident mountain gorillas. Time with the gorillas is limited to one hour, which will pass quickly and leave you in awe of these wonderful animals.
