Wondering what you can add to your mountain gorilla trekking experience? Silverback Gorilla Tour brings you a list of top gorilla trekking add-ons in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The gorilla trekking add-ons are additional activities and travel experiences you can add to your gorilla trekking adventure. An addition of one or two more experiences on your gorilla safari offers you a more intimate and lifetime wildlife experience. You can choose to add a relaxed activity or another adventure if you wish.
Top Gorilla trekking addons
Cultural Tours
In addition to gorilla trekking, visit local communities adjacent to mountain gorilla parks for a cultural experience. The most visited local communities are the Batwa pygmies, also known as “forest people” who traditionally lived with wild animals in the forests before the introduction of gorilla conservation and trekking. The cultural tours involve meeting and interacting with local people who share their traditions, norms, customs, and beliefs.
Traditional dances and songs are performed to welcome and entertain travelers. The Batwa cultural trail in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the popular cultural experiences you should not miss out on during your Uganda safari to Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In Rwanda, visit the gorilla Guardian village to experience the Rwandese traditions and norms.
Volcano Climbing
Volcano climbing is yet another interesting adventure to add to your gorilla trekking experience. The gorilla parks are home to the Virunga Volcanoes which other lifetime hiking adventures. In Rwanda, enjoy a trek to the summit of Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke, In Congo, hike to the summit of the active Nyiragongo Volcano while in Uganda, travelers can hike Mt Gahinga, Mount Muhabura and Mount Sabyinyo both located in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, home to Nyakagyezi gorilla family. Mount Nyiragongo can be hiked in 3 Days, Mount Karisimbi in 2 Days while the rest of the volcanoes can be hiked in one day. If you are fit enough, be sure to add a mountain hiking adventure to your gorilla trekking safari
Nature/Forest Walk
Take part in the forests/nature walking safaris on your gorilla trekking adventure, Dress in hiking boots, get a walking stick, and venture into the dense forest on foot. The walk gives you a fresh feeling of the natural forest, giving you a chance to explore some hidden gem in the jungle forest. The guide will spot some medicinal herbs that treat stomachache, injuries, and other skin diseases. Walking safaris are an opportunity to visit caves, rivers, and waterfalls in the gorilla parks
Bird watching
Bird watching is another best addition to the gorilla trekking experience. All gorilla destinations shelter several bird species some of which are not found anywhere else in the world. Bwindi Forest shelters 350 birds 14 of which are not found anywhere in the whole of Uganda. Some of the notable birds seen in Bwindi Forest National Park include African Green Pigeon, Crowned Hornbill, Giant Kingfisher, and African Harrier Hawk among others.
Mgahinga shelters 180 bird species 12 of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift. The common birds in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include Cape Robin-Chat, Black Kite, African Paradise Flycatcher, and Alpine Swift. Volcanoes National Park is home to 200 birds, and 17 are endemic to the Albertine. Expect to see birds such as Black Crowned Waxbill, Ruwenzori Turaco, and Common Stonechat. Virunga National Park is currently closed for tourism but it shelters over 250 bird species
Dian Fossey Graveyard Hike
A hike to the graveyard of Dian Fossey is a special addition to gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Dian Fossey was an American Primatologist who was killed by poachers during her campaign to save the endangered gorillas. The ranger guides will tell you the whole story of Dian Fossey and how her campaign has seen the population of mountain gorillas increase over time.
Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is another great deal to add to your gorilla trekking experience. The addition of chimpanzees on your gorilla safari offers you the best primate trekking adventure. The best places to see chimpanzees include Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda and Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda.
Golden monkey trekking
Be part of our golden monkey trekking experiences in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda and Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. Golden monkeys are endemic primates worth visiting. The playful creatures will keep you lively during your visit. The rules and regulations of golden monkey trekking are similar to those of gorillas.
Game viewing
Enjoy guided game-viewing safaris in Uganda and Rwanda on your gorilla trekking adventure. Go game viewing in the open savannahs of Uganda which include Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park. In Rwanda, game viewing takes place in Akagera National Park home to the big five. Some of the animals you will see on your game viewing experience include Lions Elephants, Zebras, Buffalos, Impalas, Waterbucks giraffes, Rhinos, leopards, Gazelles, Uganda kobs, serval cats, cheetahs, Topis, Dik Dik, and wild dogs among others. Early morning and evening are the best time for game-viewing experiences. During this time wild animals are actively hunting and grazing which makes it easy to see them.
Lunch Cruise/Boat
Do not miss launch cruising experiences on your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda and Rwanda. The common spots for launch cruising include the bottom of Murchison Falls in Murchison Falls National Park, Kazinga Channel I Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Kivu, and Lake Mburo National parks. A boat cruise offers you spectacular views of wild animals and beautiful landscapes. The banks and shores of water bodies shelter wild water animals such as crocodiles which you will see.
NOTE: Gorilla trekking add-ons come with an extra cost
In conclusion, there are lots of activities you can add to your mountain gorilla trekking experience. Contact Martha Tours and Travel, let us know what you want to add to gorilla trekking, and we shall make for you a customized itinerary to meet, satisfy, and even exceed your travel interests.
