Here is everything you need to know about gorilla trekking; from definition, where to go for gorilla trekking, gorilla permits, and more. What is gorilla trekking? Gorilla trekking is a powerful primate adventure and is best enjoyed on an African safari. Gorilla trekking entirely involves a search for gorillas in the wild with an experienced and well-trained park ranger guide. Gorilla tours in Africa offer the best of mountain gorilla and Eastern lowland gorilla encounters.
Where to go for gorilla trekking safaris in Africa
There are 3 destinations in Africa that guarantee primate enthusiasts the best gorilla trekking experiences. These include Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In each of these countries, there are destinations that offer visitors unforgettable gorilla encounters. They include;
In Uganda:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the two best places that guarantee primate enthusiasts thrilling encounter with a family of mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga takes visitors on a search for already habituated mountain gorilla families in the wild.
There are 5 regions where visitors can begin their search for the endangered mountain gorillas in these parks. These include 4 regions/areas in Bwindi National Park; Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Only one gorilla sector is available in Mgahinga and that is Ntebeko area.
The gorilla families to explore on Uganda gorilla tour include Habinyanja, Rushegura, Binyindo, Katwe, Mubare, Christmas, Kyaguriro, Bitukura, Oruzongo, and Mukiza. The other habituated gorilla family groups include Posho, Bushaho, Bikingi, Nshongi, Kahungye, Busingye, Mishaya, Bweza, Kutu and Nyakagezi gorilla group.
Gorilla permits
Valid gorilla permits are required for anyone intending to spend the next gorilla holiday either in Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Gorilla permits are open for booking at USD 800 per person for foreign nonresidents, USD 700 for foreign residents and shs. 300,000 for the East African citizens. Book your gorilla permit in advance with Maranatha Tours and Travel | info@silverbackgorillatour.com.
Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda like in Uganda takes you on a search for the endangered mountain gorillas. In Rwanda, these large apes survive in the Virunga Mountainous area, particularly in Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla treks in Rwanda begin from Kinigi area after briefing from the park official.
Volcanoes National Park is situated in Northwestern Rwanda just within the Virunga Region. It is in this park where the popular primatologist –Dian Fossey began her journey to study about gorillas. This park extends up to only 160 sq.km and currently holds 12 habituated gorilla families that are also open to visitors to trek.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda also requires you to have a valid gorilla permit for you to have a chance to visit one of the habituated gorilla groups. Each of Rwanda gorilla permits costs USD 1500 per guest.
The gorilla groups to be visited on a visit to Volcanoes National Park include among Umubano, Ugenda, Kwitonda, Sabyinyo, and Susa A. Other groups include Umubano, Bwenge, Amahoro, Hirwa, Titus, and Pablo.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Visiting D.R. Congo for gorilla tracking tours allows you explore two different gorilla subspecies that is mountain gorillas and Eastern lowland gorillas. Mountain gorilla treks in Congo are conducted in the Virunga National Park. The available habituated gorilla groups to visit in the Virunga include Humba, Nyakamwe, Munyaga, Kabirizi, Bageni, Rugendo, Lulengo and others.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park on the other hand offers the best of Eastern lowland gorilla encounters in the wild. The habituated eastern lowland gorilla groups to trek include Mugahuka, Chimanuka, Nganwa, Bonnani and Mpungwe gorilla groups.
The cost of Congo gorilla permits
All valid permits for Congo gorilla tours (both for mountain gorilla and eastern lowland gorilla trekking) cost USD 400 per person.
Is gorilla trekking hard?
Gorilla trekking is generally a strenuous adventure because it involves visitors trekking through a forest, and steep slopes/mountainous areas. It is also unpredictable and can take about 2-6 hours when you are searching for gorillas. Destinations where gorilla treks are done are also located in high altitude and at times can be challenging/hard conquering them, especially for visitors who aren’t fit enough.
Expect moderate hike as you conquer elevation range of 2400 m to 3500 meters. Overall, this adventure requires some level of fitness for you to have a round gorilla trek journey regardless of the destination.
Is Rwanda or Uganda better for gorilla trekking
There is something unusual for tourists to experience on gorilla trek in Uganda and Rwanda. Each destination rewards visitors differently, and judgment or conclusions can be drawn if you have visited all the two countries.
But looking at some factors like gorilla families; Uganda has the highest number of already habituated groups compared to Rwanda. This means several visitors can have a chance to engage in a gorilla trek unlike Rwanda with about 12 groups and Congo with 8 mountain gorilla families.
Rwanda positioned itself as an upmarket gorilla destination with gorilla permits currently costing USD 1500 per person. Uganda remains as a budget-friendly gorilla tour destination with permits issued at USD 800 per visitor.
Is gorilla trekking expensive?
Generally, gorilla trekking is not a cheap experience/adventure. The cost for gorilla permits is high considering the high cost required to ensure protection and conservation of gorillas in the wild. There is also high cost incurred, especially in paying the veterinary doctors, plus other works involved in conservation activities.
How long do you need for gorilla trekking?
You can have a short or long gorilla tour –this adventure never restricts length of stay a visitor intends to have in a destination. But you can have 3 -5 Day gorilla trip to your destination of choice say Bwindi, Mgahinga or Volcanoes National Park. Feel free to talk to our expert and book one of our popular gorilla safari packages.
What is the best time to go gorilla trekking?
The best time to travel to Africa for gorilla trekking is during the dry season although this adventure is open all year round. In your travel calendar, the dry season occurs in two phases that is long and short. The long dry months are experienced from June, July, August to September then the short dry season begin in December, January and end around February.
What should you pack for a gorilla trek tour?
Only essentials are needed for any successful gorilla trekking trip and these include waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, waterproof daypack, a camera with no flashlight and extra camera battery. You also need a pack of snacks, rain jacket or poncho, waterproof hiking boots, long pants, bottled water, insect repellent, and others.
What is the safest country for gorilla trekking?
Uganda is most popular as the safest destination/country in Africa. Uganda has enjoyed long decades of prevailing peace and security making it a safe and secure place to see mountain gorillas.
What is the age limit for gorilla trekking?
By standards, gorilla trekking is strictly done by visitors of 15 years and above. If you are of this age, you are considered to be mature and also less prone to infectious diseases.
