Gorilla Trekking in Uganda- Rwanda & Congo
With fewer than 1004 mountain gorillas that still exist on earth today, Uganda is home to more than half of all these massive creatures making it one of the only three countries in the world where mountain gorilla trekking is conducted.
What is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking is an attempt of traversing through the tropical forests, following the trails to search for the gorillas in their natural habitat, with an inclusive 1 hour of close interaction with them.
Gorilla trekking is one of the most evocative and awe-inspiring experiences that every traveler includes in their top must do list in Africa, and have always made sure it’s firmly on the top of my must-do list. Together with other safaris, Gorilla trekking is one of the best breathtaking adventures that all types of travelers can do.
Gorillas Species
There are two major species of Gorillas, that is Lowland and Mountain Gorillas: We are mostly focused to the Mountains gorillas which are divided into two species.
In the entire world, Mountain gorillas are only found in Uganda ( Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga National Park ), Rwanda ( Volcanoes National Park ), Democratic republic of Congo ( Virunga National Park).
Eastern Lowland gorillas are only found in Democratic republic of Congo which hosts them in two national park of Kahuzi Biega & Maiko National Park, although its only Kahuzi Biega National Park that is open for Gorilla watching and we are running Congo tours to climb Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega along side gorilla trekking.
Cost of the Gorilla Safari in Africa.
Gorilla trekking is not cheap as it requires advance planning and booking of the trip and last minute booking can be costly since the permit are sold on first come first serve. We do offer last minute Rwenzori and Gorilla watching tours that are lead by knowledgeable safari guides of Primate Safari Experiences limited.
Where to See Mountain Gorillas
In Africa there are only 4 destinations to see the mountain gorillas and these conserved national parks are located in Rwanda , Uganda and Democratic republic of Congo . These countries are close to one another and it grants a traveler a chance to join gorilla trekking of one country with another for comparison purposes of the unique gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo through a multi country Safari tour booked with local safari companies that have the required experience in leading gorilla safaris.
Gorilla Families in Uganda & Rwanda.
On the Actual day of your gorilla trekking , upon arrival at the park headquarter, you will be grouped into clusters of 8 Paxs per one gorilla family and its the reason why there are different gorilla families which are trekked by travelers in Rwanda and Uganda ( This standard rule is a conservation measure for the primate).
In Bwindi Impenetrable forest national Park there are about 22 habituated gorilla families evenly distributed between 4 sectors of Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Ruhija and in Mgahinga National Park is having Nyakagezi gorilla family).
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda has 12 habituated family groups. Each gorilla family have their own History, behaviors and ages.
Cost of the Gorilla Permit.
The Cost of the gorilla trekking permit varies from one country to another and the most expensive one is the Republic of Rwanda that charges a gorilla permit at 1500$$ and in Uganda its 700$$ yet the cheapest is in the democratic republic of Congo which costs 400$.
The gorilla permit has an impact on the cost of the gorilla trekking Safari you have booked. All the Rwenzori and gorillas tours booked with primate Safari experiences always includes the cost of the gorilla permit.
Gorilla Trekking Rules and regulations
The Gorilla trekking rules and regulations that must be strongly considered when you go gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo, such as the amount of time you are allowed to spend with the gorillas, trekking time, and minimum ages attached ( that is, 15 years for Uganda and Rwanda).
Best Time to Gо Gоrillа Trеkking?
Gorilla trekking can be done throughout the year, although peak season during the drier months of June, July, August, September, December, January, and February are more safe, due to the less rains. So expect the permit demands to be higher than that of the Low season. check on best time to visit uganda
If you don’t mind much about the rain, consider trekking the gorillas during the low season, where you can experience fewer crowds, cheaper rates, and a more intimate experience with the gorillas.
How long do you stay with gorillas?
Depending on the type of Activity you booked if its gorilla trekking you will spend with the gorillas and if its gorilla habituation , then you stay with the gorillas for 4 hours as you watch them play with the young ones and feeding in the magical forests. We do recommend to observe the gorilla trekking rules and regulations that includes the maintenance of the social distance of 7-8 meters from the Gorillas, lower your voice, don’t eat or drink or smoke.
Rangers are not allowed to reach near the gorillas, so make sure that, when you find the gorillas, you take your camera and anything you may want with you for the gorilla experience (sunglasses or glasses for example).
What to Wear on a Gorilla Trek?
Whether you are trekking gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, or DR Congo, you need to come handy with your trekking gear which includes; Waterproof Hiking Boots, Long Hiking Socks / Gaiters, Long-Sleeve Shirt, Long Hiking Pants, Rain Jacket, Hat, Garden Gloves . Check on the complete Packing List
Take note that wearing camouflage patterned clothing is prohibited since most East African countries with these patterns are associated with soldiers. Recommended colors to wear are safari type colors such as khaki, brown, green, black, and gray.
