Gorilla trekking is referred to as one of the best wildlife experiences in the world and a major activity to be done on both Uganda and Rwanda Safari. More to that, mountain gorilla is the major reason as to why thousands of tourist’s flocks into Uganda and Rwanda to meet up with our closest cousins whom are said to have 98% DNA to human genes. Apart from that, you need to find information about gorilla trekking tour to watch gorillas in the wild, how to acquire a permit and finding a reliable tour company to arrange for you a gorilla trekking tour package.
Gorilla trekking is refereed to as once life time experience where one engages in a group of 8 people to spend between 1 to 7 hours in the jungle. Gorilla trekking involves in hiking into the tropical forests of Africa to encounter the great mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
When to Visit the Mountain Gorilla in Africa? Best Time to See the Mountain Gorillas?
Mountain gorilla trekking can be done all year around and only in three countries like Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
The best time to go for gorilla trekking is during the peak season which starts from June, July, August, September and December. Why is it peak season? This is because of less rains received in dry season and the park are drier, making it easy to navigate into thick forest to search for gorillas.
Note; The Park usually experiences average temperature throughout the year ranges at 11 degrees Celsius in the morning and 23 degrees Celsius in the afternoon.
We also recommend you to visit the park in wet season which usually happened from March to May and January to February. During low season, accommodation rates lows and the park is out of crowds of visitors.
Where to stay?
Making a perfect choice of safari lodge for your comfortable stay in a midst of the jungle, depends on your wallet. Some lodges are quite expensive and others are as low to be affordable. Accommodations ranges from Budget, Midrange and Luxury. They offer good location, food, services determine the accommodation costs. The most expensive accommodation ‘’Luxury’’ charges as ahigh as $3000 while the budget is as low as $90 for a double room.
Budget accommodations in Bwindi; Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Rushaga Community Camp, Bweza Gorilla Lodge, Karungi camp, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge among others.
Midrange Accommodation; Buhoma Haven Lodge, Four Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Hills Eco-Lodge,
Luxury accommodation: Buhoma Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Springs.
Accommodations in Volcanoes National Park;
Luxury Lodges; Bisate lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Cloud lodge.
Midrange lodges; Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Tiloreza, La Paillotte Gorilla Place
Budget lodges; Hotel Muhabura
Where Can I See Gorillas in Africa?
In the world, there are only three countries that is Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. However, note that gorillas are mainly divided into the mountain and the lowland gorillas among other sub-species.
Uganda is gifted with two mountain gorilla destinations; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in southwestern region of Uganda, approximately 8 to hour drive from Kampala or Entebbe to access each destination.
Note: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is world’s most famous because it harbors the largest number of mountain gorillas compared to other mountain gorilla parks in the world. The Park has a total of more than 23 gorilla families/groups which are stipulated into four gorilla sectors that is; Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Ruhija.
Buhoma Trek: Rushegura, Habinyanja, Katwe, Mubare
Rushaga Trek; Kutu Bushigye, Kahungye, Bikingi, Mishaya, Bweza, Nshongi, Mucunguzi, Rwigi.
Nkuringo Trek: Bushaho, Nkuringo, Christmas
Ruhija Trek; Bitukura, Mukiza, Oruzogo and Kyaguliro
Rwanda mountain gorillas can be visited in Volcanoes National Park which is just 2-hour drive from its main capital city’ ’Kigali’’.
There are 12 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park, that are visited by travelers every day. Some of the gorilla families /groups that are regularly visited are; Susa, Amahoro, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Hirwa, Kwitonda among other.
Congo mountain gorillas can be visited in Virunga National Park -the most popular park to be visited because of its incredible tourist attractions, Nyirangogo hike together with gorilla trekking.
What Is the Price for Gorilla Permits Uganda, Rwanda and Congo?
Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs USD800 for nonforeigner per person per day, foreigner residents at USD700 and East African Citizen goes at USD85.
Gorilla Habituation permit In Bwindi costs USD 1500 per person for non-foreigner, USD1,000 for foreign resident and UGX750,000 for East African citizens. Gorilla habituation experience can only be done in Bwindi National Park among the four national parks. It is a full day gorilla experience which involves 4 hours stay to experience the incredible life time of these gentle giants in the nature habitant.
Packing List for Gorilla Tours in Africa
Day pack
Waterproof hiking boots
Insect repellents
Light weight rain jacket
Poncho
Binoculars
Bottled water
Hiking boots
Hand gloves
Long sleeved pants or trousers
Energy snacks
What are Gorilla Trekking Rules?
Well, these apes share 98% DNA to humans, for that case its possible that gorillas can easily get infected with human airborne diseases. Below are rules to follow while on gorilla trekking safaris.
Stand a distance of 7 meters away from the gorillas
Age limit to do gorilla trekking is 15 years old.
You are allowed only 1 hour to watch the gorillas
Avoid sneezing around the gorillas
Do not eat or drink around the gorillas.
Gorilla trekking can be done in a group of 8 people.
What To Expect on A Gorilla Safari?
While on gorilla trekking holiday, expect to leave your comfortable bed early and then be driven to the park headquarter for briefing by 7:30am. After briefing ,visitors will be allocated to different tracking routes ,each 8 visitors.
You will then head to the forest accompanied by skilled ranger- guide as you begin your day in search gorillas. As you will be trekking in this beautiful park expect to see other small various monkey species, butterfly species, birds as well as mammals.
On finding the gorillas, you will spend one hour in company of these gentle giants. Truly it’s a life changing life activity. After an astonishing gorilla trek, you will embark back to your lodge, or opt to go for culture tour – where you will experience the amazing life of the Batwa pygmies’ life style.
Get started planning now for your next incredible Gorilla Safari either visit Rwanda or Uganda ‘’the pearl of Africa’’. You shouldn’t hesitate to contact or email us BSW Travel Consults for more information.