Where to go for gorilla trekking in Africa? A thrilling and well-liked safari activity in Africa, gorilla trekking draws a sizable number of people. In order to find habituated mountain gorillas, tourists venture on foot into the tropical jungle. Once they find them, they spend an hour with the gorillas in their natural habitat. Three African nations, notably Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are the locations for gorilla trekking.
Gorilla trekking destinations in Africa.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Due to the presence of half of the world’s mountain gorilla population in two national parks Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda is one of the most popular gorilla safari destinations in Africa. Over 23 habituated gorilla families can be found in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is located in the southwest of Uganda in the Kanungu district. These gorilla families can be found in four sectors: Rushaga sector in the south, Ruhija sector in the east, Nkuringo sector in the south, and Buhoma sector in the north.
Another gorilla safari attraction in Uganda is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is situated in the Kisoro district’s southwest corner and is home to one habituated gorilla family known as Nyakagezi that is regularly accessible for trekking safari.
The wild mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are groomed to become accustomed to human presence so they can go gorilla habituation. Only the Rushaga sector offers gorilla habituation safari experiences, and participants are permitted to spend four hours with the mountain gorillas.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, which is situated in Musanze town in the country’s northwest, is where gorilla trekking safari can be done. Over 11 habituated gorilla families may be found at Volcanoes National Park, which is open daily for trekking.
Gorilla trekking in democratic republic of Congo.Â
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, gorilla trekking safari is possible in two national parks: Kahuzi Biega and Virunga, which are home to both mountain and eastern lowland gorillas, respectively. About 8 habituated gorilla families live in Virunga National Park, while about 5 live in Kahuzi Biega National Park. Both of these gorilla populations may be visited daily for trekking.
Gorilla trekking safari begins very early in the morning with a briefing on the rules and regulations to observe when trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park, and Kahuzi Biega National Park. After the briefing, you will be divided into groups of eight, with each group being assigned a habituated gorilla family to trek and a knowledgeable park guide who is familiar with the routes for going in search of gorillas. Because mountain gorillas like to roam from one spot to another in quest of food, trekking with them in Africa might take anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours. When the gorillas are found, you will be able to spend an hour with them in their habitat where you will have the chance to watch them feed, play, breastfeed, groom young ones, learn more about their behaviors, take pictures, and record videos. While trekking, you will also have the chance to see other primates, mammals, and various bird species plus the different plant species.
Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Africa.
While gorilla trekking is possible year-round in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the best time to visit is during the dry season, also known as the peak season, which lasts from June through February. The access roads and gorilla trekking routes will be dry and passable during the dry season because there is less or no rainfall in the gorilla destinations. This makes hiking easier than during the rainy season when the trails are muddy and slippery and trekking is challenging.
Cost of gorilla trekking permits in Africa.Â
Visitors above the age of 15 are granted gorilla trekking permits, which are legal documents that allow them to visit habituated gorilla families and spend an hour with the gorillas in their natural habitat. A gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes national park costs 1,500 USD per person for all nationalities, a gorilla trekking permit in Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park costs 400 USD per person while a gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park costs 700 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 600 USD per person for foreign residents and 250,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
How to book gorilla trekking permits.
You can reserve gorilla trekking permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo by getting in touch with a reputable travel agency like Primate Holidays and telling us when, where, and why you want to see gorillas. After you contacting with us, we will check to see whether permits are available on your selected dates, and if they are, you will be required to provide a deposit. We will purchase the gorilla trekking permit on your behalf after we have received your money.
What to pack for gorilla trekking safari in Africa.
There are a number of necessities that you should pack or carry when going for gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, including insect repellent to protect you from biting insects, long sleeved shirt and trouser to keep you warm, hiking shoes to keep your feet dry, garden gloves, warm sweater, energy snacks, and drinking water to keep you hydrated, a face mask, waterproof rain jacket to protect you from rainfall, camera, and extra batteries to take pictures while you’re there.
Gorilla trekking is a unique safari experience in Africa that shouldn’t be missed during your safari. For more information or to arrange an affordable gorilla trekking safari, please contact Primate Holidays, you will not get disappointed.