Gorilla Trekking is an experience where a group of 8 people, led by a park ranger, get to hike/trek through the thick forests in order to capture a glimpse of what gorillas look like and be able to view the environment in which gorillas stay.
Gorilla trekking in Africa occurs in four national parks across three countries: Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Forest), Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park), and Congo (Virunga National Park).
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, located in the southwestern region, on the edge of the rift valley. Tourists have a choice of Uganda gorilla trekking and Rwanda gorilla trekking experiences in a single itinerary. Such trips can begin either way, depending on a client’s preference, making it possible to do Gorilla trekking in Bwindi from Rwanda – about a 4 – 5 hour drive from Kigali.
Where To Go for Gorilla Trekking in Africa.
Mountain Gorillas inhabit three countries in Africa, and these include Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. And there are a few national parks that inhabit mountain Gorillas, including Mgahinga National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park, which is an endemic forest of the Albertine Rift in Eastern DRC. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga Mountains in three National parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in the Volcanoes National Park, which is located just 3 hours from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, at the border of DRC and Uganda. The park hosts 150 habituated mountain Gorillas, which are split into 12 Groups with 96 permits issued daily to trekkers.
Rwanda harbors the oldest habituated Gorilla group, and it is best for high-end, low-impact tourism, leading to the high cost of Gorilla trekking, which doubles the Uganda permit and is four times the cost in DRC. The Rwanda tourism strategy has always been to attract the most exclusive resorts and promise higher income sharing with the local communities at the edge of the Volcanoes National Park, where the Gorillas live.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park. Mgahinga National Park is part of the Congo, which is part of the Virungas National Park and Volcanoes National Park. It has only one habituated Gorilla family. The rest of the gorilla groups are inhabited in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with a maximum of 500 mountain Gorillas that are split into 37 social groups. The 36 are in Bwindi, the 11 habituated Gorilla groups are visited daily, and 1 group is kept for research and the habituation process.
The park has four Gorilla sectors, including Ruhijah, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Buhoma. A maximum of eight people is allowed to trek each Gorilla family, and permits are charged at a cost of 800 USD per person.
It takes a maximum of 9 hours to reach the park and 11 hours depending on the traffic jam on the road; however, in the upcountry, there is no traffic jam, so you will drive smoothly as you spot several things, including the rolling hills of Kigezi and cattle grazing. The area is normally referred to as the Switzerland of Africa.
Uganda is the only country where trekkers can decide to go for a habituation process, and the ticket costs 1500 USD. Habituation Experience takes place only in Uganda’s Rushaga sector of Bwindi.
You can also ask the Tour operators in Uganda to use a private charter in order to arrive early by 30 minutes.
DRC Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking in DRC was closed in May 2018 when there was a lot of war waging in the country. This became worse when two British tourists were kidnapped, and their guide was killed; however, trekking with Gorillas will resume very soon.
The country still faces political instability since there are many wars and unrest in Goma, where the Virunga National Park is found. Virunga National Park is the game of Africa with many features. The highest biodiversity in the world is the oldest one in Africa. Nyiragongo Mountain can be visited after trekking the mountain Gorillas, view the boiling lava, smoking cone, it’s the largest lava lake in the world.
The Gorillas have increased to over 300 today; the park has welcomed 17,000 visitors since it was reopened in 2014. There are 6 habituated Families in DRC, although the number keeps changing since new families keep flocking and are created.
The permit in DRC costs $400 for international trekkers, as well as $150 for Congolese.
To trek the mountain Gorillas, you must first contact a tour operator who will be in charge of purchasing a Gorilla permit, accommodation, and organizing the rest of your trip to trek the mountain Gorillas. A gorilla permit is an identity that is issued and allows you to trek the mountain Gorillas from the Authorities that are in charge of Wildlife in every country.
Each country has different charges for gorilla permits. Uganda charges 800 USD, Rwanda 1500 USD, and DRC 400 USD. The permit allows one to trek the mountain Gorillas. Gorilla Trekking takes approximately 30 minutes to 7 hours, and this depends on the location of the Gorillas assigned by the park rangers.
Early morning, travelers have a briefing session at the park headquarters. You will be divided into 8 people per gorilla family in the sector chosen. The permit fee is to help with the conservation of the environment and improve the health of the mountain Gorillas.
The rules and regulations to consider while on a Gorilla trekking trip are put in place in order to protect the Mountain gorillas in their habitat from encroachment. You’re allowed only to stand 7 meters away from the Gorillas. Uganda, DRC, and Rwanda mountain gorilla trekking rules remain the same. Visitors are not allowed to consume or drink in front of the Mountain Gorillas.
You will have your packed lunch by the lodge, and food/snack is a must since the time for trekking the Gorillas is unpredictable. Do not litter anything in the forest. Carry all your plastics back to the lodge or rubbish bins to the park headquarters. The forest is cherished since it’s a home to the mountain Gorillas in Africa.
Some of the rules and regulations for gorilla trekking:
- One should be clean and always wash their hands before heading for Gorilla trekking.
- Always keep your voices low during the trek and always observe or keep an eye on the park inhabitants, such as bird life, primates, mammals, geckos, reptiles, and many more in the forest.
- You’re not supposed to leave rubbish in the park, so keep rubbish in your bag & whatever you carry should be taken back with you.
- Early morning, you will be briefed about Gorilla trekking rules and regulations, and you will t be put in groups of 8 people and set off to the forest with a ranger.
- When you approach the mountain Gorillas, the rangers and guides will inform you about them, or you will hear the noise in the forest. However, do not make noise out of excitement, remember they are friendly primates, but also wild animals, and they can change anytime.
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Uganda Wildlife Authority is an empowered force that regulates, protects, and gives security to the mountain Gorillas. Through the Vigilant monitoring of tourism to the Gorilla habitat, the Wildlife sectors can set a stress-free life for the Mountain Gorillas.
Mountain Gorillas were once endangered because of habitat loss and poaching, which was due to encroachment by farmers and local hunters. This led to the displacement of the Batwa people/pygmies from the park. The forest is under a 24 Hour watchful eye, and visitors without gorilla permits are not allowed. Poachers are dealt with by the rules of the law.
There is a lot to spot during the mountain Gorilla trekking. This includes birds, trees, wildlife, waterfalls, geckoes, reptiles, and many more. Enjoy trekking the mountain Gorillas as you spot several things in the jungle. Gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC range from tracking Gorillas and other wildlife.
CHEAP GORILLA TREKKING TOURS
There are some budget trips, including budget Gorilla trekking tour packages with very low, comfortable facilities.
Gorilla trekking on budget trips does not mean one gets fewer facilities. One acquires almost the same facilities, and the only difference might come in the accommodations, since some prefer budget accommodation over luxury accommodation.
Regarding transportation, for gorilla trekking safaris, the tour company may decide to use their own tour vehicles.
There are many affordable Gorilla trekking packages, including visiting during low seasons, when the accommodations are lower in terms of charges/pricing.
The discount offered doesn’t affect the price of permits. In Uganda, permits cost 800 USD, in Rwanda 1500 USD, and in Congo, 400USD. One has to book and pay for their permits for up to 3 months of travel since they’re sold on a first-come, first-served basis by the Authorities in Charge of Wildlife in the respective countries that inhabit the mountain Gorillas.
The best option for budget Gorilla trekking/tours is Congo and Uganda.
Travel during the low season to get a discount on accommodation facilities, March to May and October to November, though during this season there is much rainfall.
Choose the best gorilla trekking company so that you to be able to have a smooth trip.
Contact us for more information about the cheapest Gorilla trekking safaris in East Africa.
GORILLA TREKKING SAFARI
The clients are advised to book their gorilla trekking safaris three months before the date. One also needs to be physically fit for the trek. However, you will feel a little daunted at the same time, but be well prepared for the trek.
On the day of the trek, wake up early in the morning, have breakfast, and our guide will drive you to the park headquarters for a short briefing about gorilla trekking. U will then meet the local guides and rangers who will trek with you and give you the etiquette of the whole gorilla trekking safari. Hike through the forest trails where you will spot the mountain Gorillas in their wilderness.
Trek for 1 to 6 hours a day as you climb to high altitudes. The forest is slippery, rough, and at times muddy.
The hike needs physical fitness, as you trek, you will view the surrounding scenery that will make your trek worthwhile.
When one finally meets the gorillas, the fatigue is all gone and forgotten; the experience is unforgettable in your natural history of the world.
Thereafter, you’re provided with picnic lunches; as a result, you might take a lot of water since you will use a lot of energy and power.
Speed film cameras are allowed; however, do not use flash lights when taking pictures. Since these are forest areas, it tends to rain now and then, hence carry waterproof cloths and zip-lock bags for cameras and film.
Where is Gorilla trekking better, Uganda or Rwanda?
Mountain Gorillas are the same everywhere; all their habits are the same. And one can’t be sure that they will see mountain gorillas when they decide to trek. However, it’s rare for clients to be disappointed. The best chance for gorilla trekking is to trek during the dry seasons of April, May, and November.
The accommodation is available and superior in Uganda than in Rwanda. There is a better chance of finding the Gorillas. The authorities regulate the rules that, in case the Gorillas haven’t been found by 2 pm, the trekkers are asked to return to the park headquarters to avoid trekking in the darkness.
There are no refunds unless the trekker falls sick before the trek, after the senior of the headquarters finds out that you’re not eligible to trek.
The lowest age to trek the mountain Gorillas is at the age of 15 years. This is due to their physical fitness and transmission of childhood diseases to the gorillas. The age limit is strictly observed since the passport details are always followed, including the date of birth, which is required at the time of booking. Requirements of the age are a must to prove before you trek the mountain Gorillas.
Trekking with the right clothes.
One should carry strong hiking boots with good ankle support and some garden gloves. Dress in long-sleeved shirts in order to protect your arms against scratches from thorns, and long pants to minimize the insect bites on the legs.
Dress in layers in order to take them off in case you sweat. You will be provided with a picnic lunch and carry a lot of water from the lodge, together with high-energy snacks.
Note that the parks are located in rainforest areas, and it can rain anytime, therefore it’s advisable to carry waterproof clothes, zip bags for cameras and filming.
Photographs using flashlights are not permitted. Fast-speed films are not recommended. Take along your daypack and carry your needed items for the trek: sweater, tops, basic items, and flashlights.
The porters are available to carry you; however, they are hired at the park headquarters. Guides are armed during the trek, since it’s a must for all the trekkers to be accompanied by the guides, porters, and UPDF soldiers. National park guides and soldiers are armed for safety purposes.
BEST GORILLA TREKKING COMPANIES IN UGANDA
Gorilla trekking companies help one to be able to book an organized trip. Before one chooses a gorilla trekking company to use for his/her gorilla trekking safaris, one ought to be knowledgeable about several things.
The best Gorilla safari company must be part of the country association. In Uganda, there are many tour operators, but before anyone books a trip, they should first confirm if the company is registered under the umbrella of Tour Operator Associations, that is, a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO), and if at all the company is licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board to carry out business. There are many companies that are engaged in fraud and that have stolen the clients’ money, which later becomes hard to recover. However, if you book with a company that belongs to an association, it will be easy to claim your money back.
We recommend always following up with reviews of the previous clients on safari booking or TripAdvisor. These are some of the sites where clients who have used the tour company write about their Gorilla trekking testimonies and experiences.
Search the company website on all platforms to see if there is any relevant information about gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Visit the Bwindi official website and contact one of the consultants.
Test their response rate, send inquiries to two or more tour companies, and establish the one that responds first.
Go through all that has been sent to you with a speedy response; sometimes, there are issues of time differences that cannot be avoided.
Look for the good price, and also look at the way questions are answered.
Find out how other travelers have fared with the company you wish to trek with.
When you go through the reviews, you will learn how important it is and what you should always expect from the company you are contacting for your gorilla safaris.
Read through the reviews of the clients and see how many recommend the company you’re intending to contact.
Explore the company website, do a great research on the company, and ensure that it will meet your expectations.
Ask questions about Guides, prices, Safari cars, and accommodation.
Response time, the time taken while responding to the client, is a very important factor when choosing a tour company.
Responding on time, if the reply is not efficient enough in handling their many activities. If it takes a day with no response from the tour company, one needs to try other tour companies.
Gorilla trekking needs a lot of planning, and you’re always advised to book three months before departure.
After booking, the company will take you through the next steps, and they will check for the availability of the permit date, which is required for your trek.
The company will send you an invoice with quotes and payment details.
After payment, upon agreement, you will have to show up on the agreed date.
Frequently asked questions about gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Frequently asked questions about gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi National Park; gorilla habituation experience is one of the adventurous activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park that involves visitors moving on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the habituated mountain gorillas, and once found, spend four hours with them in their natural habitat.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the south-western part of Uganda and is one of the destinations that harbours the endangered mountain gorillas. Below are some of the frequently asked questions by tourists about the gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with their answers.
Where to do a gorilla habituation experience
Gorilla habituation experience is only done in the Rushaga sector in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
How long does gorilla habituation take?
Gorilla habituation experience takes a whole day, and when the gorillas are located, you will be allowed to spend four hours with the mountain gorillas in their natural environment, which allows you to learn and monitor their behaviours, engage in the naming process, watch them carry out their daily activities, take photos, and record videos.
Cost of gorilla habituation permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
A gorilla habituation permit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park costs 1,500 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 1,000 USD per person for foreign residents, and 750,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
How to book gorilla habituation permits?
Gorilla habituation permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be booked through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris, where you will contact us with the date, month, and year when you wish to visit the mountain gorillas.
After contacting us, we will check for permit availability through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and if there are permits available on your preferred dates, you will be asked to make a deposit payment for the permit. When the payment has been made, we will purchase the permit on your behalf and send you a scanned copy of the receipt as confirmation.
How many people are allowed to do a gorilla habituation experience?
Gorilla habituation experience allows a maximum of 4 people to visit the mountain gorillas daily, unlike gorilla trekking, which allows 8 people to visit each habituated gorilla family daily.
What is the age limit for the gorilla habituation experience?
The age limit for gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park is 15 years and this is because the habituation experience takes a whole day and children may not be fit enough, children might not follow the rules and regulations set by the park rangers, and mountain gorillas are vulnerable to human diseases, while children easily get infected with communicable diseases like cough and flu.
When is the best time to do a gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?
Gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be done all year round, though the best time is during the dry season, also known as the peak season, in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January, and February.
During the dry season, there is little or no rainfall in the park; therefore, access roads and gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable, which makes gorilla habituation experience easy compared to the wet/ rainy season when the trails are muddy and slippery, which makes gorilla habituation difficult.
What is the difference between gorilla habituation experience and gorilla trekking?
The difference between gorilla habituation experience and gorilla trekking is that travellers spend four hours with the mountain gorillas during gorilla habituation, while during gorilla trekking, travellers will only spend one hour with the mountain gorillas.
What to pack for a gorilla habituation experience?
When planning a gorilla habituation safari in Bwindi impenetrable national park, there are several essential items that you should pack/ carry including insect repellent, garden gloves, hiking shoes, long sleeved shirt and trouser, waterproof rain jacket, warm sweater, camera and extra batteries, energy snacks and drinking water, walking stick, a pair of binoculars, face masks, back pack among others.
How to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in south western Uganda and can be accessed by air transport means, where you will book scheduled or charter domestic flights with Aerolink Uganda from Entebbe international airport to Kisoro airstrip and then connect to Rushaga sector by road.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can also be accessed by road transport means, where travellers will drive from Kampala via Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, and then to the Rushaga sector, which takes about 8 to 9 hours’ drive in a safari vehicle.
You can also access Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali, Rwanda, where visitors will fly to Kigali international airport and then connect to Rushaga sector via Cyanika border in Kisoro or Katuna border in Kabale, which takes about 4 to 5 hours’ drive.
For more information about the gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, do not hesitate to contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for various safari packages.
