What is gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking provides one of Africa’s most profound animal experiences; their populations are reckoned in hundreds rather than thousands, even in protected areas. Gorillas are so scarce that trackers can readily distinguish their looks and personalities and give them individual names.

This is what you’ve come to Africa to see: a family of gorillas led by a vigilant but kind silverback male, gleaming black against the bright green of the rain forest. Your gorilla trek’s efforts vanish in a moment, and a strange sense of familiarity falls on you during the one lovely hour you spend with them. Young gorillas wrestle like wrestlers, while mother females assemble in grooming groups, occasionally reprimanding the young, while the patriarchal silverback maintains a vigilant eye on the surroundings.

So, what exactly is gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking is taking a guided journey through the jungle in order to spend time with a specific gorilla tribe in their natural habitat. Visiting these enigmatic and magnificent creatures is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You’ll understand the everlasting fascination with these human-like creatures when you watch the children at play, the females fawning over their offspring, and the bold posturing of a silvеrbасk.

Mountain gorillas are highly endangered and are only two categories away from extinction. This makes them the rarest primates in the planet. According to latest estimates, there are only about a thousand mountain gоrillаs left in the globe. They are not only incredibly rare, but they can only be found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Where can I go gorilla trekking?

Mountain gorillas can only be found in the Virunga Massif, a volcanic mountain range that runs across Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.

Uganda has been recognized as the top gorilla trekking location in Africa because it contains the highest population of mountain gorillas, and gorilla trekking in Uganda is inexpensive. Mountain gorillas are only found in two national parks in Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in the north and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the south.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda is considered as the greatest place for gorilla trekking since it is home to over half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. The park is home to over 500 mountain gorillas, whereas Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to approximately 80 mountain gorillas.

There are around 21 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Forest, with 17 habituated gorilla families in Mgahinga having just one habituated mountain gorilla family. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park includes four gorilla trekking areas. Buhoma sector, Nkuringo sector, Rushaga sector, and Ruhija sector are examples. Buhoma is the greatest and most popular area for gorilla trekking, with around four habituated mountain gorilla families. Gorilla trekking permits for the Buhoma sector are in great demand, therefore we urge you to register early so that you may trek in one of the top sectors of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Uganda is the greatest place in Africa for a cheap and reasonable gorilla trekking safari since the gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is 700 USD per person compared to 1500 USD per person in Rwanda. Because gorilla trekking is one of the primary activities that contribute significantly to Uganda’s economy, the government of Uganda has deployed both military personnel and park rangers to assure the safety of all visitors that come to Uganda for the gorilla trekking experience.

The park rangers patrol park at all hours of the day and night, chasing rebels both within and outside the park and guaranteeing that all visitors that come to enjoy Uganda safari are safe while on their gorilla trekking trip.

Although gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest requires hiking and climbing of wet, muddy, and slippery rolling hills, and it may require physical fitness to trek a gorilla family because gorillas live in high altitude areas, the adventure activity is so fascinating that you will leave with great and life-long memories in the true African jungle.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda.

Rwanda is one of the African countries that has the last mountain gorilla population in one of its national parks, Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes National Park is part of the volcanic massif conservation region, which also includes Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Volcanoes National Park is located in northern Rwanda, in Musanze town, about three hours’ drive from Kigali, the capital city.

Rwanda was recognized and ranked for having the greatest gorilla trekking safaris in past years until raising the gorilla trekking permit fee from 750 USD to 1500 USD per day for all international nonresidents.

Because its gorilla trekking permits are more expensive than those in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the nation provides luxury gorilla trekking safaris. While Uganda has 21 habituated gorilla families, Rwanda has roughly 12 habituated gorilla families that are open for gorilla tourism all year. Umubano, Amahoro, Agashya, Sabyinyo, Karisimbi, Bwenge, Isimbi family, Titus, and others are among the habituated mountain gorilla families.

Regardless of the expense of a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit, Rwanda is the greatest option if you have limited time in the country and want to enjoy gorilla trekking. This is because the travel from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes National Park takes around 3 hours. Rwanda is the greatest place destination for visitors seeking for gorilla trekking excursion safaris since you may undertake the trekking and then return to your hotel in only one day.

Gorilla Trekking in Congo.

Another African destination for gorilla trekking safaris is the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mountain gorillas may be found in two national parks in Congo: Virunga and Kahuzi Biega national parks, both of which are available for gorilla tourism throughout the year. Only in Congo will visitors be able to trek both lowland and mountain gorillas that dwell in the high altitudes of Virunga National Park.

Virunga National Park is located in the eastern section of Congo and is part of the volcanic massif conservation area. It is home to around 8 habituated gorilla groups that are always available for gorilla trekking experiences. Among the habituated gorilla families are the Lulengo, Humba, Rugendo, Bageni, and Kabirizi. The only place in Africa where you may see lowland gorillas is Kahuzi Biega National Park. The park is home to five habituated mountain gorilla families: the Mpungwe, Mugaruka, Chimanuka, Nganwa, and Bonnani.

It is important to note that gorilla trekking permits in all three countries allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas from the time you meet the gorilla family, with a maximum of eight people allowed to participate in the gorilla trekking experience because the gentle creatures are critically endangered.

Except in Rwanda, where permits may be acquired online, gorilla trekking permits are sold at the headquarters of the government entities that control tourism in each of the three nations. For all permit bookings and inquiries, we recommend that you contact safari specialists at Laba Africa Expeditions in any of the above-mentioned countries, who will assist you in organizing your gorilla trekking safari in any of the above-mentioned areas. We suggest that you book your gorilla trekking permits 6 months in advance since they are in high demand, especially during the peak season when a large number of tourists visit Africa for gorilla trekking.

When is the best time that I can go for gorilla trekking?

Although gorilla trekking is a year-round sport in Uganda and Rwanda, the optimum time to explore the rainforests is during one of the two dry seasons. The first lasts from around the middle of December to the end of February, whereas the second lasts from early June to late September. These are the best times to go hiking, although conditions are still damp and rainy, with plenty of mud (so bring your gaiters!).

The ‘low rainfall’ season, which goes from June to September, and the ‘gentle rainfall’ season, which runs from December to February, are the best times to go gorilla trekking in Congo. July and August are generally the least rainy and coldest months of the year.

Is there an age limit for gorilla trekking?

All nations require a minimum age of 15 to undertake gorilla trekking. When you book your permits, you must present your passport, and park officials will use it to check that your birthdate matches the date on your gorilla trekking permit.

What can I expect during gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking is a full day excursion that begins at 7:00 a.m. with registration and a briefing at the relevant national park office. Each gorilla family’s overall position and distance from headquarters will be known to park officials. The gorilla family you are assigned to see and the duration of your walk will be determined by your trekking preferences and personal fitness.

Following the briefing, you will either walk or drive to the starting site and begin trekking approximately 8:30 a.m., depending on the region and gorilla family you are visiting. You’ll typically trek for at least an hour before arriving at your designated gorilla family. It may take three or more hours to locate your group in some circumstances. The view is breathtaking, and the trek is all part of the experience. Maintain your own speed and drink lots of water since it’s easy to become dehydrated, especially at altitude.

As you get closer to your gorilla family, the rangers will ask you to leave your baggage so you can have a better look at them. You’ll spend an hour with the gorillas after you make contact. They might be eating bamboo, swinging from branches, grooming each other, suckling their young, playing, napping, farting, or mating. Each encounter is unique; take the time to appreciate their existence.

The ranger guides are quite competent and will look after you in the forest. I strongly advise you to take advantage of their vast knowledge of gorillas, the jungle, and other animals. They are well familiar with each gorilla family and can give you the names and characteristics of each member. Porters are also important members of the team: for a modest price (and a tip), a porter will carry your day pack and assist you in getting up and down the slopes.

The gorillas may be found in a variety of situations, depending on where you are: in an open clearing with good views and plenty of sunshine, or in a deeper portion of the forest beneath a heavy canopy. When preparing your shots, keep the lighting conditions in mind because flash photography is absolutely forbidden.

The great apes of Africa exist in what remains of their native environment, the remaining protected areas of the continent’s core rainforests and gorilla parks. Populations are progressively increasing as a result of the cash generated by gorilla trekking tourists, and scouts who were previously poachers of gorillas and other primates are now their defenders and make their living by protecting what they once murdered. It’s a conservation success story, and gorilla trekking tourism is critical to the species’ survival.

Spending time in the bush with gorillas is by far the most transforming and up-close animal encounter available in Africa. A close experience with these enormous creatures in the gorilla parks of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo will leave you with unforgettable memories. If you’re considering about going gorilla trekking, then you can use the above information as a guide on how best to plan your gorilla safari to Uganda, Rwanda or Congo depending on which location best suits you.