Gorilla Trekking In Africa: Uganda, Rwanda & Congo
Gorilla trekking in Africa offers a remarkable opportunity to meet the amazing mountain gorillas in their peaceful habitat. Picture yourself in close contact with a majestic silverback gorilla in Africa with its calm and focused eyes connecting with yours amidst the vibrant vegetation of a primitive jungle forest. This is not a fictional scenario; it is the actual experience of engaging in gorilla trekking in Africa, a breathtaking trip that is going to leave you amazed and permanently transform you. This guide will reveal the mysteries of an exceptional gorilla trekking safari in Africa, equipping you with all the necessary information to organize an amazing gorilla trek in Africa. Regardless of whether you have extensive experience in adventure or if you are embarking on your first trek, we will provide you with exclusive insights and practical guidance to guarantee that your journey is nothing less than enchanting. Are you prepared to engage in a transformative experience with the majestic elephants of the African jungle rainforest? Let us begin!
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Where to go on gorilla trekking in Africa (where to see gorillas in Africa)
To trek gorillas in Africa, it is necessary to embark on a guided trip for gorilla trekking in the lush rain forests of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. These African countries are the most favorable conditions for watching mountain gorillas in their natural habitat which are highly desired. Gorilla trekking means traveling dense jungles, rivers, and wetlands under the guidance of skilled local trackers who possess knowledge of the gorillas’ locations. There is nothing comparable to the exhilaration of coming across these gentle great apes of Africa in their native habitat. Observing magnificent silverback gorillas, lively young gorillas, and nurturing female gorillas recalls memories of a captivating story set in a virgin natural habitat.
Gorilla trekking Experience in Africa
When is the best time for gorilla trekking in Africa?
Gorilla trekking is conducted throughout the entire year, irrespective of climate. Gorilla trekking trips in Africa are available regardless of public holidays. The activity is only paused or interrupted in the case of a security issue or a natural event that demands the park’s closure. The duration of gorilla treks in Africa varies from 30 minutes to 7 hours, based on the particular gorilla group’s location. The practice commences with a comprehensive briefing delivered by park rangers and guides. Following the briefing, groups of 8 individuals are allocated a specific gorilla group based on factors such as general fitness, age and choice.
Each troop departs in various ways in pursuit of a specific gorilla family. The rangers possess precise knowledge of the specific whereabouts of every gorilla group. They send a crew into the jungle to track down the primates, taking the information of their last sighting from the previous evening as a starting point. The advanced team maintains continuous connection with your team leader, providing them with instructions on the specific route to take in order to locate the primates.
Embarking on a gorilla safari in either Uganda or Rwanda presents a remarkable chance to directly engage with the endangered mountain gorillas. Gorillas share 98% of their Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) with humans on a genetic level. Past travellers have regarded the time spent in the midst of these huge apes as a remarkable and exceptional wildlife encounter. Mountain gorillas are unable to survive in captivity. Consequently, these animals are not present in any zoo worldwide. As a result, gorilla trekking has become the predominant tourist activity in Uganda, DR Congo, and Rwanda, drawing in a large number of visitors to this region.
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Comparing gorilla safaris in Rwanda vs Uganda & DR Congo
The gorilla trekking adventure is largely similar throughout all three nations, although there are many aspects that contribute to the distinctiveness of the experience in each country. Rwanda is the most expensive of the three countries when speaking of cost. The gorilla permits, which enable access to the gorilla park, are available for purchase in Rwanda at a cost of $1,500 per person. In Uganda, the price for the identical item is $800 for foreign those who are not residents, $700 for foreign residents, and 250,000 Uganda Shillings for East African citizens. In DR Congo, the price is $450 per person. The distance between Kigali International Airport and Volcanoes National Park in the northwest of the country may be covered by car in around 3 hours. Unlike other locations in Uganda, it typically requires approximately 10 hours to travel by car from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the southwest. The distance between Kigali International Airport and the eastern town of Goma in DR Congo may be covered by car in around 4 hours. From Goma, it takes about 2 hours to reach Virunga National Park, mainly because of the rough conditions of the road.
Rwanda’s exceptional lodging establishments contribute to its status as a luxury resort. Rwanda and Uganda are characterized by a relatively stable security environment, whereas the Democratic Republic of Congo faces a more precarious condition due to ongoing rebel activity in its eastern region.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda
Uganda is a prominent choice for gorilla safaris. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in the southwestern region, serves as a sanctuary for the largest population of mountain gorillas worldwide. Currently, the park has more than 20 gorilla families that have become accustomed to human presence and can be visited on a daily basis. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park consists of four distinct sectors for gorilla trekking in Africa: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each sector is assigned a specific number of gorilla permits, and trekkers must visit the gorillas in the sector that corresponds to their permit. The abundant population of mountain gorillas in Bwindi ensures that trekkers have an almost certain opportunity to encounter their assigned gorilla family within the park. Among the gorilla families frequently visited by trekkers in Bwindi are Rushegura, Mubare, Bitukura, Habinyanja, Kyaguriro, Oruzongo, Nshongi, Mishaya, Nkuringo, and several others. The gorilla permit in Uganda is priced at $800 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents in East Africa, and Uganda Shillings 250,000 for East African residents. It is advisable for travelers who intend to hike with gorillas in Uganda to make online reservations for their gorilla permits at least 6 months ahead of time, as these permits have a restricted supply.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda
The Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest region of Rwanda, is the primary location for gorilla safaris within the country. volcanoes national park is an extension of the expansive Virunga Massif, which also spans over the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. It is renowned for its efforts in safeguarding critically endangered mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park is home to 12 habituated gorilla families that receive daily visits from travelers. An approximate population of 350 mountain gorillas is expected to inhabit the area. Rwanda frequently visits several gorilla families, including as Susa, Amahoro, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Hirwa, Kwitonda, and others. As per the gorilla trekking criteria in Rwanda, a group of 8 trekkers visits each gorilla family once each day. Visitors are permitted to stay a maximum of one hour in the vicinity of gorillas. The gorilla permit in Rwanda is available for purchase at a price of $1,500 per person and may be conveniently obtained online through a reliable local tour provider. Rwanda is often considered to be the most optimal choice for gorilla trekking safaris due to its convenient access to the gorilla park and the country’s well-developed infrastructure, including housing facilities and transportation network.
Gorilla trekking in Congo
While DR Congo may not be as renowned as Uganda and Rwanda for gorilla trekking, this is primarily owing to the security concerns in the regions surrounding gorilla habitats. However, it is worth noting that gorilla excursions in DR Congo offer a greater variety and are remarkably fulfilling. Aside from the presence of mountain gorillas in Virunga national park, tourists visiting DR Congo also have the opportunity to observe another subspecies of gorilla, known as the Grauer’s gorilla or the eastern lowland gorilla, in Kahuzi-Biega national park. Following the observation of mountain gorillas in either Uganda or Rwanda, inquisitive travelers may want to continue their journey and see the eastern lowland gorillas in Congo in order to fully enhance their primate encounter in the area.
Due to the close vicinity of two distinct gorilla subspecies in Congo, it may be argued that Congo is the optimal place for a gorilla trekking in Africa. In addition, the gorilla permit pricing is not only kind and affordable, but also the cheapest when compared to Uganda and Rwanda, costing $400 per person. Presently, there are a total of 8 habituated gorilla groups in Virunga National Park that are accessible to hikers. The individuals in question are Munyaga, Mapuwa Rugendo, Nyakamwe Lulengo, Bageni, Humba, and Kabirizi. Kahuzi-Biega national park is home to a total of 9 groups of eastern lowland gorillas, with 5 of these groups being habituated for tourism purposes.
What to pack for your gorilla trekking tour in Africa?
Frequently, clients inquire about the necessary items they need for gorilla trekking in Africa. To have an unforgettable gorilla trekking trip in Africa, your packing list should encompass all necessary items. For your gorilla safaris, it is recommended to wear trousers, long-sleeved shirts or blouses, thick and long socks that can be tucked into your trousers, sturdy hiking boots, insect repellants, a hat (if possible), sunglasses (if possible), and garden gloves (if possible). Additionally, you may bring some energy-rich foods, but please refrain from eating in the presence of the mountain gorillas.
Gorilla habituation experience in Africa: Even before being made accessible for gorilla trekking, gorilla families undergo habituation by researchers and scientists at the gorilla parks. Habituation refers to the gradual process of acclimating gorillas to the presence of humans, resulting in their increased tolerance towards limited human interaction. This diminishes their shyness and aggression, so enabling the tracking of that particular group. Tourists seeking a habituation experience should be aware that they will accompany park rangers and researchers throughout their visit to the gorilla family undergoing habituation. During the gorilla habituation, participants will have a maximum of 4 hours to spend with the mountain gorillas. The encounter begins early in the morning, when the gorillas have recently awakened. The cost of a permit for the Gorilla habituation experience in Uganda is $1500. At present, there are two groups accessible for habituation in the Rushaga sector of the Bwindi impenetrable national park.
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What is a Gorilla permits
A gorilla permit is a vital requirement for embarking on a trek to witness the endangered mountain gorillas in any of the three nations. Gorilla permits can be purchased online from an authorized travel agent or directly from the issuing authority. It is strongly recommended that individuals planning to go on a gorilla trek secure their gorilla permits at least 6 months in advance due to the restricted number of permits available. The daily number of trekkers allowed to observe gorillas is restricted to a maximum of 8 trekkers per gorilla group. The cost of a gorilla permit varies among the three countries.
The gorilla permit authorizes you to trek and see the gorillas in either Bwindi Forest National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla Park, or Volcanoes National Park. The duration of the expedition to locate the mountain gorillas might vary from 1 to 8 hours, depending on factors such as the trek’s location, altitude of the area, physical fitness of the trekkers, and the movement patterns of the mountain gorillas. Upon encountering the mountain gorillas, the gorilla trekking permit allows for a maximum duration of 1 hour to be spent in their presence. Additionally, it is important to note that a portion of the funds from the gorilla trekking permit is designated for gorilla conservation initiatives, another percentage is allocated for the construction of infrastructure within the parks, and a small portion is set aside for the advancement of local communities. Therefore, when you make a reservation for your gorilla tour, you are directly supporting the conservation efforts for these endangered animals.
Other things to do in Africa Besides Gorilla trekking experience
WILDLIFE SAFARIS
CULTURAL TOURS
CHIMPANZEE TREKKING
VACATION SAFARIS
WILDEBEEST EXPERIENCE
BIRDING SAFARIS
MOUNTAIN HIKING
GOLDEN MONKEY TREKKING
Gorilla habituation in Africa
Gorilla habituation is essential for promoting gorilla tourism. Gorilla trekking in Africa is contingent upon the habituation process. In this instance, wild gorilla groups are monitored by rangers for a duration to acclimate them to the presence of humans. Following the successful alteration of their behavior, these groups are now officially receptive to tourists. Gorilla habituation has achieved considerable success in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with over 20 groups being acclimated. Bwindi Impenetrable Park is the sole location where this experience occurs. The habituation process endures for 4 hours daily, at a fee of $1,500 each participant. Read further
Gorilla Families
Gorillas inherently inhabit social groups known as gorilla families. It is noteworthy that gorillas share 98% of our DNA; so, it is unsurprising that they exhibit certain human qualities, such as familial life. Gorilla groups vary in size, with some comprising up to 25 individuals and others consisting of as little as 2 members. Typically, an average gorilla family comprises approximately 15 individuals. Similar to humans, a gorilla family is governed by an alpha male referred to as a silverback, who embodies the paternal role within the group. The gorilla family comprises multiple females accompanied by their offspring, in addition to a few juveniles. Male gorillas attain maturity at approximately 12 years of age, at which point they typically depart from their familial units to establish their own groups. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda possesses the largest population of gorillas, along with the most habituated gorilla groups. Read further.
Regulations and Guidelines for Gorilla Trekking
As endangered species, mountain gorillas are prioritized for conservation to ensure their continued survival in their natural habitat. To accomplish this, authorities established certain regulations to instruct trekkers on doing the gorilla trekking activity without compromising the health and safety of the apes. These measures include, among others, capping the daily number of trekkers seeing gorillas and limiting the duration of their presence.