Best Gorilla Trekking In Africa
Best gorilla trekking in Africa : Observing a troop of gorillas in their natural environment can be one of the most profound and indelible experiences that nature provides. Watching these majestic creatures in the African rainforest is exciting and fosters a profound connection to nature for many travelers. We will embark on the best gorilla trekking in africa expedition into the tropical rainforests of Uganda and Rwanda to observe the elusive Mountain Gorilla. The exceptional opportunity to see gorillas in their native environment is indelible, with some asserting it is transformative. Skilled trackers and tour guides will escort your small group up bamboo-laden inclines for a close encounter with these gentle giants.
Best places to go gorilla trekking in Africa (where to go gorilla trekking)
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
For the Best gorilla trekking in Africa, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is undoubtedly one of the top five locations for gorilla trekking in Africa. Bwindi National Park is located in Southwestern Uganda, approximately 9-10 hours’ travel from Entebbe or Kampala, and 3-4 hours’ drive from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. The park was established in 1991 and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park encompasses an area of 160 square kilometers, predominantly including a verdant tropical rainforest.
Best gorilla trekking in Africa: In comparison to other gorilla sites, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park hosts the largest population of mountain gorillas. According to the latest gorilla census, around 459 mountain gorillas inhabit Bwindi, establishing it as one of Africa’s premier gorilla attractions. In 2019, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was recognized by CNN as the premier destination globally. Remarkably, the tracking of mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park occurs in any of the four regions: Ruhija in the East, Buhoma in the North, and Nkuringo and Rushaga in the South.
Tracking mountain gorillas in each region offers a distinctive experience, as each possesses its own habituated gorilla families for travelers to discover during a Uganda gorilla safari. The Buhoma region includes Habinyanja, Katwe, Mubare, and Rushegura; the Ruhija region encompasses Mukiza, Oruzogo, Bitukura, and Kyaguriro; the Nkuringo region contains the Christmas, Nkuringo, and Bushaho families; the Rushaga region features gorilla families such as Bweza, Bikingi, Mucunguzi, Kahungye, Nshongi, Rwingi, Kutu, Busingye, and Mishaya.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the second-best location for trekking mountain gorillas in Africa. The park is an exceptional destination, particularly for those seeking fewer visitors. Mgahinga National Park was established in 1991 and encompasses an area of 33.7 square kilometers. Visitors on a gorilla safari in Mgahinga National Park, Africa, can commence their treks at the Ntebeko Visitor Center, where the Nyakagezi gorilla family is the sole habituated group available for trekking.
The cost of each gorilla permit in Uganda is $800, obtainable through our reservation team or directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Due to the recent rise in the price of gorilla permits in Uganda, effective from July 1, 2024, to 2025, the cost will be $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and shs.300,000.
Volcanoes National Park
For the best gorilla tours in Africa, Volcanoes National Park is the best location for trekking gorillas in Africa. Volcanoes National Park, created in 1925, is one of the oldest parks in Africa, covering around 160 square kilometers. Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park occurs within any of the 10 habituated gorilla families: Sabyinyo, Karisimbi (Susa B), Susa A, Bwenge, Hirwa (which has migrated into Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park), Kwitonda, Umubano, Amahoro, Agashya (Group 13), and Ugenda. Gorilla permits in Rwanda are available for $1500 and can be reserved through our reservation team or directly via the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) reservation team.
The Parc National des Volcans (PNV) is a component of the Virunga Conservation Area, encompassing about 125 square kilometers. PNV encompasses five Virunga volcanoes: Sabyinyo (3,674 m), Gahinga (3,474 m), Bisoke (3,711 m), Muhabura (4,127 m), and Karisimbi, the tallest volcano at an elevation of 4,507 m. All five volcanoes are extinct; the active ones are situated in Congo. Recently, two volcanoes erupted: Nyiragongo in January 2002 and Nyamulagira in July 2002. The Virunga ecosystem comprises four principal vegetation zones: bamboo (base height), Hagenia and Hypericum forest (2600-3300m), Sub-alpine (3300-4000m), and Afro-alpine (4000m+).
Virunga National Park
Best Gorilla Trekking in Africa At Virunga National Park, it is the premier location for gorilla tracking in Africa. This park is located in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Established in 1925, it encompasses an area of 7,800 square kilometers. It constitutes a segment of the broader Virunga Conservation Area, which further encompasses Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda. The park is home to approximately 300 mountain gorillas and comprises 8 habituated families: Bageni, Nyakamwe, Kabirizi, Munyaga, Lulengo, Humba, Mapuwa, and Rugendo. Gorilla permits in the Democratic Republic of Congo are available for $450.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is an outstanding and best place for gorilla safaris in Africa. The park offers a remarkable opportunity for Eastern Lowland gorilla tracking. It is situated near Bukavu in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Each permit for Eastern lowland gorilla trekking can be obtained for $450.
When is the best time to go on gorilla trekking in Africa
Mountain Gorilla trekking in Africa operates year-round, and our meticulously organized guided tours are accessible at your convenience.
It is often believed that the optimal period for gorilla trekking in Africa occurs during the dry season, specifically from January to February and from June to September. The peak season occurs in July and August. Alternatively, to avoid high permit fees, consider visiting during the wet (low) season in March, April, May, and October.
The interval from June to September is significantly the busiest for travelers seeking optimal conditions for gorilla trekking. September marks Rwanda’s annual gorilla naming ritual for infants born that year. A multitude of celebrities are frequently engaged.
The arid season is an opportune period to contemplate embarking on a safari in the area. This is the period when the fauna of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park, among others, gather around the dwindling water sources, making them more visible. Birdwatching is currently optimal, as food sources are abundant.
If you are determined to go during a specific time of year, we advise contacting us as soon as possible. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. While you may experience luck, often, last-minute vacations are not feasible. Permits may become unavailable a year in advance during peak months.
Booking a minimum of six months in advance, and preferably a full year ahead, will assist in preventing disappointment. For last-minute bookings, it is essential to verify with a local tour company like ours to ensure the ongoing availability of gorilla permits
How Do You Prepare for Gorilla trekking in Africa
Numerous preparations can be undertaken for a gorilla hike, ranging from packing to achieving physical fitness.
Concentrate on aspects within your control, such as your fitness level and personal contributions. Daily jogging in the weeks preceding your walk helps condition your body for this exhilarating endeavor.
Prior to on a gorilla trekking expedition, ensure that you are both physically and mentally equipped. Anticipate erratic meteorological conditions and challenging topography. In the months preceding gorilla trekking, regularly engage in cardiovascular exercises several times a week to enhance your physical preparedness for this endeavor.
It is advisable to create a checklist of essential items for gorilla trekking and ensure they are packed accordingly. The goods comprise waterproof hiking boots, a first aid kit, long-sleeved shirts, a jacket, insect repellent, nutritious snacks, beverages, sunscreen, and gloves. It is essential to bring a refillable water bottle. Maintaining hydration during the expedition is essential for a safe and comfortable trekking experience.
Is Uganda or Rwanda Better for Gorilla Tours?
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda presents numerous advantages and disadvantages. Overall, Uganda is more economical, although Rwanda is more reachable.
Gorilla treks in Uganda are predominantly conducted in Bwindi National Park, where participants commence their expedition on elevated terrain, thereafter descending to encounter the gorillas. This results in a more relaxed experience initially, but you will conclude the day with a challenging ascent. The absence of concrete pathways and the changeable weather render this area hard.
Selecting Rwanda gorilla trek allows for the observation of gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, which features less slippery and steep terrain compared to that of Bwindi. Rwanda’s terrain, characterized by several undulating hills, is more expansive than that of Uganda. However, Volcanoes is situated at a greater elevation, rendering the trip more arduous. Although accessing the gorillas in Rwanda may be more convenient, the day visitor quota is restricted to approximately 56 individuals. Bwindi National Park in Uganda permits approximately 80 tourists daily.
Is gorilla trekking worth the money
Although gorilla trekking is neither simple nor inexpensive, the investment of work, time, and finances in this experience is unequivocally worthwhile. Encountering these gentle giants in the African jungle is an amazing experience.
During your journey, you may encounter other monkeys, wildlife, diverse avian species, waterfalls, and unique flora, facilitating a profound connection with nature.
A restricted quantity of tracking permissions is provided daily, ensuring that the experience remains intimate and less intrusive. Rest assured, our experts will manage all the complexities involved in obtaining gorilla permits, park entry fees, transports, and crafting an unforgettable schedule. It is strongly advised to reserve gorilla trekking in Africa ahead of time.