What to Expect on a Gorilla Trek in Uganda and Rwanda? There ae a number of things you need to know as you get ready for your gorilla trekking experience. You need to know exactly which country to you are going to go for gorilla trekking experience and you should NOTE that, they are only 3 countries in the whole world which hosts mountain gorillas and these are; Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda has two gorilla trekking destinations that is Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park, while in Rwanda you will trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes national park while in Democratic Republic of Congo you will track mountain gorillas in Virunga national park and in Kahuzi-Biega national park where you find Eastern lowland gorillas.
While on the gorilla trekking safari, you expect to find habituated mountain gorillas in their natural habitat where you will spend 1hour in their presence. Gorillas live in groups called families and each family is led by a male silverback which protects the family from the intruders or other male gorillas that might want to claim the family. In the family, female gorillas combine efforts to nurture the young ones, care for them and groom them for future survival. To add more information, gorilla trekking money is collected and is used in a number of activities for example conservation of these protected areas, establishment of schools, health facilities, roads and clean water and this infrastructure benefits the local communities that surround gorilla destinations. More efforts have also been put up to fight poaching in the park and this has resulted into increased number of wildlife, therefore a credit goes to whoever buys gorilla trekking permits, their moneys are put into proper use. Gorilla trekking is so fascinating, imagine having an encounter with mountain gorillas in the thick rainforests, on cold ground and the birds are singing for you all around. It is such a fascinating encounter that feels so not normal but very easy to achieve it if you Book Now with Omangwa Safaris Ltd, the feeling will never depart your mind and the memory will always be fresh.
How much is Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo?
The gorilla trekking permits in the above countries have different fares or prices as registered below
- Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs 800 USD foreign non-residents, 700 USD foreign residents, 500 USD rest of Africa and 300,000 UGX for East African residents
- Gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs 1,500 USD foreign non-residents, 500 USD foreign residents and the rest of African, 200 USD Rwanda nationals and East African citizens.
- Gorilla trekking permit in Democratic Republic of Congo costs 400 USD foreign non-residents and 200 USD Congolese citizens and East African citizens as well.
What is the best time to go Gorilla Trekking?
You can go gorilla trekking all the year around, however the best time is during dry season between June and September and December to February. This is when the trails in the park are dry and navigation through the park becomes very easy and you can easily see the gorillas since the vegetation is not thick. However, you can book your gorilla trekking permit for wet season with chances of the permit being discounted and the lodges can also give discounts.
Why go gorilla Trekking Experience?
Gorilla trekking is a lifetime experience in that you can only find gorillas in 3 countries in the whole world. You also NOTE that, mountain gorillas cannot be put in a zoo, therefore you are encouraged to go find gorillas in their natural habitat. Uganda and Rwanda are the best mountain gorilla destinations which present the best experience, however, Uganda is a home to world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. Mountain gorillas in Uganda are found in Bwindi impenetrable national park and in Mgahinga gorilla national park while in Rwanda, they are only found in Volcanoes national park. The estimated number of mountain gorillas in the world is about 1,063.
How easy is it to Find Mountain Gorillas?
Gorilla trekking can be challenging since it involves hiking steep slopes and gown down the valleys in narrow paths with a ranger guide to help you slash the pathways and also to locate the mountain gorillas. It is highly advisable that before you book your gorilla trekking safari, make sure you are all fit throughout your body because trekking can take even about 7hours in the jungle or less hours depending on the movement of the gorillas. Gorillas are vulnerable to human diseases for example flue, diarrhea, cold among others, you will not track gorillas if you have any of the illness.
Is it Possible to Touch a Mountain Gorilla?
Mountain gorillas are wild animals therefore you ae not allowed to touch them because they might turn violent and cause severe injury to you. You are supposed to keep a distance, watch them play, move around as you spectate.
Can Children Track Mountain Gorillas?
Gorilla trekking experience in all countries has a minimum age limit which is 15 years. This restriction is put in place to make sure that trekking is done by someone who cannot easily be intimidated by the mountain gorillas, especially sending 1hou in the presence of gorillas can be challenging for under age people.
Which Rules to Follow While on Gorilla Trekking Safari?
- Keep a distance of about 7meters away from the primate
- When you encounter them, do not make noise, just lower your voice
- Avoid direct eye contact with mountain gorillas
- Follow the guide’s instructions
- Avoid touching them
What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo?
Before you head out for a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, it is better you have the following on your list ticked;
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Trousers
- Comfortable hiking books/shoes
- Long socks and gaiters
- Garden gloves
- Waterproof jacket
- Backpack
- Camera and extra batteries
- Enough water for drinking and snacks
- Insect repellent
- Gorilla permit and a valid passport for international travelers
- Local currency for tipping, buying souvenirs among others.
Which Travel Company Best Organizes Gorilla Trekking Trips?
Depending on the level of expertise and a number of repeated travelers and recommendations, I will proudly say OMANGWA SAFARIS LTD is the best travel company which you can trust to arrange your gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. At Omangwa Safaris Ltd we do not only arrange gorilla trekking experiences but also other wildlife experiences for example Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale national park, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest national park in Rwanda and in other East African countries like Tanzania and Kenya. We are licensed by Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) to operate in Uganda and around East Africa and our UTB license number is: UTB/RTT/TT/2024/101296.
Trust us now, we shall make your journey unforgettable.
