It is no surprise that you might have heard about the words – mountain gorilla trekking, lowland gorilla trekking, or gorilla habituation! Even if it is your first time to hear any of these phrases, do not fret. You have the answers to the many questions regarding the subjects.

To begin with, Mountain gorilla trekking in Africa is a safari activity or tourism activity that involves walking through the rainforests in search of the mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas are close relatives of human beings and chimpanzees. During mountain gorilla trekking safaris, travelers walk through impenetrable forests like those of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Trekkers are led by experienced tour guides who help them through the entire process. Only 8 people are allowed to trek with a gorilla family per day. Upon meeting the gorillas, trekkers are allowed to spend one hour in their presence. This is a time to watch them play and dine as well as mate.

Gorilla habituation in Africa is more like gorilla trekking. However, there are a few differences between gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experiences. The first difference between the two lies in the number of time spent in the presence of the gorillas. During a gorilla trekking tour in Africa, trekkers are allowed to spend one hour in the presence of the gorillas. On the other hand, trekkers are allowed to spend 4 hours in the presence of the gorillas during a gorilla habituation tour.

Furthermore, gorilla trekking is done on a mountain gorilla family that has already been habituated (used to human presence). On the other hand, gorilla habituation is the process of making a gorilla family used to human beings. Additionally, only 8 people are allowed to trek a given gorilla family per day. On the other hand, only 4 people are allowed to habituate a given gorilla family per day.

Lastly, mountain gorilla trekking permits tend to be some dollars cheaper than gorilla habituation permits. For example, in Uganda, gorilla trekking permits cost USD 800 per person while gorilla habituation permits go for USD 1500 Per person.

Now that you know the difference between mountain gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation, you are in a position to choose which activity to take on during your Africa safari. For further advice about a gorilla safari in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, you may talk to a travel expert from Omangwa Safaris and create a signature of memories.

• Ensure to carry with your payment receipts and permits
• Do not visit the gorillas if you have a cold or other infectious illness
• Minimum age for tracking is 15 years
• Human waste should be buried 30 cm deep
• Maximum number of visitors is eight persons per gorilla group
• Maintain a 7m (21ft) distance from the gorilla
• Smoking, eating, and drinking are not permitted on the tour
• If you must sneeze or cough cover your face and turn away from the gorillas, as they can catch coughs and colds from humans
• Visits are limited to one hour per gorilla group per day

It is important to note that one must possess a valid gorilla trekking permit before undertaking a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs USD 800 per person per trek. In Rwanda, a gorilla trekking permit costs USD 1500 Per person per trek. In Congo, a gorilla trekking permit costs USD 400 Per person per trek. It is important to note that the above prices do not include other travel expenses like transport, food, and accommodation. Make your gorilla trekking safari inquiry now for a quotation that is all-costs inclusive.

Gorilla trekking permits in Africa (Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo) are issued on a first come first serve basis. There is also a higher demand for gorilla permits in high seasons (June to September and December to February). This is why it is important to book your gorilla permit in advance to avoid last-minute inconveniences.

For those seeking a luxury gorilla trekking safari, you may prioritize Rwanda gorilla trekking tours. Uganda has both budget, mid-range, and luxury gorilla trekking safaris, unlike Congo which is majorly a budget gorilla trekking safari destination. All these countries can be combined in a single safari.

The difference usually comes in terms of gorilla trekking permit prices, transport mode, and accommodation facilities. Talk to us about your gorilla safari needs for appropriate planning.