Do you want to plan a gorilla trekking safari yourself? How do you plan a gorilla trekking safari? Much as the easiest way to have an amazing gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo is best done through a tour company, it is possible to plan a gorilla trekking safari by yourself.
Mountain gorilla trekking safaris in Africa are such rewarding adventures in Africa. Gorilla trekking in Africa can be done in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These countries have national parks located in an area known as the Virunga Conservation Area. The Virunga Conservation Area comprises national parks and a chain of volcanic mountains including Africa’s most active volcano – Mount Nyiragongo. The national parks in the Virunga Conservation area include; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda), Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda), Virunga National Park (D.R. Congo), and Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). All these national parks comprise three-quarters of the world’s mountain gorilla population.
Tips for planning a gorilla trekking safari – Follow these steps for the best gorilla trekking adventure
Planning a gorilla trekking tour or gorilla trekking safari can be a challenging task, especially for beginners. In this complete guide to planning a gorilla trekking safari, you will get the basic knowledge on planning a gorilla trekking safari. You do not have to be an expert to plan an effective gorilla trekking safari. Below are some tips you need to put into consideration while planning a gorilla trekking safari;
Step 1: Choose where to go for a gorilla trekking safari
Gorilla trekking in East Africa can be done in only three countries namely; Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Each of these countries is known for being home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Below are some of the famous gorilla trekking destinations in Africa.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Located in the southwestern region of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a famous gorilla trekking destination in Africa. The park is known for its impenetrable rainforests and rugged mountainous landscape. Bwindi is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. There are four major gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These include; the Buhoma sector, the Nkuringo sector, the Ruhija sector, and the Rushaga sector. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to over twenty mountain gorilla families habituated for trekking. The park also offers the best gorilla habituation experience.
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in southwestern Uganda. It is also a reliable destination for gorilla trekking adventures. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to one habituated gorilla family named Nyakagezi Gorilla family. It is a prime destination for hiking adventures. The park is also a reliable birding spot since it is home to many bird species. A trip to Mgahinga National Park comes with a hike to Mount Gahinga which is the best place for viewing the surrounding areas. Other than mountain gorilla trekking, tourists can take on an amazing golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Located in the northern province of Rwanda in the Musanze district, Volcanoes National Park is a sure-deal destination for gorilla trekking safaris. The park is home to over 9 habituated gorilla families. A gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park allows you to spend one hour in the presence of a specific gorilla family. Travelers get an opportunity to visit the Dina Fossey grave in the Karisoke Research Centre. Dian Fossey is a legendary conservationist who spent most of her life fighting for mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park is a prime birding destination and has over 300 bird species some of which are restricted to the area. It is also the best place for golden monkey trekking and golden monkey habituation safaris.
Gorilla trekking on D.R. Congo
Gorilla trekking in D.R. Congo can be done in two major areas namely; Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Virunga National Park is located in the Virunga Conservation Area and supports many mountain gorilla families. Visiting the park gives you a chance to hike to the top of Mount Nyiragongo. This is the most active volcano in Africa with the recent eruption happening in 2021.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park has a unique species of gorillas that is the eastern lowland gorillas. This species of gorillas does not live in the highlands like mountain gorillas. They can be spotted in lowland areas. If you are looking for lowland gorilla trekking, Kahuzi-Biega National Park is the only choice.
Step 2: Determine the duration of your gorilla trekking safari
It is important to determine the duration of your trip while planning your gorilla trekking tour. On this step, you will know how many days you need to get an amazing gorilla trekking safari. Gorilla trekking in East Africa can be done in 2 or more days, depending on your travel time and budget. It is easy to do a combined Rwanda and Uganda gorilla trekking safari. Such tours usually start from Kigali and include a gorilla trekking tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. If you are looking for an extended time while tracking the gorillas, you may opt for gorilla habituation instead of gorilla trekking. This comes with a slight adjustment in your budget since gorilla habituation permits are more expensive than gorilla trekking permits. For example, a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda goes for USD 800 while a gorilla habituation permit goes for USD 1500.
Step 3: Research and select a tour operator
It is important to do your gorilla trekking safari with a reputable tour operator in East Africa. This takes away the hassle of booking gorilla trekking permits, transportation, and accommodation. There are many tour operators on the web, you should consider some factors before doing business with anyone. Check whether the company is legally registered. Check if they have a fully functioning website. You may as well read reviews from previous clients. By choosing a reputable tour operator for your gorilla trekking safari, you are one step closer to having a memorable adventure.
Step 4: Book a gorilla trekking permit in advance
Gorilla trekking is restricted to 8 members per gorilla family per day. This implies that in high seasons (June to September and December to February), gorilla trekking permits are in high demand. Check availability with the relevant authorities or your selected local tour operator and book in advance. You may decide to pay 70% of the permit and pay the remaining money later.
Step 5: Pack appropriately
Refer to the packing list provided by your tour operator to ensure you have the proper clothing and gear for gorilla trekking. Pay attention to essential items such as sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, and insect repellent.
With the above tips, planning a gorilla trekking safari will be an easy venture for you. It does not matter whether you are an expert travel planner or just a beginner. All you need is to know the right thing to do.
