Gorilla trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking in Africa; Gorilla trekking is an amazing and one of the most popular activities that attract big numbers of tourists in Africa. Gorilla trekking in Africa is done in three countries that is Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo and it involves moving on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the endangered gorillas and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat.

Where to go for gorilla trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in two national parks namely Bwindi impenetrable national park which is famously known for harboring half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and Mgahinga gorilla national park both located in southwestern part of Uganda. Both Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park are a home of more than 24 habituated gorilla families which are available for trekking on a daily basis.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is carried out in Volcanoes national park which is located in northwestern part of Rwanda in Musanze village. Volcanoes national park is a home of about 11 habituated mountain gorilla families which are open for trekking daily.

Gorilla trekking in Congo

Gorilla trekking in Congo is done in two national parks namely Virunga national park which harbors the mountain gorillas and Kahuzi Biega national park which harbors the eastern lowland gorillas.

Gorilla trekking experience

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, Volcanoes national park, Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park starts very early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations at the park headquarters. After the briefing you will start trekking in the jungle with an experienced park guide who is well conversant with gorilla trekking trails. During gorilla trekking which takes about 30 minutes to 7 hours, you will be able to view other primate species, different bird species, mammals, plant and tree species among others. Once the gorillas are located, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural environment which gives you an opportunity to learn more about their habits, lifestyle, behaviors, watch them carry out their daily activities like feeding, breastfeeding, playing, take photos and record the breathtaking moments to show people back home after the safari.

Cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Africa

A gorilla trekking permit is a legal card or document that is issued to visitors above the age of 15 years allowing them to visit any habituated gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, Volcanoes national park, Virunga national park or Kahuzi Biega national park.

Cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Africa varies depending on the national park you wish to visit for example a gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park costs 700 USD per person for foreign non residents, 600 USD per person for foreign residents and 250,000 UGX per person for East African citizens. A gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes national park costs 1,500 USD per person for all nationalities and a gorilla trekking permit in Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park costs 400 USD per person for foreign non residents and foreign residents.

How to book a gorilla trekking permit in Africa

A gorilla trekking permit in Africa can either be booked directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) a government body in charge of tourism in Uganda, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) a government body in charge of tourism in Rwanda or Virunga reservations office a government body in charge of tourism in Congo by contacting the head offices on email or telephone calls.

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo can also be booked through a trusted tour company like Achieve Global Safaris whereby you will contact us with the dates when you wish to travel and the gorilla destination you wish to visit. After contacting us, we will check for permit availability and if there are permits available, you will be asked to make a deposit for the permit. Once we receive the money, we will purchase the permits on your behalf. Booking gorilla trekking permit through a tour operator is however the best option to use in that we will not only purchase the permits on your behalf but also organize for your entire safari which includes transportation, accommodation, meals and other activities to engage in after gorilla trekking.

Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking in African can be done all year round though the best period is during the dry season also known as the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season, there is less or little rainfall in the gorilla destinations therefore access roads to the national parks and gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable which make trekking easy compared to the wet/ rainy season when the trails are muddy and slippery which make trekking difficult.

What to pack or carry for gorilla trekking in Africa

There are a number of items to pack or carry during your gorilla trekking safari in Africa including,

• Garden gloves to protect your hands from germs and stinging nettles
• Hiking boots to keep your feet dry and also protect your ankles during trekking
• Long sleeved shirt and trouser to keep you warm and protect your body from biting insects
• Waterproof rain jacket/ poncho to protect you from rainfall as gorilla trekking is done in tropical rainforests which means that it can rain anytime of the day regardless of the season.
• Insect repellent to protect you from biting insects such as tsetse flies or mosquitos.
• Camera and extra batteries to take photos and record videos during the one hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas.
• Energy snacks like drinking water and packed lunch from the lodge to keep you hydrated as gorilla trekking activity takes about 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on their location.
• Waterproof backpack to carry your gorilla trekking items such as energy snacks, insect repellent, camera, waterproof rain jacket among others.

For breathtaking and unforgettable experiences on your safari gorilla trekking is a must do activity and for more information about gorilla trekking in Africa, you can contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for various gorilla trekking packages.