Check the guide to gorilla trekking in Africa with African Apes Tours & Travel. It’s with no doubt that gorilla trekking safaris are among the top travel experiences in Africa. YES, the highest number of travelers on African safaris especially to Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo choose to visit gorillas as their top bucket list. A close encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats has been ranked by past travelers as the best wildlife experience in the world. The endangered species were once on the verge of extinction to poaching and habitat loss. The whole world is believed to have 1006 mountain gorillas that dwell in Bwindi impenetrable Forest National park and the Virunga Conservation Area. African Apes Tours brings you a detailed guide for gorilla safaris in Africa. Before booking a gorilla tour to Africa, you ought to know the following:
Where to see gorillas in Africa
For whoever wants to go gorilla trekking safari, the endangered mountain gorillas are only seen in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park and the Virunga Conservation Area. The Virunga Massif comprises three parks which are Mgahinga Gorilla National park in Uganda, Virunga National Park in Congo, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The gorilla trekking experience in each national park is unique and exceptional.
You can therefore choose to trek gorillas in any one of the four National parks or trek in two or both parks for great gorilla trekking comparisons. Half of the world’s total gorilla population is believed to live in the Bwindi forest counting to over 500 species. Gorillas in Bwindi are habituated into 17 gorilla families, Volcanoes Park has 10 gorilla families, Virunga park has 8 gorilla families while Mgahinga gorilla National park has 1 habituated gorilla family
What’s the cost of gorilla permits?
The cost of gorilla permits varies in each country. A single permit in Rwanda costs $1500 and in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a single gorilla print costs $450. For those interested in Uganda gorilla tours, a single Uganda gorilla permit costs $700 for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens. Rwanda is therefore a luxury gorilla safari destination with the most expensive gorilla permits while Congo offers the cheapest gorilla tours. Each gorilla country has a right to set a specific gorilla permit price depending on the country’s conservation policies, targets, terms, and conditions.
When is the best time to trek gorillas?
The dry season in June, July, August, September, December, January, and February is the best time to trek gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. During this time, mountain gorillas prefer living in low altitude areas which makes it easy to find them. Gorilla photography and filming are well done in the dry season. Forest grounds are less slippery in the dry season which makes it easy to trek through in search of the endangered gorillas. However, there is always a high demand for gorilla permits in the dry /peak season which require advance gorilla permit bookings. On the other hand, you can visit and trek gorillas in the wet season in the months of March, April, May, October, and November. The low season normally has low visits which guarantees the availability of gorilla permits even for the last time bookings. Also, travelers trekking gorillas in the wet season have high opportunities of getting discounted offers by most service providers.
Packing List for gorilla trekking
Are you wondering what to pack for your gorilla trekking safari? No worries, African Apes Holidays guide you on what to pack for your gorilla tour to Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Whereas you are advised to carry light baggage when traveling for gorilla trekking, there are certain essentials you MUST carry if you want to ensure a peaceful, stress-free, and enjoyable gorilla encounter. The recommended gorilla trekking packing list should entail:
1. Hiking boots/shoes: You are advised to carry light closed and waterproof hiking boots/ shoes for your gorilla trek. These easy movements up and downhill in search of the endangered gorillas. Avoid bringing new shoes and light-colored shoes for your gorilla trek because you will definitely not like them after the trek. Open shoes are also discouraged in the gorilla trekking experience.
2. Rain jacket: You should carry a waterproof rain jacket on your gorilla safari to Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. The forested habitats of gorillas in Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga, volcanoes, and Virunga National park receive unpredicted rains despite the season hence the need for a rain jacket at all times.
3. Insect repellent: Your gorilla trekking packing list should also include insect repellent to protect you from insect bites which can be poisonous.
4. Sunglasses and hat to protect your eyes and head from direct sunlight
5. Long-sleeved pants to protect your legs from scratches by thorny bushes
6. Long Sleeved shirts/blouse to protect your arms
7. Gardening gloves protect your hands from touching dirty grounds and thorny bushes which you will hold onto for support
8. Toiletries especially tissue, sanitary wear and knickers for women
9. Energy giving snacks to keep you strong
10. Extra batteries for your phone and camera
When to book a gorilla permit
Gorilla permit bookings in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are encouraged as early as 6 months in advance. The reason for early bookings is due to the high demand for gorilla permits, especially in peak season.
At the time of gorilla permit booking, travelers are asked to pay a 30% discount as a booking fee to reserve his/her permit and remove it from the list of available permits. The full balance is required at least 2 months before the trekking date. Anyone who fails to top-up for the permit will lose the permit and the deposit money.
Gorilla Trekking Rules and regulations
Each gorilla trekking session starts with a briefing on the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking to ensure the safety of travelers and the endangered gorillas. Travelers are gathered at the park headquarters and introduced to the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking. These include:
• Keep a seven-meter distance from the gorillas
• Avoid direct eye contact with the gorillas
• Do not use flashlight cameras to take pictures
• Keep within your group, do not move alone in the jungle
• Speak in a low tone
• Do not litter in the park, leave only the footprints
• Do not touch the gorillas
• Do not trek gorillas when sick
• Turn back your face when coughing or sneezing
• Do not eat or drink in presence of the gorillas
• Do not smoke when with the gorillas
How to book a gorilla permit?
You can book a gorilla permit direct with the responsible conservation bodies which are Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda, Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda, or the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature in Congo. Alternatively, you can book a gorilla permit and a gorilla safari in Africa through African Apes Tours & Travel or any other trusted gorilla safari company
How long is gorilla trekking time?
The allowed time with the gorillas is strictly an hour counted from the time you set your eyes on the endangered gorillas. However, you can spend up to 6 hours trekking in the jungle before meeting the gorillas.
What is the age limit for gorilla trekking?
15 years also is the age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Children aged below 15 years are not allowed to visit the gorillas. However, in cases when a child has a few days to celebrate his/her 15th birthday, they can be allowed to trek gorillas. A parent or guardian of the child is asked to write a consent letter to UWA, RDB, or ICCN agreeing to take full responsibility for whatever may happen to the child in the course of gorilla trekking
Gorilla Trekking add-ons
There are numerous interesting activities and attractions you can add to your gorilla trekking experience. The other things to do in Africa besides gorilla tracking include chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest Uganda and Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda. In addition, you can also do game viewing in the savannah parks of Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
The top places for game viewing experiences include Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Masai Mara, Serengeti, Amboseli, and Tarangire National Parks among others. If you like adventure, you can add mountain climbing to your gorilla trekking experience. Hike to the summit of the snow-capped Rwenzori in Uganda, the active Nyiragongo Volcano in Congo, Mt Karisimbi in Rwanda, and the tallest Mount Rwenzori in Tanzania. A combination of these make a complete African safari package
In conclusion, gorilla trekking is worth the penny, effort, and time! Book your gorilla safari today and enjoy this lifetime experience.