Best place for gorilla trekking in Africa; Gorilla trekking is an adventurous and exceptional activity in Africa which involves visitors 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. Gorilla trekking in African is done in five destinations namely Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park in Congo.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda
Uganda is famously known for harboring half of the world’s mountain gorilla population which are found in two national parks that is Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park both located in south western part of Uganda. Bwindi impenetrable national park is the best destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda in that it harbors the highest number of days and a home of about 21 habituated gorilla families which are available for trekking daily. Gorilla families in Bwindi impenetrable national park are found in four sectors namely Buhoma sector in the north, Nkuringo sector in the south, Ruhija sector in the east and Rushaga sector in the south. Bwindi impenetrable national park is also the only destination in Africa which offers the adventurous gorilla habituation experience where the mountain gorillas are trained to get used for trekking.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is also done in Mgahinga gorilla national park which is located in southwestern region in Kisoro district bordering with Virunga national park in Congo and Volcanoes national park in Rwanda. Mgahinga gorilla national park is a home of one habituated gorilla family Nyakagezi which is open for trekking on a daily basis.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes national park which is located in northwestern region in Musanze village bordering with Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda and Virunga national park in Congo. Volcanoes national park is a home of about 10 habituated gorilla families which are available for trekking daily.
Gorilla trekking in Democratic Republic of Congo
Gorilla trekking in Democratic Republic of Congo is done in two national parks that is Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park. Virunga national park is located in eastern part of Congo and it’s a home of about 8 habituated gorilla families which are open for trekking including Bageni, Lulengo, Humba, Kabirizi, Rugendo, Mapuwa, Nyakamwe and Munyaga which are available for trekking.
Gorilla trekking in Democratic Republic of Congo is also done in Kahuzi biega national park which is known for harboring the eastern lowland gorillas. The national park is a home of 5 habituated gorilla families which are open for trekking including Chimanuka, Mpungwe, Mugahuka, Bonnani and Nganwa gorilla families.
Gorilla trekking experience
Gorilla trekking in all destinations that is Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, Volcanoes national park, Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park starts early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. After the briefing, you will be divided into groups of 8 people where each group will be allocated a habituated gorilla family to trek and a park guide who is well conversant with gorilla trekking trails. Gorilla trekking takes about 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on where the gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking, you will be able to view other primate species, different bird species, plants among others and once the gorillas are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural environment which gives you a chance to learn more about their habits, lifestyle, behaviors, watch them carry out their daily activities, take photos and record videos to show people back home after the safari.
Cost of gorilla trekking permits in Africa
Cost of gorilla trekking permits vary depending on the gorilla destination you wish to visit for example a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda 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 Rwanda costs 1,500 USD per person for all nationalities and a gorilla trekking permit in Democratic republic of Congo costs 400 USD per person for all nationalities, Best place for gorilla trekking in Africa.
How to book gorilla trekking permits in Africa
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo can either be booked directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or through Virunga reservation office where you will contact the head offices via email or telephone calls.
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo can also be booked through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris whereby you will contact us with the dates, month, year and gorilla destination you wish to visit. After contacting us, we will check for availability of the permits on your desired dates and if the permits are available, you will be asked to make a deposit. Once we receive the money, we will purchase the permits on your behalf.
Best time to go for gorilla trekking safari in Africa
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, Volcanoes national park, Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park can be done all year round though the best time is during the dry season which is 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 gorilla trekking trails and access roads will be dry and passable compared to the wet/ rainy season when the gorilla trekking trails and access roads to the national parks are muddy and slippery which make trekking difficult.
What to pack for your gorilla trekking safari in Africa
When going for a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, Volcanoes national park, Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park, there are a number of items that you should pack or carry including long sleeved shirt and trouser, hiking boots, garden gloves, insect repellent, rain jacket/ poncho, camera and extra batteries, waterproof rain jacket, a pair of binoculars, energy snacks and drinking water among others, Best place for gorilla trekking in Africa.
Best place for gorilla trekking in African depends on your preference because all the destinations have unique and different gorilla experiences. For more information, you can contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website to book an affordable gorilla trekking package.
