Where To Go Gorilla Trekking Safaris? | Best Places for Gorilla Trekking Tours
Where to go gorilla trekking Safaris? : In the world there are three ultimate gorilla destinations: Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorilla trekking is referred to as a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a great opportunity to encounter these beautiful gentle giants, the “mountain gorillas,” which are said to have 98% human DNA.
Gorilla Tours in Uganda
Gorilla Safaris in Uganda take you to two national parks: Mgahinga Gorilla and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Bwindi has the highest percentage of mountain gorillas of the overall world population. It has over 650 individuals out of the total population of 1065 mountain gorillas.
Moreover, the park is home to over 23 habituated gorilla families splintered into four gorilla sectors: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo Gorilla Sector. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to only two habituated gorilla families, where Uganda gorilla trekking takes place.
Gorilla Tours in Rwanda
Gorilla tours in Rwanda has made Rwanda a popular safari destination worldwide. In Rwanda gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park .Volcanoes National Park is a top tourist safari destination to encounter the unique mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, a variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and many more, located roughly 2 hours’ drive from Kigali International Airport.
The park covers an area of about 160 square kilometers in the northern part of Rwanda and also part of the great Virunga Volcano Conservation region expending to cover Virunga National Park Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Volcanoes National Park is also home to three perfect volcanoes: Karisimbi, Mikeno and Visoke Volcanoes which are home to the mountain gorillas.
The park features with remarkable activities like Wildlife, Gorilla safaris, Vegetation, Volcanoes, Dian Fossey tomb many more.
Gorilla Permits in Rwanda/Rwanda Gorilla Permit
Rwanda Gorilla Permits; One holding a gorilla permit it’s the only way that allows you to visit the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
Rwanda Gorilla Permits is sold at USD1,500 per person that guarantees a visitor one hour in the presence of gorillas.
The park is home to over 10 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park and each gorilla family is visited by only 8 trekkers per day. Take note, Rwanda issues only 80 gorilla permits per day for gorilla trekking.
Getting there;
Volcanoes National Park lies in a small village called Musanze once known as Ruhengeri. The drive to Volcanoes national park is 2-hour drive. Meaning one can do gorilla tracking on the same day and drive back to Kigali after the trek.
For that reason, you will be required to arrive at the headquarters of ORTPN in Kinigi. You must be at the park entrance by 7:00am, if you hope to trek gorillas for one day. On 1 day Rwanda Gorilla Safari- you have to wake up very early for your journey so that you are on time.
Gorilla Tours in Congo
Mountain gorillas in Congo can be seen in Virunga National Park and also boasts lowland gorilla tours, which is done in Kahuzi Biega National Park. Gorilla permits in Congo costs USD400 thus making a gorilla safari in Congo cheaper than in Uganda and Rwanda.
How long is the trek to the gorillas?
Gorilla trekking can take about 30 to 7 hours depending on the movements of the gorilla group you’re assigned and once found one hour is allowed to trackers to watch the family feeding, siblings, grooming each other. Gorilla trekking experience starts with a briefing from the park headquarters and after park ranger will group you in a group of 8 people. Then you will head out to your assigned gorilla family, led by park rangers. Once gorilla family is allocated.
When is the best time for gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking can be conducted throughout the year but the best time is with no destruction of rain which makes tracking trails challenging. The best months are in dry seasons which starts from June to mid-September and December to February.
What to pack for a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda or Rwanda?
A pair of long trousers and shirts
Long stockings.
A tin of insect repellent
Alight weight pair of waterproofs of hiking boots
A pair of hiking gloves
Enough energy giving snacks
Camera with enough space
Enough mineral water bottle
Light rain jacket
Warm clothes
Waterproof bag to carry your documents and camera
Brimmed hat and sun glasses
Poncho among others.
