Guide to Gorilla trekking in Africa: A trek through the jungles of Africa to view Mountain gorillas or the Lowland gorillas in their natural environment is without doubt the most humbling, mesmerizing experience that comes once in a lifetime. Africa shelters all the 2 species of gorillas, the Eastern and Western gorillas which are sub-divided into 4 sub-species including the rare Mountain gorillas, Eastern Lowland gorillas, Cross-river and Western Lowland gorillas.
A Gorilla trekking safari in Africa lets you have a close interaction with the already habituated families of these unique apes while in the wild. Planning for a successful gorilla tour can be tasking that is why we have come up with ultimate guide to Gorilla trekking in Africa.
Where to go for Gorilla trekking in Africa- Uganda/Rwanda/Congo?
While on gorilla safari in Africa, you can either go for Mountain Gorilla trekking or Lowland Gorilla trekking. In Africa, there are only 4 National Parks to visit for Mountain Gorilla trekking and it is done in the 3 African states where 1063 Mountain gorillas presently live.
The 4 National Parks to go Gorilla trekking in Africa include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The 2 Mountain Gorilla safari parks are found right at the extreme Southwestern Uganda. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and the Virunga National Park D.R. Congo are the other additional two National Parks where Mountain Gorilla trekking adventures in Africa can fully be enjoyed.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda
If you are looking for budget Gorilla trekking destination in Africa or a more flexible destination with more additional safaris for you to do then look no further than Uganda. Half of all the 1063 Mountain gorillas that are left on earth today are all housed within Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.
Uganda is with no doubt a budget Gorilla trekking destination with gorilla permits issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) at USD700 (non-foreign residents), USD600 (foreign residents-FR) and UGX250000 (East Africa Community citizens/nationals. Uganda gorilla permits can easily be booked in two ways; through a reliable ground tour operator or directly via UWA’s reservation team and booking should be done early at least 2-4 months before the actual trekking date.
In Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park, there are 21 habituated families of Mountain gorillas which translate into a total of 168 gorilla permits. The gorilla groups in Bwindi are trekked in Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga regions while at Mgahinga N/Park, treks begins at Ntebeko and Nyakagezi group is the only family to explore.
To have ultimate Gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, you may need 3-5 days. Traveling to Bwindi/Mgahinga by road from Entebbe/Kampala takes 8-9 hours’ drive but the en-route trip is amazing because you have a lot to explore or fly direct from Entebbe Airport/Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro/Kihihi about 1-2 hours of flight. Alternatively, you can fly to Kigali, then drive for 3-4 hours to Bwindi/Mgahinga Gorilla National Park via Chanika/Katuna border.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is perfect for luxury visitors on luxury gorilla safaris in Africa. Rwanda has positioned herself as high end tourism destination-with gorilla permits issued out currently by Rwanda Tourism Board (RDB) at USD1500 per person.
However, it is one of the best places to track mountain gorillas if you have limited time. Volcanoes National Park where mountain gorillas in Rwanda live is reachable within only 2-3 hours’ drive beginning from Kigali International Airport. This means, you can explore any of the park’s 13 habituated families of mountain gorillas in just 1 day gorilla tour or 2 days gorilla trekking safari.
Gorilla trekking in the D.R. Congo
Located in East-Central Africa, the D.R. Congo is a budget Gorilla trekking destination hosting both the rare Mountain gorillas and the Eastern Lowland gorillas. In the D.R. Congo, you can embark on a trek to see Mountain gorillas in the Virunga National Park a 7800sq.kms park with 8 habituated gorilla groups or go trek Eastern Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a 6000sq.kms tropical rain-forest park.
Whether it is Virunga N/Park or Kahuzi-Biega N/Park that you plan to pay a visit for Gorilla trekking in the D.R. Congo, gorilla permits are obtainable at USD450. You can contact a reliable tour operator on ground or book directly with the respective park authorities in the D.R. Congo.
Who is eligible for Gorilla trekking in Africa- Uganda/Rwanda/Congo?
All tourists can be part of the exhilarating Gorilla trekking experience in Africa provided he or she has a valid gorilla permit. But, you can only be allowed to go trek Mountain gorillas/Lowland gorillas if you are above 15 years and you are not ill/sick.
Gorillas are human’s closest relatives in the wild noted to share 98% of their DNA. This means that, these apes are very susceptible to any infectious human diseases/sickness that is why only those who aren’t sick are allowed to go interact with these endangered apes.
When is the best time for Gorilla trekking in Africa-Uganda/Rwanda/Congo?
Gorilla trekking in Africa is open to all holidaymakers all year-round though the dry months are the best months to enjoy the best of your thrilling experience. That is from June, July, August to September or from December, January to February. The wetter months (March-May/October-November) are also open for gorilla safari travelers but most visitors avoid them due to heavy rains.
What are the chances to see gorillas in Africa-Uganda/Rwanda/Congo?
There is a 99% chance for you to see gorillas in their natural environment and interestingly, for the period that we have been conducting gorilla safaris, our visitors have never been disappointed. Trekking to see gorillas has been made easier because trackers are often sent to the field earlier to locate where these apes live and they keep in touch with guided throughout. The trackers then direct the guides and visitors where the group of gorillas is hence increased chances of seeing these apes.
How long does it take to trek gorillas in Africa?
The length of your trek in Africa varies depending on the number of factors including the nature of the habitat, location of families of gorillas, physical wellness. But most often, trekkers can take from 2-6 hours to find gorilla family in the wild.
What to carry/wear for Gorilla trekking in Africa?
Whether you are heading to Uganda, Rwanda or the D.R. Congo for Gorilla trekking, you must pack well. Among the many essentials you must have include waterproof hiking boots, long sleeved shirt, long hiking socks, long hiking pants, sweater, insect repellent, gardening gloves, rain jacket/poncho, hat, first aid kit, camera with no flashlight, daypack, sunscreen, snacks, bottled water, sunglasses, trousers, toiletries.
What should I expect on Gorilla trek in Africa?
Gorilla trekking in Africa is distinct from the ordinary wildlife experiences. First, all treks start with briefing where you will have insight about rules and regulations for Gorilla trekking and this is done by the respective park official in Uganda, Rwanda or D.R. Congo. Briefing often starts at 7:00am to 8:00am when the actual search for families begins.
While in the wild, interacting with Mountain gorillas or Lowland gorillas involves you maintaining a social distance of 8-10m from the gorilla family. All participants must be above 15 years, only 8 visitors should trek one habituated group, cover your mouth when coughing/nose when sneezing etc.
