Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
In Rwanda and Uganda, gorilla trekking is a unique experience that enables tourists to walk through tropical rainforests in pursuit of mountain gorillas and, if they are located, spend an hour with them in their natural habitat.
Gorilla trekking is done in a variety of places, such as the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, the Virunga National Park, the Kahuzi Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
Trekking with gorillas in Uganda
Two national parks are used for gorilla trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is renowned for having the greatest concentration of mountain gorillas in Africa. There are roughly 19 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and gorilla trekking is done in four different sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.
In addition to gorilla trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park provides an intriguing activity called “gorilla habituation,” in which mountain gorillas are acclimated to hiking humans.
In Uganda, gorilla trekking is also conducted in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is situated in the Kisoro district in the country’s south. Trekking is offered every day in the park, which is home to the Nyakagezi habituated gorilla family.
Rwandan gorilla trekking
Volcanoes National Park, in the northwest of Uganda, is where gorilla trekking is done in Rwanda. There are around 11 habituated gorilla families in the national park, and daily trekking is possible.
Experiences trekking with gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda
The morning of gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park begins with a training on the guidelines to be followed. Following the briefing, you will be split up into groups of eight, and each group will be paired with an experienced park guide who is familiar with the gorilla trekking trails and a habituated gorilla family to hike.
Since gorilla families are assigned based on factors including age, physical health, and personal preference, it is advisable to let your driver guide know if you are feeling under the weather so they can assign you to a gorilla family that is easy to hike.
Because mountain gorillas prefer to roam around in search of food, the activity can last anywhere from thirty minutes to seven hours, depending on the location. You can see several wildlife species when hiking, such as primates like chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, and elephants and buffaloes, as well as birds, take pictures, and create stunning movies.
The price of a permit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda
In Rwanda, a gorilla trekking permit costs USD 1,500 per person for all nationalities, whereas in Uganda, it costs USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents, USD 700 per person for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 per person for East African citizens.
How to reserve a permit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda
Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda and Uganda can be reserved directly from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) by calling or emailing the head offices. Additionally, you can reserve a gorilla trekking permit from a reputable tour company such as All In Africa Safaris.
The best times to visit Rwanda and Uganda for gorilla trekking
Although gorilla trekking is possible at any time of year, the best time to go is in the dry season, which includes June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. In contrast to the wet season, when the gorilla trekking trails are muddy and slick, making trekking challenging, access roads and the trails are dry and manageable during the dry season.
Things to bring on your Rwandan and Ugandan gorilla trekking safari
For your gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda and Uganda, you can bring a variety of supplies, like as
Use a face mask and hand sanitizer to protect yourself from the COVID-19 virus. Since mountain gorillas are susceptible to human illnesses, they should also be protected from the deadly sickness.
Wearing garden gloves will shield your hands from germs and itchy plants.
To keep your feet dry and shield your legs and feet from insects, use hiking boots.
Because mountain gorillas live in tropical rainforests, where it can rain at any time of day, you should wear a waterproof garment to protect yourself from the elements.
When trekking, wear a long-sleeved shirt or blouse to be warm and shield your skin from scrapes.
Given that gorilla trekking can take up to seven hours, energy items like a packed lunch and drinking water will help you stay hydrated.
During the hour spent with the mountain gorillas, a camera and extra batteries are needed to take pictures and film videos.
Use insect repellent to avoid getting bitten by insects.
Your gorilla trekking essentials, including a camera, sanitizer, facemask, insect repellent, lunchbox, and snacks, should be carried in a waterproof backpack.
Contact All In Africa Safaris for more information on gorilla trekking, or visit our website for intriguing and reasonably priced gorilla trekking packages in Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
