Frequently Asked Questions About Gorilla Trekking : What is gorilla trekking? Gorilla trekking is a quite unforgettable activity in which travelers’ hike through the thick tropical rainforests of Bwindi Forest National Park and others can be seen in Virunga Volcanoes of Mgahinga, Volcanoes and Virunga National Park in search of the critically endangered mountain gorillas.
In world, there are only three countries in Africa where to go for Mountain Gorilla Trekking that is Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. All you need is to obtain a Gorilla Permit, which should be secured in advance. Gorilla trekking starts early in the morning with briefing about gorilla trekking rules by the ranger guides. You will be grouped into 8 people and after you will be assigned to a specific mountain gorilla family to trek. Then the park range will lead them into the thick forest searching for mountain gorillas’ family or where the gorilla family spent the night. Remember, gorilla trek can last from 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on their location, therefore you need to be physically fit in the body to enjoy the activity. After meeting the mountain gorilla family, you will be allowed a maximum of one hour with the Gorillas, that involves in taking photos, watch the mountain gorillas and capturing videos.
Gorilla trekking is described by some travelers as a ‘’once in a lifetime experience’’ and it should be on your bucket list of things to do in Africa.
When is the best time of the year to trek the Mountain Gorillas?
Well, the mountain gorillas can be trekked throughout year in destination where Gorilla Trekking take place that is Uganda or Rwanda. However, gorilla trekking permits in both countries’ costs;
Rwanda costs USD1,500 per person and Uganda costs USD700 per person. Therefore, the best time to go for gorilla trekking is during the drier months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. Doing gorilla trekking is drier season is so enjoyable and rewarding as you simply navigate through the dense forests of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and the Volcanoes National Park. Take note, the forest during dry season is not slippery, muddy or wet and there is less mist.
How much is the gorilla trekking permit in Uganda or Rwanda?
In order one to be able to see mountain gorillas, you are required to secure the gorilla trekking permit -directly to govern body in each country, in Rwanda Gorilla permit can be bought from ‘’RDB’’ Rwanda Developed Board and Uganda Gorilla Permit can be obtained at ‘’UWA’’ Uganda Wildlife Authority Offices or by the tour operator who can help to secure for you this trekking permit.
The Uganda Gorilla Trekking permit costs USD700 for foreign nonresident, USD600 for foreign resident and UGX250,000 for East African Citizens.
Gorilla Habituation Experience -a full day activity and allowed 4hours to spend with Gorillas, goes at USD1,500 per person. This activity is only done in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Rwanda Gorilla trekking permit costs 1500USD and only one hour allowed to spend with mountain gorillas in their mountain gorillas.
Note; Gorilla trekking permit is valid for the booked date only.
When should I book my gorilla trekking permit /tour?
If you wish to visit the mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo. It is important to book your gorilla trekking tour or Gorilla permits before 3 to 6 months prior to the gorilla trekking date. Its is more demand for booking gorilla trekking permits especially in the high season months. Take note, if you find yourself in a position where you have to book a last-minute trek -do not hesitate to contact us ‘’ Achieve Global Safaris’’ to help you reserve for you permits or you can be lucky to find permits for your preferred travel dates still available.
Facts About Bwindi National Park;
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to the remaining half mountain gorillas in the world thus making it a great destination for your gorilla trekking tour. The park is located in southwestern Uganda and is sub divided into four sectors -Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija and Rushaga. Each sector has got several habituated gorilla families available for you to trek.
Buhoma sector lies in the north of the park – it was the first sector to open up for gorilla tourism in Uganda.
Ruhija sector is located in the east.
Rushaga sector in the south and the Nkuringo sector located in the south.
Note; The choice of sector to track the gorillas in Bwindi National Park is determined by several factors including; Availability of the gorilla trekking permits, choice of lodge and desired gorilla trekking experience.
Nothing is rewarding and adorable to combined A Gorilla trekking in one the above-mentioned countries either Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with a visit to Kenya Wildlife Safari – enjoying the great wildebeest migration event in Masai Mara National Reserve. For more information, you can reach us via WhatsApp +256773736338 – Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda Cost.
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