Gorilla trekking frequently asked questions
Gorilla trekking frequently asked questions:Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity carried out in five Africa destinations namely Bwindi impenetrable forest national park which is located in southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga gorilla national park which is located in south western Uganda in Kisoro district, Volcanoes national park which is located in northern Rwanda, Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park located in Democratic Republic of Congo. There are frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking asked by visitors who want to visit the gorillas in their natural habitats and Achieve Global Safaris has answers for all the frequently asked questions which include
What is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is a thrilling activity where visitors above the age of fifteen move into the forests in search of the endangered gorillas in their natural habitat and once found spend one hour with the gorilla families.
Where to trek the mountain gorillas
Mountain Gorillas are endangered primates that are found in three African counties that is Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. In Uganda the mountain gorillas are found in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park, in Rwanda the mountain gorillas are found in Volcanoes national park and in Democratic Republic of Congo the mountain gorillas are found in Virunga national park.
Where can I see the Eastern lowland gorillas?
Eastern lowland gorillas are different from the mountain gorillas in that they are bigger and live in flatter and heavily forest areas. The Eastern lowland gorillas in Africa can only be found in Kahuzi Biega national park which is located in Democratic Republic of Congo.
How much is a gorilla trekking permit
Gorilla trekking permit varies depending on the destination where you will be trekking. A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $600 for the foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for east African citizens and it was increased by $100 for the foreign non-residents and foreign residents effective 1st July 2020, in Rwanda a gorilla trekking permit costs $1500 for all nationalities and in Democratic Republic of Congo a gorilla trekking permit costs $400 and $ 200 during the low season.
When can I book a gorilla trekking permit?
Gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, Volcanoes national park and Virunga national park should be booked 3 to 6 months in advance before the trekking date because the gorilla permits are competitive and usually get sold out especially during the peak season.
Where do we purchase a gorilla trekking permit?
A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda can be acquired directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority head offices in Kampala, in Rwanda it can be acquired through Rwanda Development Board and in Democratic Republic of Congo it can be acquired through Virunga tourism office which is located at Goma border. A gorilla trekking permit in all gorilla destinations can also be acquired by contacting a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris with the date, month and year when you want to trek the gorillas and we will help you to purchase the permit.
How many people are allowed to trek the gorillas
All gorilla destinations in Africa that is Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, Volcanoes national park, Virunga national park and Kahuzie Biega national park allow a maximum of 8 individuals to trek each gorilla family. This helps visitors to get great experience with the gorillas as they take plenty of pictures, ask questions about the gorillas and also minimizes behavioral disturbance of the gorillas,
How much time can I spend with the gorillas?
All gorilla destinations allow visitors to spend a maximum of one hour in the presence of the gorillas. During the one hour visitors will learn more about the gorillas by asking the guide various questions view their lifestyles, behaviors, take plenty of pictures with flash less cameras and record moments.
What is the minimum age to trek gorillas
Any visitors who is 15 years of age and above is eligible to trek gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, Volcanoes national park, Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park.
How long does gorilla trekking take
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, Volcanoes national park, Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park takes about 2 to 7 hours depending on the location of the gorillas.
How close can I get to the mountain gorillas?
Due to the fact that the gorillas are wild animals, visitors should be 7meters (21 feet) away from the gorillas so as not to distract them or make them insecure. However sometimes the gorillas tend to come close to you but you are not allowed to touch them because they can easily get infected by human diseases.
Are the gorillas dangerous?
Gorillas are not dangerous animals though need to be handled carefully because in case they feel insecure and threatened they will first send a warning like beating their chest, grunting, roaring, among others before attacking therefore you should be careful when you see these warning and not directly into their eyes and move back gently.
When is the best time to trek gorillas
Gorilla trekking in all destinations can be done anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June to August and December to February. During this time there is less rainfalls therefore roads to the national parks will be passable and the gorilla trekking trails will be dry which will make trekking successful compared to the wet season when the trails are muddy and slippery. During the dry season there is short grass in the forest which means that the gorillas will be clearly seen and you will be able to take clear photos.
Is it possible for disabled visitors to trek the gorillas
Yes disabled persons can trek gorillas whereby they will be carried to the gorilla habitats in stretcher beds by porters for example in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda.
Where to stay during gorilla trekking
Gorilla destinations in Africa have a variety of luxury, midrange and budget accommodations within and around the national parks where visitors on a gorilla trekking safari can stay depending on their budget. The lodges offer services like comfortable rooms, laundry services, room service, free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, well stocked bar with different drinks, prepare both traditional and international dishes, gardens for relaxation among others.
What can i pack for gorilla trekking safari?
- Hiking shoes, due to the fact that the gorillas live in the jungle which is usually wet, its advisable to put on hiking shoes which are comfortable for easy movement during trekking.
- Garden gloves, these will protect your hands from germs and thorns since you will be torching the plants and trees in the forest for support.
- Long sleeved shirt and trousers, the long sleeved clothes will give you warmth while in the jungle and also protect your body from getting hurt by thorny plants and trees.
- Insect repellent, the forests harbor various insects therefore an insect repellent will protect you from insect bites such as mosquitos, tsetse flies among others.
- Energy snacks, when going for gorilla trekking it’s advisable to carry energy snacks such as drinking water, packed food, biscuits because gorilla trekking is unpredictable therefore it can take 2 to 6 hours or even longer depending on the location of the gorillas
- Camera, the camera will be used to take a lot of pictures and also record videos and moments to show people back home.
- Binoculars, a pair of binoculars will be used to view bird species which will be far away because all gorilla destinations are birding areas, gorillas hiding in the shrubs.
- Backpack, the backpack will be used to carry all your essentials such as insect repellent, energy snacks, camera among others.
- Waterproof rain jacket, this will protect you in case it rains while you are trekking in the jungle.
What are the gorilla trekking rules and regulations?
- Do not leave rubbish in the forest therefore whatever you bring should be carried back with you after trekking.
- Always keep your voices low during trekking
- You should keep in your group so as not to get lost in the jungle
- Do not smoke, eat or drink anything when you are near or in the presence of the gorillas because some food particles might fall down hence increasing the risk of transmission of diseases.
- Do not torch the gorillas because they are wild animals’
- When taking pictures use flash less cameras
- In case the gorillas charge, follow the guides instructions by not looking directly into their eyes, not attempting to run, crunch down slowly and leave their presence
- Keep 7meters away from the gorillas to protect them from getting human diseases
- In case you are feeling ill, you should stay behind and your money will be refunded because the gorillas can easily be infected by human diseases.
- If you need to use a toilet within the forest, the guide will dig a 30 cm deep hole and after you’ve finished cover your waste.
What else can I do in the national park apart from gorilla trekking?
Different national parks offer different activities that you can combine with gorilla trekking including bird watching, nature walk, Batwa trail experience in Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park, Golden monkey trekking, mountain climbing, bird watching, natural walk and Batwa trail in Mgahinga gorilla national park, Musanze caves exploration, Golden monkey trekking, Ibyi’wacu cultural village tour, forest walk, volcano climbing, Dian Fossey hike, twin lakes tour, birding in Volcanoes national park, chimpanzee trekking, nature walks, landscape viewing, Nyiragongo hiking, nature walks, bird watching in Virunga national park, nature walks, mountain hiking, bird watching, visiting Lwiro Rehabilitation Centre in Kahuzi Biega national park. Therefore when you go for gorilla trekking in any of the national parks you can also participate in other activities hence making your safari exciting and unforgettable.
For more information on the gorilla trekking questions you can contact Achieve Global Safaris by contacting our experienced tour consultants via email, phone calls or visiting the blogs on our websites to get answers to your gorilla trekking questions.
