Africa Gorilla Tracking Review
Gorilla trekking is a memorable experience that offers a close encounter with these giants of the forests (natural habitats). Trekking takes place in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Permits are restricted, so booking early is vital.
You shouldn’t feel like you are exploiting the gorillas by paying to see them. You are instead helping them, as tourism is an important factor in their survival. The money gotten from permits is used to protect these gorillas from poachers.
How close do you get to the gorillas?
Officially, seven to eight meters. It is crucial to follow the gorilla trekking rules and regulations that are laid down by your company and guide during the briefing meeting before your trek. The rules benefit both humans and mountain gorillas, preventing the spread of infection. Although maintaining this distance can be challenging, as the gorillas have not been informed about this specific rule, it is crucial to pay attention to your guide’s advice and strictly adhere to it.
The gorillas are often hidden in the forest, so you may only see them briefly. You may be very lucky and see them all out in the open. Generally, you will have a full hour with the group, although a few extended permits are now available—ask our experts to explain how this works.
Gorillas are the largest of the primates, with two species, the western gorilla and the eastern gorilla. These are then divided into four subspecies: western lowland gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas (also known as Grauer’s gorillas), mountain gorillas, and cross-river gorillas.
Why track gorillas in Uganda and not anywhere else?
A gorilla tracking permit in Uganda costs $800 compared to $1500 in Rwanda; that makes it cheaper to track in Uganda than in Rwanda. It is a bit cheaper in the DRC, but its stability is never predictable, so that leaves Uganda as the best place to track the endangered gorillas.
Uganda has four tracking points for the Gorillas spread out in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, while Rwanda has one national park with Gorillas and that makes the place a bit competitive for the trackers.
You have high chances of viewing other game while tracking gorillas in Uganda like forest birds, golden monkeys in Mgahinga, Forest Elephants etc.
Therefore if you are thinking of Mountain gorilla tracking? Think Uganda and have an experience of a lifetime.
