A Quick Guide To Gorilla Trekking Safaris In Africa : Gorilla Safari Faqs: African gorilla trekking offers a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The most frequent questions about gorilla safaris are addressed in this fast guide, including where you can go gorilla trekking, Is it safe to go gorilla trekking? How physically fit must you be to trek with gorillas? This straightforward guide to gorilla trekking is for you if you like the idea of walking with mountain gorillas but need some of these questions answered.
Where can I go gorilla trekking in Africa?
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Uganda are the three East African countries where one can undertake gorilla trekking. The Virunga Mountains, which span the boundary between the DRC, Uganda, and Rwanda, are home to mountain gorillas.
Mountain gorilla trekking destinations:
ü Volcanoes National Park, in northern Rwanda
ü Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda
ü Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Where is the best place to see gorillas in Africa?
Most people agree that Rwanda is the greatest place to go gorilla trekking in Africa. This is due to the fact that Volcanoes National Park is conveniently located just over 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Kigali, the country’s capital. There are 13 gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park, and because they are accustomed to people and lead relatively sedentary lives, they are easier to track and locate.
Do I need to book my gorilla safari in advance?
Yes. It’s crucial to reserve your gorilla trekking permits in advance. Gorilla trekking is very well-liked and strictly regulated, with a finite number of permits available. Booking at least six months in advance is advised, especially if you are going during the peak gorilla safari season from July to September.
Do I need to book a gorilla trekking tour?
Gorilla trekking permits are often sold in bulk to tour companies. Booking a tour is therefore advised to prevent dissatisfaction.
How many days do I need for a gorilla trekking safari?
We advise a minimum of 3 days to allow for stress-free travel when visiting Rwanda or Uganda. It is advised to allow at least three days for gorilla trekking in Rwanda and four days for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Travel time and the trekking day are included. A slightly longer journey is suggested due to logistics in the DRC.
What is the best time of year for gorilla trekking?
In Africa, the months of June to September during the dry season are the busiest for gorilla trekking. Also beneficial is the brief dry season that lasts from December to February. To be sure, gorilla trekking is regarded as a year-round activity due to the equatorial environment.
Can I take my 5-year-old to see the mountain gorillas in Africa?
No. Only people over the age of 15 are allowed to obtain gorilla trekking permits.
How many people are in a gorilla trekking group?
There can only be eight people in each gorilla trekking party, plus the guides, trackers, and porters.
How difficult is gorilla trekking in Africa?
The best suggestion is to be aware of your own level of fitness. Given that gorillas inhabit hilly regions over 2,000 meters, it is safe to suggest that you should be reasonably fit. Even though you might not be the most physically fit, you shouldn’t allow that to stop you from trying. Trekkers are frequently divided into fitness categories, with the fittest adventurers allocated to the harder-to-reach families. In addition, you can pay a porter to carry you or your backpack. Supporting regional communities can be accomplished quite well by hiring a porter.
What should I wear for gorilla trekking?
Tropical rainforest hiking can be challenging. It’s crucial to have well-worn hiking boots, a cap, long sleeves, sturdy hiking pants, gaiters to protect your legs, gloves to protect your hands, and a suitable rain jacket. Walking sticks and a dry set of clothes are accessories that are optional. Don’t forget a backpack, water, insect repellent, and waterproof bags for your stuff.
How long is a gorilla trek in Africa?
The length of a gorilla walk depends on your gorilla trekking location and degree of fitness. The gorilla hike will last between one and two and a half hours each way. Visitors will spend about an hour with the gorilla families after the gorillas have been found, and then they will descend.
ü Rwanda: 3 to 5 hours
ü Uganda: 3 to 6 hours
ü DRC: 3 to 5 hours
What is gorilla trekking like?
Trekking with mountain gorillas is challenging. Fighting off stinging nettles, thorns, insects, and overgrown plants while hiking uphill on dirt tracks during periods of intense humidity and occasionally rain Expect to feel breathless, hot, and muddy. To help them with more difficult terrain and to carry their luggage, many people decide to hire a porter. After finding your gorilla family, you will have 45 to 60 minutes to sit with them and observe. Many people find it difficult to adequately describe the extraordinary feeling of being close to these gentle apes.
Will I get to see the mountain gorillas?
For the sake of study and for the safety of the gorilla families, close observation is given to those in Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC. It is therefore very uncommon for hiking groups to not run into gorillas. The likelihood of a successful mountain gorilla encounter is increased by the parks’ use of trackers in addition to routine monitoring to find the family groupings.
How close can I get to the wild gorillas?
Gorillas are highly vulnerable to human viruses because they share 98% of our DNA. Gorilla trekking guides are taught to maintain a respectable 7 meters because of this. A close encounter is not likely, but since gorillas are not aware of safe distances and wild animals are unpredictable, it is not impossible.
Can I take photographs of the mountain gorillas?
Yes! Photography is allowed, but flashes are strictly prohibited.
Is gorilla trekking safe?
Gorilla trekking is generally risk-free. In general, gorillas are calm, tranquil animals. The visiting family groupings have become acclimated to and habituated to humans. Even though gorillas are wild creatures that live in a wild setting, inter-species hostility is uncommon.
One more subject is people. Because they are peaceful and politically secure, Rwanda and Uganda are both popular destinations for gorilla trekking. Mai Mai militia groups have been the source of disturbance in Virunga National Park, which is located near the eastern border of the DRC. This scenario is closely watched, and if it is deemed unsafe, the park is shut down. Get in touch with us at Focus East Africa Tours or Keep a close eye on the Virunga website, which contains the most recent information, if visiting Virunga National Park and the DRC is something you’d like to do.
How much does gorilla trekking cost?
Because they are so sought-after, gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda are the priciest, followed by those in Uganda and the DRC. Beyond the expense of the permits, both Uganda and Rwanda offer affordable gorilla safaris.
Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs
ü Rwanda: US$ 1500
ü Uganda: US$700
ü Virunga, DRC: US$450
Is gorilla trekking well for conservation?
The towns that surround the national parks are directly impacted by the popularity of gorilla trekking. The money for the gorilla trekking permits is used to fund initiatives for gorilla conservation. Direct beneficiaries include tour guides, porters, and hotel personnel, while community-based tourism programs also benefit local communities. Communities are proud of their national asset as a result, and poaching is discouraged. Mountain gorilla populations have progressively expanded to over 1000 individuals, thanks to better monitoring that adds an additional layer of protection.
Is gorilla trekking worth it?
Yes. The opportunity to interact with these wonderful creatures is truly amazing. The two most desired African safari experiences are gorilla trekking and Big 5 safaris.
How do I plan a gorilla trekking safari?
Get in touch with us at Focus East Africa Tours to start planning your unforgettable gorilla trekking excursions to Uganda and Rwanda or if you’d like to learn more about gorilla trekking in East Africa. Any queries you may have regarding gorilla trekking can be answered by one of our knowledgeable travel experts, who can also assist you in taking the necessary steps to have the gorilla trekking experience of a lifetime.
