Gorilla trekking has been described as one of the most incredible wildlife experiences in the world. It’s also one of the most rewarding. In fact, it’s considered by some to be the ultimate adventure travel experience.
Mountain gorillas are primates that live in the forests of Africa. They’re known as the “gentle giants” because they’re so gentle and peaceful. Uganda’s foremost tourist activity, and one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences, is tracking gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of Southwestern Uganda in the adjoining towns Nkuringa and Buhioma. These majestic apes are rare and endangered. Gorilla trekking is one of Uganda’s most wonderful tourist activities, and indeed one of the world’s most amazing experiences. These majestic apes are rare and endangered.
Their combined total population number is less than 800 animals divided between the forest of Bwindi National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and the nearby Virunga volcanoes in Rwanda & the Democratic Republic of Congo.
With 15 groups habituated to tourism in the Impenetrable forest, the world’s most important mountain gorilla tracking destination. There are a few other destinations where one can see these amazing creatures and namely Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
What is the cost of Gorilla Trekking
A gorilla permit in Uganda costs about $700 for foreigners and $600 for residents and $70 for Ugandans. It costs about $1500 in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows visitors to see these mountain gorillas and it never leaves anybody the same.
Gorilla Trekking guidelines: Do not visit the gorillas when you have a cold or any other infectious disease. The minimum age for trekking to the gorillas is 15 years old. Human waste should be buried 30cm (12 inches) deep. The maximum number of visitors is 8 people per gorilla group. Smoking, eating and drinking are prohibited on the tour. Visits are limited to 1 hour per gorilla group per 24 hours. Flash photography is not allowed.
Gorilla Trekking Guidelines
Do not visit the gorillas if you have a cold or other infectious illness
The minimum age for trekking is 15 years.
Human Waste should be buried 30 cm (12″) deep
The maximum number of visitors is eight persons per gorilla group
Does and Don’ts
Maintain a 7m(21ft) distance from the gorilla
smoking, eating and drinking are not permitted on the tour
if you must sneeze or cough cover your face and turn away from the gorillas, as they can catch coughs and colds from humans
visits are limited to one hour per gorilla group per day
Do not use flash photography.
Where can one do gorilla treks?
Gorilla treks can be conducted in three East African Countries. That’s to say Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, all of which are members of the East African Community.
In Uganda, you can do gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park located in south-western Uganda in the Kanungu District on the edge of the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift, at elevations ranging from 1,160 to 2,607 metres. and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda.
In Rwanda, you will be able to experience gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda and in the D.R.Congo, at the Virunga National Park in the Albertine Rift Valley in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The best time to go gorilla trekking is during the months of June, July, August, September and December. This is because there are fewer rains and the parks are drier, making it simple to hike and see the gorillas.