Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Experience one of Africa’s most profound and thrilling wildlife encounters, Gorilla trekking on your safari to Africa. Mountain Gorilla trekking in Africa is an incredible adventure that will allow you to see the magnificent Mountain Gorillas up close in their natural habitat. Witnessing a group of Mountain gorillas is one of the unforgettable experiences that any traveler to Africa shouldn’t miss out on. Acacia Safaris Limited is a genuine and locally based tour operator that will help you plan your Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Africa. We offer a range of gorilla trekking packages and the shortest is 1 day gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Gorilla tours are not only adventurous but also life-changing as you will enjoy viewing these gentle giants in their Natural habitats – you will be amazed as they try to mimic human behaviors.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Africa

About Mountain Gorillas – Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) are one of the two subspecies of eastern gorillas and are found in there countries in East Africa; Uganda, Rwanda, and D R Congo. The Mountain Gorillas are endemic to this region of the world and can not be seen in zoos thus making gorilla trekking tours popular, on most travelers’ bucket lists.

Mountain gorillas inhabit dense forests of Virunga and Bwindi, that sit at high altitudes ranging from 8,000 to 13,000 feet (2,400 to 4,000 meters) above sea level. The Virunga Mountains which inhabit mountain gorillas stretch in three countries, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Uganda. The other population of Mountain Gorillas lives in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda.

There are over 1000 gorillas living within the Virunga Mountains with three main protected areas: Virunga National Park in the DRC, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is located in southwestern Uganda, home to more than 540 gorillas as per the last gorilla census.

Trekking gorillas in Africa is an adventurous and thrilling experience however, it is important to note that; gorillas live in dense bamboo forests, montane forests, and sub-alpine forests. Tracking these primates may seem challenging, however, past travelers have recorded success in trekking mountain gorillas. These areas provide them with a variety of food sources, including bamboo shoots, leaves, fruits, and bark.

Mountain gorillas are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to factors such as habitat loss, poaching, and civil unrest. However, conservation efforts have helped increase their population in recent years.

Here is all you need to know about Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Africa – A comprehensive guide to gorilla trekking in Africa

Are you planning your gorilla trekking tour, Acacia Safaris Limited is a leading tour operator that can help you plan your Uganda or Rwanda gorilla trekking tour. We guarantee gorilla trekking permits for both Uganda and Rwanda. Our gorilla trekking packages will allow you to trek mountain gorillas in different gorilla trekking destinations with opportunities to combine destinations.

Best gorilla trekking destinations in Africa – Where to go for Gorilla trekking?

There are three countries in Africa that offer gorilla trekking tours. The gorilla trekking countries include Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R Congo. The main countries that are famous for gorilla trekking in Africa are Rwanda and Uganda. Each destination has an advantage over the other however, all gorilla trekking destinations offer exceptional gorilla trekking experiences.

Gorilla Trekking Uganda

Gorilla trekking Uganda is one of the best safari activities to do while on your Uganda Safari tour. Uganda is one of the three African countries that inhabit the endangered mountain gorillas. Uganda has two gorilla trekking National parks namely Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is also the primary gorilla trekking destination and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the primary gorilla trekking destination in Uganda and has almost half of the remaining mountain gorilla population. Bwindi also offers one of the unique gorilla experiences, the Gorilla habituation experience. There are about 10 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi and thus travelers planning to do Gorilla Trekking Uganda should rest assured of seeing gorillas.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park on the other hand has one habituated gorilla family known as the Nyakagezi gorilla family. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park guarantees gorilla sightings and on top of mountain gorillas, it also offers refuge to the endangered golden monkeys. The park is known as the place where silver meets gold, referring to the silverback gorillas and golden monkeys. If you are interested in Gorilla Trekking Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a great destination.

Gorilla Trekking Rwanda

Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris are the primary reason why many travelers visit Rwanda from all sides of the globe. Gorilla trekking Rwanda is done in Volcanoes National Park, which is part of the Virunga Ranges. Volcanoes National Park is also the most popular park in Rwanda and surely a must-visit when in Rwanda. Just like in Uganda, Gorilla Trekking Rwanda offers awful and thrilling memories to travelers. Plan your Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Safari with us today.

Gorilla trekking permits – Gorilla trekking prices

Gorilla trekking permits are legal documents that grant travelers access to gorilla trekking premises. To be able to trek Mountain Gorillas in any trekking destination, permits are required and need to be obtained in advance.

You need to book them well in advance, especially during peak season, due to limited availability. Contact Acacia Safari Limited for information on permit availability and prices.

Rwanda:

Rwanda is known for its well-organized and popular gorilla trekking experiences in Volcanoes National Park. As of 2023, a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 per person for a single trek. The permit includes the services of park rangers and guides.

 Uganda:

In Uganda, gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. As of 2023, a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $700 per person for foreign non-residents. The permit price is slightly lower for foreign residents and significantly lower for East African residents. Uganda offers more affordable options for gorilla trekking compared to Rwanda.

Democratic Republic of Congo:

The DRC provides an opportunity for gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park. Permit prices in the DRC are generally lower than in Rwanda and Uganda. As of 2023, a gorilla trekking permit in the DRC costs $400 per person for foreign visitors.

We recommend you book your gorilla trekking permit through authorized tour operators like Acacia Safaris Limited to ensure a safe and responsible visit. We can provide you with detailed information about the specific prices and help you plan your gorilla trekking adventure in Africa.

Tips for success Other tips for a successful trek

Fitness and health: Gorilla trekking is physically demanding and involves hiking through dense forests and steep terrains. Ensure you are reasonably fit to keep up with the physical demands of trekking. We recommend our clients to have good overall health, as gorillas are susceptible to human illnesses.

Clothing and gear: While planning your gorilla trekking tour, it is advisable to wear comfortable, lightweight clothing in neutral colors. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are recommended to protect against insects and stinging nettles. A sturdy pair of hiking boots or shoes with good traction is essential. Don’t forget to pack a waterproof jacket as rain showers are common in these regions.

Bringing a camera to capture your gorilla encounter is highly recommended. However, flash photography is not permitted, as it can disturb the gorillas. It’s also important to respect the gorillas’ personal space and maintain a safe distance.

Best time for Gorilla trekking safaris – when to go for Gorilla trekking?

Mountain Gorilla trekking can be done all year round however some months of the year may be preferable. It is also important to note that the best time to go for gorilla trekking tours depends on various factors, including weather, and, accessibility. Here are some general guidelines for the optimal time to plan your trip:

Dry Season: The dry season is generally considered the best time for gorilla trekking because the weather is more predictable, and the trails are often less muddy and easier to navigate. In Rwanda and Uganda, the dry season typically runs from December to February and June to September.

During the dry season, the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot the gorillas and take clear photographs. In contrast, during the rainy season, the forests are lush and green, offering a different experience but with potentially more challenging trekking conditions.

Permit Availability: Gorilla trekking permits can be limited, especially during the peak tourist season. If you have specific dates in mind, it’s advisable to book your permits well in advance.

Personal Preferences: when planning your gorilla trekking tour, it is also important to consider your personal preferences for weather and crowd levels. The peak tourist season (June to September and December to February) tends to be busier, while the low season may offer a quieter experience with fewer tourists.

Plan your Gorilla trekking safari tour with Acacia Safaris Limited. Our wide range of Gorilla trekking packages will inspire your adventure to Africa. Contact us today.

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