Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda; Gorilla trekking is an exceptional activity which allows visitors to move on foot into the tropical rainforests in search of the mountain gorillas and once found spend one hour with them in their natural environment. Gorilla trekking is carried out in different destinations including Bwindi impenetrable national and Mgahinga gorilla national park both located in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park in Democratic republic of Congo.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking is done in two national parks that is Bwindi impenetrable national park which is known for harboring the highest number of mountain gorillas in Africa. Bwindi impenetrable national park is a home of about 19 habituated gorilla families and gorilla trekking is carried out in four sectors namely Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Apart from gorilla trekking Bwindi impenetrable national park also offers gorilla habituation experience an interesting activity where the mountain gorillas are trained to get used to human presence for trekking.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is also done in Mgahinga gorilla national park which is located in southern part of Uganda in Kisoro district. The park is a home of one habituated gorilla family Nyakagezi which is available for trekking daily.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done Volcanoes national park which is located in northwestern part of Uganda. The national park is a home of more than 11 habituated gorilla families which are available for trekking on a daily basis.

Gorilla trekking experience in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park and Volcanoes national park starts in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow during trekking. After the briefing you will be divided into groups of 8 people where each group will be allocated a habituated gorilla family to trek and an experienced park guide who is well conversant with gorilla trekking trails. Allocation of gorilla families is done according age, physical fitness and personal preference therefore in case you are not feeling well you are advised to communicate to your driver guide so that they allocate you a gorilla family that is easy to trek. The activity takes about 3o minutes to 7 hours depending on where the mountain gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking you will be able to view other wildlife species including mammals like elephants, buffaloes, other primates like chimpanzees, l’hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, view different bird species, take photos and record beautiful videos.

Cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda and Rwanda

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs USD 700 per person for foreign non residents, USD 600 per person for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 per person for East African citizens while a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs USD 1,500 per person for all nationalities.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda — Gorilla Trekking Bwindi National Park

How to book a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda and Rwanda

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda and Rwanda can either be booked directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Uganda or Rwanda Development Board (RDB) by contacting the head offices via telephone calls or email. You can also book a gorilla trekking permit through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris.

Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla trekking can be done anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season access roads and gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable compared to the wet season when the gorilla trekking trails are muddy and slippery which makes trekking difficult.

What to pack for your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and Rwanda

There are various items that you can pack for your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and Rwanda including

Face mask and sanitizer to protect you against COVID-19 virus and also protect the mountain gorillas against the deadly disease as the gorillas are vulnerable to human diseases.

Garden gloves to protect your hands from germs and touching itching plants.

Hiking boots to keep your feet dry and protect your legs and feet from bugs.

Waterproof jacket to protect you from rainfall because mountain gorillas live in tropical rainforests therefore it can rain anytime of the day.

Long sleeved shirt/ blouse to keep you warm and protect your skin from scratches during trekking.

Energy snacks like packed lunch and drinking water to keep you hydrated during trekking as gorilla trekking can take about 7 hours.

Camera and extra batteries to take photos and record videos during the one hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas.

Insect repellent to protect you from insect bites

Waterproof backpack to carry your gorilla trekking items such as lunch box, snacks, insect repellent, facemask, sanitizer, camera among others.

For more information about gorilla trekking you can contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for interesting and affordable gorilla trekking packages in Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park and Volcanoes national park.