Where to See/Do Gorilla Trekking in Africa Uganda $ Rwanda-Mountain Gorillas
Where to See/Do Gorilla Trekking in Africa Uganda $ Rwanda-Mountain Gorillas
Where to See/Do Gorilla Trekking in Africa Uganda $ Rwanda-Mountain Gorillas : This critically endangered mountain gorillas can only be seen in three preserved countries that is Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Therefore, over 10063 mountain gorillas still exists on the earth. The Majority live in the Virunga mountains that straddle Rwanda’s volcanoes national park, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park and Mgahinga Gorilla nation park. The smaller number line in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest-montane forest. The number of mountain gorilla that is remaining in the wild, far from human reach. Although, a handful of group have been habituated and can be trekked and viewed by small numbers of visitors under eye contact to these great mountain gorillas with a park guide.
On how to start thinking about your experience; You will have to visit our website basing on itineraries which are simply suggested for on how you could be selective to enjoy some of the same experiences as our preserved clients. They were created for your inspiration because your planned trip will be created around your particular tastes.
Where to see Gorillas/Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Uganda is a gifted country thats why it was named the pearl of Africa of African country, besides that, a larger country to explore than Rwanda and it takes full day drive to access the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest from Kampala or right from Entebbe International Airport. Once at Bwindi we would recommend you three nights before embarking for another trip around Uganda. Bwindi gorilla trekking can be conducted in four gorilla sectors found in different location of the park that is Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Ruhija.
Uganda gorilla families
There are several habituated gorilla groups ‘’21’’ in Bwindi and none can be found near to the park entrance. Such groups include Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura and Nkuringo among others, they range in size from 10 to 20 individuals each with one or two silverbacks, offspring’s, juveniles, females.
The terrain in Bwindi it might require someone to be physically fit which sometime you can start your trek at the top of the hill, descend on foot into the valley to watch mountain gorillas, then climb up the slopes at the end of the day which can be bit tiresome.
In short, Uganda sometimes tends to be a harder option than Rwanda.
Accommodations in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The park boosts with classic range of safari lodges from Luxury to Budget that will suite your comfortable stay on your Gorilla trekking safari, including Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Silver safari lodge among others.
Do Gorilla Trekking Need Fitness
Bwindi Mountain gorillas live in montane forest, so to see them you will go through varied vegetation and terrain, whereby you will need level of fitness and a willingness to climb up the slippery muddy slopes and through thick growth lead by the train park ranger.
What time of the year should I try to visit the gorillas?
Gorillas are all year visited because of the rainforest climate, it may seem to rain any day of the year. That’s why there is no any time of year that can avoid travel here. The rainiest months April to May and many travels tend to avoid visiting the park during this period of year. More favorable month to visits the park June to September and December to February are the busy visiting months.
Are you guaranteed to see gorillas when you head out?
It’s not 100% possible guarantee to see mountain gorillas. However, for this matter we have never heard such instance appear that a tourist group were disappointed to see a gorilla family during their trek. Just to be on safe side, trekkers had to set off at dawn to locate the gorilla group and radio their GPS co-ordinates to the park headquarters. Gorilla trekking since is done with a guide will allocate you to the family you’re to trek.
What essentials to carry or wear on Uganda Gorilla Safari
Since the park is a tropical rainfall you should expect to get muddy and rain on, so waterproof jacket, warm clothes, rubber hiking shoes, cotton socking are essential.
To keep your body in this tropically montane rainforest, it’s a good idea to wear long trousers to protect your legs against nettles and a long sleeved shirt over the top.
Endeavor to carry a waterproofed daypack is essential your cameras, snacks and mineral bottled water. If its heavy for you, you can hire a porter at a small fee to carry daypack and help you to steeper up the slopes.
Is a permit need to see gorillas?
Yes, through accessing for your gorilla permit is the only way to visit the gorillas, in a group of 8 people granted per gorillas group each day.
We recommend you to secure permits in advance at least six months before you intend to travel. Currently gorilla trekking permit costs USD700 per person per trek and Gorilla habituation experience which can be done only in Uganda cost USD1,500 per day per person it’s a full day activity and Gorilla trekking is an hour experience.
This money caters for conservation of the habitat, anti-poaching effort and education of the local communities.
Where to see gorilla in Rwanda
Rwanda is bit smaller country than Uganda thus leading to a short trip in combination with a safari or beach stay elsewhere in East Africa.
The Rwanda Volcanoes national park is a short drive on tarmac road from Kigali only ‘’2hours’’ or Kigali International Airport. Tourists on visit to the Rwanda’s gorillas, you will need a minimum of two nights stay or three nights.
Rwanda gorilla permits can be got at Rwanda Tourism Board.
Rwanda gorilla groups
There are more than seven main gorilla groups that can be trekked in Rwanda, the Susa, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Umubano, Hirwa, Kwitonda.
Each group have at least one silverback male and of the seven gorilla groups there are a couple that tend to be found on the saddle in between Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Gahinga that takes around two hours walk from the main entrance of the park.
Note, it is not possible to book a permit for a specific group, because here is your chance of having a shorter walk than in Uganda. Nothing is guaranteed though you may find yourself trekking a group like the Susa which was first studied by prominent Diane Fossey, often found on the slopes of Mount Visoke ‘’5 hours ‘’hike away. Rwanda Gorilla trekking costs USD1,500 per person per day.
Where to stay or accommodations in Volcanoes National Park
They range from Luxury to Budget including Gorilla Mountain View Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge many more.
Lastly, Gorilla trekking destinations takes hike through mountainous rainforest which may seem to be muddy or hot and humid with occasional short down pours but appropriate clothing, hiking boots and gear can add up to a more comfortable trek. It may seem to be little bit difficult to get close to gorillas in the wild but when you try it, you’ll end up more amazed with the experience. Porters are around to help those who are not physically fit in the body.
