Where to See/Do Gorilla Trekking in Africa Uganda $ Rwanda-Mountain Gorillas.: Only three countries—Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—retain this severely endangered species of mountain gorilla. Thus, there are still more than 10063 mountain gorillas in the world. The majority reside in the Virunga highlands, which border the national parks of Mgahinga Gorilla, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and Rwanda’s volcanoes.
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest-Montane forest’s smaller number line. how many mountain gorillas are still living in the wild, far away from people. However, a few groups have become habituated and are accessible to a limited number of visitors who have a park guide and make eye contact with the big mountain gorillas.
To begin planning your vacation, you must go to our website, which is based on suggested itineraries that will allow you to choose how you want to experience some of the same things that our preserved clients have. Since your planned trip will be tailored to your own preferences, they were made to inspire you.
In addition to being a more expansive country to explore than Rwanda, Uganda is a gifted nation, which is why it was dubbed the pearl of Africa. From Kampala or directly from Entebbe International Airport, it takes a full day to reach the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. We advise staying in Bwindi for three nights before continuing on to other parts of Uganda. Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga, and Ruhija are the four gorilla sectors in the park where trekking for Bwindi gorillas is possible.
Families of Ugandan gorillas
In Bwindi, there are multiple habituated gorilla groups known as “21,” and none of them are located close to the park’s entrance. These groups, which range in size from 10 to 20 individuals each with one or two silverbacks, offspring, juveniles, and females, include the Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Nkuringo groups, among others.
Because of the topography in Bwindi, one may need to be physically fit. In some cases, you may begin your trip at the top of a hill, go down into the valley to observe mountain gorillas, and then climb back up the slopes at the end of the day, which can be a little exhausting.
In summary, Uganda can occasionally be a more challenging choice than Rwanda.
Accommodations in the impenetrable Bwindi National Park in Uganda
The park offers a traditional selection of safari lodges, ranging from luxury to budget, to ensure a pleasant accommodation during your gorilla trekking safari. These include, but are not limited to, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and Silver Safari Lodge.
Because the Bwindi Mountain Gorillas inhabit a montane forest, viewing them requires navigating a variety of plants and terrain, which calls for a certain amount of endurance and the ability to trek up muddy, slippery slopes and through dense undergrowth under the guidance of a certified park ranger.
When is the best time of year for me to try to see the gorillas?
Because of the rainforest climate, which makes it look like it might rain at any time of year, gorillas are visited throughout the year. Because of this, you can visit here at any time of year. April through May are the wettest months, and many tourists steer clear of the area during these times. The busiest months to visit the park are June through September and December through February.
When you go out, is it a given that you will see gorillas?
Seeing mountain gorillas is not a 100% certainty. On the other hand, we have never heard of a situation where a group of tourists was let down when they saw a gorilla family while on a trek. Trekkers had to leave before daybreak to find the gorilla group and radio their GPS coordinates to the park headquarters just to be safe. Since gorilla trekking is done with a guide, you will be assigned to the family you will be hiking with.
You should anticipate to get muddy and wet because the park experiences tropical downpour, so it’s important to have a waterproof jacket, warm clothing, rubber hiking shoes, and cotton socks.
Wearing long pants to shield your legs from nettles and a long-sleeved shirt over your legs is a smart option if you want to stay warm in this tropical montane rainforest.
Make an effort to bring a waterproofed daypack with your cameras, snacks, and water bottles with minerals. For a little cost, you can hire a porter to carry your daypack and assist you in climbing the slopes if you find it too heavy.
Yes, the only method to see the gorillas is to obtain a gorilla permit. Each gorilla group is allowed eight visitors per day.
It is advised that you obtain permits at least six months prior to your planned trip. Gorilla trekking permits currently cost $800 per person each trip, while the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which is exclusively available in Uganda, costs $1,500 per person per day for a full day of activities. Gorilla trekking takes around an hour.
Where to See and Trek with Gorillas in Africa: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Mountain Gorillas
Locations for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Africa $ Rwanda-Gorillas in the Mountains
This funding supports habitat conservation, anti-poaching initiatives, and community education.
Since Rwanda is a little smaller than Uganda, it is possible to combine a quick visit with a safari or beach vacation in another East African country.
Kigali International Airport or the Rwanda Volcanoes National Park are both only “two hours” away via asphalt road. When seeing Rwanda’s gorillas, tourists should plan on staying for at least two or three nights.
Gorilla groups in Rwanda
In Rwanda, trekking is possible with over seven major gorilla groups: the Susa, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Umubano, Hirwa, and Kwitonda.
Of the seven gorilla groups, two are typically seen on the saddle between Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Gahinga, which is about two hours’ walk from the park’s main gate. Each group has at least one silverback male.
Because you have the opportunity to travel a shorter distance than in Uganda, it is not possible to reserve a permit for a particular group. Nothing is certain, but you might end up hiking a group like the Susa, which was initially researched by well-known Diane Fossey and is frequently located “five hours” away on the slopes of Mount Visoke. Trekking with Rwandan gorillas costs USD 1,500 per person per day.
They include Gorilla Mountain View Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge, and many more, and range in price from luxury to budget.
Last but not least, gorilla trekking destinations involve going through hilly rainforests, which may appear to be muddy or hot and muggy with sporadic brief downpours. However, proper attire, hiking boots, and equipment can make the walk more comfortable.
Although getting up close to gorillas in the wild may seem a little challenging, you will be even more astounded by the experience if you give it a try. Porters are available to assist people who lack physical fitness.
At East Africa Gorilla Safaris, under All In Africa Safaris, we specialize in unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences and diverse wildlife safaris.
Our expertly guided tours provide intimate encounters with gorillas and rich African wildlife, ensuring an unparalleled adventure in the heart of East Africa.
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