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Gorilla Trekking Safaris
Encounter the Endangered Mountain Gorillas
Imagine the thrill of venturing deep into lush, dense forests, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the natural world, in search of one of the most majestic creatures on the planet – the mountain gorilla. These safaris offer an unparalleled opportunity to witness these incredible primates in their natural habitat, observing their intricate social dynamics and witnessing their powerful yet gentle demeanour up close. Each encounter is a moment of awe and inspiration, as you come face to face with these magnificent animals in their remote and breathtaking surroundings. Gorilla trekking safaris promise not only an adventure of a lifetime but also a profound connection with nature that will leave you with memories to cherish forever. Join us as we embark on this extraordinary journey, where every step brings us closer to the magic of the wild and the wonder of the gorillas.
Top Gorilla trekking Safaris
Where to see gorillas
You can see gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. However, note that gorillas are mainly divided into the mountain and the lowland with a couple of other sub-species in that. We suggest Rwanda, Uganda for views of the mountain gorillas and the Republic of Congo for the lowland gorillas. It is also possible to find mountain gorillas within the DR of Congo however due to the instabilities within the country, it has been challenging in some areas. Some tourists think that you can find gorillas even where you opt for safaris in Tanzania!
This is wrong. However Tanzania and Kenya can be a great addition to your safari tour especially during the great wildebeest migration where herds of animals cross the Mara river into the Serengeti plains! On google, you find searches as Kenya gorilla trekking. There are no gorillas in Tanzania, Kenya or South Africa. These are multi destination safaris which we always encourage you to visit especially in East Africa. Generally, the lowland gorillas are smaller and have brownish-gray far coats and a distinct brow ridge, whereas the mountain gorillas are larger with darker black coats. The Mountain gorillas are the most uncommon primates in the entire world with less than 800 surviving in the African wilderness. on the contrary there are more than 100,000 lowland gorillas just in the Republic of Congo.
What To Expect on A Gorilla Safari
On the day of your trek, expect to leave your comfortable bed early enough, am move to the briefing point by 7:30am. After briefing, tourists will be allocated different tracking routes, each 8 tourists. Head to the forest accompanied by guides and rangers as you begin you search for gorillas. In the forest, you may see monkey species, butterfly species, mammals and so much more. Sometimes the forest is challenging and a good level of fitness will be required. At the end of the day, expect to be muddy and sweaty. Once you see the gorillas, its okay to take photos with your camera or iPhone but avoid flash or else the gorillas might charge. You will spend between 40 minutes and 1 hour in company of these gentle giants. It will be such a life changing experience. After the trek, head back to you accommodation or opt for a cultural village experience of the Batwa pygmies.
How Difficult is Gorilla Trekking?
Gorilla Trekking has a numerical rating of 50 to 100 Difficult Rating: Moderate Hike There are many factors that influence the gorilla trekking difficulty and the commonest is your physical fitness. Others include weather conditions and your pack weight. It is possible to ask for a gorilla group that will march your fitness levels. A porter is important, Gorilla Trekking is not very hard, some people in their 60’s and 70’s have done it. So how strenuous is the hike? To begin with 60% of Bwindi Impenetrable National park has an elevation of over 6,600ft. Elevation of the entire park is from 3,904 to 8,553 ft. It has steep slopes in some areas. The experience takes between 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorilla family.
When To Go To See The Mountain Gorillas
Gorilla trekking can be conducted all year around in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. The best time to go gorilla trekking in during the months of June, July, August, September and December. This is because there are less rains and the parks are drier, making it simple to hike and see the gorillas .In Bwindi the average temperature throughout the year is 11°C/52°F in the morning and 23°C/73°F in the afternoon.
- January and February: Low season offering less huge crowds. Very little or on rain.
- March, April and May: Its rains a lot during these months. Most challenging during the trek, the slopes are slippery.
- June, July & August: Peak season, its important to buy your permits early since they run out. Best time for gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda.
Where to Go For Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Uganda has 2 sections for gorilla safaris namely, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In total there are 18 gorilla groups or families and you can only track only one group a day. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has 17 gorilla group making it the best place or park where you can see the gorillas in the wild. Bwindi an ancient forest has 90 mammal species, 11 primates including the black and white colobus monkey
Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Groups
- Ruhija Trek : with gorilla families, Mukiza, Oruzogo, Bitukura and Kyaguliro
- Buhoma Trek: Habinyanja, Katwe, Mubare, Rushegura
- Nkuringo Trek: Christmas, Nkuringo, Bushaho
- Rushaga Trek: Kutu, Bikingi, Mishaya, Bushigye, Kahungye, Rwigi, Bweza, Nshongi, Mucunguzi
Mgahinga Gorilla Family In Mgahinga Park, you can track the Nyakagezi group which is surrounded by the Slopes of Virunga Volcanoes, Mt. Muhavura(4,127m) Mt Gahinga (3474m) Mt. Sabinyo(3645m).
How much does a Gorilla Safari Cost in 2024?
· 1 day Gorilla Trekking Uganda Costs about $1100
· 2 Days Gorilla Safari Costs about $ 1280
· 3 day Gorilla Tour Costs about $ 1450
Of course, various tour operators will give you quotes, roughly the cheapest gorilla safari should have a price of about $ 1100 of course depending on the number of people. The super luxury should be cost you between $ 4000 to $ 6000 per person. Based on reviews of most gorilla tour operators in Uganda, most tourists prefer the mid-range, not so budget, but affordable. Booking your safari during the low season should get those costs lowered! In Case you are not interested in Uganda, Click here for Rwanda Gorilla Trekking or Congo Gorilla safaris, otherwise, proceed with the rest of the article. You may wonder why a gorilla trekking safari is expensive and whether it is worth the money.
Here is the breakdown. A Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $ 700 and 75% of the money raised is to conserve the gorilla surviving population. The government pockets 15% while 10% is meant for the local communities around the parks. As you purchase the permit, note that the cost includes park entrance fees, gorilla watching for an hour, advance trackers and ranger fees. Other Trekking Costs To Consider Cost Of Food Food and Drinks about $50 per day. Most Tour Operators include meals and soft drinks. Transport Costs Air ticket from your country should cost $ 500 to $ 2400. Chartered flights from airport to close to gorilla trekking points, $ 600. Hiring a car should cost you about $80 per day. Cost of Items For Packing insect repellents, sunscreen and more. Visa and Border Crossing East African tourist visa costs $100, which can take you on safaris in Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda. Cost of Porters $ 20 dollars, and $500 to hire a Sedan chair for porters to carry you.
Tips On Cutting Costs
- Do not travel alone.
- Stay in best budget lodges.
- Choose Uganda over Rwanda.
- Avoid public transport buses do not leave on time.
- Avoid chartered flights.
- Book Your gorilla tour during low season.
Where To Stay?
Choosing the best safari lodge or accommodation will depend on how much you can afford. Some lodges charge as high as, $2500 while the budget ones can pocket as low as $ 50 for a double room. Its all about the facilities, location, food, services and so much more.
Average Cost of Hotels & Lodges
- $50 to 100 for budget accommodation
- $150 to $200 for mid range
- Luxury from $300 to $2500 per night.
- book close to the tracking point, ask your tour operator.
Best 5 Gorilla Safari Lodges in Uganda
- Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, from $760
- Gorilla Height Lodge from $ 700
- Mahogany Springs from $ 240
- Gorilla Safari Lodge from $ 233
- Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge from $ 173
Luxury Gorilla Trekking Safari
The most luxurious gorilla tours are done in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. While a gorilla permit costs $ 1500 per person, a 9 day luxury Rwanda safari costs over $ 15,000 when you sleep in luxury lodges like Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge in Rwanda. In Uganda, Clouds Lodge, Mahogany Springs and Gorilla Forest Camp take the crown.
Budget Gorilla Tours in Africa
The cheapest gorilla permit costs $450 in Congo and $ 600 in Uganda. Budget accommodation in Bwindi National Park for Uganda gorilla tours costs from $100 per night. Choose between Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge and Buhoma Community Rest Camp. In Rwanda, hotel Muhabura is the most affordable.
Packing List For Gorilla Tours
- Waterproof hiking boots.
- Day pack.
- Insect repellents.
- Light weight rain jacket.
- Poncho
- Camera.
- Binoculars,
- Bottled water
- Boots: hiking boots,
- Gloves, old pair of gardening gloves
- Long pants or trousers
- Energy snacks.
Gorilla Tracking Rules
With these apes sharing 98% of our genes, its possible that gorillas can get corona virus. Gorillas can catch flu and other airborne diseases making Covid 19 a big threat to the survival of the gorillas.
- Observe a distance of 7 meters away from the gorillas.
- Age limit of 15 years or more stands.
- You are allowed only 1 hour to see the gorillas
- Wearing of masks is important
- Avoid sneezing.
- Sanitize and observe other SOP guidelines.
How About The Gorilla Habituation Experience?
Gorilla habituation is the training of wild gorillas to get used to humankind. Gorillas are trained by researchers and park rangers for a period of 3 years. Its during the training that that you can join the group of researchers and park rangers. Only 4 visitors are allowed. This makes it special. The cost of gorilla habituation is $1500 per person per day. The most exciting reality about this experience is that you actively engage in the gorilla habituation!