If you are in Botswana and eager to embark on a journey to see mountain gorillas, this article from Adventure in the wild Safaris outlines the top destinations for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in the wilds of Africa. Gorilla Trekking in Africa is an unforgettable experience that draws many travelers during their journey across the continent. Even with the significant expenses, time, and discomfort involved in planning and embarking on the hike through the forest to observe these endangered apes and watch gorillas in their natural habitat in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, it remains one of the most exhilarating wildlife experiences that every traveler should embrace on their safari.
Gorilla Trekking takes you on an exhilarating journey through the forest, where you will navigate challenging terrain, dense vegetation, and cross rivers and swamps in pursuit of gorillas. This activity demands a good level of fitness to fully embrace the experience. Gorilla trekking offers a thrilling chance to meet and observe these magnificent creatures in their wild surroundings for one hour in Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo. For those eager to immerse themselves in the wild, a visit to Bwindi Forest offers an incredible opportunity to engage with gorillas in their natural habitat. The Gorilla Habituation experience allows for a thrilling 4-hour encounter with these magnificent creatures.
Top Destinations for Encountering Wild Gorillas in Africa?
Gorilla trekking in Africa takes place in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo, where you can explore the four national parks that shelter the last remaining mountain gorillas. These encompass Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in Congo. In Congo, you have the chance to encounter the Lowland gorillas that inhabit Kahuzi Beiga National Park. To embark on a trek in any of the mentioned national parks, a gorilla permit is essential for your gorilla trekking experience. Once you have your gorilla trekking dates planned, we highly recommend booking your trip right away. Services and permits tend to sell out rapidly, especially during the peak season from June to September. It is always wise to secure your booking at least 5 months before your travel date. Gorilla trekking tours from Botswana at the mentioned parks offer an exciting opportunity to explore the wild. You can book these adventures directly or through a trusted Tour Operator.
RWANDA NATIONAL PARKS
Pricing and Acquiring Gorilla Permits in Uganda
The Gorilla permit in Uganda is priced at $700 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, $600 per person for residents, and $70 for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan). This allows you to immerse yourself in a one-hour encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda boasts 17 habituated gorilla family groups, with 16 located in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga. This allows for 136 gorilla permits to be available each day for those eager to embark on a trekking experience in Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Uganda offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of mountain gorillas through the Gorilla habituation experience, available exclusively in Bwindi forest. A habituation permit, priced at $1500 per person, allows you to engage for 4 hours with semi-habituated mountain gorillas, guided by expert trackers and researchers, compared to the standard one-hour trek. Securing gorilla permits in Uganda is an exciting endeavor that can be accomplished by booking directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a reliable tour operator in the region, such as Adventure in the wild Safaris.
Pricing and Acquiring Gorilla Permits in Rwanda
The Gorilla permit in Rwanda is priced at $1500 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, $500 per person for foreign residents, and $200 for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan). This allows you to enjoy an unforgettable one-hour encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda is home to 12 Gorilla families, offering 96 Gorilla permits each day for an exhilarating experience in Volcanoes National Park. Securing gorilla permits in Rwanda is an exciting endeavor that can be accomplished by booking directly with the Rwanda Development Board or through a reliable tour operator in the region, such as Adventure in the wild Safaris.
Pricing and Acquiring Gorilla Permits in DR Congo
Tracking gorillas in Congo takes place in the breathtaking Virunga National Park for Mountain Gorillas and the stunning Kahuzi Beiga National Park for Lowland Gorillas. A gorilla permit in Virunga National Park is priced at $400 per person for each trek during the high season, which spans from mid-December to mid-March and from June to October. In contrast, the cost drops to $200 per person during the low season, covering mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December each year. A gorilla permit in Kahuzi Beiga National Park is priced at $400 for foreign non-residents, $200 for East Africa residents, and $20 for national residents. Securing gorilla permits in Congo is an exciting endeavor that can be accomplished by booking directly with Virunga National Park or through a reliable tour operator such as Adventure in the wild Safaris.
P.S. When securing your gorilla permit, keep in mind that the permit price does not cover accommodation, air tickets, ground transport, meals, and other expenses. Be sure to gather more details about the package you are booking with your tour operator.
Uganda stands out as a premier destination for those eager to encounter gorillas in Africa. When it comes to gorilla trekking tours, Uganda offers a safer experience for travelers compared to Congo, and it is also more budget-friendly than Rwanda.
What is the age requirement for Gorilla Trekking?
The age requirement for Gorilla Trekking starts at 15 years and goes up to 85 years, contingent on individual fitness levels. Gorilla trekking for elders is now made possible, especially in Bwindi forest, through the provision of sedan chair carriers. These chairs are designed for those who feel unfit and are unable to walk into the forest during their trek. You will be carried by potters to and from the forest, ensuring a comfortable experience. Hiring the sedan chair can be arranged in advance or on the day of the trek, with prices ranging from 400 to 500 dollars.
Gorilla Permit cancellation penalties and policies in Africa
To embark on gorilla tracking, securing a gorilla permit is essential. It is advisable that anyone who books a gorilla permit should be prepared to use it for the trek on the specified date. In Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, the penalties and policies regarding gorilla permit cancellations are consistent. If you miss your trek date, whether it is 0 to 8 days prior or on the day of tracking, you will not receive a refund for the permits. Over the past six months, the cancellation policies for gorilla permits have undergone significant changes due to the outbreak of the Corona Virus. This situation has prompted both countries to ease their cancellation policies. In Uganda, all gorilla treks impacted by the pandemic now have the chance to reschedule their trekking dates twice.
When is the ideal time for trekking tours to see African gorillas?
Gorilla trekking in Africa is an exhilarating experience available year-round, with the ideal months being January, February, and from June to early September. During these drier periods, navigating to the park becomes more manageable, and the visibility of the gorillas improves as the vegetation is less dense.
What should you bring for thrilling gorilla trekking tours from Botswana?
When embarking on a gorilla tracking journey, it is essential to have a sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes or boots. The forest transforms into a wild, muddy landscape when the rain falls. There are challenging uphill sections that can be quite steep and demanding. Wearing a long sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers is a smart choice to shield yourself from the undergrowth, stinging nettles, and biting ants. Essential Gear for Your Gorilla Trekking Expedition:
• Bug Spray
• Lantern/Illuminator – and Extra Power Cells
• Adventure Wipes
• Adventure Water Bottle
• Camera, lenses, and more
• Cozy footwear for exploring and trekking
• Gardening gloves for exploring the wild
• Footwear for exploration
• Headgear and Sun Protection
• Adventure Jacket
• Cozy knit or soft fleece
• Swimwear
• Binoculars (exploring the great outdoors)
