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Everything You Need To Know About Gorilla Trekking In Africa

Everything You Need To Know About Gorilla Trekking In Africa : Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking are some of the most incredible and exclusive experiences in world partly because, mountain gorillas are endangered species and you can only find them in some protected national parks in East Africa.

For years, we have welcomed almost over 200,000 delighted guests from around the world to the beautiful African continent to Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo which are the best places to see mountain gorillas.

Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo are the only places in the world where you can see mountain gorillas, half of the mountain gorillas left in the world are found in the Virunga Mountains/massifs – a range of volcanoes stretching along the borders of these three countries. These mountains and their inhabitants are protected by national parks that is Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo.

The other population of mountain gorillas is found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

The best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry months, from June to September or between January and February. These months provide easier trekking conditions as the terrain can get quite slippery during the rainy seasons.

Where Can You Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa?

Everything You Need To Know About Gorilla Trekking In Africa – Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda – Land of a Thousand Hills

Rwanda is often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” or the “Switzerland of Africa” due to its volcanic peaks and thickly forested slopes. Rwanda is one of the most popular destinations for gorilla trekking, this beautiful country is also a birder’s paradise with over 700 bird species.

In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is done in Volcanoes National Park.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places in the world to do gorilla trekking as well as Rwanda, the park is the most accessible gorilla destination located about two-hour drive from Kigali International Airport found in Kigali City-the capital of Rwanda.

Volcanoes National Park shelters the Rwandan section of the Virunga Mountains and is where Dian Fosset started her studies on mountain gorillas, the park is also the setting for the book and film “Gorillas in the Mist”. There are over 400 endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, other wildlife to look forward to seeing here include golden monkeys, approximately 200 bird species and other animals such as elusive elephants and buffalo herds.

Everything You Need To Know About Gorilla Trekking In Africa – Gorilla Trekking in Uganda – The Pearl of Africa

Uganda dubbed as the pearl of Africa is home to the largest population of mountain gorillas with two gorilla destinations that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Uganda is home to 13 types of primates which are found nowhere else in the world, 330 mammal and over 1,000 bird species making it a dream for any wildlife enthusiast.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Located in the Southwestern corner of Uganda along the border of DR. Congo, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most popular tourist destination in the country. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due its bio-diversity.

Besides to being home o over 400 mountain gorillas, Bwindi is also home to 120 mammal species including duikers, L’Hoest monkeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, bushbucks plus butterfly and 350 bird species. If you are lucky while in the forest, you will catch a glimpse of forest elephants.

Everything You Need To Know About Gorilla Trekking In Africa
Baby Gorilla in Bwindi

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest national park in Uganda and is part of the Virunga Conservation Area between Rwanda and DR. Congo, it is bordered by the Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park.

The forests of Mgahinga are home 1 habituated mountain gorilla family by the names of Nyakagezi, other animals to look forward to seeing include the golden monkey, blue monkey, golden cat, leopard and various bird species.

Everything You Need To Know About Gorilla Trekking In Africa – Gorilla Trekking in Congo – Africa’s Rainforest

The country’s name is derived from the deepest and second-largest river in the world – the Congo River, what makes this country great for trekking is that it is not yet popular as the other primate trekking destination allowing for more exclusivity and availability.

Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Odzala – Kokoua National Park

The Odzala-Kokoua National Park located in northwestern Republic of Congo in the heart of the second largest rainforest after Amazon, in these forests you will see the western lowland gorillas, forest elephants and over 444 bird species.

The difference between lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas are that mountain gorillas are larger with longer hair and shorter arms. Lowland gorillas are also more likely to be spotted in trees and live in the flatter, heavily forested landscapes compared to mountain gorillas that can only survive in high altitudes.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is the oldest national park and a UNESCO Heritage Site, the park is home to the mountain gorillas and is one of the world’s most biodiverse areas.

It is possible to combine your gorilla trekking in the Republic of Congo experience with a wildlife safari through the surrounding savannah plains to see animals like lions, buffaloes, hippos and elephants.

Important Gorilla Trekking Tips

Whether you are going gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda or the Republic of Congo, rules and regulation are similar.

First and foremost, anyone who wants to go gorilla trekking will require a permit, this is to protect the animals as the number of the permits issued are limited, a group size is restricted and each group is only allowed to spend one hour with a gorilla family per day.

A gorilla permit in Uganda costs approximately USD 800 and in Rwanda it costs around 1,500 USD, all the proceedings from these permits go directly toward protecting these endangered species in the respective countries.

Travel Tip: you have to be 15 years or older to take part in gorilla trekking as it is a physically demanding activity due to the high humidity especially at higher altitudes. Because of the countries’ proximity to the equator, the weather will be warm and tropical during the day.

However, the temperature will drop quite significantly when the sun sets in the mountainous regions of Rwanda and Uganda. Therefore, it is important to pack the correct clothing and gear.

What to Pack for a Gorilla Trekking Trip?

On gorilla trekking, you will be trekking through thick rainforests. To avoid scratches and insect bites, we recommend wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers. Often, the trek involves steep climb to get to the gorillas. So, opt for light, breathable clothing.

  • Long-sleeved shirt
  • Warm jersey
  • Long trousers, preferably waterproof
  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • Rain jacket
  • Hat
  • Multiple pairs of socks
  • Gardening gloves
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera (but please note that flashlight photography is strictly prohibited)

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost?

The cost of gorilla trekking depends on where you go, a gorilla permit will cost from 800 – 1,500 USD per person. These funds contribute directly to protecting these primates as well as their habitat.

The overall cost of your gorilla trekking holiday depends on various factors including accommodation, transportation and other personal amenities.

Most travelers ask if gorilla trekking is worth, absolutely, yes. Gorilla trekking is worth and it should be on top of our bucket list. Gorilla trekking is a rand experience that few have the privilege of experience.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Africa

Chimpanzee trekking is another primate safari worth doing on the African continent, here are some of the best places to go chimpanzee trekking in Africa.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Tanzania

In Tanzania, there are two protected national parks where you can see chimpanzees namely Mahale Mountain National Park and Gombe National Park.

Mahale Mountain National Park is not only famous for hosting the highest chimpanzee population but also the place where you will see chimpanzees and lions cohabitating. Meeting chimpanzees in Mahale Mountain National Park

  Gombe National Park is best known for primatologist Jane Goodall who conducted her studies on the endangered chimpanzees and their behavior. The park is haven for chimpanzees with its thick forests, there are also many other species to observe such as vervet and colobus monkeys.

Everything You Need To Know About Gorilla Trekking In Africa
Close up look of a chimpanzee

Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda  

Nyungwe Forest National Park is an incredible destination protecting a rich biodiversity and protects one of the East Africa’s largest belts of montane rainforests, the park is located on a ridge between the Nile and the Congo Rivers.  

In addition to chimpanzees, Nyungwe Forest National Park is home other primate species including Ruwenzori colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys, more than 1,050 plant species including 200 different species of orchid, 85 mammal species, 310 bird species and more.

Another highlight in Nyungwe Forest National Park is the 200-metre long and 40-metre-high suspended canopy walkway offering a unique view of the forest

Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Kibale Forest National Park is the best chimpanzee trekking destination in the world hosting the largest population of chimpanzees in the whole of Africa, the park is home to a total of 13 primate species including olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, potto among others.

Other amazing places for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda include Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park among others.

Combine Your Trip with Other Bucket-List Experiences

It is easy to combine your gorilla and chimpanzee trekking experience on your visit to African destination, if you are coming all the way, you might as well experience everything Africa has to offer.

You can experience the best of both Rwanda and Congo on a primate adventure, gorilla tour or chimpanzee tour. Also, you can combine your gorilla trekking with a beach getaway in Zanzibar.  

Everything You Need To Know About Gorilla Trekking In Africa

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