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TAILOR-MADE GORILLA SAFARIS IN AFRICA
Africa Gorilla safaris; Uganda, Rwanda and Congo Gorilla Tours.
Africa Gorilla Safaris and Uganda Rwanda Gorilla trekking are adventure experiences carried out in the densely forested regions of Africa, the activity entails movements through rainforests, hiking through mountainous regions and maneuvering through bushes before one gets to reach the gentle giants.
The exciting adventure started way back in the early 1990s when a team of researchers carried out extensive research and brought to the knowledge of humans that gorillas can be visited in the wild without any harm. This activity was however possible after a series of familiarization activities also known as habituation processes.
Gorilla habituation processes are carried out on a daily basis to ensure that the gorillas are familiar with human beings and that they are of no threat to their lives. Regular familiarization activities in the long run enable the gorillas to coexist in the forest with human beings without charging. Dian Fossey, a celebrated researcher in the Virunga conservation area studied extensively the lives of gorillas and played an important role in their conservation as her legacy still lives on up to today. She pioneered the habituation processes of the first families trekked in the Virunga massif and later other conservationists followed suit. The gorilla trekking adventure allows travelers to enjoy the opportunity of staring at mountain gorillas in East Africa, learning and unlearning things about them.
Popular Africa Gorilla Safaris & Tours
Where does gorilla trekking take place?
Africa gorilla trekking safaris take place in a number of countries within the East African region, since it’s a renowned habitat for various species of gorillas. The region stands out for the exhilarating mountain gorillas that are inhabited in the Virunga conservation area which is shared amongst three countries. They include Uganda, Rwanda and D.R. Congo.
Rwanda
Uganda
Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rwanda
Rwanda is a landlocked East African country and is one of the renowned gorilla tourism destinations in the Great Lakes region. Rwanda has one gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park. This park is seated on an area of approximately 160 square kilometers in the Virunga massif.
It is home to 5 of the 8 dormant volcanoes; Mount Bisoke, Nyamuragira, Karisimbi, Nyiragongo and Mikeno. These extinct mountain ranges are covered with dense tropical rainforests made up of bamboo and other Afromontane vegetation types that are favorable for the lives of gorillas to flourish.
This exciting National Park has 14 fully habituated families that are open for gorilla trekking therefore tourists can visit and have an extraordinary time watching them.
Uganda
Also known as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda was the pioneer of mountain gorilla tourism activities in the East African region. Gorilla trekking activities in Uganda started in the early 1990s when the first ever gorilla family was habituated and opened for tourism, this family was Mubare in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Uganda has two gorilla national parks; Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks. These have fully habituated families that are open for gorilla tourism with Bwindi having 24 and Mgahinga only one. Bwindi Impenetrable is such an interesting gorilla tracking destination with four gorilla sectors, each providing sensational gorilla trekking experiences of its own.
The gorilla sectors are Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo and Rushaga. Bwindi is located in the southwestern part of Uganda covering districts of Kanungu, Rubanda and Kisoro while Mgahinga lies entirely in Kisoro district.
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Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is also an exciting gorilla trekking destination on the African continent that cannot be missed. This beautiful country hosts 2 species of gorillas; the mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park and the eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park. Gorilla tourism activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo are popular because they are the cheapest among all gorilla destinations and therefore a favorable destination for budget travelers.
Facts about gorilla trekking.
The gorilla trekking adventure is such an exhilarating wildlife adventure and has a variety of interesting facts about it. These include;
- No flash photography. Flash photography is prohibited in the jungle as the esteemed guests embark on the gorilla trekking activity. The sparks of the light from the cameras are such an annoyance and interruption to the gentle giants as they live their peaceful lives. There is a high chance that the gentle giants will charge towards the individual holding the flashlights and could cause harm. So photographers better opt for natural light for their images.
- Gorilla trekking is only done by a limited number of people. This exciting activity is only limited to eight people who can visit every family in a day. This limitation was put in place to ensure that both the habitat of the gorillas and the giants themselves are not antagonized and overexploited by humans.
- Gorilla trekking has its dress code. Visitors embarking on the gorilla trekking adventure are advised to dress in an appropriate way that would not inconvenience them whilst on their exciting expeditions. Apparel such as long-sleeved shirts, trousers, hiking boots and jackets are advised since they boost the comfort of the traveler through the thick tropical rainforests.
- One requires a permit for gorilla tracking. The gorilla trekking permits are obtained through registered tour operators. These permits are presented to the authorities on the day of trekking just before one is allowed to enter the jungle for an exciting activity.
- Gorilla trekking is a wholesome adventurous experience. The gorilla trekking adventure takes the visitors through the enchanting primeval forests, hiking through mountains as one observes the conical canopies of trees and a series of other biodiversity which makes it a more rewarding experience.
- People under 15 years old are not allowed to trek the gorillas. This age requirement was put in not only to protect the youngers from the troubles in the jungle but also to protect the gentle giants from the communicable diseases that are usually carried along by the juveniles. Communicable diseases such as flu, when transmitted to gorillas, would risk death and even extinction.
- It is not advisable to smoke, eat or drink near the gorillas. These activities may trigger charges from the gorillas for the bad fumes or even want to share and take the edibles for themselves.
- The gorilla trekking activity starts after a briefing. It is in this briefing that the Rangers provide the guidelines the trekkers are to follow while on the trek.
- Gorilla trekking starts at 8:00am. Visitors embark on their journey to the jungle to look for the gentle giants straight after the briefing. The activity may go on up to the afternoon depending on the location of the gorilla families.
- Gorilla trekkers are allowed a maximum of 60 minutes to enjoy the views of gorillas. When a gorilla family is encountered, visitors are allowed to spend an hour observing the gorillas as the tourist guides provide information about the families, especially their history, composition, lead silverback and other interesting facts.
- Gorilla trekking tips and guidelines.For one to enjoy the gorilla trekking activity to the fullest, they should endeavor to follow a set of guidelines and tips to aid them in having the best experiences in the jungle as they watch the gentle giants. The tips and guidelines incorporate.
- Travel to the Gorilla National Park the day before the trek. Visitors embarking on the gorilla tracking safaris are highly advised to make sure that they travel to the gorilla national parks a day earlier than the trekking date. This allows them to keep time for the trek and therefore have plenty of time to enjoy the trek as they look for the gentle giants in the jungle. It is important to remember that gorilla tourism activities start at the break of dawn with briefing and later guests are accompanied to the forest at 8:00 AM. Therefore, visitors are expected to have slept overnight in the accommodation facilities around the trekking destinations for uninterrupted experiences.
- Visitors should also carry a Back-Pack bag, in which they can put their essentials especially snacks to feed on, drinking water, first aid kits and personal medicine, cameras, laptops, extra clothes and other valuables one cannot do without.
- Listen to the guide.The tourist guides in these gorilla trekking destinations have carried out gorilla trekking activities for quite a long time and have gathered unimaginable experiences to take visitors through the thick rainforests and get them to watch the gentle giants. They are indeed worth the ears for a traveler who is looking forward to having the best moments and satisfying experiences in the jungle.
- Ensure a sound health status. Travelers embarking on the gorilla trekking activity should always make sure that they are in good health conditions just before they embark on the trekking activity. One has to ensure that they do not have colds and are in fit body conditions to embark on the trek since it involves tiring activities that require a certain level of energy.
- Travelers should also check whether they have the necessary documents before they go on the trek. Documents, especially the trekking permits are handed to the authorities on the day of trekking for verification just before one is allowed in the jungle to meet the gentle giants. It is a prerequisite that one cannot be allowed to go trekking without and therefore should be always checked out to avoid inconveniences.
- Be open to learning and unlearning things about the gorillas. Several stories are told about the gorillas amongst our peers which could be true or false. The gorilla trekking activity unveils the truth about the gorillas as told by professional tourist guides and witnessed by the trekker.
When to go gorilla trekking?
Booking gorilla permits.
Prices for gorilla trekking permits
Gorilla trekking packing list
When to go gorilla trekking?
The dry seasons are mostly singled out as the best times in which one can indulge in the exhilarating gorilla trekking activities. The dry seasons in East Africa are categorized into two that is to say the long and short dry seasons. The long dry seasons usually run from early June to late September and the short dry seasons run from December to late February. The dry seasons are the best for gorilla trekking because they are characterized by low rainfall, steady grounds that are good for maneuvering through the thick rainforests and limited weather interruptions.
It is however important to remember that the gorilla trekking expeditions can be carried out all year round regardless of the season and each season provides enjoyable experiences in one way or the other.
Booking gorilla permits.
Booking gorilla permits is strictly done through registered tour operators. It is crucial to note that a registered Ugandan tour operator can do gorilla trekking business across all countries in East Africa and the reverse is true.
The aspiring gorilla trekker makes payments to the tour operator who is then tasked with the responsibility of checking for the availability of the free dates that are favorable for the traveler. The free dates are then communicated to the traveler and their favorable date is picked. The tour operator then goes ahead to book that exact date as the day of gorilla trekking. A permit is processed showing the details of the trek and the traveler.
Prices for gorilla trekking permits
The gorilla trekking permit prices are different depending on every country. The prices of the permits in every country are;
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda go for a non-negotiable fee of $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents and Uganda shillings 300,000 for East African citizens.
Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda go for a non-negotiable fee of $1500 per person per trek.
Gorilla trekking permits in Democratic Republic of Congo on the other hand are purchased at $400 for foreign visitors.
Gorilla trekking packing list
Here are some essential items that you should consider packing while coming for gorilla trekking safaris;
Insect repellents / anti-malarials.
Uganda, Rwanda and Congo are located in sub-saharan region and prone to mosquitoes and other insects, so it’s important to bring insect repellents containing DEET or other effective ingredients. Contact your personal doctor for recommendations.
Clothing.
Lightweight, breathable clothes, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a lightweight rain jacket are recommended. You should also pack a warm jacket for early morning game drives when the temperature can be cooler.
For gorilla trekking, please pack a waterproof jacket, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, face mask, walking stick, strong jungle boots, garden gloves, etc.
Footwear.
Comfortable, sturdy shoes or hiking boots with good traction are essential for gorilla trekking safaris.
Sun protection.
Gorilla trekking happens close to the equator, so the sun can be intense. Be sure to pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high SPF.
Camera and binoculars.
A camera and binoculars are essential on a safari to capture the amazing wildlife sightings and landscapes.
Medications.
Be sure to bring any prescription medications you need, as well as over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines and pain relievers. You should also pack a first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic cream, and other basic medical supplies.
Travel documents.
Don’t forget to bring your passport, travel insurance, and any other necessary travel documents.
Cash.
It’s always a good idea to bring some cash with you for tipping and other expenses that may come up during your trip. You need to exchange into local currencies and have some small bills for shopping. Many high end restaurants and supermarkets across the region can accept card payments.
– Overall, the key is to pack light, but also make sure you have all the essentials for your comfort and safety during your safari!
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.
Chimpanzee trekking is equally an exciting adventure in Uganda that allows visitors to encounter the fascinating primates within their natural habitat. Chimpanzees can be found in several national parks but chimpanzee trekking is done in Kibale forest, Kyambura gorge, Kalinzu and Budongo forests.
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