Gorilla trekking is an adventurous wildlife experience where you tourists hike through tropical forests of East Africa to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Mountain gorilla trekking is one of the highlights done in Uganda and Rwanda and certainly mountain gorillas are the major reasons why these two destinations are visited. The DR. Congo hosts both mountain and eastern lowland gorillas. In Uganda, gorilla trekking is done in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Park. Rwanda is home to gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, while Congo offers gorilla trekking opportunities in Virunga National Park.
When to go for gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking can be done all year around. However the best time is during the dry seasons in the months of June, July, August, September and October. There is always less rain and the parks are dry making it easier to track gorillas. During the months of January and February the parks are less crowded and there is very little rain. For other months there is much rainfall thus making gorilla trekking a bit hard.
Where to stay during Gorilla trekking
When choosing accommodation on your gorilla safari, depends on your budget and preference. This is because some of these lodges vary in quality and price as some charge as high as $5000 and budget ones can pocket as low as $100. All these prices are determined by location, food, facilities and services.
If you’re organizing your own trip, you can book these lodges or hotels independently. However, many travelers prefer to book through tour operators who can arrange everything for them. Regardless of how you book, it is important to choose accommodation that is close to the park headquarters of the sector you’re visiting. Being nearby ensures that you won’t miss important briefings or the trek itself. If you stay too far away, you risk encountering delays that could impact your experience.
How much does gorilla trekking cost
For one to embark on gorilla trekking safari needs to have a gorilla permit. This is the essential document used as a park entrance license for travellers to visit mountain gorillas and it is sold at different prices in all the 3 countries. In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs $800, while in Congo, it’s priced at $450, and in Rwanda, it’s $1500. However, East African nationals can obtain a permit in Uganda for 300,000 shillings. During low seasons, discounted permits may be available in Virunga National Park in Congo for as little as $250, making it a more affordable option compared to other countries.
Rwanda also offers discounted permits for various categories, including foreign residents, African Union citizens, families, large groups, and individuals participating in other activities in the country. Similarly, Uganda provides discounted permits for foreigners who are residents of East Africa.
For those interested in the gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi, the permit costs $1500. This experience differs from standard gorilla trekking as it involves spending a full day in the presence of gorillas, with four hours allocated for interaction, compared to the usual one hour during standard trekking.
To secure a permit, you’ll need to book through a tour operator or government authorities in the respective countries. In Uganda, permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, while in Rwanda, the Rwanda Development Board handles permit issuance. In Congo, permits can be booked through the Virunga National Park website or via tour operators.
It’s advisable to book your permit at least two months in advance to ensure availability. During peak seasons, it’s recommended to make bookings five to six months ahead to avoid the hassle of scrambling for availability closer to your trip date.