Gorilla trekking Safaris : Gorilla trekking tours in Africa are the most outstanding safari activities carried by travellers from all over the world. Gorilla trekking refers to the process by which trekkers accompanied with Rangers and tour guides head out deep into the forests in groups through different tails in search for the habituated gentle giants, the ‘’Mountain Gorillas’’ in the jungle.
Every gorilla trekking team is composed of 8 members which is the maximum number of visitors to interact with a particular gorilla family. Upon reaching these gentle giants, you are allowed to spend only one hour with them giving you an opportunity to learn their behaviours.
Gorilla habituation is the process of preparing mountain Gorillas to live nearer to individuals as they go on with their everyday lives. Gorilla habituation process happens in Bwindi national park. The gorilla habituation experience is extremely amazing since one spend more time with the mountain gorillas, as compared with the one hour of Gorilla tracking.
Gorilla habituation experience takes place in Uganda in the misty forest of Bwindi National Park and it takes four hours where you are given a chance to observe the gorillas in the wildlife.
Gorilla Habituation in Uganda only takes place in Rushaga sector in the southern part of Bwindi National Park where only 4 People are allowed to per day to visit that gorilla group which is under the habituation process.
Where to do gorilla trekking safaris.
Gorilla trekking Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda mainly takes place in two national parks in the southern part of Uganda That is to Say Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park takes place in only four sectors including Rushaga gorilla trekking sector where only gorilla habituation takes place, Buhoma gorilla trekking sector the main trail head for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Ruhija gorilla trekking sector
Bwindi national park has over 23 Gorilla families which are split across the four sectors including Mubare gorilla family , Rushegura gorilla family , Habinyanja gorilla family , Katwe gorilla family , Nkuringo gorilla family , Bushaho gorilla family , Bitukura gorilla family , Mishaya gorilla family , Oruzogo gorilla family , Nshongi gorilla gamily , Kahungye gorilla family , Bweza gorilla family , Busingye gorilla family , Kyaguriro gorilla family , Bikyingi gorilla family , Christmas gorilla family , Mukiza gorilla family , Kutu gorilla family and Mucunguzi gorilla family
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This is the second destination famous for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Mgahinga is a home of one habituated gorilla family called Nyakagezi which is accessible for tracking.
Tracking of the mountain gorillas in Mgahinga national park begins promptly in the first part of the day with a preparation about the rules and regulations to keep at the park headquarters.
After the briefing you will begin trekking in the wilderness with an experienced park guide who is well familiar with gorilla traveling trails. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga takes about 30 minutes to 8 hours depending upon where the mountain gorillas are found.
During gorilla trekking you will actually want to see different primates like L’Hoest’s monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, view different birds, view different plant and tree species among others.
When the mountain gorillas are found you will be permitted to enjoy one hour with them right at home which offers you a chance to find out about their habits, ways of behaving, watch them do their day-to-day exercises like taking care of, breastfeeding, playing, preparing youthful ones, resting, take photographs and record the stunning moments.
After gorilla trekking in Bwindi national park and Mgahinga national park, one can also engage in activities such as the Batwa cultural Tours, Bird watching experiences, guided nature walks, Community tours, Mountain biking / cycling and many more stunning activities.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a stunning activity to do while in Rwanda which includes moving into the tropical rainforest looking for the habituated mountain gorilla families and when found spend one hour with them in their current environment.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is finished in Volcanoes national park which is situated in north western part of Rwanda in Musanze town. Volcanoes national park is a home of around 11 habituated mountain gorilla families which are accessible for trekking every day.
Gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes national park begins with briefing at Kinigi Park headquarters about the rules, regulations and expectations.
After the briefing you will be separated into gatherings of 8 individuals where each group will be allocated a gorilla family to trek and a guide who is well familiar with various gorilla trekking trails.
Trekking of the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes national park requires around 30 minutes to 6 hours relying upon where the gorillas are found since they like to move starting with one spot then onto the next looking for food.
During Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes, you will spot different primate species, mammals, birds among others and when the gorillas are found, you will be permitted to enjoy one hour with them in their natural surroundings which offers you a chance to more deeply study behaviours, way of life, , watch them feed, breastfeed, play, rest, take photographs and record recordings.
After gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park, one can also engage in activities such as Wildlife viewing, golden monkey trekking, Bird watching, volcanic hiking, and cultural experiences with the Iby’wacu cultural people.
On the other side, gorilla trekking safaris can as well be done in Virunga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo, which offers less trekking permits that is 400 USD per person per trek compared to Uganda and Rwanda.
What is the best time to go for gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is done all year around. However, since primates stay in the tropical rain forests, it is advisable to see them during the dry seasons. The Gorilla trekking destinations in Africa that is to say Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo are located near the equator. This indicates they have two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. The first dry season usually begins in December and lasts until early March. The second rainy season begins in June and lasts until early October.
Therefore, the best time for Gorilla trekking safaris is during the dry season. The dry season is preferred by tourists since the jungle is less thick and the last encounter with the monkeys is unaffected by rain. The woodland pathways are also less muddy, which means there is less possibility of tripping.
Rules and regulations for gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation
The two principles and guidelines for gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation are something very similar and travellers are encouraged to follow them consistently for their own security and protection of the incredible mountain gorillas. As recorded beneath;
Travelers should not be sick or have any disease
Keep 7 meters’ distance far from mountain gorillas
Try not to look at straight without flinching of gorillas
Minimum age for both activities is 15 years
Keep soft tones while in the forests trekking
Try not to litter trash in the park
Streak plate cameras are not permitted
Do not eat, drink or smoke near gorillas
Remain in close gatherings
Packing List for Gorilla trekking Safaris
There are a number of items to carry when going for your Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trekking safari and these include;
Long sleeved shirt
Trouser to keep you warm.
Waterproof rain jacket.
Hiking boots.
Camera.
Insect Repellents.
Extra batteries.
A pair of binoculars
Energy snacks.
Drinking water.
Backpack.
Gloves.
