African safaris offer many adventures, but one that stands out on many travelers’ bucket lists is gorilla trekking. People from all walks of life journey to Africa to encounter the great apes in their natural habitats in the jungles of Uganda and Rwanda, making this an unforgettable experience.
Where to Go Gorilla Trekking?
For those who have experienced gorilla trekking, it’s widely regarded as one of the most unique wildlife safari opportunities in the world. It is no surprise that this adventure is among the most sought-after experiences for tourists visiting Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Just imagine the thrill of sitting in a dense, untamed forest surrounded by magnificent mountain gorillas! This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is sure to leave you with cherished memories. Gorilla trekking has become a bucket list adventure for several reasons:
Tracking the Gorillas
Mountain gorillas can only be tracked in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, making this an incredibly unique experience worth adding to your bucket list. The two most popular destinations for experiencing these remarkable primates are Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Additionally, you can find mountain gorillas in Mgahinga National Park in southwestern Uganda and Virunga National Park in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
What’s Involved in a Gorilla Trek?
Gorilla trekking is an active wildlife experience that involves hiking through dense tropical rainforests in search of habituated gorilla families. This differs significantly from typical safari experiences, where visitors usually observe animals from the comfort of a vehicle.
Where do Gorillas Live?
Mountain gorillas thrive in the wild and are never found in zoos. The treks to locate these incredible creatures will take you through altitudes ranging from 2,200 to 4,300 meters, where they are commonly found. The hike can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours or more, depending on your walking speed, the terrain, the gorillas’ location, and other factors you should consider.
Authentic Gorilla Trek Experience
To ensure an authentic experience, gorilla trekking is carefully regulated and adheres to ecotourism principles. Only eight visitors are allowed per gorilla family, and strict rules apply. Once you reach a gorilla family, you will have one hour to observe and photograph these incredible primates. The trekking experience is conducted only with habituated families, allowing for close encounters, while maintaining a safe distance of at least 7 meters from these endangered animals.
The chance to encounter these elusive, intelligent, and majestic creatures is not to be missed. To participate in this exhilarating adventure, you will need to pay $600 for a foreign non-resident permit, $500 for foreign residents, and 250,000 Ugandan shillings for East African residents. You can book your permit through a licensed tour operator or the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) if Uganda is your chosen destination. For Rwanda, you may contact the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Gorillas are a Critically Endangered Species
Mountain gorillas are critically endangered, sharing about 95% of their DNA with humans. With fewer than 1,004 individuals left in the wild, witnessing them is a truly magical experience. As a result, trekking to observe these spectacular apes has become a highlight in many tourists’ travel itineraries.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, mountain gorilla trekking is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary adventures. If you’re planning your next vacation in Africa, make sure to include it on your bucket list—you won’t regret it!
