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Embarking on a morning adventure to encounter the magnificent great apes in their natural habitat is an experience unlike any other. Gorilla trekking in Africa is widely regarded as the premier primate encounter. Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are the three African countries where you can embark on a gorilla trekking expedition. Trek Africa Expeditions offers year-round gorilla trekking trips to all three countries. Before booking your gorilla trekking adventure in Africa, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Gorilla Trekking in Africa: Where to Go
Africa is home to the world’s only mountain gorillas due to the favorable climate, vegetation, and hilly terrain that provide a suitable habitat for these rare primates. Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are the only countries where mountain gorillas can be found in Africa. Each of these countries offers a unique gorilla trekking experience.
In Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the two destinations where gorilla trekking takes place. Bwindi has more gorilla families and offers a more challenging trek while Mgahinga has fewer gorilla families and easier treks.
In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is the only destination for gorilla trekking. The park is easily accessible and offers a shorter trek compared to Uganda.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Virunga National Park is the only place to trek mountain gorillas. The park has fewer tourists compared to Uganda and Rwanda, offering a more exclusive and adventurous experience.
Trek Africa Expeditions offers gorilla trekking trips to all three countries with guaranteed permits. Contact us to plan your gorilla trekking adventure in Africa.
Discovering Uganda’s Mountain Gorillas
Uganda, located in East Africa, is home to the world’s largest population of mountain gorillas. These majestic creatures can be found in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park boasts over 450 mountain gorillas, with 19 habituated families available for gorilla trekking safaris. Trek Africa Expeditions offers guided tours to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where visitors can witness these incredible creatures up close.
Mgahinga National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, shares its borders with Virunga National Park and Volcanoes National Park. Though it only has one habituated mountain gorilla family, Mgahinga National Park sometimes welcomes visiting gorilla families from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Trek Africa Expeditions also organizes affordable gorilla safaris to Mgahinga National Park, providing visitors with the chance to explore the stunning landscape of Uganda and its amazing wildlife.
Where to See Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda
Rwanda, famously known as “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is one of the three African countries where you can find mountain gorillas. The best place to visit these amazing creatures in Rwanda is the Volcanoes National Park. This park is home to 20 gorilla families, with ten reserved for gorilla trekking and the other ten for research. Volcanoes National Park is the most preferred gorilla trekking destination in Africa because it’s only a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali International Airport to Kinigi, the starting point for gorilla trekking. This proximity makes it easy to organize day trips or 2-day trips to the park from Kigali, something that may not be feasible in Uganda or the Democratic Republic of Congo. Contact Trek Africa Expeditions to arrange for your Rwanda gorilla trekking safari today!
Where to Go for Gorilla Trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), located next to Uganda and Rwanda, is another destination for gorilla trekking in African countries. Virunga National Park is home to a significant population of mountain gorillas in the country. While DRC is known for its exceptional gorilla trekking experience, it has also been affected by political instability, which has caused security concerns and tourist attacks. However, Trek Africa Expeditions offers gorilla trekking tours to DRC on request and conducts thorough research to ensure safety and security before the trip. Contact us to discuss your dream gorilla trekking trip to the DRC.
What is the cost of gorilla trekking in African Countries?
The cost of gorilla trekking in African countries varies depending on the location. In Rwanda, the price for a gorilla permit is $1500, while Uganda charges USD800 and DR Congo charges $400. These prices are subject to change, and they are determined by the governing bodies responsible for each country’s national parks, such as Virunga, RDB, and UWA for DR Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda, respectively.
Regardless of the price difference, each gorilla permit issued by these countries includes one hour with the mountain gorillas, park entry fees, the services of a ranger guide, a certificate, and security while in the forest. However, meals, accommodation, and transportation to and from the parks are not included in the permit price and must be arranged separately.
What are the reasons behind the high cost of gorilla trekking in Africa?
Gorilla trekking is an expensive activity in Africa with prices ranging from USD800 to $1500 per person per trek, depending on the country. This is due to the fact that mountain gorillas are an endangered species and are highly valued for conservation purposes. The three African countries where gorilla trekking is carried out, Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo, have implemented better conservation policies to protect these primates. The limited number of permits issued per day, with only 8 people allowed to visit a gorilla family, is another factor contributing to the high cost. This is to minimize human impact on the gorillas, which can have negative effects. Overall, the high cost of gorilla trekking is necessary to ensure the protection and preservation of these rare animals.
Tips for Planning an African Gorilla Trek in Uganda, Rwanda, or DR Congo
Are you considering a trip to Africa to witness mountain gorillas in their natural habitat? It’s crucial to select from Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which are the only three countries in Africa where gorilla trekking is possible. Once you’ve decided on a country, consider the cost of a gorilla permit, the distance between the airport and the park, security, accommodation, and transportation expenses. After researching these factors, book your gorilla permit well in advance to avoid any scarcity. Additionally, choose a lodge that suits your budget and preferences. For assistance in this regard, Trek Africa Expeditions can help you out. You can also take a look at the Gorilla trekking safari packages listed on our website.
Age Requirements for Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Africa
The minimum age requirement for visiting gorillas in all African countries where gorilla trekking occurs is 15 years. If you plan on trekking gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, or DR Congo, it’s essential to verify that your child has reached the age of 15. However, if your child is nearly 15 years old and physically capable, there is a 95% chance that they will be permitted to trek mountain gorillas. Contact Trek Africa Expeditions for further information on this matter.
How to Plan Your Dream Gorilla Trekking Safari in Africa
If you’re planning a gorilla trekking safari to Uganda, Rwanda, or DR Congo, it’s essential to have all the necessary information before booking your trip. We have compiled extensive literature on booking gorilla permits, checking permit availability, the best time to trek mountain gorillas, and selecting a country to visit. However, if you have any questions, feel free to contact Trek Africa Expeditions, and we’ll provide you with relevant information to help you make informed decisions. Additionally, you can visit our TripAdvisor page or Safari Bookings to leave a review or read about our services from other travelers.
