Embark on an extraordinary journey as we unveil the most coveted destinations for gorilla trekking safaris in Africa: Uganda and Rwanda. These two nations stand as the ultimate havens for intrepid travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of mountain gorillas within their natural rainforest habitat. The indescribable experience of making eye contact with these majestic creatures in their pristine surroundings becomes an indelible memory, a once-in-a-lifetime encounter that lingers in the hearts of all fortunate enough to witness it. Nestled within the captivating landscapes of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, this extraordinary adventure awaits.
Within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park resides a sanctuary that safeguards nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Embarking on Uganda gorilla tours unveils an enthralling and economical experience. The gorilla trekking permit for Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is priced at USD800 per person per trek, in stark contrast to Rwanda’s USD1500.
Embarking on your journey from Kampala or Entebbe, Uganda, the road trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park occupies the entire day, punctuated by stops for stretching and a leisurely lunch. An exhilarating pause at the Equator offers the opportunity for photographs that capture the equatorial essence. As you continue your voyage, four distinct gorilla trekking sectors await: Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Buhoma.
After a night’s rest, the morning sun beckons. An early breakfast signals the commencement of your adventure. As you rendezvous with your guide/driver, your backpack is laden with drinking water and a packed lunch. Convening at the park headquarters, you join fellow travelers for an informative briefing on the etiquettes and regulations governing gorilla trekking. Following this orientation, you are divided into groups of six and assigned a gorilla family/group to track. With rangers as companions, you delve into the forest, embarking on a quest to witness mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Mountain gorillas are nomadic, always navigating their habitat in search of sustenance. The duration of your gorilla trekking experience ranges from one hour to three quarters of a day, contingent on the gorillas’ whereabouts. Upon locating these magnificent creatures, you are granted an hour of intimate interaction, photography, and observation. As the encounter culminates, you retrace your steps to the starting point, where your driver guide awaits.
Words falter when trying to convey the profound connection formed during these up-close encounters with mountain gorillas. An indispensable spectacle for every safari enthusiast, this awe-inspiring experience remains etched in memory. Here, we present a selection of our cherished gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda, each promising an immersive adventure into the realm of these gentle giants.