Planning a gorilla safari to Africa can be quite daunting. Today, gorilla tourism is one the best experiences that travelers visiting the countries of Uganda and Rwanda do not miss! Here are some tips on navigating the gorilla trekking safari planning process;
Get to decide on which country to trek
Mountain gorillas can be viewed in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. There are quite several factors that come into play when choosing a gorilla trekking destination. Among these include but are not limited to security and accessibility.
Of the three-mountain gorilla trekking destinations, Rwanda is the most accessible given the fact that its capital is closer to the Volcanoes National Park. In the contrary, Uganda is the cheapest destination partly because of its gorilla permit price. The Democratic Republic of Congo has the cheapest permit but the continuous civil wars have kept gorilla trekking in this country in the dark.
Regardless of the criteria you choose, you have to make a choice. That will influence several other factors in your gorilla trek.
Decide on the Trekking Location
If you intend to trek gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, the decision will be simple since they do not have several gorilla trekking sectors. In case you intend to trek gorillas in Uganda, you will have to decide on the gorilla trekking sector. Gorilla permits in Uganda are issued according to sector. But this is if you intend to trek gorillas in Bwindi National Park.
Trekking mountain gorillas in Mgahinga national park is different. There are no sectors where gorilla trekking is done. Booking a gorilla trek in Mgahinga is similar to booking a gorilla trek in Rwanda. Mountain gorillas in Mgahinga are also shared between Uganda and Rwanda.
Most of the people have their choice influenced by either the desire to see gorillas more clearly thus opting for the bamboo forested areas. Those who desire a truly wilderness experience often choose Bwindi impenetrable national park in Uganda.
Buying your gorilla permit
Once you have chosen your destination, then you will start planning things such as flights and gorilla permits.
Whether you are considering Rwanda or Uganda, you will have to rely on a tour operator to organize your gorilla permits. The price varies according to the country you choose. If you intend to trek gorillas in Uganda, a gorilla permit will go for US$800 per foreign non-resident. If you intend to go on a Rwanda gorilla safari, you will have to part with US$1500 for a permit.
Unlike Rwanda, in Uganda, the gorilla permit will determine the location of your accommodation. The park is divided into four sectors. Each of these sectors has varying terrains. In case you need a simple trek, it’s better to book the permits for either Ruhija or Buhoma.
In case you need a more demanding trek, you can go for Rushaga region or Nkuringo. With the altitude problem, then you should avoid the southern sector of Bwindi Forest since it has got the highest altitudinal point. For more information, get to contact your tour operator before you make any decisions.
Accommodation and Transport
The accommodation will also play a role in choosing the transport options. There are lodges that are situated next to the gorilla trekking briefing point. These are lodges where you can simply walk to the briefing point.
In the case of Rwanda, you can spend a night in Kigali and still trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. You can also get a special hire from the capital to the park. However, in the case of Uganda, the transfer is quite long. It is always recommended to spend the night at a lodge not far away from your gorilla trekking sector.
Get to know about Gorilla Rules and Regulations
These are endangered species. Currently, there are estimated to be around 1050 mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo combined. Mountain gorillas are not zoo animals. They are wild animals and ought to be treated as such.
Tourists are recommended never to get familiar with the animals. All visitors ought to maintain the recommended distance as per the instructions of the ranger. You should never touch any gorilla. Feeding mountain gorillas is also prohibited.
What to Pack for your Gorilla Trek
Mountain gorillas in Bwindi live in thick forests and in an area that is dominated by steep hills and because of this breadth and terrain in the forest, you need to prepare what to wear. You will need hiking boots, long-sleeved trousers and shirts, gloves, long stocks, insect repellent, a camera, a hut, sunglasses, plus energy-giving foods.
Best time to Visit the Mountain Gorillas
When planning a gorilla tour, you must know the best time to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda. These primates can be trekked throughout the whole year, in drier months of June, July, August and September. Throughout these months, there is little rain and chances are that the trek will be easy since the trails will be so slippery as well. The months of April, May and November are the wettest months and the clients avoid them.
The Walking Sticks and Porters
These are best companies you can have on your gorilla trek. You will need a walking stick that will help you trek those steep hills. In case you have a less fit client, we advise that you take a porter with you who will give you a push or a pull when the going gets tough. These can carry your pack and stay with you throughout the trek. Porters can be very helpful, which is why we have included them.
Combining other Excursions with Gorilla Trekking
Both Uganda and Rwanda have got a lot to offer apart from the gorillas, you might choose to visit the source of the Nile, visit the different national parks with lots of wildlife, do chimpanzee trekking, visit Dian Fossey tomb, enjoy adventurous activities in Uganda including; white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, quad biking, cycling and many more. It’s advisable to combine a gorilla safari with any of the above activities to have the best experience in Uganda and Rwanda.
