Frequently Asked Questions About gorilla trekking Safari

Frequently Asked Gorilla Trekking Questions

Gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda is one of the top activities rising lots of debates, questions and answers from people all over the world. This is evident on forums like lonely planet, trip advisor, tripatini, and social networks like twitter, Facebook, what up and so much more. Amongst the most disturbing gorilla tracking questions are:

What Is Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking is an adventure in the wilderness where you are allowed to follow a fully habituated mountain gorilla family. Only an hours is allowed in the presence of the mountain gorillas so that they are left alone to go about there day today activities like feeding, grooming, conception and others.

Uganda so far has nineteen gorilla families open for tourism, Rwanda has so far twelve gorilla families and D.R.Congo currently has six gorilla families open for tourism.

Only one hour is allowed when you locate the mountain gorillas to allow them go about there day today activities.

What Is Gorilla Habituation?

Gorilla habituation is the process of getting a wild gorilla family used to the presence of humans without altering there nature. Gorilla habituation takes about 2 years or more depending on how they cope with the process. Uganda so far is the only country that allows tourists to participate in gorilla habituation safari.

The southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National park is for now the only home for gorilla habituation safaris. A group of maximum 4 tourists are allowed to follow a semi habituated gorilla family in company of researchers, trackers and ranger guides. The gorilla habituation safari time allowed is only 4 hours but expect them to show some wild behavior like going into hiding.

6 day gorilla trekking safari

3 day gorilla trekking

7 day gorilla trekking, chimpanzee and wildlife safari

8 day gorilla trekking, chimpanzee and wildlife tour

What is the cost of a gorilla trekking permit?

Gorilla tracking permit in Uganda costs $ 700 per person per trek but hoping to increase in future yet In Rwanda $1500 is the cost for a single gorilla permit. This money helps in promoting the conservation and welfare of gorillas and a potion is given back to the surrounding communities.

Before trekking, one need to book a permit at least 7 months to the trekking date because there permits are highly demanded and are on first come fist serve basis. Only 8 trekkers are allowed per gorilla trekking family each day.

What is the cost of a gorilla trekking permit?

Which family is best for gorilla trekking?

All gorilla tracking families are interesting to visit and grading which one is the best to track depends on what each person desires to achieve at the end of the trek. Some want to check there physical fitness and take some time search for the Gorillas while other wish to take as little time as they can in the forest. Uganda has 10 gorilla trekking families all situated in different parts of Bwindi National Park that to say Buhoma side (Rushegura gorilla family, Habinyanja Gorilla family and Mubare Gorilla family) Rushaga side (Oruzogo gorilla family and Bitukura gorilla family), Southern part side( Nkuringo gorilla family, Nshongi gorilla family, Mishaya Gorilla Family, Kahungye gorilla family and Busingye Gorilla family). Mgahinga National park has the Nyakagezi gorilla trekking family but this at times strays to Rwanda.. Each of these gorilla trekking families has varying characteristics while other may be shy another family is charming to watch but all depends on what you want to achieve on your gorilla trek.

In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is done in Volcanoes National park in families like Sabyinyo gorilla family, Amahoro Gorilla family, Susa gorilla family, Umubano gorilla family, Kwitonda Gorilla family, Group 13 gorilla family and Hirwa Gorilla family. Unlike the Ugandan gorilla trek, in Rwanda, families are situated at a slightly lowland compared to the Uganda side. At one point, researchers thought that these are two different species of Mountain gorillas but this has no concluded evidence.

A gorilla family that one may call best and easiest for gorilla trekking may move fur into the garters of the forest as they search for new feeding grounds, in case it loses a member, attacks from another family, wrangles with in that end into breaking up of the family to mention but a few . they may make the family relocate into the deeper ends of the park prompting you to spend about 5 to 7 hours in the forest.

Whether you trek gorilla in Uganda or Rwanda the experience depends on what your expectations are.

Which family is best for gorilla tracking?

Uganda has 10 gorilla trekking families all situated in different parts of Bwindi National Park that to say Buhoma side (Rushegura gorilla family, Habinyanja Gorilla family and Mubare Gorilla family) Rushaga side (Oruzogo gorilla family and Bitukura gorilla family).

Southern part side( Nkuringo gorilla family, Nshongi gorilla family, Mishaya Gorilla Family, Kahungye gorilla family and Busingye Gorilla family). Mgahinga National park has the Nyakagezi gorilla trekking family but this at times strays to Rwanda.. Each of these gorilla trekking families has varying characteristics while other may be shy another family is charming to watch but all depends on what you want to achieve on your gorilla trek.

Unlike the Ugandan gorilla trek, in Rwanda, families are situated at a slightly lowland compared to the Uganda side. At one point, researchers thought that these are two different species of Mountain gorillas but this has no concluded evidence.

They may make the family relocate into the deeper ends of the park prompting you to spend about 5 to 7 hours in the forest.

Whether you trek gorilla in Uganda or Rwanda the experience depends on what your expectations are.

Which is the best time to go Gorilla tracking?

Whether in Uganda or Rwanda, Gorilla trekking is an all year round activity but at times there are some extremely wet months. March, April, May and November are normally rainy months but because of the changing climatic conditions in the world, at times the trend changes. However this does not mean that gorilla trekking stays stagnant in these months. Several travellers still continue coming and booking trekking the gorillas in these months but you need to carry a rain proof and warm gears just in case it rains. You need to ask about the weather condition of the country at least a week prior to the beginning for your trip just to be a more confident about what to park.

What to carry on a gorilla trekking safari?

Mountain Gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and D.R.Congo live in the cold mountain zones of these countries that is to say Mountain Muhavura, Mountain Sabyinyo, Karinsimbi, Bisoke and Gahinga. They are cold places whose temperatures at times drop to 7 degrees centigrade. Warm clothes are some of the items that must be parked to keep you warm. A long sleeved shirt and long warm trousers during the trek are advisable because of the chilly conditions experienced in the jungle. A rain jacket, hut, insect repellents, sun glasses may also be helpful. As you leave your room to go to the briefing point, you have to remember your packed lunch and drinking water because the time you are to take in the forest depends on the proximity of the gorilla family. Time varies from 4 to 8 hours

Accommodations to use on a gorilla trip?

Our Safari packages are quoted according to the budget of a client and the best determinate of this package is the type of accommodation you prefer. There are Luxury or high-end packages, Moderate or Mid-range safari package and Budget Safari package.

Where to spend the nights during gorilla trekking depends on the side where the gorilla group is located. You need to know the location of the family you are booking so that you avoid chances of waking up at dawn to drive to the briefing point. In case you are tracking gorillas in Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo or Nyakagezi, you need to book accommodation close to these families.

Why book a porter on a gorilla trek?

Gorilla trekking although enjoyable and rewarding is a strenuous activity. It involves hiking some steeps and maneuvering the wet boggy ground while beating some branches and thickest along the way. Remember you are carrying some baggage on you so you may need some extra support from a potter to carry you or give you extra support when tired. Renting a potter is another way of supporting the community as majority of the children and adults earn school dues through pottering. In case of an injury, potters can carry you on a stretcher but you need to contact the Uganda ranger guide in the lead to help you identify which potter is reliable before starting your gorilla trek.

Can a handicapped trek gorillas?

Gorilla tracking discriminates no one whether hand capped or old all are catered for by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. They have sedan chairs that can be hired and a group of able boded men that assist you get to the gorillas. This however has to be advised in advance of travel to ensure that there is a availability on sight. Only those with a contagious disease like a cold, dysentery cholera, Ebola and others may not be allowed to go gorilla trekking because these apes are highly susceptible to human diseases.

What is the age limit for gorilla trekking?

Whether in Uganda or Rwanda, only tourists with 15 years and above are allowed to go gorilla trekking. These are considered adults who can sustain the hiking and search for Mountain Gorillas. First sight of a mountain gorilla is adrenaline simulating which may cause one to shout yet this may also cause suspicions to shy gorillas and it is one of the things that may stimulate them to rage or hide into the bush. To avoid such incidences, at least a 15 year old tourist can withstand facing the gorillas.

How Safe Is Gorilla Trekking Safari?

The safety of the gorilla trekking areas in Uganda and Rwanda is very ok. Rangers are place to monitor the security of Volcanoes National park or Bwindi Impenetrable national park. They use collaborative security measures with other organs with in the country to maintain law and order.

Personal safety is necessary too like no hanging around with precious items like jewelry that may attract the wrong people, never entering the forest without an escorting ranger guide, counting large sums of money in public is insecure READ MORE

How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking Tour?

The topography of the gorilla trekking area is volcanic so expect to hike highlands like plateaus, ridges to locate the mountain gorillas. They are mobile primates that have no limits on where to spend there day.

You may be require to hike in case you have to find the mountain gorillas on the slopes. Some level of fitness is necessary to enjoy and succeed in completing the gorilla trekking adventure.

Pack the right gorilla trekking gears too especially safari shoes, insect repellant, long clothes Check More About Gorilla Trekking Gears. This is to make it comfortable for you to do gorilla trekking.

How Fit Must I Be To Do Gorilla Trekking Safari?

Stretching your muscles a little more than normal to prepare for gorilla trekking where you need to climb at times is great preparation for this adventure. You do not need to be in the gym all the time but start with fewer strides beyond the normal.

In case you have some physical disability but wish to go for a gorilla trekking tour, sedan chairs are available but require prior booking.

Which Country Is Best For Gorilla trekking Of Uganda and Rwanda?

No matter where you go gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, the feeling you get that moment when standing before the mountain gorillas is unmatched.

Other factors that you consider for a great gorilla trekking destination in Uganda or Rwanda include:

Price of the gorilla trekking permit which is $1500 per person per trek in Rwanda and $700 per person per trek in Uganda.

Uganda has about 19 gorilla families open for tourism while 12 gorilla families so far open for tourism in Rwanda.

The time you take to drive from Entebbe Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable national Park is about 8 hours to 9 hours. Kigali airport to Volcanoes National Park drive is about 3 hours.

How Much Is The Cost Of Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda or Rwanda?

The cost of gorilla trekking safari is packaged according to luxury, mid-range or Budget but preceded by the gorilla permit cost. This is compulsory for all safari packages and sold at the same price.

For you to get the gross gorilla safari cost, you consider factors like:

The number of people travelling with for gorilla trekking, the timing for doing gorilla trekking, the number of Africa safari activities to include in gorilla trekking and others.

Where to go gorilla Trekking In Uganda, Rwanda And D.R.Congo?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

This is the largest habitat for the mountain gorillas in uganda hosting about half the total number of the mountain gorillas in the world. The park has so far 18 gorilla families open for tourism. They live in four areas of Bwindi forest that is to say Buhoma area, Ruhijah area, Rushaga area and Nkuringo area

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is the only home of the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. So far, there are 12 gorilla families open for tourism. The park lies in the northwestern part of Rwanda

You need to purchase a gorilla permit for Rwanda to be allowed to do gorilla trekking.

Virunga National Park

In D.R.Congo, there is Virunga National Park with so far 6 gorilla families open for tourism purposes.

Is Gorilla Trekking Secure?

Gorilla trekking is secure in Uganda and Rwanda because of the vigilance of rangers and other security agencies of both countries. Rwanda may have faced the genocide of 1994, it has leant a lot from this terror and security is paramount.

The internal security agencies of Uganda or Rwanda keep law and order I the destinations where you do gorilla trekking.

You also need to pay attention to personal security by avoiding acts that would land you amongst the wrong people like counting a lot of money in public, not entering the forest without a ranger guide and others.

How long Is Gorilla Trekking In Uganda And Rwanda?

The time of locating the mountain gorillas us unknown because of the free movement of the mountain gorillas in the wilderness. You need to have some patience in order to enjoy your gorilla trek.

At times you may take 2 hour to more depending on factors prevailing in the forest during gorilla trekking.

Are Mountain Gorillas Dangerous?

Mountain gorillas are serene creatures despite there sheer size, This however doesn’t guarantee that you tease them. They are easily agitated by unfamiliar behavior done by intruders in the presence.

Ensure you do not stare into there eyes because they are shy and this may push them into hiding.

When mountain gorillas get agitated, they thump there chests, hoot, walk on one leg and so much more.

Can A gorilla Permit Be Refunded?

The gorilla permit can be refunded as long as you follow the refund policy of Uganda wildlife authority or Rwanda development Board. Gorilla permit refund however is not guaranteed and some patience is necessary, as some procedure has to be followed.

Is purchasing A gorilla Permit In Instalment Possible?

You are allowed to purchase the gorilla trekking permit in instalment as long as you do it according to 30% of the total permit cost and 70 % of the total permit cost for Rwannda and Uganda.

Purchasing a gorilla permit in instalment is based on the time you buy the permit. When you purchase then gorilla permit before 90 days to the date of trekking, you may be allowed to by it in instalment. You must remember to top up before 90 day to the date of trekking or lose it.

What Else Can one Do with Gorilla Trekking In Uganda And Rwanda

In Uganda

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National park, Kaniyo Pabidi, Kyambura gorge, Kalinzu forest area, Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary and others. You must purchase a chimpanzee trekking permit for some of these locations.

Game drive safaris in Uganda

Uganda has a number of game parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National park, Kidepo Valley National park, Lake Mburo National park.

You must get an itinerary that is suitable to cover gorilla trekking and game drives.

Some of the animals you may get to see in Uganda National parks include lions, leopards, hyenas, aardwolf, waterbucks, bushbucks, wild cats, giraffes, zebras and others.

Launch trips on Uganda safari

Uganda has so renowned launch trips that is Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. You enjoy the great views of wild animals that grace the shores of either River Nile or Kazinga Channel.

You may get to see a number of animals living in these parks including lions, giraffes, cape buffaloes, waterbucks, bushbucks, impalas, elephants and others. There is great sceneries located at the rift valley floor.

White water rafting on Uganda safari

White water rafting safari doesn’t requires a lot of experience because there are instructors ready to take you through the procedures and all necessary requirements. You need to peddle in order to succeed in white water rafting with the rest of the participants.

Check Other Uganda Safari Activities

In Rwanda

Game drives in Rwanda

Akagera National park is the only game park in Rwanda. You may get to enjoy wild animals like lions, cape buffaloes, zebras, elephants and others.

Chimpanzee Trekking

Nyungwe National park is the only chimpanzee trekking safari destination in Rwanda but you need to purchase a chimpanzee permit for Rwanda.

Kigali City Tour

The Kigali city tour is interesting and you may get to visit the genocide memorial, city market , museums and others.

Rwanda Cultural Experience

Rwanda cultural experience is lovely to learn about and watch the music performances and dances.

The Intore dance moves do not leave you seated accompanied by rhythmic drums and lovely dances similar to crested crane’s nuptial dance moves and so much more.

What Are the Rules Of Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?

No feeding the mountain gorillas as they are wild animals that must search for there own food.

Spitting on vegetation is forbidden as this is food for the mountain gorillas.

Keep a distance of about 8 meters from the mountain gorillas when you locate them

In case you wish to ease yourself, as the ranger guide to dig a hole for you atleast 30 centimeters deep and cover afterwards well beyond recognition. READ MORE ON THE RULES OF GORILLA TREKKING

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