Is it possible Not To Find The Gorillas During Gorilla Trekking In Uganda Or Rwanda

Finding the gorillas during gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is normally a sure deal as there are about 99% chances. It is a very rare experience for one not to find the mountain gorillas during gorilla trekking even though they are wild primates that move freely in the wilderness. The possibility of not finding the gorilla family allocated to you should however not be ruled out. Book Now

Each day a team of ranger guides from Uganda Wildlife Authority or Rwanda Development Board wakes up early to establish where the gorillas families might have spent the night. They provide a report of their findings to the main office which is one of the clues used by rangers to trace the ways about of each gorilla family.

On gorilla trekking day after briefing, the ranger guides follow the trails leading where the mountain gorillas were last seen the previous day. This is because mountain gorillas rarely move very far from there previous feeding spot. The gorilla family spends time at a particular feeding area until food supply is no longer sufficient for very family member then they move together

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Where to do gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park is the only gorilla trekking destination in Rwanda. This is situated in the North western part of Rwanda in Ruhengeri District. The Volcanoes National Park is part of the vast Virunga area that extends into Uganda and D.R.Congo. The nature of the topography of this area is ragged resulting from volcanic action that affected this area.

At the moment about 12 gorilla trekking families some of which include Karisimbi, Umubano, Susa, Hirwa, Amahoro, Agashya and others. Each gorilla family can only be visited by maximum 8 tourists each day for conservation reasons.

Other than the mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park also hosts other inhabitants including over 300 bird species, other primate species, other wild animals to mention but a few.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda

Bwindi impenetrable National Park is situated in the South western part of Uganda. It is a thick, vast and dense natural forest home to over 20 gorilla trekking families and so far 4 gorilla habituation families. The terrain of Bwindi forest is jagged resulting from Volcanic action that led to the formation of several highlands in this area. Several trails travers Bwindi forest and these were created by regular visitors to this park. During the wet season, the trails are over grown and covered by the vegetation obstructing the way.

The vast size of Bwindi forest National Park led to it being sub divided into 4 sections that is Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo and according to these gorilla trekking permits are booked. Before booking accommodation for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you need to note the area where your gorilla permit is reserved. This is because it is quite challenging to travel from one area to another to catch up with briefing because of the obstacles in between.

Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park lies in the far South western corner of Uganda. Although less visited, Mgahinga National Park has untamed vegetation providing unique gorilla trekking adventure in and unaltered environment. For authentic Uganda safari adventure, Mgahinga National Park is that ideal choice.

At the moment only one gorilla trekking family called Nyakagezi is open to public viewing u Mgahinga National Park. This gorilla trekking family used to cross into Rwanda in the past but us currently a permanent resident of Uganda.

Mgahinga National Park is a host of the rare golden monkeys a specie of monkeys that can only be traced in a few places in the world. The forest also hosts other primates including the blue monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, black and while colobus and others.

The topography of Mgahinga National Park is composed of three of the six Virunga Volcanoes that is Mountain Muhavura, Mountain Gahinga and Mountain Sabyinyo. One can enjoy an excursion hike to the peak of these highlands during a Uganda safari.

What Happens When You Don’t Find Gorilla During Gorilla Trekking In Uganda Or Rwanda

 Just in case you fail to find the mountain gorillas during gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda some of the possible options that may be extended to you include.

Repeat the Gorilla Trekking experience

When you fail to find the mountain gorillas of Rwanda or Uganda, you may be requested to redo the gorilla trekking adventure the following day but this is dependent on the flow of your itinerary. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda takes unknown time and so you may need to alter your itinerary.

The next day, you are allocated a gorilla family that is expected  to be spending time closer to the starting pint of the trek. You need to bear some level of patience and open your mind to seeing other forest occupants. Donot forget to carry your gorilla trekking gears because of the unpredictable condition that occur in this area.

Gorilla Permit Refund

According to the gorilla permit refund policy of Uganda or Rwanda, you may be reimbursed part of the money paid for the gorilla trekking permit. Note that the gorilla permit cost refund process may take sometime because of the bureaucracy around this. Some patience is needed too. For back up, notify your travel agency to help with the follow up just in case you leave the country before receiving the refund.

Gorilla trekking is a dream come true Africa Safari adventure which many adventure seekers have on their bucket list but uncertainties are also part of life.

At Arch Safaris And Tours, we understand the importance of value for money and look forward to creating everlasting memories with our clients.

What Is Best Month To Do Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda or Uganda

Gorilla Trekking whether in Uganda or Rwanda is an annual adventure however, the dry season months are most preferred that is June, July, August, September, December, January. This is normally the peak tourism season of Rwanda or Uganda too.

In general, the Virunga area being a dense forested area has high precipitation most of the day but the dry months conditions are less wet. The vegetation in the forests is lower and more sunlight penetrates through the dense canopy to the ground keeping it less dense.

Tourists trekking to find the mountain gorillas find it more convenient to traverse the forest and even other forest dwellers show off there presence in the dry season.

Note that more tourists engage in gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda or Rwanda during this season so expect to share the same space with others. The cost of logistics that support safaris in Uganda is high during the peak season an options also run out earlier so advance booking is necessary.

The wet months of the year must not be written off when planning a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda or Uganda. The wet months which are normally March April, May and November have there advantages too. There are higher chances of finding new borns in the gorillas families during this season. The number of tourists engaging in gorilla trekking during this season is less.

Chances of finding discounts from some service providers who support safaris in Uganda is more open in the dry season. This chance can be used by those with a limited budget but hoping to engage in gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda.  Even when you wish to have no or less company while on a gorilla trekking adventure, the low season may provide that opportunity.

Are Mountain Gorillas Safe to Visit During Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda or Uganda

The mountain gorillas are generally calm and serene primates but can charge when provoked. On the way to find the mountain gorillas, tourists are encourages to main the rules of gorilla trekking explained during briefing because the mountain gorillas get to know your presence before you locate them.

Try not to do anything that makes you look suspicious before the mountain gorillas. In case you notice something odd about the mountain gorillas, keep calm while you wait for the ranger guide to verify the root cause of the matter. Follow the instructions given by the ranger guide at this moment while awaiting the situation to settle.

Sometimes the mountain gorillas may change mood when provoked, having family feud, experience attacks from a wild gorilla family and others.

For personal safety, stay closer to the rest of the people you are gorilla trekking with in order not to be forgotten in the wilderness, avoid carrying your precious belongings along especially those you are afraid to lose. Follow the path used by other tourists and guide in order to avoid stepping in unsafe spots along the way.

Wear the required gorilla trekking gears before embarking on the adventure to protect yourself from the rough surfaces in the jungle.

How long is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda or Uganda

The time to take on gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda varies with factors prevailing in the wilderness. At times the gorilla trek may last 2 hours or more depending on the location of the gorilla family allocated to you.

Finding the mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda also depends on the weather conditions of the day as during a wet day, exploring the forest to find the mountain gorillas is challenging. The ground gets soggy and slippery for people to move fast. Even the severe rainy season create extreme cold conditions in the wilderness.

Some level of patience is required before finding the mountain gorillas but you may also open your mind to seeing other forest dwellers that are residents of this park. The forest is inhabited by olive baboons, grey cheeked mangabey, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys and others.

You get to hear the murmurs of the mountain gorillas before spotting them. finally when you get face to face with the gorillas, donot forget to keep 8 meters away from them. Immerse yourself in the aromas of nature and smell the scent from the mountain gorillas standing just a few meters away.  This is an experience that can only be felt by only those on a gorilla trekking safari.

What Are The Rules Of Gorilla Trekking In Uganda And Rwanda

No making noise while trekking to find either the mountain gorillas because this makes them feel attacked.

Volunteer top stay behind in case you have a communicable infection like flu, cough, covid-19 and others.

While walking in the forest, try not to dump garbage in the forest because this alters the nature of the forest where these primates thrive.

When with the mountain gorillas keep a distance of about 7 meters from them to prevent chances of spreading any infection to these highly susceptible primates.

Never enter the forest without an escorting ranger guide as you may encounter animals that may hurt you or get lost in the wilderness.

In case you wish to have along call, request from the ranger guide to dig a hole for you atleast 30 centimeters deep. Then cover well beyond recognition so that these primates can exhume anything.

Donot the torch the mountain gorillas although they may try to reach out to touch your hair or belongings out of curiosity.

Feeding the mountain gorillas is forbidden because they are wild animals that must search for there own food.

Spitting on vegetation is forbidden as this may pass germs to the mountain gorillas

The uganda or Rwanda gorilla trekking and age limit is 12 years and 15 years respectively. This is because people of these ages may be in position to withstand tough conditions in the jungle unlike those below.

Only one hour is allowed with the fully habituated mountain gorillas for conservation reasons.

When taking photos, flash photography is not accepted because this may scare the mountain gorillas.

To select the best gorilla trekking destinations in Africa from either Uganda or Rwanda depends on the items surrounding these safaris like the cost of gorilla permits, accessibility and others.