Gorilla trekking in Africa is one of nature conserving Africa Safari adventure with atleast 95% conservation chances since there is little nature altering. You walk through the tropical forest of Bwindi impenetrable National park or Volcanoes National park. No driving through the park which pollutes the environment and tramples on the foliage.
The first glance at the mountain gorillas is one of the unforgettable Africa safari experiences. That moment when you stare into the dark, dreamy, gentle eyes of the mountain gorillas is divine. You get a deeper feeling of connection with these huge apes. You may also not feel like blinking so that you do not miss out on any of the moments with the mountain gorillas.
Watching the mountain gorillas on videos may seem obvious and normal just like watching any apes play but the reality of being face to face with these apes is truly special.
As you walk to find the mountain gorillas, the other primates you pass by are like curtain raisers on any music concert. They hope from one branch to another as if to welcome you into there kingdom. Some of those primates excited to see you include olive baboons, grey cheeked mangabey, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, L’Hoest the list is endless.
Erected huge trees that have witnessed the passing of a number of decades with stems immersed in layers of dead and alive lichens are present. Lots of herbs including those that may be l ost on the world map can be spotted in this forest as you move along. The crisscrossing creepers also make there way up the huge tree trunks. Gorilla trekking is like nature’s meeting point.
The keen birders have a double Africa safari opportunity as a number of birds call Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park home. During gorilla trekking adventure, you have high chances of identifying some of the Albertine endemics and some foreign migrants. Some birds you may get to see include
For nature conservation fanatics this is one absolute gold mine as numerous features that seem to have been announced as extinct in the prehistoric era are existing in these forests. They have been protected by Bwindi Forest and Volcanoes National park for generations. There is a lot to study by conservation biologists.
When you plan an Africa safari, you want to experience the best and take home great photographs too. Including other game parks to your Africa safari itinerary would create a great deal of you Uganda safari or Rwanda safari tour experience.
Uganda game parks close to Bwindi Forest which is home to the mountain gorillas include
Queen Elizabeth National Park the renowned home of tree climbing lions, elephants, herds of cape buffaloes, leopards, water bucks, bush bucks, rich avian life including foreign migrants. The drive from Bwindi forest National Park after gorilla trekking top Queen Elizabeth National park is about 5 scenic hours.
In this park you have a lot to see including the floor of the East African Rift valley, adorable crater lakes both wet and dry, the elevated view of Rwenzori Mountains and so much more.
Kibale National park the Africa’s largest Chimpanzee trekking forest harbors several troupes of chimpanzees. Kibale forest is a natural tropical forest and home to thousands of birds including the rare shoe bill. Troupes of monkeys hope from one tree branch to another all day long like black and white colobus, red tailed monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, olive baboons, blue monkeys and so much more.
The drive from Bwindi forest National Park is about 6 hours to Kibale National park for chimpanzee trekking. For keen birders, it’s a double chance to see a number of birds that linger the forest all day long.
Hiking Rwenzori Mountains is an adventure worth taking to test your fitness. Create memories that will last forever. Take your time to climb the mountains of the moon enjoy the differing vegetation zones that change with each level you hike too. Reaching Margeritah peak is victorious as you feel on top of the world.
From Bwindi forest national Park to Rwenzori National Park is about 5 hours but hiking the Rwenzori mountains take about 7 days. Prior arrangements are necessary to succeed. Rwenzori Mountains are the second highest in East Africa so if you want to hike Kilimanjaro Mountains this is the preliminary.
The canopy walk in Rwanda after gorilla trekking is an adventure beyond your dreams. You get to see the clearer view of Nyungwe forest National Park with all its surroundings. You may do a canopy walk for special moment like an engagement, birthday celebrations and so much more fun.
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe national park is a worth trip to add with gorilla trekking in Rwanda. You have the chance to be in the presence of some of the world’s largest apes. At least you get actual reality about the difference between mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.
Taking photos for memories of the gorilla and chimpanzees trekking safari in the wilderness not the ones living in cages of the zoo is absolutely amazing and unique.
Birding in the Virunga area which includes Bwindi impenetrable forest in Uganda and volcanoes National park in Rwanda is another jack pot. Thousands of birds are forest residents including Albertine endemics on the red list of IUCN.
If you have time after gorilla trekking and you are a keen birder, you can use this opportunity to widen your birds photograph collection. You may never get a chance to be on an Africa safari with this number of birds.
The tracking boots comfortable enough for you to move in the forest without getting hurt or dragging the entire group behind.
A pair of binoculars to get a clearer view of the mountain gorillas and other forest dwellers you pass by during gorilla trekking.
Pack a Camera ready to capture the special moment with the mountain gorillas and chimpanzee trekking, game while on safari.
Camouflaged wear that covers you up so that you are not stung by stinging insects or get dirty while in the forest.