Do you really need to do something different this summer? On your holiday in Africa, why not go for a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda or Rwanda? A safari to the gorillas is one of the most memorable adventures one can ever take while in Africa. The experience and feel of sitting amidst these great apes that are three times as big as an average man cannot be compared with any other adventure on earth.
If you are planning to travel this summer you should consider booking a gorilla safari in Uganda or Rwanda. wondering about how to get this dream adventure come true? Here is the complete guide to how you can plan a gorilla trek in Africa.
Where to Go
Uganda hosts nearly half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas i the world. These great apes are protected in two Ugandan parks; Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Bwindi hosts the largest population of mountain gorillas and there are about 24 gorilla families that have been habituated for gorilla watching.
Gorilla permits for those groups can be bought from the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kampala (locals) or through a reliable tour operator (international visitors). Most travelers book these gorilla permits from local tour operators and each permits costs US$800 per trek during peak season. At times, there are promos for gorilla permits and you can reserve one at US$450 during the offpeak season – April, May and November.
The less known Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the continuation of the forests of the Virunga Mountains that protects the remaining home of the mountain gorillas. There is one habituated gorilla group in Mgahinga National Park called the Nyakagezi Gorilla Group.
The Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda is another rewarding place to go gorilla trekking in Africa. This is the Rwandan part protecting the Virunga gorillas and it is the most accessible destination.
Check out some Packaged safaris
Searching for some action packed adventure? There are packaged gorilla safari offers from different tour operators that will provide you with that and so substantially more. Take a unique chance to visit some extremely rich wildlife in an extraordinary trip to throughout Uganda’s safari destinations.
The 3 Day Bwindi Gorilla Trek
This is the most popular of all Uganda gorilla tours! Provided that you need a short trip, you can choose the 3 Day Gorilla Trek to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Enroute to Bwindi, you will have a stopover at the Equator. Get a great feel of how the temperature and elements change around the equator.
A 4 Days Double Gorilla Trek is another popular option on which tourists get the chance to visit two gorilla families on a single trip. This trip departs either from Kampala or Entebbe for Uganda and also from Kigali, Rwanda.
Packaged trips will also get you acquainted with the lifestyle of the local people. During the trip, there is also a great opportunity to try some of the local top foods. Get a sense of culture with the traditional dances. After that everything said and done, take the time to get a hike to see the moving of the gorillas.
What to Pack
- Make sure you pack up some great boots and socks.
- Likewise, get your camera to take some incredible pictures of the not only wildlife but the environment and the landscape.
