Gorilla trekking in Africa is done in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Each of these gorilla safari destinations has unique experience.
In Uganda, Gorilla Trekking is done in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is endowed with half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas in the world. There are about 11 habituated gorilla groups and these include the Nkuringo group, Bitukura group, Rushegura group, Habiyanja group, Kahungye group, Oruzogo group, Bweza group, Mubare group, Mishaya group, Kyaguliro group and Nshongi group. These gorilla groups are distributed across four sectors: Ruhijja, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Buhoma.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has got one gorilla group. This used to move between Congo, Rwanda and Uganda, but they have recently settled in Uganda hence Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga daily
In Rwanda, gorilla safaris are done in Volcanoes National Park gorilla groups. Here, the activity is divided into two: for research and tourism purposes. The research gorilla family groups can only be accessed by scientists and researchers. These include the Beetsme gorilla family, the Shida gorilla family and Pablo’s gorilla family.
The other families in Volcanoes National Park that can be trekked by tourists are the Amahoro group, Susa group, Umubano group, Karisimbi group, Kwitonda group, Sabyinyo group, Hirwa group, group 13, Ugenda group and Bwenge group.
There are eight habituated gorilla groups in Congo, namely the Mapuwa group, the Lulengo group, the Kabirizi group, the Rugendo group, the Humba group, the Munyaga group, the Bageni group and the Nyakamwe group. When you’re planning a gorilla trekking safari, you should be well equipped with hiking boots, raincoats, cotton clothing, insect repellents, snacks, walking sticks and water.
Though not compulsory, most gorilla trekkers tip their porters or guides after the experience. This is a way of appreciation for the work done. When planning to visit Africa for a gorilla safari, tourists must book in advance because you will most likely not find a permit if you want to book upon arrival.
Gorilla Trekking in Africa
Gorilla trekking in Africa can only be done after obtaining a gorilla permit from any of the countries where gorillas are found. In Congo the permits go for $400, in Uganda $800 and in Rwanda they cost $1500. The best time to go for gorilla trekking in Africa is from June to October and December to February, when the hiking paths are not slippery and are passable.
While doing gorilla trekking in Uganda, you can combine this safari with chimpanzee trekking or golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga National Park. Alternatively, you can explore Uganda’s other national parks, such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and many more, to encounter the country’s abundant wildlife.
