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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda
Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda, Uganda, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Which African nation is the greatest for gorilla trekking? Here, Safari To Africa addresses the frequently asked questions from tourists who want to know whether Rwanda is the greatest place to go gorilla trekking when compared to Uganda or the Democratic Republic of the Congo. (Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Gorilla Trekking)
You can find all the information you need on this website to get ready for your gorilla tracking tour in Uganda and Rwanda.
What Should I Pack for a Gorilla Safari?
- Put on some cozy hiking boots that can handle muddy, hilly terrain.
- If the sounds of the jungle make you uneasy, put on some earplugs.
- Bring ample water and a packed lunch.
- Since the weather is uncertain, bring rain gear, sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent.
- Bring a film camera for photos. It is not permissible to use a spotlight, thus we advise using 400-800 ASA films.
One of the two subspecies of the eastern gorilla is known as the mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei). One population can be found in three National Parks in Central Africa: Mgahinga in south-west Uganda, Volcanoes in north-west Rwanda, and Virunga in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The other population is found in the Virunga volcanic mountains. The IUCN has classified it as critically endangered. The other can be located in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
Despite the lack of a formal description, some primatologists believe that the Bwindi gorilla population in Uganda may be a distinct subspecies. About 1063 mountain gorillas are thought to still exist in the wild as of December 2019. This is in reaction to the most recent mountain gorilla census in Bwindi-Sarambwe.
The following list of frequently asked questions concerning gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo;
1. What is Gorilla Trekking?
Trekking up through Africa’s tropical forests to view mountain gorillas in their native habitat is known as gorilla trekking. Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are the only three East African nations where gorilla trekking is possible.
2. Is it better to trek gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda?
Mountain gorillas exist in both of these nations, and viewing opportunities are comparable. Because both Uganda and Rwanda have similar habitats and arid landscapes, they are the greatest countries in Africa for gorilla trekking. The accessibility of various mountain gorilla tribes varies. The answer to the question of whether mountain gorilla trekking is conducted equally in Rwanda and Uganda is yes. This is one of the most commonly asked questions concerning gorilla trekking by most tourists.
Due to security concerns and poorly organized services, very few tourists now choose to track mountain gorillas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Although Rwanda and Uganda have comparable laws and standards for local gorilla trackers and guides, there are just as many other aspects to take into account when deciding which country to visit. (Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Gorilla Trekking)
However, a lot of your gorilla tour experience is luck-based. Many things, such the duration of your trip or how open the region you wind up seeing the gorillas in is, cannot be prepared for because the gorilla families in Rwanda and Uganda are not in a zoo but instead are free to roam in a very broad area of very deep forests. However, there are certain things you can plan for, such as your level of fitness, the amount of money you want to spend on your vacation, the gorilla family you want to see, and the amount of time you have off.
On the other hand, Uganda has two national parks, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to a large number of habituated gorilla families.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, that is. Additionally, the price of a gorilla permit in Uganda is about
half as much as that for Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. You can then select your gorilla.
Choosing a place for your walk depends on your travel style, budget, and possibilities. To gain a clear understanding, read Tracy Angus’ piece.
3. What is Gorilla Habituation Experience?
Tourists can participate in the gorilla habituation experience, which involves training mountain gorillas to become accustomed to human presence, in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable national park.
4. What does it cost to visit gorillas?
Foreign non-residents must pay $700 for a gorilla permit in Uganda, foreign residents must pay $600, and East African community members must pay $250,000. The cost of a Rwandan gorilla trekking permit, however, is $1500 per person. However, the kind of lodging, mode of transportation, and additional safari activities that are of interest also affect the price of seeing gorillas. When creating an itinerary for a gorilla tour, they must be taken into account.
5. How challenging is a gorilla trek in Rwanda or Uganda?
Depending on your physical condition, gorilla trekking can be challenging. Due to traveling through the dense forest with steep terrain, dips, and crossing rivers, gorilla trekking in Uganda is slightly more difficult than in Rwanda. To see mountain gorillas in the wild, one must be physically active, able to hike in all types of weather, and willing to do so in both Uganda and Rwanda.
It is feasible for many older persons who don’t consider themselves to be climbers or explorers to visit the gorillas. You can employ personal porters or aides to carry your daypack and help you in challenging situations. The local guides will make every effort to make tracking and photographing the mountain gorillas as simple as possible.
Many of our clients in their 70s have been successful in contacting their desired mountain gorilla populations. However, a lot of tourists who are not physically fit enough to go hiking in Rwanda and Uganda return very worn out and muddy. Insects and altitude sickness are typically not issues.
You should wear clothes that shields your arms and legs from thorns and nettles and wear a pair of gloves. Trekking with gorillas requires good balance because the terrain can be treacherous. And before you start on this adventure, we suggest that you spend a week or two working out in the gym. The fourth of the most typical inquiries concerning gorilla trekking in East Africa is addressed here.
What you should know about families and groups of mountain gorillas
Watching a gorilla family unwind with the Habinyanja Gorilla Group (H_Group). Only one hour with the gorillas is permitted.
6. How long can someone interact with mountain gorillas?
To reduce the risk of illness transmission, visitors are only allowed to observe mountain gorillas for a maximum of one hour. You are only permitted to spend an hour with any habituated group of mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda, or the Congo with a gorilla trekking permit.
If you have made a long trip to get there and the tourist group is not bothering the gorillas, your guide might occasionally give you a few extra minutes. However, the experience is unparalleled, so the hour is always worthwhile.
7. How near the gorillas can I get?
According to the law, you must keep the gorillas 7 meters away from you. In reality, the mountain gorillas frequently break this rule by approaching you when you are silently watching or taking pictures of them. Even so, having zoom capabilities on your camera is still advantageous because some animals are timid and the Silverback may be fiercely protective of its young. Although it would be simple to touch the gorillas, you are not permitted to do so.
8. Do mountain gorillas pose a threat?
Due to their training to be around people, habituated mountain gorillas are not aggressive or likely to become angry if tourists do not disrupt them. Many visitors are shocked that the mountain gorillas appear to ignore the tourists in their midst totally, but there are a few guidelines that should be observed. All wild creatures in Africa are best considered potentially dangerous and treated as such. It is improper to approach a mother holding her infant, tease animals, use a flash, make loud noises, or move hastily.
9. Besides gorillas, what else is there to see in Rwanda?
In addition to gorillas, other animals in Rwanda can be viewed in Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest, the Dian Fossey Museum, the Kigali Genocide Memorial, and local markets. Apart from the mountain gorillas, Rwanda is a stunning, lush, and prosperous nation. Visitors come to see the animals in Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest as well as to learn about the 1994 Genocide.
The country of a thousand hills, Rwanda, is well known. Food is produced year-round via subsistence farming on the fertile volcanic soil. The 1994 Genocide Memorial Center in Kigali and various locations across the nation serve as moving memorials to the atrocity.
Visitors are urged to participate in and take something away from these encounters. There isn’t a noticeable ethnic strife, insurgency, or militant activity right now. The social fabric is being dynamically rebuilt, and the nation’s youth are a priority.
You could choose to climb to Karisoke, the site of Diane Fossey’s groundbreaking research, or go on a trek to the Volcanoes National Park to view golden monkeys. The most variety may be seen in this park. In comparison to the parks and reserves in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, other wildlife parks in Rwanda often do not offer the same level of management excellence or species variety.
10. What about trekking with chimpanzees—is that comparable?
Because chimpanzees and mountain gorillas are closely related to humans and share 95–98% of our DNA, trekking chimpanzees in Rwanda and Uganda is conducted similarly to trekking mountain gorillas. In the wild, there are more chimpanzees than mountain gorillas, and they can thrive in a far wider area.
The chimpanzee populations are also monitored by the park administrations in Uganda and Rwanda, and permits must be acquired in advance to visit the groups that have been trained to welcome tourists. In Uganda, Kibale Forest and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park are the two primary locations to see chimpanzees.
In groups of 6–12 people, a park guide will accompany you on your hike. Despite maybe requiring less hiking, up-close encounters with chimpanzees appear to be less predictable than those with mountain gorillas. Visits to the Chimps of Kibale Forest have proven to be more effective for Journeys International groups than visits to Kyambura Gorge.
Chimpanzee Habituation & Tracking in the Kibale National Park
Chimpanzees from Kibale Forest. | Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Gorilla Trekking
11. Beyond gorillas, what else is there to see in Uganda?
In addition to gorillas, there are numerous other wildlife species, including tree-climbing lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffaloes, and chimpanzees, as well as cultural attractions, birds like the shoebill stork, and stunning lakes and rivers. For the finest African safari adventure, we always suggest to our visitors to combine a wildlife safari with a mountain gorilla trekking safari in Uganda.
The most beautiful culture, people, and nature and fauna can all be found in Uganda. After a Uganda gorilla safari, Uganda will follow you wherever you go, from the Nile’s source to the expansive Savannah plains, to the birds and Africa’s big 5 animals.
For a wide diversity of bird species and fantastic birding safari environments, Uganda may be the best safari destination in Africa. Dedicated birders frequently encounter more than 400 species over a 12–14 day safari in Uganda. On a trip to view the mountain gorillas or just go bird watching, you may also observe a variety of other primates. Longer hikes are encouraged in the Rwenzori Mountains. Also offering cultural and natural historical safari attractions are wetlands and Lake Victoria.
12. When is the ideal time to go gorilla trekking?
While gorilla trekking is possible throughout the entire year in Africa, the two dry seasons from December to February and June to September offer the best chances of seeing gorillas.
Mountain gorillas must be trekked to because they reside at a high elevation in the highlands, and wet seasons can make it difficult to get to these locations.
13. When and where can you go see gorillas?
Only three nations in East Africa—Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—allow tourists to go gorilla trekking, which is a year-round pastime. In Uganda and Rwanda, the best times to undertake gorilla trekking are during the short dry season, which lasts from mid-December to early February, or during the long dry season, which lasts from June to September. These times of year provide by far the best trekking terrain and the least amount of malaria risk.
Like people, mountain gorillas live in families-based groups, and these groups must be trained or habituated for tourism. Depending on where the habituated Mountain Gorilla family groups are located, there are different numbers of habituated Mountain Gorilla families that are accessible for tourist tracking safaris throughout the year.
To visit them, gorilla groups frequently go farther than a day’s distance or into the Congo. Mountain gorilla family groups can move quickly, split up and reform, or exhibit behaviors that make them less desirable to observe. There are other habituated mountain gorilla groups that are committed to research and are not accessible to tourist tracking.
14. What is the duration of a gorilla hike in Uganda?
Depending on the area and the gorillas’ movements on a specific day, gorilla trekking in Uganda might last anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours or even all day. Even though the gorillas are habituated, they are still wild animals and constantly move around in search of food.
A period of time spent gorilla trekking includes the time it takes to go to the habituated gorilla family, the time spent with the gorillas once they are located, the hour spent with them, and the time it takes to walk back to the park headquarters, which serves as the starting point. Visitors spend varying amounts of time going gorilla trekking in Uganda depending on where the gorillas are.
15. Is it possible to go gorilla trekking from Rwanda to Uganda?
It is possible to travel from Rwanda to Uganda to undertake gorilla trekking. However, you must confirm that land borders are open so you can travel across and complete the necessary crossing procedures. From Kigali, visitors can travel by vehicle for around 4 hours to Uganda’s Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga National Park. Another option is to take a charter flight from Kigali to Entebbe and then continue on to Bwindi or Mgahinga national parks. Otherwise, it’s extremely likely that travelers will be able to fly into Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport and then take a short drive to connect to Uganda for gorilla trekking and other wildlife excursions.
16. Is there a cheap gorilla permit in Rwanda?
All foreign visitors to Rwanda must pay $1500 per person and per day for a gorilla permit. To apply for and reserve a gorilla permit, you must be at least 15 years old. There are currently no discounted gorilla permits available in Rwanda, but residents of East Africa can take advantage of special deals.
17. When should I order permits for Rwandan gorillas?
In Rwanda, gorilla permits must be reserved well in advance, at least 2 to 5 months before the scheduled trekking date. Particularly during the peak tourist seasons of June through September and December through February, gorilla permits are highly sought after. One of the most common inquiries concerning gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is this one.
18. How likely are encounters with mountain gorillas?
In Uganda and Rwanda, there is a 99% probability of spotting mountain gorillas in the wild. A portion of the gorilla permit payments is used to pay gorilla trackers, who enter the jungle to continue keeping tabs on the mountain gorillas’ whereabouts.
The gorillas are followed the following day from the location where they built their nests the day before by these trackers. The park guides receive information about the gorillas’ position from the trackers. As a result, tourists may be sure they will see gorillas.
19. What is the number of mountain gorillas worldwide?
There are currently estimated to be 1,063 mountain gorillas living in the wild worldwide. The overall number of mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in the Virunga and at Bwindi has increased as a result of conservation measures.
20. Please explain the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to me.
Half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas live in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a tropical rain forest in south-western Uganda. Bwindi is well-known for gorilla trekking all over the world, and there are four gorilla sectors there: Ruhiija, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Buhoma.
In the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, there are more than 22 habituated gorilla families that are accessible for hiking.
21. What is a gorilla permit?
Travelers over the age of 15 are granted gorilla permits, which enable them to engage in gorilla trekking activities in gorilla national parks. A traveler cannot go on a gorilla trek without a gorilla permit. A gorilla trekking permit is formally issued by a wildlife government institution, such as the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN), Rwanda Development Board, and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for gorilla treks in their respective countries.
22. How can I obtain a permit for gorillas | Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Gorilla Trekking?
If you want to hike gorillas in Uganda, you must make reservations and obtain a gorilla permit in advance from a reputable tour operator or the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Travelers to Rwanda should make reservations and obtain a gorilla permit in advance from a reputable tour operator or the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). You can schedule and obtain your gorilla permit to see gorillas in the Virunga national park in the Congo with the help of a reliable tour operator.
Foreign non-residents must pay $700 for gorilla permits in Uganda, while foreign residents must pay $600. East African nationals must pay 250,000 Uganda shillings.
Foreign non-residents must pay $1500 for gorilla habituation licenses, foreign residents must pay $1000, and East African citizens must pay 750,000 Uganda shillings.
This excludes transportation to and from the trailhead or starting point for hikes from the registration and orientation location. It could be up to 25 miles to this location. Your travel company handles this. To encourage your tour guide, you might want to provide a gratuity as well.
We advise hiring a porter as well, who will assist you with carrying your daypack and carrying you when necessary while walking for an additional fee of $15 each hike. That is how the neighborhood generates a small profit from the park. Before deciding where to go for their gorilla tour experience, travelers with intentions to embark on gorilla trekking tours in Africa typically consult frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking.
23. When do I need to reserve a gorilla permit | Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Gorilla Trekking?
The booking window for gorilla permits is two years to one month. If you want to get the best gorilla trekking area, especially for those interested in Bwindi gorilla treks, make your reservations as soon as possible. Any traveler who intends to undertake gorilla trekking must reserve a permit at least three to five months before to the trip.
Booking in advance can help you avoid last-minute rushes or perhaps missing out on gorilla permits because they are extremely competitive given that the majority of people are eager in seeing these endangered creatures.
Depending on the sector you select to track, gorilla permits are distributed based on a first-come, first-served basis.
24. What exactly does a gorilla permit cover?
The gorilla permit consists of:
- 1 hour watching the once-found gorillas
- Entry costs for the park for the day of trekking
- Guide and park ranger fees
- Fees for tracking gorillas
- Security for visitors in the forest
To explain what a gorilla permit is to visitors is one of the commonly asked topics regarding gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. A gorilla permit is the legal authorization needed to view mountain gorillas in their natural environment.
25. What age is required to go on a gorilla trek?
In Uganda, Rwanda, and the DR Congo, the minimum age requirement for gorilla trekking is 15 years old. In Uganda, there are a few circumstances where a child under the age of 15 may be permitted to follow gorillas with formal authorization from the authorities. Otherwise, anyone who is this age or older and wants to encounter mountain gorillas can apply for a gorilla permit.
The minimum age is 15 since younger children may struggle to respond favorably to gorilla reactions, such as remaining calm if they charge and adhering to park guides’ instructions. Children under the age of 15 might not be physically and emotionally ready to undertake gorilla trekking. These kids are susceptible to illnesses that can spread to gorillas.
Only the Bwindi Forest and the volcanic mountain ranges around the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Congo are home to mountain gorillas in the wild.
With the help of tour companies like Adventures To Gorilla Africa Ltd., tourists must see the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas. This business organizes the lodging, safari guides, and transportation required for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. You must be accompanied by a park ranger guide if you want to trek with mountain gorillas outside of the specified zones.
26. How many people can trek a gorilla family at once?
A habituated gorilla family can only be trekked by a maximum of 8 persons each day. In both Rwanda and Uganda, several gorilla families have been used to humans. The number is restricted for a variety of reasons, including lowering gorilla behavioral disturbance, lowering gorilla exposure to human-borne disease, and lowering damage to the forest that protects these endangered species. (Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Gorilla Trekking)
27. Where can I stay while on my safari to africa to see gorillas?
There is lodging for gorilla trekking in Uganda to suit every traveler’s taste, budget, and style.
style. Budget, mid-range, and luxury camping options are all available at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
lodges of different price points, particularly in the Rushaga gorilla sector. Additionally, when visiting Bwindi
can remain at Buhoma, which serves as the sector headquarters for the gorillas in Bwindi, Ruhija, and Nkuringo. Aside from that
Despite the fact that there are fewer gorillas in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park,
lodges like Kisoro Town’s Traveler’s Rest Hotel and Gahinga Lodge
Considering that gorilla trekking begins at 7:30am each morning, always opt to
stay close to the briefing area for gorilla trekking.
28. What should I bring on a vacation to see gorillas | Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Gorilla Trekking?
Here is our final answer to the top concerns regarding gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. A journey to see gorillas might be exciting, but it’s always more fun if you have everything you need with you. Among the things to bring on a gorilla trekking excursion are;
- Comfortable attire consisting of long-sleeved shirts and long pants
- sturdy hiking boots
- a sweater or raincoat
- hand mitts
- sunglasses, sunblock, and a hat
- Snacks that will provide you energy and enough water
- a camera and sufficient batteries
- Easy suggestions for a fantastic gorilla safari
- To ensure you get a permit at all, buy your permits as early as possible. This will give you priority placement in a choice group.
- You’ll have a group and a guide with you. Even if you are quite fit, take into account hiring a local to serve as your porter assistant. This enhances the experience greatly from a cultural perspective and is not overly pricey.
- To maximize photo opportunities and the variety of behaviors you will observe, visit the largest group if you have the option.
- Any time of year, be prepared for the risk of rain.
- To protect yourself from thistles, nettles, and thorns, wear long sleeves, pants, and bring gloves.
- You will be off the beaten path in difficult terrain, so wear sturdy hiking shoes.
- Be prepared for a rather lengthy hike. Be as physically fit as you possibly can.
- Recognize your camera well; excellent cameras have built-in video. Telephoto skills are helpful.
- Think about taking a friend or partner who you can share the experience’s lasting memory with.
- Pay attention to your guide’s recommendations. Have faith that they genuinely want you to enjoy yourself and take amazing pictures.
