frequently asked gorilla trekking questions
Frequently asked gorilla trekking questions
Frequently asked gorilla trekking questions : Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity done in Africa and it’s carried out in five destinations namely Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park in Democratic Republic of Congo. There are various frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking by most of the visitors who want to go on a gorilla trekking safari in Africa and here are their responses.
What is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is a thrilling and incredible activity where visitors move into dense tropical rain forests in search of the habituated gorillas and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat learning about their behaviors, habits, lifestyles, taking photos and recording the moments.
Where can I see the gorillas?
Gorillas are endangered species that are found in three African countries and five national parks namely
Bwindi impenetrable national park, the national park is located in south western Uganda in Kanungu district and harbors about 19 habituated gorilla families which are found in four sectors namely Buhoma sector in the north, Ruhija sector in the east, Rushaga sector in the south and Nkuringo sector in the south.
Mgahinga gorilla national park, the national park is located in southwestern Uganda in Kisoro district. Mgahinga gorilla national park is another destination in Uganda that harbors the endangered mountain gorillas. The park is a home of 2 habituated gorilla families namely Nyakagezi and Hirwa family.
Volcanoes national park, Volcanoes national park is one of the best destinations for gorilla trekking located in northwestern part of Rwanda in Musanze village. The national park is a home of over 14 habituated gorilla families which are available for trekking daily.
Virunga national park, Virunga national park is located in north eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo within the Albertine rift valley arm of East Africa. The national park harbors about 8 habituated gorilla families which are available for trekking daily.
Kahuzi Biega national park, the national park is located in the eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo and harbors the eastern lowland gorillas which are different from the mountain gorillas in that they are larger in size compared to the mountain gorillas. Kahuzi Biega national park harbors about 5 habituated gorilla families and they are available for trekking on a daily basis.
How long does gorilla trekking take?
Gorilla trekking in Africa takes about 2 to 7 hours depending on the location of the gorillas because they like to move from one area to another in search of food and once the gorillas are found, you will spend one hour with them in their habitat taking photos, recording the moments, learning about their lifestyle, behaviors, habits among others.
What is the maximum number of people to trek a gorilla family?
Gorilla trekking in all the gorilla destinations in Africa only allows a maximum of 8 individuals to trek each habituated gorilla family. This allows visitors to have an opportunity of taking plenty of photos, learning about the gorillas and also helps to minimize behavior disturbance of the gorillas and the risk of spreading diseases.
What is a gorilla trekking permit?
A gorilla trekking permit is a document or card that is issued to any visitor above the age of fifteen allowing him or her to trek a habituated gorilla family in any of the gorilla destinations.
How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost?
A single gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $600 for a foreign non-resident, $500 for a foreign resident, UGX 250,000 for an East African citizen and it was increased by $100 therefore effective 1st July a gorilla trekking permit for a foreign non-resident will cost $700 and $600 for a foreign resident.
A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1500 for all nationalities and in Democratic Republic of Congo a gorilla trekking permit costs $400 for foreign resident and also offers a discounted gorilla trekking permit during the low season which costs $200.
Where do you purchase a gorilla trekking permit?
A gorilla trekking permit can be acquired directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority a tourism body in Uganda, Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda and the Virunga foundation in Democratic Republic of Congo. When booking directly from the from the tourism body, you will contact the offices via telephone calls or email. A gorilla trekking permit can also be booked via a trusted tour operator such as Achieve Global Safaris. When booking via a tour operator you will contact us with the date, month, year and destination where you want to trek gorillas from, we will check for the availability of the permits and once the permits are available you will be asked to make a deposit for the permit. Once the deposit has been made you will be asked to send a scanned copy of your passport which will be used to register for your permit. We will acquire the permit for you and send a scanned copy as confirmation.
What to wear for gorilla trekking?
Due to unpredictable weather changes in the gorilla destinations, visitors are advised to pack essential gorilla trekking equipment’s which include long sleeved shirt and trouser, garden gloves, long socks, insect repellent, warm sweater, energy snacks, hiking shoes, camera and extra batteries, walking stick, back pack, rain jacket/poncho among others.
What are the rules and regulations for gorilla trekking?
- Do not leave rubbish in the wild during trekking
- Stay in tight group so as not to get lost in the forest
- Do not touch the gorillas because they are wild animals
- Visitors are allowed to spend one hour in the presence of the gorillas in their natural habitat.
- Gorilla trekking allows a maximum of 8 people to trek each habituated gorilla family
- Do not use flash light cameras when taking photos
- Do not eat, smoke or drink while in the presence of the gorillas because you might drop some food particles which may lead to transmission of diseases.
- In case a gorilla charges, do not look directly into its eyes because you might increase the risk of attacking you
- Gorilla trekking only allows visitors who are above the age of fifteen
- Always keep your voices down while in the jungle and in the presence of the gorillas
- Always listen to the instructions of your guide
What is the best time to go for gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, Volcanoes national park, Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park can be done anytime throughout the year though the best period is during the dry season in the months of June to September and December to February. The dry season is also known as the peak season and visitors prefer do gorilla trekking during the peak season in that there is less rainfall in the gorilla destinations therefore access roads will be passable and the gorilla trekking trails in the jungle will be dry and passable compared to the wet/rainy season when the trails are muddy and slippery.
Can a disabled person participate in gorilla trekking?
Yes gorilla trekking is also possible for the disabled visitors in that they will be carried in a traditional bamboo stretcher or a modern sedan chair which is made of steel base, seat belts and handles to make transportation easy. As long as a disabled person can fly to Bwindi impenetrable national park, he or she will participate in gorilla trekking because it’s an activity for all the youth, old, elderly among others.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking in the all gorilla destinations allows any visitor that is above the age of fifteen year therefore children below the age of 15 are prohibited from trekking the gorillas this is due to the fact that children’s behavior is unpredictable in that they can make noise while in the presence of the gorillas or even run which is not allowed therefore to prevent such behaviors children are not fit to trek the gorillas.
Where can I stay during the gorilla trekking safari?
There are a wide range of up-market, midrange and budget accommodation offering quality services and facilities like comfortable beds, en-suite bathroom with cold and hot water, restaurant where they serve local and international meals, free Wi-Fi in public areas, gardens for relaxation after gorilla trekking, great scenic views among other visitors are therefore advised to stay in lodges near the destinations where they are going to trek from for easy accessibility.
What else can I do apart from gorilla trekking?
Gorilla destinations in Africa have a wide range of interesting activities to offer apart from gorilla trekking such as golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park and Volcanoes national park, bird watching, Batwa trail experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park, cultural encounter, nature walks, visiting Dian Fossey grave in Volcanoes national park, mountain climbing in Volcanoes national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park and Virunga national park, visiting twin lakes, visiting Lwiro Rehabilitation Centre among others.
Gorilla trekking is an incredible and breathtaking activity in Africa which offers unforgettable experiences on your safari therefore for more information or questions about gorilla trekking contact Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website.
