What is Gorilla Trekking? A Detailed Definition to Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is a wonderful memorable rewarding experience which takes place in three African countries: Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A gorilla trekking is an activity which involves searching gorillas in their habitat. In such process of trekking mountain gorillas, it allows you to get up close to these gentle giants of the jungle in their natural home.
One needs to acquire a gorilla permit to meet this rare gentle giant known as Mountain Gorillas. A gorilla permit is a National document that allows you to trek mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
What is Gorilla Trekking like?
The process of gorilla trekking normally starts with an early morning briefing at respective park headquarters, then a hike or walk into the forest following the trail used by mountain gorillas and once found, you spend only one hour with the mountain gorillas.
You will then return back and be offered a certificate. The trek itself may take up to 30 minutes or three-quarters of the day but once you find gorillas, you are allowed to spend only one hour with them.
Where to go for Gorilla Trekking in Africa
In Africa, there are only four National Parks where gorilla trekking takes place which includes,
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in South-Western Uganda just at the extreme Rift Valley and lies on an area of about 327 km² on the edge of the western Great Rift Valley neighboring the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has over 23 gorilla family which habituated for gorilla trekking and a gorilla permit cost $ 800.00 per person per trek. Each gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is visited by a maximum of 8 people per day.
It is advisable to book your gorilla permit in over 6 months in advance to avoid missing out your gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi National Park.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the southwestern corner of Uganda bordering Rwanda in the south and Democratic Republic of Congo in West and it sites on an area of about 33.7km2 making it the smallest National Parks among the gorilla National Parks in Africa.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has one gorilla family which known as Nyakagezi gorilla family which habituated for gorilla tracking and a gorilla permit for this family cost USD 800 per person per trek.
Each gorilla family is visited by a maximum of 8 people per day, to avoid disappointment during peak season, you’re advised to book your gorilla permit in 6 months of advance
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park located in northwestern extending for over 160km². The park has a very unique Afro- montane appearance and its size is the most outstanding on East and Central Africa.
Volcanoes National Park has over 10 gorilla families which are ready for trekking; each of gorilla family is visited a maximum of 8 people per day. A gorilla permit in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda cost $1500.00 per person per trek.
Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is located in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and its sites on an area of about 300 km (190 mi) along the Albertine rift that splits the African continent from north to south.
Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park has been the most attractive within this Park. The Park accommodated 8 gorilla families which are ready for trekking and each family visited 8 people per day.
Virunga National Park has the lowest price for gorilla permits among the four National Parks where gorilla trekking takes place. A gorilla permit in Virunga National Park cost $ 400.00 per person per trek and it’s advisable to book your gorilla permit in advance to avoid disappointments.
Why do people go gorilla trekking?
Unlike other safari activities, gorilla trekking is the only primate adventure that allows you to explore mountain gorillas or eastern lowland gorillas on foot, and you encounter them in the wild.
Mountain gorillas by nature can’t live in the zoos, and embarking on a gorilla trek to see them in the natural environment is truly a lifetime opportunity.
How difficult is gorilla trekking?
The level of difficulty may vary depending where gorillas are (this is because these apes move from place to place), your physical fitness level, and nature of habitats including the tricky elevations, among other factors.
Gorilla tracking generally requires moderate fitness level because it involves hiking through a forest and mountainous areas. With this information at hand, a normal day can spend at least 2-6 hours or less while searching for a family of mountain gorillas in the wild.
Is gorilla tracking safe?
In general, gorilla trekking is safe and secure for all guests in need to see mountain gorillas, especially in Uganda and Rwanda. All gorilla treks across the gorilla safari parks are conducted with the lead of an experienced and armed park ranger guide.
Even on the actual gorilla trek, the park official ensures that all guests are allocated to already habituated gorilla groups –meaning your interaction will be with gorillas that are used to human presence.
What is the age limit for gorilla trekking?
As per the park authority standards, the acceptable age limit for tourists interested in gorilla trekking is 15 years and above. Persons of this age brackets are considered mature and can understand/respect the set gorilla trekking rules.
They can’t be tempted to run if the gorilla charges at them which may not be the case with children. Visitors who are above 15 years are also considered to be physically fit and they are not prone to infectious diseases.
Is gorilla tracking worth it?
Gorilla trekking is worth every penny regardless of the destinations. By booking a gorilla safari tour, it means you have contributed 100% towards the conservation efforts aimed at saving the lives of mountain gorillas/lowland gorillas.
The world still boasts of only 1063 mountain gorillas and these have also been listed among the endangered species by the IUCN.
These survive only in the natural habitat and only in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Engaging in a gorilla trek allows you spend up to 1 (one) hour face-to-face with a family of mountain gorillas, observing their daily behaviors and taking photos.
Note, in each of these 3 countries, gorilla permits are issued to visitors at varying rates. In Uganda, gorilla permits can be purchased at USD 800 per person; in Rwanda, the permit are issued at USD 1500 per visitor while in Congo, you can purchase a gorilla permit at USD 400 per person.