What is Gorilla Trekking?
This is one of the inquiries which comes up when one talks about gorilla trekking safari in Uganda. Many tourists are unaware with the word “gorilla trekking,” particularly those who are travelling to Africa and Uganda specifically for the first time. As a result, they are curious about what gorilla trekking entails. Most of the time, inquiries about gorilla trekking are followed by inquiries about gorilla permit costs. How long does gorilla trekking take? How many days do I need for gorilla trekking. Where can I do gorilla trekking from and so much more.
In response to the query “What is gorilla trekking?” that many tourists have asked, gorilla trekking is a type of primate safari in which hikers seek for gorillas in the wild and spend time with them. Park rangers, equipped to keep you safe from harm, are present when gorilla trekking safari takes place. These park rangers have extensive knowledge of the dense forests that gorillas often inhabit. The gorilla safari activity is a highly exciting and informative activity that has travelers learning more about gorillas and other park animals that they may come across, birds and plant species.
Where can I find gorillas? or. From where can I do gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking safari is done in Africa, for it is where gorillas of all taxa are found, in their natural habitats and not in cages or zoos. The only places in the world where mountain gorillas can be found are the Virunga Massifs and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These are the primates that most travelers hope to see. The three primate safari parks that make up the Virunga Massifs are Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park of Uganda alone inhabits more than a half the total world population of mountain gorillas. UNESCO world heritage sites, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Virunga National Park and Volcanoes National Park reward travelers with great gorilla experiences. Because they are native to these countries, you can only locate and engage in mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The gorilla trekking experience.
The gorilla trekking safari experience starts with you being at the starting point of gorilla trekking for your specific gorilla sector or gorilla national park you are visiting. You will receive an overview of gorilla trekking, including what to expect and the norms and regulations to abide by. After that, you will be divided into groups of eight and given a gorilla family to trek. Clad with your hiking stick and in a company of park rangers, you shall file and start your search for gorillas in their own space. The guides will point out several vital things for you to know or take notice of, and they will alert you when you are almost to the exact gorilla site. The gorillas will only be with you for an hour while you observe how they communicate with one other and with people. Take pictures and videos if you may want for keeps. Next that, you will walk back to the starting place and continue with your guide on the following itinerary activities. Gorilla trekking can take anything from 30 minutes to 6 hours or more depending on the location of the gorillas and the terrain.
What do I need for a gorilla trekking safari?
First of all, these gorillas live in dense tropical rainforests, and in mountainous areas thereby are extremely exhausting to hike, and rains fall anytime of the day if they like despite being in the dry season. Therefore, travelers must carry a few necessary items for trekking, such as a waterproof rain jacket and sturdy hiking shoes. Travellers also need to spare at least a day for trekking, as well as a gorilla permit to be allowed to trek gorillas.
What is a gorilla permit? How much is a gorilla permit?
A gorilla permit is a card that is issued to one who pays for a gorilla trekking experience in any of the gorilla destinations. Travellers can engage in gorilla trekking only with a gorilla permit; without one, they cannot. Due to the high demand for gorilla trekking, permits are limited, so it’s critical to book well in advance at least three months ahead of your anticipated travel date to avoid missing out. The Uganda Wildlife Authority issues gorilla permits in Uganda. The cost is $800 for non-resident foreigners, $700 for residents of other countries, and UGX 300000 for East Africa citizens. For Rwanda, gorilla permits cost $1500 for all kinds of travelers while the Congo has them at $400 only. Children under the age of fifteen are not permitted to participate in gorilla trekking, and each person is only granted one gorilla permit per trek.
When should I go for gorilla trekking? What is the best time for gorilla tracking?
You can trek gorillas all year round. When you have some free time and want to go on a gorilla safari, you should go gorilla trekking. Without a doubt, the greatest time to trek gorillas is during the dry season, which occurs every year from June to August and from December to January. Rainfall occurs all year round in the rainforests where gorillas reside, even during the “dry season.” In contrast to most other regions of the world, which only experience one season at a time, most African nations especially Uganda have amazing climates that allow them to experience rain and sunshine on the same day. If you have the right equipment for gorilla trekking, you can undertake gorilla trekking any time of year in this type of climate and weather.
Where do I stay during my gorilla safari?
All these gorilla parks or gorilla destinations mentioned above have outstanding accommodation facilities ranging from super luxury to budget, thereby adapting for all kinds of traveler budgets. Your tour operator will assist you with arranging accommodation for each of the corresponding gorilla parks.
With this knowledge, I think you understand gorilla trekking safari and its implications well enough to be able to reserve a gorilla safari package. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need more information.