Can I go gorilla trekking in 2021? Yes, both Rwanda & Uganda are open for gorilla trekking but with strict gorilla trekking rules & regulations in place to combat the spread of the current COVID-19 virus. (See: COVID-19 Gorilla trekking Regulations.)
Gorilla Trekking in 2021 for many travellers is still a mystery as many remain uncertain on whether they can actually leave their home country safely and travel to East Africa; Uganda & Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking.
Depending on whether your home country government decides to either tighten the travel restrictions or rather loosen them a little, what we all need to remember is that COVID-19 is real and kills indiscriminately especially for people who don’t adhere to the set health regulations.
Gorilla Trekking in Africa is done in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda & DR Congo. As Realm Africa Safaris™, we strictly only operate safe gorilla trekking trips to only two countries; Uganda & Rwanda.
Related: Why Realm Africa Safaris™ doesn’t Operate tours to DR Congo.
Best place to go gorilla trekking in 2021: Uganda or Rwanda?
Both Rwanda and Uganda are safe places for gorilla trekking in 2021. However, each of them has an advantage over the other. we will explain and let you choose where is best to go gorilla trekking for you in 2021.
The most prominent advantage Uganda has over Rwanda is the price of gorilla permits. Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost USD1,500 per person to trek and spend 01-hour with a group of habituated mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park while Gorilla Permits in Uganda cost a lot less – USD700 per person. This price difference has seen many travellers opt for Uganda except for the luxury travellers that prefer trekking gorillas in Rwanda.
On the other, Rwanda might appeal better to travellers not so bothered by the price of the gorilla Permits in Rwanda – USD1,500 but are rather keen to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience staying at very opulent safari lodges like Wilderness Safaris’ Bisate eco Lodge or the newly opened Kwitonda Lodge by Singita. These sort of travellers will definitely choose Rwanda as the best place to go gorilla trekking in 2021.
Besides just enjoying the luxury safari experience Rwanda has to offer, Rwanda combines easily with a Kenya or Tanzania safari as a two- or three-day add-on. There are daily flights in & out of Nairobi and parts of the Serengeti, and it is only a 2.5-hour drive to get to the Volcanoes rainforest for gorilla trekking. For those really pressed for time, you can also hire a private helicopter from Kigali.
When is the best time to go on a gorilla tour?
The best time to go on a gorilla trek in Uganda is in the dry seasons: January to February or June to September. It may be advantageous and perhaps most exciting to opt for the rainy season when the gorillas are just as present and there’s less competition to secure one of the limited gorilla permits issued per day.
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda is in the dry seasons, which are mid-December to early February and June to September. Park rangers track the groups’ movements year-round, so if you don’t mind muddy boots, the opportunities are still there when the rains come down—just bring your best waterproof gear. In the wet season, the air is crystal clear, so you’ll find great views of the volcanoes and gorillas tend to hang out on the lower slopes of the mountain.
What should I pack for my Gorilla tour in 2021?
- A face Mask to protect both you and the gorillas ( We recommend bring on that can be recycled)
- Hiking Boots. Buy boots that go above your ankles – they protect you from strains.
- Garden Gloves. These protect your hands – they are important.
- Rain Jacket. Doesn’t matter if you are trekking in the dry or wet season.
- Long-Sleeved Shirt or Blouse. The sleeves protect your arms.
- Energy Giving snacks. You might use some extra sugars during your trek.
- Cameras and extra batteries. Unless you don’t care to keep the memories.
- Hat or bandana. This covers your head and stops bugs from falling Into your hair.
- Pair of Binoculars. You might hear a sound of a bird high up in the canopy – these come in handy.
Related: The comprehensive Gorilla trekking Packing List for 2021
