Gorilla Trekking Safari or Gorilla tracking Safari – Whichever you choose to call it takes place in a handful of far-flung locations; Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. The fact that gorillas are on the brink of extinction and treks are a highly restricted activity, encountering wild mountain gorillas is considered a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.
We’re proud to support Gorilla trekking tourism that contributes directly to protecting rain forest habitats and conserving mountain gorillas. Thanks to income derived directly from gorilla trekking tourism, the mountain gorilla population has stabilized, which gives us hope for the future of gorillas now.
What to Expect on a Gorilla Trekking Safari.
For a gorilla trekking safari, you need to be fairly fit, equipped for the humid and muddy conditions of a rain forest hike, and in good health – gorillas are susceptible to human illnesses but don’t have our immunities, which means a common cold can be deadly to a whole family of gorillas and you won’t be permitted to trek if you are unwell.
Even in the dry season, the rain forest is a challenging environment: it’s still humid, wet and muddy with some steep slopes, plenty of insects and thick vegetation. It is absolutely worth the effort to spend time with gorillas in the wild, but be prepared to exert yourself on the trek.
Your professional local guide and a team of tracker lead you into the forest’s secret paths, looking for a habituated gorilla family. Once found, you’ll approach the gorillas quietly and settle down to observe them from between 7 and 10m (22 to 32 ft) away. You’ll spend between 40 minutes and an hour with the gorillas, or you could opt to take on the Full Day – Gorilla Habituation Experience (A new gorilla trekking product only happening in Uganda – Not anywhere else in the World). Whichever you choose to do Gorilla trekking Safari or gorilla Habituation Safari, watching the adults forage and groom each other while the babies tumble and play – is an amazing experience. You’ll be under the watchful gaze of the great silver-back patriarch, whose soft brown eyes constantly sweep over his family protectively. Witnessing gorillas express typically human gestures and emotions is a truly profound experience and one of the reasons that a gorilla trekking Safari is such a life-changing encounter.
Now that you know what Gorilla Trekking Is, how about we learn more about things like;
Where to go Gorilla Trekking Safari.
Gorilla trekking or Tracking can be done in three (03) locations; Uganda, Rwanda & DR. Congo. Of all three Locations, we Realm Africa safaris™ only operates gorilla Safaris into Uganda and Rwanda. These two (02) are considered the safest places to see mountain gorillas in Africa.
The Best Place to go Gorilla trekking Safari.
The best place to see mountain gorillas is Uganda. Unlike Rwanda, Uganda has well-over 500 Mountain Gorillas living in two (02) National parks; Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
In Bwindi Forest, mountain Gorillas can be seen in four (04) different locations; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo regions. Gorilla permits to trek Gorillas in Bwindi Forest cost USD6oo per person but will increase to USD700 per person effective 1st/July/2020.
In Mgahinga, there is only 80 Mountain gorillas in the entire park of 33sq.Km. Only 10 individuals belong to the habituated Nyakagezi Gorilla group that can be tracked in this park. Similarly, gorilla permits also Cost USD600 and are subject to increase to USD700 come 1/july/2020.
Besides Gorilla trekking, Uganda offers a diversity of other things to do. These can easily be combined with your Gorilla Trekking Safari. The Notably interesting thing worth considering adding to your gorilla Safari is; chimpanzee tracking, Tree climbing Lions, a boat safari on the Kazinga channel, a trip to Murchison Falls National park, and a rafting trip on the Nile river grade 5 rapids.
In a nutshell, Uganda compared to Rwanda offers affordable gorilla permits (USd600pp) compared to SUD1,500 pp charged on permits in Rwanda. Secondly, Rwanda does not have as much diversity to offer in terms of alternative things to do besides gorilla trekking.
Best time to go Gorilla trekking Safari.
Although gorilla trekking can be done any time of the year, the best time is in the dry season months of June to August or December to February. At these times, the forest trails are drier and therefore less slippery. Also, your chance of a dry gorilla viewing experience is higher during these months. This might result in a better experience and photography will be easier.
What to wear/bring on a gorilla trek.
What to wear on my gorilla trek.
- Sturdy Lightweight walking shoes. the lighter the better. Extra weight on the trek is not good.
- Long-sleeved shirt and trousers to provide extra body protections against thorny shrubs.
- Long socks that allow you tuck you pants in to avoid bugs from climbing into your pants while on the trek.
- Rain jacket in case it rains. Remember you are trekking in a tropical rain forest.
- Gaiters (Optional). Don’t spend On new ones. These can well be substituted with long socks to serve the same purpose.
What to bring on your trek.
- A camera for your photographic needs. Don’t spend BIG on a camera. if you own an iphone, these too take amazing pictures especial under limited forest light.
- Binoculars (optional). They might come in handy when spotting some forest birds. Your ranger will have a pair that he is willing to share.
- A hat (optional). This is to keep branches and leaves let alone bugs from falling into your hair.
- Drinking water. Its a norm for tour operators to provide the guests with Water. check with them to ensure they will provide.
- Packed Lunch. Realm Africa Safaris™ will provide you with enough bottled drinking water.
- A Day Pack to carry all your personal items while on the trek.
** We recommend using a local porter to assist carry your bag and also give you a hand on the trek to the gorillas. This however, costs EXTRA. (See: Why Use a porter on your gorilla Trek)
