Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

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Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
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Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is categorized as one of the most interactive and transformative wildlife safaris in Africa it should definitely feature in your safari bucket list. There are just a few families left in the protected reserves and gorilla parks. And with the income earned from their trekking their populations are slowly increasing as people who were once poachers of this primates are now their protectors so as to earn livelihoods.

You get to experience from 40 minutes to an hour with these amazing creatures as you watch and try to understand their way of living, from the playfulness of the young ones to the females trying to keep them in check and the silverback male keeping a protective eye on their surroundings. Gorilla trekking tourism has become a vital practice to the growth and continued existence of this species.

What makes this safari a once in a lifetime journey? The fact that African mountain gorillas can only survive in the wild hence you cannot observe them from the zoo. There are two places to see them in their natural habitat one being Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Your fitness levels should not stop you from this adventure as the scouts distribute individuals in groups of youngest to oldest or rather who can hike further and who will be taken on the shorter trails towards finding this families. If you are in a group as the maximum number of people per trek is 8 and prefer to stay together that is not an issue as the stronger hikers will be required to slow down to keep up with the others in the group.

The scouts are great at keeping track of everyone and hence if someone starts struggling, they’ll suggest a break before carrying on. If you prefer a less strenuous trek it is recommended to go during the two dry seasons as the treks are less wet and hence less slippery and less muddy.

The minimum age limit is 15 years so if you do travel with younger kids, it is advisable to find an accommodation that offers childminding services.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

 

Mountain Gorillas

The world has two gorilla species the western and eastern, Mountain gorillas fall under a subspecies of the eastern gorillas and happen to be estimated at around 1,063 in the world and are spread out in the two National Parks. They are considered one of the most powerful and biggest primates with an average silverback weighing up to 180 kgs and up to over 5’5” tall when on all fours. Female mountain gorillas weigh about 90 kgs and up to 4’9” tall. They mainly eat plants leaves, stems and such but also indulge in larvae, snails and ants. They can spend about a quarter of their day eating.

An interesting fact is that humans share around 98% of their DNA with gorillas. They can get human illnesses like a cold only difference is unlike humans they haven’t yet developed the necessary immunities. And just like humans they live in family groups of up to around 10 gorillas with one dominant male and several females with both caring for their young ones.

When the young ones get older most males and about 60% of the females leave their birth groups and join other groups to help prevent inbreeding. A young one start being referred to as an adult when they get to around 8 years old. A male aged 8 to 12 is called a blackback and once they start attaining the silver section of hair over their backs at from the age of 12, they start being called silverbacks.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

 

What does the trekking consist of?

Easier answer is walking. Gorilla trekking consists of hours of hiking on narrow and inclined paths and walking through dense jungle in search of the gorillas. You are accompanied by a scout who walks ahead of you clearing paths of foliage with a machete, they ensure you have plenty of breaks and they ensure you are properly equipped for the tough environment.

Due to the fact that gorillas are highly susceptible to human illness you will not be allowed to go on the trek if you have either a cold or any contagious illness. There is a very high chance about 99% of finding the gorillas as the scouts pick up gorilla tracks.

After locating a family you’ll be required to leave your belongings apart from your camera at a distance so as to be taken close enough to observe them at ease without threatening the primates. They are accustomed to human viewers and hence go about their normal business without fear. And after maximum an hour with the primates it’s now time to head back. You aren’t allowed to touch them due to their unpredictability as the bottom line is they are wild animals and second due to their susceptibility to human diseases.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

 

When is the best time to visit?

The two regions have a common climate although trekking can be done all year round. The best times are narrowed down to the regions two dry seasons which happen to be from the middle of December all through to the end of February and from early June all through to Late September. It’s comfortable to hike during this time even though it’s still humid and wet and the paths have plenty of mud.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

What you need to pack for gorilla trekking

The trek requires movement through steep slopes and rather wet and muddy pathways so you need to be well prepared for the trails. Below are some recommended items of clothing and gears:

  1. Long sleeve cotton shirts and long trousers protect you from bugs, scratches, and sunburn.
  2. Buffs to avoid dust and keep your neck warm while preventing sweat from your eyes and hair on your face.
  3. A fleece for warmth and a hooded waterproof jacket.
  4. Thin cotton inner socks as well as thick outer socks to prevent blisters.
  5. Sunglasses that can filter UV.
  6. Gaiters to keep pebbles, san,d, and dust out of your boots.
  7. Sunscreen and bug repellent.
  8. A mini first aid kit is equipped with moist towels, antiseptic, and plasters.
  9. Worn in hiking boots that have ankle support.
  10. Water bottle.
  11. Headlamp.
  12. Twin trekking poles as some paths are steep and uneven.
  13. If possible, a light day pack with Camelbak for easier hydration when moving around.
  14. You can also wear garden gloves to grab onto plants and branches for support without worrying about injuring your hands.

 

Note that you should avoid camouflage clothing as in many areas it is considered illegal on civilians. Animal print clothes is also a no so as to not alarm the gorillas. Neutral colors like greens, greys and browns are recommended.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

 

How much are the trekking permits?

Trekking permits in both countries differ as per the guest’s nationality. The money collected from these permits go towards the protection and maintenance of the forests and the gorillas. Each country has its own rates as shown in the tables below;

Uganda

Foreign Non-residents $800
Foreign Residents $700
East African Citizens $80
Citizens of other African countries $500
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Rwanda

Foreign Non-residents $1500
Citizens of Rwanda and other East African countries $200
Foreign residents of Rwanda and citizens and residents of other African countries $500
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park

Let’s Start Planning Your Gorilla Trekking Safaris. Get In Touch With Us Now To Start Planning.

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Cheetah Safaris is a serious advocate of sustainable safari practices in Africa. As part of our efforts and initiative, we engage and support schools and children who need knowledge to better their lives. The best gift a child can be given is education, skills, and creativity. 

In this case, we request our guests booking with us, to bring an extra back of supplies. This can be in terms of books, sports materials, and any other items that would change the lives of these kids. 

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Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
2025-01-21T12:59:41+00:00
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