Uganda and Rwanda are the two optimal destinations for gorilla trekking holidays because they are home to the endangered mountain gorillas. There have been concerted conservation efforts by these countries to conserve remaining mountain populations and the habitats of these primates, and as a result, the gorilla trekking holiday experience in these countries is sustainable and ethical. The gorilla trekking experience in Uganda and Rwanda is a well-regulated venture that ensures safety for both the gorillas and the visitors. Gorilla safaris in Uganda and Rwanda are guided by experienced guides on well-maintained trails with strict adherence to regulations. On a gorilla safari holiday to Uganda or Rwanda, you are guaranteed to become a lifelong gorilla safari convert.
Mountain gorillas are listed as endangered species. German scientists estimate their numbers in the wild at about 1,000. More than half of all the mountain gorillas in the world are now found in Uganda and Rwanda. Both countries have strong conservation initiatives aimed at protecting the gorillas and their habitat, so you can also be assured that your gorilla safari company is directly contributing to conservation through the levy it pays towards the gorilla permit, and because a portion of your tourism money is given to gorilla protection, research and sometimes community projects like education and health. If you care about gorillas and want them to survive for the next few decades or hundreds of years, then your contribution is that, in essence, you pay to look at gorillas and help protect them.
Wild Whispers Africa is an award-winning safari operator specialising in gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda.We were one of the first gorilla tour operators in Uganda, and our experience and dedication to wildlife and conservation stand out. We specialise in gorilla trekking in Uganda which includes gorilla trekking experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.Our gorilla trekking safaris involve tracking mountain gorillas and engaging in further activities like chimps trekking, game drives, cultural encounters and city tours. Whatever your preferences and budget, Wild Whispers Africa is here to organise a trip of a lifetime and make it unforgettable.Gorilla Trek Africa is; IATA certified, ATTA Tour Operator member, Uganda Tourism Board member, Uganda Wildlife Authority member,TANAPA member and a member of ReEntrant debtors list.
Tranquil Safaris is a leading safari company that specialises in gorilla trekking in Uganda. Exclusive and up-market, the company provides luxury accommodation, highly-skilled and knowledgeable guides and first-class service. Tranquil Safaris Uganda offers gorilla trekking and other wildlife experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and in Queen Elizabeth National Park, as well as Kibale National Park. Their professional service ensures that all your gorilla safari holidays are filled with delightful moments for a long lasting memory.
Insight Safari Holidays is the company of your choice for a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda. It’s a pioneer in the Ugandan safari industry and offers the most affordable safari vacations in the world. With each tour limited to six travellers, it guarantees a personal touch of service and an intimate encounter with gorillas. An expert guide shares information about the lifestyle and ecology of mountain gorillas while on trek, making your experience educational as well as exciting. When you book your gorilla trekking tour with Insight Safari Holidays, you can rest assured that the itinerary will be designed in such a way that your gorilla trekking safari is combined with exciting wildlife activities in different parks.
Gorilla Tours Uganda is one of the best safari companies for gorilla trekking ,gorilla safaris and mountain gorilla tours in Uganda. We have highly qualified tour guides with vast experience in gorilla trekking tours. Gorilla Tours Uganda is providing lifetime experience to all travellers associated with us. Our gorilla trekking tours have responsible and humane principles behind them. Our mission as a top tour company is to provide you with your ideal holiday. You should be able to enjoy your time in our country. Gorilla Tours Uganda offers gorilla trekking packages within your budget ,comfortable accommodation ,reliable transportation and permits at affordable costs. Gorilla trekking encounters in Uganda are organised in a way to expose you to a great diversity of wildlife species. Our gorilla trekking packages have safely anticipated the movements of the mountain gorillas, people and animals within your arrival. Gorilla Tours Uganda is one of the best tour companies for gorilla trekking in Uganda; your gorilla trekking safari holiday will be in good hands.
Do you want to trek for a gorilla safari? Discover Africa Safaris are a reputable safari company operating in Uganda. They are passionate about community-based tourism and sustainable travel. Discover Africa Safaris arrange incredible gorilla safari treks during your safari holiday which are a memorable experience in Uganda’s gorilla country. With their knowledgeable guides staying in comfortable accommodation with a very well-planned itineraries. A gorilla trekking experience with Discover Africa Safaris is more than just a glimpse of this endangered animal; you can be part of the community that makes your safari possible as well as aiding in the conservation of the wild gorillas. I wish you a wonderful trip with Discover Africa Safaris.
Volcanoes Safaris is a leading luxury safari company specialising in gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Its group of luxury lodges set near Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda are the ideal base for a gorilla trek. Volcanoes Safaris is noted for its fantastic service, commitment to conservation and the experiences of its expert guides. Volcanoes Safaris offers an unforgettable Rwanda safari adventure that combines luxury, adventure and conservation, giving travellers a truly memorable gorilla safari – while playing a part in helping the local environment and communities.
Established in 2008 and based in Kigali, the country’s capital — takes visitors into the Volcanoes National Park for a memorable experience on a gorilla tour — in an eco-friendly manner and coupled with programmes for community development. Amahoro Tours is not just a safari company, but also a social enterprise that can facilitate all facets of your gorilla trekking experience from the hotels and transport to the tour guide and park entry permits. Moreover, to ensure a fulfilling holiday, they are passionate about sustainability and work closely with community partners and the local communities of the parks. With them, your Rwanda safari vacation will be one that you won’t forget soon.
Primate Safaris Rwanda is one of the best tour companies in Rwanda that specialises in gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda. The company organises gorilla trekking holidays that help the participants to have gorilla experience. The company has well experienced and knowledgeable guides who will give you a lot of information concerning the mountain gorillas. Primate Safaris Rwanda will organise gorilla safaris for you that will allow you to have an amazing gorilla experience. The company will take you to Volcanoes National Park where you will find the rare mountain gorillas. The company will arrange safari accommodation, transport and gorilla permits to telephone you and give you a safari itinerary. Once you book with Primate Safaris Rwanda, then you do not have to worry. The company has seen it all, ranging from what to expect, where to eat to the places to visit. Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is conducted twice a day at 7am and noon and the time spent with gorillas is one hour. When participating in gorilla trekking with the company, be sure to know which sector you are visiting. Primate Safaris Rwanda also has the best gorilla trekking packages that you can participate in and know how to track gorillas in Rwanda. When you make your reservation with Primate Safaris Rwanda, you participate in gorilla trekking but also in other primates tracking activities like golden monkey trekking and chimpanzee trekking.
Kibira Tours is a reputable Rwandan safari company that facilitates gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Kibira is a responsible travel company that believes in safari adventures in small groups in order to give intimate experiences. Their expert guides have a great wealth of knowledge on the behaviour and ecology of mountain gorillas and offer a closer understanding and appreciation of their world. When you choose Kibira Tours for your Rwanda safari experience, you will be sure of a quality trip to the gorillas and an itinerary divided between gorilla trekking, cultural experiences and wildlife encounters.
Intrepid Gorilla Tours is the leading company that specialises in organising gorilla trekking adventures in Rwanda, one of the three countries that offer mountain gorilla trekking. Our unique, authentic and responsible treks are offered at the most competitive rate on the market. Apart from offering a life-changing gorilla trekking experience during your gorilla safari vacation in the wild, your holiday with Intrepid Gorilla Tours helps the local communities and contributes to the continued conservation of the mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking is a once in a lifetime experience that will not only expose you to the thrill of being in the forest in search of the magnificent creatures, but will also be very rewarding to you.
Gorilla trekking in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And it really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You not only get to see mountain gorillas, you get to see them in the wild. Trekking begins with a briefing at the park headquarters to learn which gorilla family you have been assigned to and what to expect on the trek, including guidelines and dos and don’ts. You will head deep into the forest, accompanied by guides and park rangers, trekking on foot for anywhere between 30 minutes and several hours, depending on the location of the gorillas.
They are quite large and you will be able to spend one hour with them learning about their day-to-day behaviour and interactions. Gorilla trekking is highly regulated, to ensure that the gorillas are not disturbed and don’t mind the small groups of eco-tourists (1 hour, 6 tourists plus a professional guide to a maximum of 10, maximum 80 people per day allowed). You can take photographs to commemorate your experience. Your guides will give information about the ecology, behaviour and conservation status of the gorillas as you trek.
Whereas gorilla trekking is not an easy activity to do, when it comes to the best time, density of gorilla families or species, and luxurious jungle lodges, Uganda beats Rwanda hands down. The country favours October to February as the dry season, with June to September as the rainy season. Because the rainfall in Uganda is higher than in Rwanda, the vegetation is thicker, which in turn makes it easier for the gorillas to hide themselves. Rwanda’s dry season typically runs from June to September, with October to March being the rainy season. Gorillas here live in families of 10 to 30 members. Trekking in either country is one of the most exhilarating activities that you can ever embark on.
The most popular time for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons of June to September and mid-December to mid-February. Trekking is slightly easier then, as the trails are less slippery and the gorillas are more easily seen. And of course, the weather is sunnier. Gorilla trekking can be done year-round, however, and each season has its own pros and cons. Check the weather conditions and your own preferences before booking a safari holiday to make sure you choose the right time of year to go.
What’s more, trekking to find gorillas is a tough physical activity that requires a moderately good standard of health. Walking in the forest understory is no easy task – and it exacerbates the normal problems of walking longer distances on uneven ground. If you haven’t exercised in a while or if you’re less than fully fit, you won’t enjoy the experience so much. Porters are available – and useful – to relieve you of your daypack when you get tired, and help you with the going when you feel you’re flagging, but you’ll still have to do most of your trek under your own steam. Make sure you mention any physical impairments to your safari company before you go; they’ll help to advise on what to expect and which park would be the best destination.
These items are essential for your gorilla trekking safari: a comfortable pair of hiking boots, long trousers. long sleeved-shirts, waterproof jacket, gloves, a hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, a water bottle and a camera, although you can also bring a little backpack and keep your essential items in it for your trek. When packing for your safari holiday, check a packing list recommended by your safari company in advance to ensure that you will be well-prepared for the season and local conditions.
To keep disease out of these wild gorilla populations, researchers require you to stay at least 7 metres (23 feet) away from the gorillas. This distance is sufficient for great viewing and photos on your gorilla trekking safari, and your guides will give you clear instructions on how maintain your distance from the gorillas in a safe and respectful way so you can experience a unique and responsible wildlife encounter during your safari holiday.
Each gorilla family can have at most eight humans in one day. This is to minimise the disturbance to the gorillas and their environment, as well as to give the eight humans a very privileged experience. Smaller groups will almost certainly prove better for photography and observation, and – perhaps more important – the experience will be more intimate and enjoyable for you if you are one of eight gorilla lovers, rather than one of 20. When booking your gorilla trekking safari, do ask about the group size, so you know what to expect.
The gorilla experience as such, meaning when you actually find the gorillas, lasts up to one hour, but the whole trek from the starting point to the gorillas and back could last 2-8 hours depending on where the gorillas are and the terrain. When you’re planning a safari holiday, you should allow a full day for the gorilla experience, but in reality the time it takes can vary greatly depending on where the gorillas are, the weather and how they have dispersed.
A gorilla trekking permit is required for both foreigners and Ugandans alike. To acquire one, you will need to contact the Ugandan or Rwandan wildlife authority directly, or do this through a licensed safari company. To avoid disappointment, it is highly advisable that you acquire these permits as far in advance as possible since they are in high demand and limited in supply. For gorilla trekking safaris however, your safari company of choice should help you in acquiring the permits and ensuring that you are compliant with all the requirements.
The price of a gorilla trekking permit is slightly different in Uganda and Rwanda. A gorilla permit in Uganda costs about $700 per person, while in Rwanda the permit fee is around $1,500 per person. The cost of gorilla trekking permits helps to maintain gorillas as a viable tourist attraction, generate revenue for conservation efforts and associated development, and aid local communities who live along the borders of gorilla habitats. So, the cost of gorilla permits may seem a bit expensive, but the income generated within the tourism industry is critical in preserving the threatened mountain gorillas and contributing to sustainable development in the region.
Yes, you are allowed to take photographs of the gorillas. Flash photography is not allowed, as the gorillas will not like the bright light in their eyes. You should also stay a distance of seven metres from the gorillas, and avoid wild gesticulation – it’s not very dignified. Feeling the power of those massive arms and breathing the air they exhale is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Use your camera appropriately, but chiefly respect your guides’ instructions to protect the gorillas. If you’re taking photographs, a camera with a good zoom should suffice.
There are tons of activities to complement your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and Rwanda specifically, Chimpanzee trekking, Golden Monkey trekking, wildlife game drives, wildlife boat cruises, nature walks, cultural visits and many more that can be included by your safari company in Uganda and Rwanda to make a safari holiday out of your mountain gorilla tracking safari holiday. Discuss your interest and preferences with your safari company and they will design a tailor made itinerary for you.
