Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the D.R. Congo is generally unpredictable adventure unlike normal game drives. A complete gorilla trekking experience is likely to take tourists 2 to 6 hours. But this varies, you spend few hours or more meaning, it is not a guarantee. The length of the Gorilla Trek varies, as determined by a number of factors especially the nature of gorilla habitat, physical fitness level of trekkers and where gorillas can be spotted from.
A normal gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, Rwanda or D.R. Congo always begins with early morning briefing. As early as 7:00am, all tourists are expected to have reported at respective Gorilla Trail-head/offices depending on the destination they are in for Gorilla Trekking. You get briefed about Gorilla Trekking rules and the official from the park also allocated you a gorilla family which you will track starting at 8:00am.
Trekking to see gorillas isn’t an ordinary experience like the normal game drive or nature walk, because it is entirely done in the rain-forest characterized by dense vegetation, steep slopes etc. Considering the nature of this Primate Walk experience, visitors should expect to spend 2-6 hours but this includes the 1 hour which the park authorities allow visitors to spend face to face with gorillas. Though lengthy, Trekking to see gorillas is so rewarding, memorable and such a thrilling experience of a lifetime that any adventure seeker must be part of.
Being unpredictable experience, before you think of visiting Uganda, Rwanda or D.R. Congo for Mountain Gorilla Trekking, ensure that you are well-prepared and physically fit. This is generally a challenging Primate Walk experience taking you on a thrilling on-foot-walk adventure, navigating via the high altitudinal range 2500 to 3000m. The Primate Walk adventure ushers you into the dense vegetation cover, steep slopes and at times bump into the muddy grounds making the entire experience exhausting but rewards travel endeavors. This entirely requires you to adequately prepare for altitude challenge by exercising earlier before your actual Gorilla Trek.
While Gorilla Trekking is unpredictable, visitors have plenty to enjoy, explore and experience before and after viewing mountain gorillas or eastern lowland gorillas. Gorilla Trekking safari parks protect more than just gorillas because along the way, there are lots of birds, primates, reptiles, colorful butterflies, flora for you to see.
Interestingly also, treks to see gorillas has been eased with continued gorilla habituation practice. All gorilla trekking adventures are carried out in only habituated gorilla families – whether you are in Uganda, Rwanda or D.R. Congo. The park official allocates every group of 8 (Eight) tourists a gorilla family and for a gorilla family to open for trekking, it takes about 2 years less or more for gorillas to get familiar to human presence.
Before the next group of trekkers is let go trek gorillas, trackers are sent on ground to ascertain where these apes are and they keep in touch with the park guides. The tracker then directs the guide to where the gorilla family you are searching is located.
The best gorilla trekking destinations.
No better place in Africa offers exhilarating Gorilla Trekking experiences than Uganda, Rwanda and the D.R. Congo. The 3 African states stand out as the only places where the memorable Mountain Gorilla Trekking adventures can be done. They protect the only remaining world’s 1063 mountain gorilla population.
Each of the 3 countries has their own Gorilla Trekking parks and in Uganda, there are 2 alternatives; you can book a gorilla safari to either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In Rwanda, tourists can only visit Volcanoes National Park to see Mountain gorillas while in D.R. Congo, visit Virunga National Park or if you are interested in Eastern Lowland Gorillas, then you can visit Kahuzi-Biega National Park or Maiko National Park.
Best time to travel.
Gorilla Trekking is open to all eligible travelers above 15 years throughout the year. However, the dry season is the best time to travel to Uganda, Rwanda or D.R. Congo for Gorilla Trekking.
The drier months of June to September/December to February offer the best experience for travelers on gorilla tour as they record the best weather conditions characterized by low or no rains.
What to pack?
The essentials you must have on Gorilla tour include waterproof day pack, garden hand gloves, insect repellents, sweater, waterproof hiking, bottled water, first aid kit, snacks, long sleeved shirts, walking stick, camera free from flashlight, gorilla permit etc.
