A call for gorilla trekking comes with plenty of excitement, fun and expectations; this is because it is a lifetime adventure, especially when the journey starts from the Republic of South Africa; one of the most beautiful and largest nations in the continent of Africa, and 25th largest nation in the world. It is bordered by Mozambique and Swaziland to the northeast, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana to the north and stretching along the shores of Indian Ocean and South Atlantic. It surrounds the Lesotho Kingdom.
Nothing beats the experience of first starting with a tour around rich historical sites, national parks, game reserves and lively cities of South Africa.
South Africa has no gorillas, thus the reason for flying to the three East and Central African countries harboring the world’s largest population of Mountain and lowland gorillas; man’s closest relatives. Gorillas are only found in the continent of Africa, with mountain Gorilla species offered asylum in the misty jungle of Virunga network of Mountains. The gentle Apes possess over 95% of human genes. They are social creatures, led by one dominant male – the silverback. Gorillas feed on main vegetables such as fruits, stems, leaves and fruits among others.
Gorilla trekking from South Africa follows a flight to either Entebbe international airport in Uganda or Kigali in Rwanda. From the respective airports, you will be then driven to different gorilla trekking destinations in the region.
GORILLA TREKKING DESTINATIONS IN AFRICA.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Located in the neighborhood of vast Virunga chain of mountains, Bwindi is a premier trekking destination in Uganda. It has the largest concentration of individual mountain Gorillas in its misty jungle. The trekking exercise commences very early in the morning in any of the four sectors, namely; Nkuringo, Buhoma sector, Ruhija and Rushaga sectors.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
This is the smallest park in Uganda, yet harboring some of the most sought-after creatures on planet earth. It is located in the southwestern region, covered by lush forest which offers habitat to one of the friendliest gorilla families in the country.
Virunga National Park.
Home to a quarter of the total mountain gorillas present on the planet, Virunga National Park is a must-visit destination in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This is one of the oldest and largest national parks in the continent of Africa and offers the cheapest Gorilla trekking permits as compared to other gorilla destinations in the world.
Volcanoes National Park.
Located in the north-western part of Rwanda, Volcanoes national park is a luxurious yet one of the best Gorilla trekking destinations in Africa. The park is famous in Rwanda and harbors a quarter of total mountain gorilla species in the world. It is the nearest gorilla trekking destination to the airport and capital city, thus serving a whole lot of travel time.
Kahuzi – Biega National Park.
Located in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the south-Kivu province, this is one of the most visited national parks in this country. It is a home to the giant eastern lowland gorillas, only found in the central part of Africa. The eastern lowland gorillas have large bodies, much fur and spend most of their time on the ground in comparison with their counterparts.
Cost of gorilla trekking.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda costs USD 700 for foreign Non-residents; 600usd for foreign residents and 250,000 UGX for East African citizens; while in Democratic Republic of Congo a permit costs 400 USD and 1500 USD in Rwanda. This price is non-refundable and valid per person per trek. Gorilla trekking tour is restricted to persons from the age of 15 years and above.
Therefore, starting your safari from South Africa is one of the greatest ways of encountering elusive and endangered mountain gorilla species in the wild.
