Four Optimal Locations for Observing Mountain Gorillas
Trekking to observe mountain gorillas is among the most popular tourist activities globally. An in-person interaction with a silverback gorilla in its natural habitat is considered the premier wildlife experience globally. Individuals who have trekked with gorillas describe the experience as enchanting, exhilarating, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should not be omitted from any traveler’s bucket list. Retirees select gorilla safaris as part of their retirement packages, demonstrating that an encounter with gorillas is truly a dream realized. Mountain gorillas possess more than 98% of human genetic material, establishing them as near cousins to humans. The anthropomorphic traits of mountain gorillas within their familial structures render encounters extraordinary and worthwhile. Among the four gorilla species—mountain gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas, western lowland gorillas, and cross river gorillas—mountain gorillas are the most frequently visited. If gorilla trekking is your aspiration, Gorilla Trek Africa presents the four premier locations to see gorillas. These comprise:
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Locations for observing gorillas
A standing silverback gorilla
Bwindi Forest in southwestern Uganda, housing around 500 mountain gorillas, serves as a premier destination for gorilla safaris in Africa. The thick forest houses fifty percent of the global population of mountain gorillas. Seventeen gorilla families have been acclimatized in the Bwindi forest to facilitate hiking expeditions. Gorilla trips in Uganda’s Bwindi jungle are optimally conducted during the dry season, characterized by limited rainfall, facilitating easier trekking into the dense jungle. Bwindi Forest is situated around five hours from Kigali, Rwanda, facilitating gorilla trekking between Rwanda and Uganda. The Bwindi forest is partitioned into four sectors: Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, and Nkuringo and Rushaga in the south. The habituated gorilla families in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest comprise Mubare, Rushegura, Habinyanja, Mishaya, Oruzogo, Nkuringo, Katwe, Christmas, Bitukura, Kyaguliro, Nshongi, Kahungye, Busingye, Bweza, Katwe, and Christmas. Daily, 126 gorilla licenses are issued in the Bwindi forest. The substantial population of gorilla families in Bwindi ensures the availability of gorilla permits for guests, especially for those seeking last-minute reservations. Bwindi serves as a center for gorilla habituation, wherein wild gorillas are acclimatized to human presence. A permit for a gorilla habituation experience costs $1500, permitting guests to engage with wild gorillas for four hours.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
In Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has the Nyakagyezi gorilla family. Mgahinga Park is situated in the Kisoro district, encompassing Uganda’s portion of the Virunga Conservation Area. In late 2019, Mgahinga Gorilla Park welcomed the Hirwa gorilla family, who relocated from Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Mgahinga reportedly harbors two gorilla families, including Hirwa from Rwanda. The revenue generated from Hirwa gorilla licenses is distributed between the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Rwanda Development Board. Visitors to Mgahinga Forest can engage in golden monkey trekking, the Batwa cultural trail, and hiking the Virunga volcano for a comprehensive experience.
NOTICE: Gorilla licenses in Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks are priced at $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens each permit.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park in northeastern Rwanda is an additional gorilla attraction in Africa. Volcanoes Park is a conveniently reachable gorilla sanctuary situated approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by car from Kigali International Airport. The proximity of Kigali to Volcanoes National Park renders it the optimal destination for gorilla safaris for those with little time. A one-day gorilla trip in Rwanda commences at 4:30 AM with a pickup from Kigali. Upon completion of the journey, guests are returned to Kigali to facilitate their departure flights. The gorilla families in Rwanda include Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Umubano, Agashya, Karisimbi, Hirwa, Kwitonda, Susa A, Ugenda, Bwenge, and Titus, among others. The Rwanda Development Board allocates 80 gorilla permits daily. It is advisable to book gorilla permits a minimum of six months in advance. Rwanda gorilla trips are enhanced with golden monkey trekking, Mt. Karisimbi hiking, twin lakes excursions, chimpanzee trekking/canopy walks in Nyungwe Forest, and big five wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park. The cost of a single gorilla permit in Rwanda is $1500; nonetheless, the experience justifies the expense.
Virunga National Park
A mountain gorilla at rest. Trek to observe Congo gorillas at Virunga National Park, located in the central-eastern region of the country. Virunga Park is estimated to have more than 150 mountain gorillas, organized into eight habituated families: Rugendo, Munyaga, Mapuwa, Lulengo, Kabirizi, Bageni, and Nyakamawe. The cost of each Congo gorilla permit is $450, making it the most economical gorilla tour location for budget-conscious guests.
NOTICE: Virunga National Park and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are susceptible to security threats and assaults. Travelers are advised to exercise responsibility and prudence during their expedition to Virunga Gorilla Park.
Regulations for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.
During the pre-trekking briefing, participants are acquainted with the guidelines and regulations governing gorilla trekking to safeguard both their safety and that of the endangered gorillas. These encompass:
1. Avoid trekking gorillas when unwell. 2. Ensure possession of your valid permit.
3. Refrain from utilizing flashlight cameras
4. Refrain from littering in the park.
5. Turn away your faces when coughing. 6. Maintain a gap of seven meters.
7. Remain inside your cohort
8. Utilize a subdued vocal tone
9. Avoid direct eye contact with the gorillas.
10. Refrain from fleeing when a gorilla charges.
Essential items to take for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo
The suggested packing list for gorilla trekking in Africa comprises, among other items:
• Waterproof hiking footwear • Gardening gloves • Long-sleeved shirts • Long-sleeved blouses • Hat • Scarf • Sunglasses • Rain jackets
• Insect repellents • First aid kit • Bottled potable water • Energy-boosting snacks
Travelers are encouraged to have combined gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo for enhanced comparisons.
