Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gorilla Trekking in Africa give you a more detailed look into Gorilla Trekking in Africa. Gorilla trekking is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences giving you a chance to observe the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats.
Gorilla trekking is a very exceptional safari adventure carried out in only three African countries i.e Uganda at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda at Volcanoes National Park, DR Congo at Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park. These are the only safari destinations you can trek and watch the Gorillas in Africa.
Yes a Gorilla Trekking Permit is required to trek and watch the rare species of Gorillas in their natural forest vegetation habitat. These Gorilla Trekking Permits are obtained from the valid wildlife authorities i.e Uganda Wildlife Authority (Uganda), Rwanda Development Board (Rwanda) and DR Congo at the Virunga headquarters. The Gorilla Trekking Permit costs US $1500 per person in Rwanda, US $800 per person in Uganda and US $400 to $450 per person in DR Congo.
Gorilla Trekking can be done anytime around the year although the Best Time to trek the Gorillas is during the short rain/ dry season in the months of
June to September as well as December to February. This is because during these months, navigation via the trails is less challenging and photography is clearer.
Gorilla Trekking is quite challenging although very rewarding. The difficulty to trek Gorillas varies based on the Gorilla family you choose to trek, Terrain, Altitude, Forest thickness, Weather. Treks take a period of 1 to 6 hours as you follow varying trails from one point to another through the green forest terrain. After a while, you shall meet the Gorillas an adventure very rewarding.
While Gorilla Trekking, you can get to watch the rare species of Gorillas in their natural habitat. When you get into the presence of the Gorillas, you are allowed to stand in a distance of 7 meters quietly and take many photos with a camera that has no flash. Rangers will enhance the safety guidelines and respectful interactions while in the presence of the Gorillas.
Gorilla Trekking is a very rewarding safari adventure hence requires you to trek along the trails for a period of 3 to 5 hours following varying trails and when you meet the Gorillas only an hour is allowed to stay in their presence taking many photos.
Gorilla Trekking is a very incredible safari adventure hence travelers need to wear the following to enjoy watching the Gorillas. These is the clothing required to trek Gorillas. Long pants, Long-sleeved shirt, Waterproof hiking boots, Gaiters or long socks (for ants), Gardening Gloves (for vegetation), lightweight rain jacket, Insect repellent, Waterproof backpack, Snacks and water, Camera (no flash).
Gorillas are generally gentle and peaceful. However, they are powerful wild animals. As long as you follow ranger instructions—such as staying quiet, avoiding sudden movements, and maintaining distance Gorilla Trekking is very safe hence being in their presence is fine.
Gorilla Trekking is a very challenging safari adventure done by all travelers from all over the world. However, Children cannot go Gorilla trekking unless they are 16years and above. This is due to the fact that the children might not follow the rules which maybe a problem/ challenge for the Gorillas. This also reduces the health risks enhancing Good behavior during the treks.
Trekking he Gorillas in Africa requires you to have some vaccinations like the Yellow Fever vaccination, COVID-19 vaccination (recommended), Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid, Tetanus. This is because the Gorillas are highly susceptible to human diseases.
Gorilla Trekking is a very adventurous activity hence requires all travelers to be well however, if you feel sick with diseases like Flu, Cough, Fever, Severe respiratory issues, you are not allowed to trek but rather you can cancel the Trekking adventure. This enhances protection of the Gorillas from human illnesses. You can postpone you trekking adventure as long as you inform the tour operator on time like 3 months before the date of arrival.
Gorilla Trekking is exceptional and offers you a chance to trek the Gorillas for a period of 3 to 5 hours and spend an hour in their presence where as the Gorilla habituation experience gives you a chance to stay in their presence for 4 hours.
While Gorilla Trekking, you shall be allocated into groups of 8 where as the gorilla habituation experience requires you to be in groups of 4 with researchers.
Gorilla trekking is a general safari adventure that requires you to move with rangers and other travelers to watch the Gorillas where as the Gorilla Habituation experience requires you to transfer with researchers who inform you about the Gorillas and their natural habitat.
Gorilla Trekking takes place in all the five safari destinations i.e Bwindi Forest National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park, Kahuzi Biega National Park where as the Gorilla Habituation experience takes place in Bwindi Forest National Park’s Rushaga Sector.
Gorilla Trekking Permit costs US $800 per person where as the Gorilla Habituation Experience costs US $1500 per person interested.
Gorilla Trekking is exceptional to do and yes you can take photos during Gorilla Trekking as long as you keep a distance of 7 meters off the Gorillas with a camera that has no flash. (No flash photography (it scares gorillas). You must keep your equipment minimal, Protect your camera during rain.
