Gorilla Trekking FAQs
Gorilla trekking is one of the top motivations for thousands of travellers visiting East and Central Africa, and meeting face to face with them is a difficult-to-comprehend feelings. However, visitors always have a million unanswered questions about this activity and therefore we bring you the gorilla trekking FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) plus their answers to ease your planning/booking process for gorilla safaris.
What exactly is Gorilla trekking?
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla Trekking is a life-changing wildlife experience that encompasses walking through the densely forested slopes of East-Central Africa to meet the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural environment. The adventure is only done for habituated gorilla families (those that have undergone training to become accustomed to human presence and only three countries-Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda provide this activity within Mgahinga Gorilla, Bwindi Impenetrable, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks.
How many of the mountain gorillas are left on Earth?
The global population of mountain gorillas currently stands at 1063 individuals and have been categorized as “endangered” under the IUCN Red List.
Which country offers the best gorilla trekking adventures?
There are three countries offering gorilla trekking adventures and travellers are always spoilt for choice. The option you go with depends on a number of factors. Uganda for instance has two Gorilla Parks-Mgahinga Gorilla and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks with over 21 habituated gorilla families. Permits here cost $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for the foreign residents and East African visitors pay Shs. 250,000 per person. The downside of these places is that they demand 8-9 hours of driving from the Capital or Airport thus not convenient for visitors limited by time.
Rwanda Gorilla trekking is done in Volcanoes National Park with 12 habituated gorilla families trekked by visitors of 15 years and above. Permits for this Park cost $1500 per person.
How often are mountain gorillas seen?
Mountain gorillas are seen on a daily basis, but the duration of trekking them largely depends on the location of the Giant Apes, the difficulty of terrains and weather condition. Chances of seeing them are at 95% after several hours of walking through the jungles.
Are mountain gorillas aggressive?
Mountain Gorilla trekking
You will be surprised to learn that mountain gorillas are generally gentle and shy creatures. It is also safe to trek these Great Apes, given the fact that they are first habituated before getting regular visits from travellers.
When is the best time of the year to trek the mountain gorillas?
The best time of the year to trek the mountain gorillas is the dry season-May through September and December through February when rainfall levels are lower. The heavy downpours of March through May and October to November bring about slippery and muddy trails as well as denser vegetation that make it more challenging to maneuver through the jungles thus the reason any visitors avoid these months.
Is it dangerous to be close to mountain gorillas?
It is not dangerous being close to mountain gorillas because they are first habituated to become accustomed to human presence but still, it is done at a reasonable distance (7 meters away). While watching these Great Apes, avoid approaching closer than 7 meters to any mountain gorilla, do not feed or eat in the presence of the Great Apes. Remember that these guidelines apply to every place you are trekking the mountain gorillas.
How many persons are permitted to trek a gorilla group?
A maximum of 8 visitors are allowed to trek each habituated gorilla group and this is done to reduce possible behavioral changes or exposure to airborne pathogens.
What should I bring for gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is done in the jungles characterized by densely forested mountain slopes thus you will not just dress anyway you desire. For this reason, make sure that you have warm sweater for the changing weather, pair of binoculars, energy-giving snacks, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirts, safari pants, wide-brimmed hats, good camera, re-usable water bottle, waterproof and breathable rain jacket, sturdy hiking boots, cotton socks, gardening gloves, to mention but a few.
What is the recommended age limit for gorilla trekking?
15 years is the minimum age limit for gorilla trekking and this applies to all three countries. This is done because young children aren’t predictable and can’t remain calm in the presence of the mountain gorillas.
How many days should a typical gorilla trekking safari be?
The number of days for a typical gorilla trekking safari depends on the chosen destination (because you can even do a 1-day gorilla tour in Rwanda), the number of gorilla treks you wish to undertake. For this reason, a 3-day gorilla safari is ideal to relish maximum experiences. For this kind of trip, the first day is for transferring to the National Park, the second day being for undertaking the actual trek and the third day for returning back to the Hotel or Airport.
How long and difficult is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla treks begin in the morning hours after briefing by expert Park Rangers at the Park Headquarters. When these treks finally begin, the duration is unpredictable because the mountain gorillas are always on the move in addition to nature of terrains being exceptional in different places. Some visitors will see them in 30 minutes while others take almost 6 hours with 95% chance of spotting them. Gorilla trekking isn’t a simple task because like their name, mountain gorillas live high in the mountains with dense vegetation requiring hiking, crossing streams and valleys in trying to find them.
How much time do visitors spend with mountain gorillas?
The time of trekking mountain gorillas is unpredictable but the time spent in their presence is limited to one hour to avoid irritating Great Apes and reducing possible spread of diseases.
How much do gorilla permits cost?
Rwanda Gorilla permits cost $1500 per person per day making it the most costly of the three destinations. Uganda Gorilla Permits go for $700, $600 and Shs. 250,000 for the foreign non-residents, foreign residents and East African visitors respectively. These rates include one hour with the Giant Apes, entrance fees, Ranger guide fees and security among others.