Gorilla Trekking Addons

Do you want to enhance your mountain gorilla trekking experience? The top gorilla trekking add-on experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are carefully chosen by Silverback Gorilla Tour. You can combine these alternative activities with your gorilla walk to make your safari more rewarding and varied. Your trip becomes more memorable and engaging if you add one or two extra excursions, which lets you see more than just gorillas. These features turn your gorilla safari into a genuinely once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience, regardless of your preference for a relaxed cultural encounter or an exhilarating adventure. 

Top Gorilla trekking addons

Cultural Tours

In addition to gorilla trekking, visitors can enrich their safari by getting a genuine cultural experience in the nearby communities of the mountain gorilla parks. Meeting the Batwa pygmies, sometimes known as the “forest people,” who lived alongside wildlife deep within the forests prior to gorilla protection, is one of the most well-liked experiences. These cultural trips provide guests with a deeper understanding of the rich legacy and way of life of the locals by showcasing their traditions, customs, everyday routines, and beliefs. 

A colourful and unforgettable welcome is created for guests with energetic traditional dances and upbeat tunes. The Batwa Cultural Trail in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the must-do cultural attractions. It’s a rewarding experience that goes well with safaris to Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga. 

Through captivating performances and interactive activities, visitors may gain an immersive understanding of Rwandan culture at the Gorilla Guardians Village, where they can learn about local customs, traditions, and daily life. 

Volcano Climbing

Adding volcano climbing to your gorilla trekking trip is another exciting adventure. The Virunga Volcanoes, which provide lifelong hiking experiences, are located inside the gorilla parks. Trek to the summits of Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke in Rwanda, the active Nyiragongo Volcano in Congo, and Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabyinyo in Uganda, which are all part of the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is home to the Nyakagyezi gorilla family. The remaining volcanoes may be ascended in a single day, whereas Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Karisimbi can be reached in three and two days, respectively. Make sure to include a mountain hiking excursion in your gorilla trekking safari if you are physically capable. 

Nature/Forest Walk

As a delightful addition to your gorilla trekking safari, take part in guided forest and nature hikes. Put on strong hiking boots, pick up a walking stick, and venture on foot deep into the dense rainforest. These hikes uncover secret gems nestled away in the bush and provide a revitalising, close-to-nature experience. You will learn about medicinal plants that have historically been used to cure wounds, various skin disorders, and stomach ailments under the guidance of a professional guide. In addition to providing opportunity to explore the gorilla parks’ caves, rivers, and picturesque waterfalls, nature walking safaris enhance the immersion and memorability of your trip. 

Bird watching

A delightful addition to any gorilla trekking trip is birdwatching. Every gorilla habitat has an abundance of birds, including uncommon endemics that are unique to this planet. There are over 350 bird species in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest alone, 14 of which are unique to this Ugandan park. The African Green Pigeon, Crowned Hornbill, Giant Kingfisher, African Harrier-Hawk, and numerous more vibrant woodland species that excite nature lovers are among the notable sightings in Bwindi. 

There are over 180 bird species in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, including 12 unique species from the Albertine Rift. The Cape Robin-Chat, Black Kite, African Paradise Flycatcher, and Alpine Swift are among the often seen birds in this area, making it a worthwhile destination for both casual and serious birdwatchers. About 200 bird species can be found in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, including 17 indigenous to the Albertine Rift. Black Crowned Waxbill, Ruwenzori Turaco, Common Stonechat, and numerous more birds of the highland woodland can be seen by birdwatchers. With over 250 bird species protected across its varied habitats, Virunga National Park is a significant birding refuge even if it is now restricted to tourists. 

Dian Fossey Graveyard Hike 

A worthwhile addition to a gorilla trekking trip at Volcanoes National Park is a guided walk to Dian Fossey’s grave. Renowned American primatologist Dian Fossey died while battling poaching to save endangered mountain gorillas. During the trip, experienced ranger guides tell her motivational tale and describe how her lifetime conservation efforts have significantly aided in the mountain gorilla population’s gradual comeback over time. 

Chimpanzee trekking

An amazing primate experience can be created by incorporating chimpanzee trekking into your gorilla safari. You can witness chimpanzees’ social interactions and fun behaviours in the wild by trekking with them. Both Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park and Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park are popular places to see chimpanzees because of their lush, biodiverse ecosystems and habituated chimpanzee populations. 

Golden monkey trekking

Join us for trekking excursions with golden monkeys in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These colourful, unique primates are entertaining to observe, and their lively behaviours will keep you interested throughout the walk. Golden monkey trekking procedures strictly adhere to the same safety guidelines as gorilla trekking, guaranteeing the safety of both visitors and animals while providing an amazing wildlife experience. 

Game viewing

Experience guided wildlife viewing in Uganda and Rwanda to enhance your gorilla trekking safari. Discover the wide savannahs of Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo Valley National Parks in Uganda. Explore the Big Five’s home, Akagera National Park, in Rwanda. Views of lions, elephants, zebras, buffaloes, giraffes, rhinos, leopards, gazelles, cheetahs, Uganda kobs, topis, dik-dik, serval cats, and African wild dogs are predicted. The best times to see game are in the early morning and late afternoon, when the animals are most active and can be seen grazing, hunting, and moving around. These times also provide great chances for photography. 

Lunch Cruise/Boat

When planning a gorilla trekking trip in Uganda or Rwanda, don’t forget to include a boat cruise. The base of Murchison Falls at Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Kazinga Channel, Lake Mburo, and Lake Kivu are all well-liked places to cruise. A launch cruise offers beautiful natural scenery and wildlife viewing. Hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds can be seen along the banks and coastlines, while the surrounding landscapes provide great photographic possibilities and a tranquil way to see Africa’s many ecosystems from the water. 

NOTE: Gorilla trekking add-ons come with an extra cost 

In conclusion, there are lots of activities you can add to your mountain gorilla trekking experience. Contact Martha Tours and Travel, let us know what you want to add to gorilla trekking, and we shall make for you a customized itinerary to meet, satisfy, and even exceed your travel interests.