Wondering who is eligible to trek gorilla? well, gorilla trekking is a unique outdoor experience, and compared to most adventures, trekkers must be of certain age to be considered eligible to join the search for gorillas. A visitor can only be considered eligible to trek gorillas if he or she is above 15 years old. Anyone who is 15 years and above can visit a family of gorillas in Uganda, Congo, or Rwanda. But he or she should be fit physically since the trek with gorillas involves a physical walk through the rainforest and undefined trails. The terrains to be encountered during the trek with gorillas are completely different from the landscape setting in the savanna parks.
Gorilla trekking can be enjoyed by visitors in the categories of foreign non-residents, residents, and East African citizens. This primate adventure isn’t selective on the gender –both male and female travelers can participate in the gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo.
A Visitor with a valid gorilla permit
A valid gorilla permit is an essential eligibility requirement when it comes to gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda/Congo. You can be considered eligible to obtain a valid gorilla permit in any of the 3 African gorilla safari destinations if you are above 15 years. Once you have secured a valid gorilla permit, you are considered eligible to trek gorillas in the respective destination of your choice.
So, how much is a valid gorilla permit? The cost of obtaining a valid gorilla permit can vary depending on the destination you wish to visit. An example of Uganda, the permits cost USD 800 per visitor under the category of foreign non-residents. The foreign residents with plans to visit Uganda’s gorillas can have a permit booked at USD 700 per person. Traveling as a Ugandan/East African citizen means you should have UGX 300,000 to book a gorilla permit. Lastly, the Rest of Africa –a newly launched visitor category as per Uganda Wildlife Authority pay USD 500 per person.
If you plan to track the Rwanda gorillas, permits are only available for USD 1500. In the DR Congo, you can get a gorilla permit at a relatively low cost, which is USD 400 per person. Gorilla permits should be ensured that they are secured in advance, and you can do so through the reliable tour operator (Maranatha Tours & Travel).
Good health
A visitor can only be allowed to explore a group of gorillas if he or she is free from common contagious diseases (including flu, cold/any other sicknesses). Having contagious diseases put gorillas at a higher risk of catching them, and therefore, the park authorities, through their officials, may not consider you as eligible to visit a family of gorillas.
Where to trek gorillas in Africa –Top Places
The best places to visit for you to trek gorillas in Africa include Mgahinga and Bwindi National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Kahuzi-Biega, and Virunga National Park.
Bwindi offers the best mountain gorilla trekking experiences. It is the best destination to explore on a Uganda tour. Bwindi National Park is situated in the Southwestern part of Uganda and is accessible in just 9-10 hours’ drive (Entebbe or Kampala). Even from Kigali In Bwindi National Park, expect to begin your gorilla trek from the 4 regions or sectors.
The four trailheads for you to begin your trek with the Bwindi gorillas include Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo. These gorilla trekking regions have already habituated gorilla groups. The standard rule is that each gorilla group should be visited by a maximum of 8 tourists per day. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone is inhabited by a total of about 24 habituated gorilla families, with the highest concentration of mountain gorillas thriving in its lush rainforest and other habitats.
When you consider Bwindi for your gorilla treks, it is also essential to plan where you can stay. The available places to retire in and around Bwindi include Orugano Bwindi Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and others.
Gorilla Treks in Mgahinga National Park
Situated in Kisoro district, Southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga is an exceptional destination of its own. Embarking on a gorilla trek in Mgahinga is a great way to witness a section of endangered mountain gorillas in the jungle. Unlike the rest of the gorilla destinations, Mgahinga still features only one habituated gorilla group with a capacity of eight visitors. Exploring Mgahinga National Park is easier considering its compact size. The Park is only 33.7 sq. km, which also makes it the smallest of the country’s 10 National Parks.
The beauty about Mgahinga is that you can also engage in golden monkey treks, golden monkey habituation, or Volcano hiking. This Park is strategically located in the Virunga region, an area that is most popular for its abundant endangered species, including golden monkeys and Albertine rift birds.
Gorilla Treks in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
Visit Volcanoes National Park in the Northwestern Rwanda, home to nearly 30% of the 1063 mountain gorillas. This is a compact park with an area coverage of 160 sq. km, and currently, it is endowed with 13 groups of gorillas. The gorilla groups present in this Park are all open for gorilla trekking by only eligible visitors. Currently, a visitor can secure a gorilla permit for Rwanda gorilla trekking at USD 1500 per person.
Gorilla treks in the D.R Congo
The unique bit about gorilla treks in the Democratic Republic of Congo is that you have both Eastern Lowland and mountain gorillas to visit. The two unique primates can be visited in the varying destinations, with Eastern Lowland gorillas often visited in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park. In the Kahuzi-Biega, expect to be allocated any of the 5 gorilla groups for you to enjoy a close encounter with Eastern Lowland gorillas.
To track mountain gorillas on a Congo tour, prepare to visit the Virunga National Park, a UNESCO Site and an extensive Park with an area coverage of 7800 sq. km. The Virunga prides itself on over 8 habituated families of mountain gorillas, and Bukima is the ideal point for you to commence your Congo gorilla trek. With only USD 400, you can have Congo’s gorilla permits booked for you by your expert.
Conclusively, the eligible persons to trek gorillas, whether in Uganda or Rwanda, should meet the set minimum age limit. With the above relevant travel information, you can plan your unforgettable gorilla tour when you know the essential requirement to participate in the gorilla trekking adventure. Book now your Rwanda or Uganda gorilla tour with us and enjoy our amazing offers.