Silverback gorilla tours rank among the top travel experiences, the top bucket list for most of travelers to Africa. YES, over 50% of all travelers to East and Central Africa come purposely to full fill their dream of silverback gorilla trekking. A face to face encounter with the silverback gorilla is an amazing experience that happens once in a life time, the dream come true for primate lovers! Whereas the trek through dense forests is quite difficult under feet, steep, climbing over fallen trees, slippery & walking across streams, the magical feeling of looking direct into the red eyes of the silverback gorilla is worth the energy and cost. The terrain is difficult to navigate, as you are following the path that the gorillas are going and they really move off any beaten track. If you are planning any Rwanda or Uganda wildlife tours, don’t miss silverback gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National park Rwanda and Bwindi Forest/Mgahinga Gorilla Parks in Uganda

Common Questions about Silverback Gorilla Tours in Africa

Travelers planning silverback gorilla tours to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have on several questions raised questions which we have answered in this article. Among the common questions asked include:

How much does it cost to see silverback Gorilla?

You require a gorilla permit to be able to see the silverback gorilla. The gorilla trekking permit costs $1500 in Rwanda, $800 in Uganda and $450 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda offers luxury silverback gorilla trekking safaris given its high permit cost. Uganda has offers for foreign residents which is $700 while East African citizens pay UGX 300,000. If you want to take part in the experimental gorilla habituation experience in Rushaga Bwindi, The permit costs $1500 allowing you to spend four hours with the wild gorillas. If you add transport, accommodation, meals, driver guide and miscellaneous, a 4 Days midrange Uganda gorilla tour cost ranges between $2000

Where can I see a silverback Gorilla?

Silverback gorillas are seen in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park and the Virunga Conservation Area.  Bwindi hosts the highest number of gorillas, followed by Volcanoes Park in Rwanda and then Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mgahinga Gorilla national park in Uganda hosts the smallest number of gorillas with only one habituated gorilla family named Nyakagyezi. Apparently, silverback gorilla tours to Virunga National park Congo are non-operational due to security threats in the Park. Maranatha Tours and Travel  shall keep you posted once gorilla trekking is revived.

Is gorilla trekking worth it?

YES, gorilla trekking is worth the cost! According to the gorilla trekking reviews, all travelers who have visited gorillas before confirm that the experience is worth the penny and they can gladly do it over and again

Why is gorilla trekking so expensive?

With no doubt, gorilla trekking is one of the most expensive experiences in the world.  A single gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 which money can facilitate a 5 days wildlife Safari without the gorillas.  Some of the reasons why gorilla trekking is costly include

• Gorillas are endangered: With only 1006 mountain gorillas surviving in the whole world, the primates are endangered species which require maximum conservation. Gorilla permits are therefore hiked to limit the number of people visiting them which is an indirect conservation strategy
• Money for conservation: Also, some part of the money collected from the sale of gorilla permits is used to conserve the gorilla habitats. Also, some part of the money is used to facilitate park rangers and wardens who protect gorillas in the wild
• Giving back to local communities: 10% of the revenue collected from the sale of gorilla permits is given back to the local communities. This has changed the attitude of local people towards gorilla conservation and tourism

Some people also ask

Is it better to see gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda?

The decision on where is better to see gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda is a choice of a traveler. The fact that each country offers a unique kind of experience, concluding on which destination is best for gorilla trekking is left for the clients. If you want to have a luxury gorilla safari, Rwanda is the best place for you. The country offers the most expensive gorilla safari packages at $1500 per permit. Also, Volcanoes National park is located close to Kigali airport and hence easily accessible compared to Bwindi/Mgahinga gorilla Parks in Uganda.

Rwanda is therefore best for travelers with limited time. On the other hand, Uganda shelters the high number of gorilla families which guarantee traveler’s availability of gorilla permits compared to Rwanda. Uganda offers many travelers a chance to see gorillas due to availability of permits. Also, Uganda gorilla permit costs $800 which is far cheaper compared to $1500 in Rwanda. Uganda is therefore best for budget gorilla safaris

Where is the cheapest place to see gorillas?

Congo would be the cheapest place to see gorillas. The gorilla trekking permit in Congo costs $450 in both Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Parks. However, Virunga National Park is currently closed for gorilla trekking due to insecurity and rebel attacks in the park. Fortunately, Kahuzi Biega National park is open and you can visit and trek the Eastern lowland gorillas for as low as $450

What is the cheapest way to go gorilla trekking?

Whereas Gorilla trekking is considered an expensive experience, there are ways you can cheaply trek gorillas. Firstly, travel as group as this helps you to share transport and accommodation costs. Also, travel in low/wet season when service providers are giving discounts on accommodation and transport fares.  Consider going for gorilla trekking in Congo where gorilla permit is cheaper.

 What is the safest country for gorilla trekking?

Uganda has not recorded any rebel attacks or threats in Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National park hence the safest country for gorilla trekking. Also, Rwanda is considered safe since no recent attacks have been reported there. In both countries, respective governments have put in place tourism police which patrols in gorilla parks day and night ensuring security for both gorillas and travelers.

What should I pack for gorilla trekking?

In every gorilla destination you will be visiting, you are advised to carry essentials if you want to have an enjoyable and stress free gorilla encounter.  Among the things to pack for gorilla trekking include hiking boots, gardening gloves, hat, sun glasses, scarf, Long pants, Long sleeved shirts, Toiletries, Sanitary wears and insect repellents among others.

Conclusively, silverback gorilla tours are a not miss on your African Safari. Contact Maranatha Tours and Travel for gorilla trekking packages and booking at affordable rates