Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo enables you to know places where trekking is done, what to pack, how much does it cost, best time to do it among others.

Uganda

Uganda has got two destinations to find gorillas that is Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. Bwindi is the leading destination having over 400 gorillas that is half of gorillas in the world.

However much there are 18 gorilla groups, one is entitled to trekking one group in a day. Bwindi impenetrable national park located in south western Uganda having over 17 gorilla family making it the best destination to do trekking in Uganda. Apart from gorillas, you also have access to see over 90 mammal species, 11 primate specie and a various number of bird species while in Bwindi.

Bwindi national park has 4 gorilla trekking sector that is Nkuringo sector located in the south with Bushaho, Posho, Nkuringo and Christmas gorilla family. Ruhija sector having Mukiza, kyaguriro, Bitukura and oruzogo gorilla family. Buhoma sector having Rushegura, katwe, habinyanja and mubare gorilla family.

Mgahinga gorilla national park has only the Nyakagezi gorilla family consisting of 9 members that is 4 silverbacks, 2 infants, 2 adult females and 1 juvenile. This gorilla family is fully habituated and good for trekking.  This group is surrounded by slopes of Virunga volcanoes, mountain Gahinga and mountain muhabura.

How much does it cost to trek gorillas?

In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs USD 700

Rules and regulations of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

• Persons aged 15 years and above are allowed to trek gorillas.
• Avoid sneezing in the presence of gorillas.
• Always stay away from gorillas by observing distance
• Do not try to feed gorillas
• Do not chew in the presence of gorillas
• Do not take photos with flash light on.

Rwanda

In Rwanda, you can only do gorilla trekking in volcanoes national park which is considered to be a bigger portion of Virunga mountains. The national park hosts over 480 gorillas in the jungle.

In Rwanda, ten habituated gorilla families are open for tourists for trekking. 8 people are allowed to trek each group for one hour. Some of the habituated families include Susa having 28 individuals, karisimbi having 15members, Umubano having 11 members, ugenda having 11 gorillas, sabinyo having 8 individuals, amahoro having 17 members, hirwa having 13 individuals, agasha having 25 individuals, bwengye having 11 members and kwitonda having 18 members.

How much does it cost to trek gorillas?

in Rwanda, a gorilla permit costs USD 1500.

Rules and regulations of Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

• Do not stay in the presence of gorillas for so long
• Do not shout both on the trek and in presence of gorillas.
• Do not take photos with flash lights as it scares away gorillas
• Do not try to feed gorillas at any time.

Congo

In Congo, gorillas are located in Virunga national park. the park is located in the east bordering Uganda and Rwanda. Virunga national park has a total of 200 gorillas mostly distributed in the southern part of the park.

The park has 8 habituated gorillas open for trekking. Some of the families include Munyaga, Lulengo, Mapuwa, Rugendo, Begeni, Kabirizi, Nyakamwe and Humba.

How much does gorilla trekking cost?

In Congo, gorilla permits cost USD 400 per person.

Rules and regulations of Gorilla Trekking in Congo

• Do not stay for too long with the gorillas
• Keep a close range distance away from gorillas
• Do not smoke and eat in the presence of gorillas
• Do not touch gorillas at any time
• Always turn your face away when a gorilla is sneezing or coughing