Mountain Gorilla safaris in Uganda, are an unforgettable life-time memory experience. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an amazing captivating search involving long walks following gorilla trails in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park majorly or Mgahinga National Park. Travel to Africa and Tour Mountain in Uganda deep in the heart of Africa’s most spectacular rain forests. The mountain gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks can take anything from 15 minutes to 8 hours, depending on where the Uganda Gorillas are located.
At the end of each Gorilla search in Uganda`s thick forested mountains, you will stay for only one hour photographing, admiring, learning and interacting with these great mountains Gorillas or apes. Uganda gorilla safaris require one to have gorilla permits that are bought in advance to allow one track gorillas because only a maximum of Eight people are allowed to search each gorilla group in Bwindi, and Mgahinga. Uganda has 12 mountain gorilla groups open to tourists and one spends only one hour observing these beautiful mountain Gorillas and taking photos. Below are the top gorilla safari treks that we offer. Gorilla groups in Uganda Bwindi include; Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura in Buhoma sector in the north, Ruhija sector in the east has Oruzogo, Bitukura, and Kyaguriro. In the southern sector in Rushaga has Nkuringo, Nshongi, Kahungye and Mishaya and one group Nyakagezi in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Whilst a gorilla trekking safari is likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you, the staffs at Volcanoes National Park have been doing this for several years and run a very smooth operation, hence treks to the mountain gorillas are well-organized and clearly structured. Look into the eyes of a large silver back gorilla and he’ll look back with a thoughtful, intelligent gaze, mindful that you’re another individual.
Any apprehensions or nerves you might have had during your trek will melt away the minute you see your gorilla family. Gorilla trekking safaris offer a magical encounter that transcends any other ‘wildlife’ experience we know. A maximum of 96 gorilla tracking permits are available each day. As of 6th May 2017, the Rwandan Development Board has increased the costs of the gorilla permits from US$ 750 to US$ 1,500 per person, for a one-hour visit. The new prices aim to strengthen conservation efforts and support the development of local communities.
Travelers who are also spending a minimum of three nights in either Nyungwe Forest National Park or Akagera National Park during the months of November to May are entitled to a 30% discount – reducing the costs to US$ 1,050 per person. Amongst other things, the permit pays for a 24-hour guard for each gorilla group.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is another home to Mountain Gorillas in Africa. The country has both Lowland and Mountain Gorillas. Gorilla Trekking safaris in Congo are becoming popular worldwide! The country is safe and open to all International visitors. The critically endangered mountain gorillas are found in Virunga National Park accessed from Kisoro town in south western Uganda. Kisoro town (Nearby town to the Boarder) is 2-3 hour drive from Kigali in Rwanda, and 6-8 hours from Kampala (Uganda’s Capital). Below are some of our customized gorilla tour packages in Congo.
From Bunagana border with Congo, cross and drive to the Park Headquarters to be briefed about gorilla tracking dos and don’ts before setting off into the forest to track gorillas in Parc National des Virunga of Congo for the incredible experience. In the course of searching for the Mountain Gorillas, you will be exposed to excellent birding and primates such as the Golden Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Black and White colobus monkey, and giant forest hogs among others.
You will stay with these beautiful primates for one hour for observation and photography. Gorilla tracking through the forest, hills and swamps can be tough, arduous and tiring, sometimes taking up to 8 hours in the forest. But coming face to face with the great primates is well worth the effort. Return to Kisoro in Uganda, and after refreshments at the hotel, set off back to Kigali in Rwanda reaching in the evening and depart.