How Long is Gorilla Trekking? The amount of time needed to track down mountain gorillas and return, whether in Rwanda, Uganda, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo depends with many aspects. While some travelers have been fortunate enough to locate them in under two hours, others have needed more than seventy-five minutes.
Despite being close relatives to humans, mountain gorillas are free animals who live in the jungle. The outdoors is not a zoo with confined spaces for animals. In order to track the mountain gorillas and learn about their general mood, a team of rangers gets up before everyone else. The rangers that accompany visitors on their gorilla trekking excursion that day are prepared thanks to their reports being forwarded to the ranger station. The gorillas in the mountains will continue to feel the same way.
The lack of food, conflict with another gorilla family, the death of a family member, having an adventurous dominant silverback, and other circumstances can cause the mountain gorillas to relocate. Certain elements that are outside of human control could make the gorilla trekking experience last longer. Tracing the mountain gorillas may take a while if you are paired with sluggish gorilla trekking companions.
Gorilla trekking requires patience and the ability to see other fascinating forest inhabitants in addition to the mountain gorillas. Intriguing primates, stunning butterflies, ladybirds, a variety of birds, and much more may be found in the Virunga region.
WHICH IS THE BEST COUNTRY FOR GORILLA TREKKING SAFARIS IN AFRICA?
The joy you have upon finding the mountain gorillas is worth the money and time spent preparing for the activity. Gorilla trekking is an unforgettable experience in the jungle, whether you choose to trek in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The sight of the mountain gorillas may make you both shiver and perspire. Here are some aspects to consider when choosing the best country for your African Gorilla trekking safari:
The cost of the gorilla trekking permit
The price of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is $800, in Rwanda it is $1500, and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo it is $450 per trekker.
The travel time from the airport to the locations of gorilla trekking
Drive times: around three hours from Kigali Airport to Volcanoes National Park; approximately eight to nine hours from Entebbe Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; and possibly a day or two from Goma International Airport to Virunga National Park. It takes less time to drive from Kigali Airport to Virunga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Number of gorilla families per country
There are currently 12 gorilla families in Rwanda that are open to tourists, six gorilla families in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that can be reserved by the general public, and roughly 19 gorilla families in Uganda that are fully habituated and ready for viewing.
The number of optional activities to combine with gorilla trekking
Visiting the Nile’s source, white-water rafting on the Nile, chimpanzee trekking, game drives, and launch trips are just a few of the optional activities available in Uganda to combine with gorilla trekking; Rwanda’s options are more restricted and include genocide memorials and chimpanzee trekking, among other activities. There aren’t many additional activities available in the DRC Congo to combine with gorilla trekking, such as hiking up Mount Nyiragongo.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BOOK A GORILLA TREKKING SAFARI IN AFRICA?
Although gorilla trekking is available year-round, the dry season—June through January—is when most travelers reserve safaris. During the dry season, mountain gorillas and other forest inhabitants—such as butterflies, monkeys, birds, and others—are more active.
Because more sunshine reaches the ground through the thick forest canopy, the terrain is less wet and the ground is less slippery when gorilla trekking during the dry season. The extensive network of rivers in the Virunga region occasionally overflows during the intense rainy season. Even though it can rain at any time without notice during the dry season, the rivers are contained within their banks.
