Ultimate Guide To Gorilla Trekking For Solo Travelers

Ultimate Guide To Gorilla Trekking For Solo Travelers

Ultimate Guide to Gorilla Trekking for Solo Travelers in Africa. Trekking gorillas in their dense, mist-covered forests is one of the most enriching experiences since you have opportunities to make close encounters with them in their natural habitats; however, trekking them as a solo traveler is more enchanting as well as an empowering sight.

Gorilla trekking is known as an activity that offers unmatched experiences, a blend of wilderness and connections with the endangered species. Regardless of whether you are traveling alone or in a group. Solo travelers can confidently dive deep in either volcanoes or Bwindi National Park to witness the gorillas in their natural habitats and enjoy the unbeatable experience.

In this guide, we have provided all the necessary and quality information about gorilla trekking adventures for solo travelers.

Who is a solo traveler?

This refers to a person who explores various destinations and attractions without companions of friends, family members or partners.

What is gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking refers to an adventurous activity that involves people walking through dense forests in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. This activity allows people to have close encounters with the gorillas.

Gorilla trekking experience: Gorilla trekking starts very early in the morning with a comprehensive briefing at the park headquarters from the park rangers about the dos and don’ts as well as the perfect conduct on how to behave well in the presence of these great apes.

After the briefing you will be assigned an armed ranger, then join your group of 8 people, ready with the necessary hiking gear, and then walk into the jungle. Your journey is a magical and exceptional walk; expect to see plenty of bird, monkey and plant species as you pass through steep slopes, rugged terrains, forest landscapes and bushy vegetation.

The moment you find your group, only one hour is offered to you to spend with these gentle giants. This is the true experience of completely life-changing excursions.

Here you can observe gorillas going about their daily activities such as playing, feeding, and interacting as well as taking plenty of photos that you want.

Once the one hour elapses, your adventure will end. Then walk down up to the briefing point to meet up with your guide.

Why Gorilla Trekking Is Perfect for Solo Travelers

High level of safety: Solo travelers need to worry less about safety during their gorilla trekking experience. During gorilla trekking, you are provided with an armed ranger per trek to provide safety per each trek.

Opportunities to connect with other people: Gorilla trekking is mainly carried out in guided groups of about 8 people to trek per gorilla family. Regardless of you being a solo traveler, you will still be asked to join a certain group people as you ascend in the jungle

A very adventurous encounter: Gorilla trekking is completely a life-changing experience; solo travelers have the freedom to enjoy intimate and personal encounters with the gorillas in their natural habitat.

Top gorilla trekking destinations for solo travellers

Gorilla trekking is majorly carried out from Uganda and Rwanda’s national parks that are Bwindi and Volcanoes NP. However, gorilla trekking can still be carried out from Congo but be mindful about the safety precautions of this place.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: This is one of the suitable and perfect places where solo travelers can decide to go and do gorilla trekking while in Africa. The park is one of the most biodiverse areas with plenty of animal, bird and plant species and half of the world’s population of gorillas.

The park is a completely outstanding destination since it houses half the total of the world’s population of gorillas with over 20 habituated family groups of gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park also offers gorilla habituation safaris, where you spend 4 hours with the gorillas from its sector, Rushaga.

Volcanoes National Park: Known as the second-best gorilla trekking destination in Africa, Volcanoes National Park is an outstanding place for gorilla safaris. Located in the northwestern parts of Rwanda, the park is just a 2 hr and 30 min drive from Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, the only elegant jewel for gorilla trekking tours within Rwanda.

Solo travelers can still visit Volcanoes National Park and spend close encounters with the gorillas in their natural habitat. The park is a home to the third population of gorillas remaining in the world.

Mgahinga National Park: This is another ideal place for gorilla trekking within Africa. The park lies in the southwestern parts of Uganda and is a home to both gorillas and golden monkeys. The park offers ultimate and less crowded gorilla trekking experiences compared to other parks.

Cost of Gorilla Permits

Gorilla permits vary differently with in Uganda or Rwanda because of some reasons. Please note that a certain fee for the permit goes directly back to the local communities. Once you trek with gorillas, you are indirectly helping the local communities.

Uganda: The cost of a gorilla permit for foreign non-residents costs $800.

Rwanda: The cost of a gorilla permit for foreign non-residents is $1500.

How to Obtain Gorilla Trekking Permits?

Through tour operators.

Gorilla trekking permits can easily be obtained through booking from a private tour operator. There are many tour operators in East Africa that organize gorilla trekking tours, such as Salt Holidays.

These tours can be attained through checking Google on TripAdvisor’s page and checking through the reviews of the old clients until you select the suitable one for you. Booking with tour operators is very flexible since these people know where to buy the permits from and also keep them safely until the exact trekking date.

Booking tip for solo travelers: We highly recommend solo travelers book and secure permits 3-6 months in advance, especially those who would wish to travel within the peak seasons. This is all advised to avoid inconveniences.

What safety precautions should solo travelers follow?

Traveling solo is generally safe mainly in the gorilla trekking countries which are Uganda and Rwanda. The country has a reputation as one of Africa’s safest destinations. However, like anywhere else, it’s important to stay cautious and prepared. Here’s how to ensure your trip runs smoothly:

Knowing and understanding local laws and customs: Learn about the laws of Rwanda and Uganda, and please respect the people’s customs. Rwanda, for example, prohibits the use of plastic bags and discourages public displays of disdain for authorities or the environment. Having cultural awareness makes your journey more fun and polite.