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Gorilla Trekking

Without doubt, gorilla trekking is the best wildlife experience that adventure enthusiasts look for in the tropical rainforests of East and Central Africa. Many tourists leave their beautiful offices and homes and come and take time to hike within the the impenetrable jungles to see the gorillas.

Gorilla tracking is so challenging and adventurous though rewarding.

Duration

You can spend at least 1-2 days in the wild so that you can have an upclose meeting with these giant apes. If you ar looking for a safari kind experience, give yourself 2-3 weeks of adventure!

Places to Go

There are a few locations where one can see the endangered mountain gorillas.The mountain gorillas are found in only three countries in East – Central Africa; Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda is one of the best places of the three countries where one can see the mountain gorillas. Gorilla tracking is one of the most interesting activities that makes a complete tourism package in Uganda.

Gorilla trekking within in this country started in the early 1990s. For the past two decades, the country has received lots of tourists who go gorilla trekking within its two protected national parks. As of 2015 there are 14 habituated gorilla groups that can be visited by tourists interested in watching these giant apes!

A gorilla trek within the Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga gorilla forest National Park is without a doubt, a highlight of all a wildlife safari in Uganda. It is carried out  in Bwindi impenetrable national park that is located in the south western part of Uganda and Mghinga forest national park, these national parks constitute of more than a half of mountain gorillas in the whole world.

In order for one to go gorilla trekking, you must possess a gorilla permit. Therefore it is therefore advisable to book the gorilla permit in advance. The national park has a population of over 450 mountain gorillas with 116 already  habituated and it also comprises a hike to forest were you can other primates like monkeys. The following should be considered when preparing for the gorilla trekking and they include the following solid walking shoes, rain gear or hat, sunscreen, drinks and snacks, binoculars, a camera and others. To protect gorillas and visitors, the following should adhered to for gorilla tracking to be a success;

  • no one with a communicable disease such as flu is allowed to visit the mountain gorillas
  • do not  surround the mountain gorillas but remain in a tight group
  • leave a distance at least 5 meters between you and the mountain gorillas
  •  if the gorillas approach you, move backward slowly

You can easily create a tailormade trip that includes a gorilla trek and other possible adventure. Other amazing things that you soyuld not firget to include on your Uganda safari include chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest, golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga National park, a visit to the Source of the Nile in Jinja, white water rafting along the Nile, hiking the Mount Rwenzori and unrivalled game viewing in savanna national parks of Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Park.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Today Rwanda is the number one destination gfor gorilla trekking. This tiny mountainous country located in Central Africa is the prime spot for travelers looking for short gorilla treks in Africa. The country’s gorilla tourism dates back to the 1970s with efforts of Dian Fossey trying to tell the world the need for conservation of the mountain gorillas.

Gorilla tracking is carried in Volcanoes National Park located in the northern part of the country. The park lies in Musanze District former Ruhengeri District. Possible day treks are available from selected tour operators and these start from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda.

Gorilla Trekking in Congo

Did you know that Congo is one of the richest countries in Africa? The country is blessed to host both the western lowland gorillas and the mountain gorillas. The mountain gorillas live within the Virunga National Park, a park that has been under turmoil from conflicts, wars and oil discoveries. For the past two years the park is safe for tourism and gorilla tracking is taken within the Virunga. Those who have gone to Congo have been extremely satisfied with the “big gorillas” that live within the forest.

Gorillas are fabulous fan to watch in their natural habitat, which has attracted a number of tourists to come in big numbers to have a glance at them.

What to pack in primate national parks?

  • Long sleeved t-shirts, long trouser and long stockings.
  • Comfortable hiking boots and cloves.
  • Water and snacks
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • N95 masks, surgical masks or double-layered cloth masks.
  • Rain coat