Best destinations for mountain gorilla trekking experience in Africa.
Destinations for mountain gorilla trekking in Africa: There are more than 1,000 mountain gorillas thriving on our planet. Mountain gorillas are among the most intelligent beings on the planet. Meeting these magnificent gentle primates is regarded as one of the most thrilling experiences, as they resemble and behave like humans. Mountain gorillas are one of the four types of gorillas found in Africa, alongside eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas), cross-river gorillas, and western lowland gorillas.
Mountain gorillas inhabit just three countries in central Africa: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uganda is home to the largest population of these captivating creatures, which can be observed in two stunning national parks: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. In Rwanda, you can discover captivating caves nestled within the Volcanoes National Park, and across the border in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, they await in the Virunga National Park.
These magnificent creatures are among the largest and most formidable primates on the planet, with an average silverback gorilla tipping the scales at around 180kg (nearly 30 stone) and standing 170cm tall when on all fours. On the other hand, female mountain gorillas can reach weights of 90kg and heights of up to 150cm. Mountain gorillas dedicate roughly a quarter of their day to foraging, primarily for plants. Gorillas primarily feast on a variety of leaves, shoots, and stems, making up about 85% of their diet. However, they also indulge in a surprising assortment of larvae, snails, ants, and even roots, bark, and decaying wood. In the wild, mountain gorillas thrive in cohesive family units, typically consisting of about 10 members, led by a strong dominant male surrounded by several females. In the group, both males and females engage in nurturing their infants, embracing, carrying, and joyfully interacting with them. At night, mountain gorilla groups gather to rest in cozy nests crafted from foliage, either on the ground or high up in the trees. Infants will cozy up in their mother’s nests, finding safety and warmth.
The primary danger facing mountain gorillas is the deterioration of their environment. As the region’s population expands, the land transforms more and more for agriculture, and the race for scarce natural resources results in deforestation. Faced with limited options, individuals venture into the forests of mountain gorillas to gather water and firewood, exposing these magnificent creatures to the dangers of human interaction and potential diseases. Individuals might set traps aimed at capturing bushmeat, which can inadvertently harm the magnificent primates. Gorillas roam beyond their forest homes. They embark on a journey through the farmland, indulging in crops such as maize and bananas, which may lead to clashes with those striving to earn a livelihood.
Discover the thrill of mountain gorilla trekking in Africa: Experience the adventure of gorilla trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda presents an extraordinary chance to witness these magnificent beings in their wild surroundings. Uganda boasts two remarkable destinations where you can encounter captivating primates. These national parks are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is renowned for its large population of mountain gorillas, featuring over 25 habituated families, including the Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Rushaga Sector Groups, Bweza, Nshongi, Nkuringo, Oruzogo, and Bitukura families. Meanwhile, Mgahinga National Park presents incredible gorilla trekking experiences, albeit with a smaller population concentrated in the famous Nyakagezi Group.
Discover the best destinations for an exhilarating experience of mountain gorilla trekking in Africa.
Exploring the wonders of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Discover the thrill of mountain gorilla trekking in Africa: Embark on an unforgettable journey in Rwanda.
Embarking on a journey to trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda takes you exclusively to the enchanting Volcanoes National Park. This lush expanse spans 160 sq km of vibrant rainforest and is home to five of the eight majestic volcanoes that form the stunning Virunga Mountains, including Sabyinyo, Gahinga, Muhabura, Bisoke, and Karisimbi. The park hosts the two largest remaining populations of mountain gorillas, featuring over 11 habituated families, including Karisimbi, Amahora, Susa A, Umubano, Kirwa, Kwitonda, Bwenge, Ugenda, Titua Agashya, and Sabyinyo groups. This magnificent creature flourishes in its wild surroundings within the Rwanda Park of the Virunga Mountains, a stunning range of six extinct and three active volcanoes that also stretch into Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Discover the thrill of mountain gorilla trekking in Africa: Embark on an unforgettable journey in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Trekking to see mountain gorillas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo takes place exclusively in the stunning Virunga National Park. Virunga National Park stands as the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest, famously recognized as the park of fire and ice due to its rich variety of inhabitants. The park boasts a remarkable population of mountain gorillas, housing a third of the world’s largest remaining individuals. With over 300 gorillas among the 1000 still roaming the wild, it is home to eight habituated families, including the Kabirizi, Nyakamwe, Lulengo, Mapuwa, Humba, Bageni, and Rugendo families. The park boasts two of the eight active volcanoes in the Virunga conservation region, and intriguingly, it is also home to the largest world-lava Crater Lake, perched at the summit of Mount Nyiragongo. Yet, exploring the wonders of gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda can take place in Volcano National Park.
Gorilla trekking journeys
Trekking gorillas in both mountain gorilla destinations is filled with enchanting surprises. Gorilla trekking takes you on a journey through the dense jungles of the tropical rainforest in search of the magnificent mountain gorillas. The national parks, nestled within the lush greenery, adhere to the same guiding rules, regulations, and expectations during these thrilling safaris.
Gorilla trekking safaris kick off in the morning with an exciting briefing on guidelines and what to anticipate while exploring the forest. Exploring the world of these captivating primates is reserved for adventurers aged 15 and older, with a limit of 8 individuals per gorilla group, each assigned to a specific habituated family. Gorilla trekking in both national parks entails an exhilarating journey on foot through the lush jungles of the tropical rainforest, as you seek out mountain gorillas in their natural families. The trek to encounter these captivating primates typically lasts 4-6 hours, depending on where the gorillas have chosen to rest for the night. During the trek, explorers will encounter various wild animals and be captivated by their presence. When visitors meet these magnificent creatures, they are granted an hour to engage with the gorillas in their habituated family. During this time, they can observe the gorillas as they go about their daily activities in the wild, including playing, feeding, and breastfeeding, all while keeping a respectful distance.
What are the price variations among Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo?
The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is $800 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, $700 per person for residents, and 300,000 UGX for East African citizens. This offers you the chance to immerse yourself for an hour with the mountain gorillas in their wild environment.
The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is $1,500 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, $600 per person for residents, and 200,000 UGX for East African citizens. This offers you the chance to immerse yourself for one hour with the mountain gorillas in their wild environment at Volcanoes National Park.
A gorilla trekking permit in Congo is priced at $400 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, $200 for East African residents, and $20 for national citizens of Congo.
