Mountain gorilla trekking is one of the most popular and well-liked safari experiences in Africa, especially in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Congo. It is one of the most exciting safari experiences, just as good as or even better than the great wildebeest migration safari experiences in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, or Mount Kilimanjaro climbing. Since it is one of the best and most unforgettable safari experiences in Africa, many visitors have been visiting Uganda, Rwanda, and the Congo for this amazing safari experience, and those who have not yet visited still have many questions about this safari experience.

Due to this, here at TRAVELS WITH KIP LTD, we have decided to give out frequently asked questions about mountain gorilla trekking safaris and their answers to ensure you plan better, travel smoothly, and have a great safari experience. Here are frequently asked questions about a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda and Uganda and their answers:

How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda?

Anyone with a respectable degree of fitness can successfully enjoy a mountain gorilla trip in Rwanda. The difficulties are typically brought on by the difficult terrain and high humidity levels. The traps and thickness of the jungle canopy can also prove to be rather difficult. But the guides always cut through the dense undergrowth with machetes to make paths.

Sabyinyo, Agashya, Kwitonda, and Hirwa gorilla families are less difficult for most tourists, though. Depending on where the gorilla groups are located, tracking a gorilla group in Rwanda can take a tourist anywhere from 2 to 5 hours.

Is Uganda Or Rwanda Better For Gorilla Trekking?

In comparison to Rwanda, which only has about 18 habituated gorilla families available for monitoring on any given day, Uganda has more than 22 habituated gorilla families, increasing the likelihood that gorilla permits will be available there. Although Rwanda is geographically smaller than Uganda, where driving distances are typically longer, Rwanda is a better choice for those short on time because of this.

Is Gorilla Trekking Worth The Money?

According to TripAdvisor reviews from many visitors to Africa, going gorilla trekking has proven to be the best wildlife experience. The time, money, and effort invested were worthwhile. The most breathtaking encounter any wildlife fan could hope for have been coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla in the wild.

What Is Gorilla Tracking Like?

Since gorilla tracking includes hiking through dense foliage and uphill terrain in some regions of the park, physically fit tourists are required. Depending on the activity of mountain gorillas in the wild as they look for food, a gorilla walk in Uganda might last anywhere from one hour to six hours.

Is Gorilla Watching Safe In Uganda?

Yes, it is safe to go gorilla trekking in Uganda. The national parks of Bwindi and Mgahinga are the most secure areas of Uganda. To keep gorilla trekking safe and secure, the Uganda Wildlife Authority always keeps its park rangers highly motivated, watchful, well-equipped, and trained.

What Is The Gorilla Habituation Experience?

A wild gorilla family is gradually introduced to human presence during a gorilla habituation experience (GHE). To promote conservation tourism, researchers start by studying the gorilla species. They then cure illnesses and keep them safe from intruders. There are currently two gorilla families in southern Bwindi’s Rushaga Sector that are being habituated: Bukingi and Bushaho. Each group has so far spent three to five years working under the supervision of an expert research team, conservationists, and game rangers to complete the habituation process.

Game rangers slowly approach the gorillas to spend time with them each day. The gorillas won’t be allowed to be visited by people until they are extremely accustomed to human presence, which will take some time. To make the gorillas under investigation more sociable, the Gorilla Habituation Experience introduces tourists to them.

Since the money made from this activity is used to promote the survival of these monkeys, a visitor who partakes in a gorilla habituation experience is seen as helping conservation in its entirety. The Gorilla Habituation Experience allows visitors to spend a day in the company of gorillas and engage in all gorilla-related activities, which results in an amazing wildlife experience.

How Much Does It Cost To Track Gorillas In Uganda?

A gorilla permit costs USD 700 in Uganda, USD 600 for foreign non-residents, and USD 1500 for a gorilla habituation experience. Any additional activities and lodgings a tourist requests to be included in his or her package will determine the remainder of the safari package.

What Is The Best Month To Visit Uganda?

Better conditions for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking are available during the dry seasons of June to August and December to February. During this time, game drives and viewing are both recommended. However, the remaining months are also fine, despite the inconveniences caused by the persistent rain. Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are sometimes discounted during this low season, and safari lodges are too.

What Do You Need For Gorilla Trekking?

Wearing durable clothing, such as long sleeves and trousers for protection against nettles, is advised for anyone tracking chimpanzees or mountain gorillas. You’ll also need a pair of gaiters or light walking boots, as well as gardening gloves or protective leather gloves, Frequently Asked Questions on Rwanda, and Uganda Gorilla Tours.

Are The Gorillas Dangerous?

In general, gorillas are strong, kind, and social creatures. But if someone provokes them, they may attack and harm them. When provoked, the Silverback can growl loudly, bang its chest, and charge the offender. Gorillas are wild animals, even though they are friendly and calm, and they can be violent if mistreated or threatened. Although Gorilla attacks on people are incredibly rare, they are always triggered by a defensive reflex.

Which Place Is Best To See Gorillas In Africa?

Mountain gorillas reside in the lush, volcanic Virunga Conservation Area, which also includes the national parks of Mgahinga and Bwindi in Uganda, the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Lowland gorillas are found in the forests of central and western Africa in Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Cameroon, the Congo, Gabon, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

How Do I Book A Gorilla Safari?

A gorilla permit, which is merely paperwork that allows you to spend an hour with gorillas in the wild, must be purchased to reserve a gorilla tour. This document can be obtained via a licensed tour operator, such as TRAVELS WITH KIP LTD, Uganda Wildlife (UWA), or Rwanda Development Board (RDB), depending on the country: Uganda or Rwanda.

What Is Gorilla Trekking Experience?

A guided journey through a dense rainforest is required for a gorilla trekking adventure to spend time with a particular gorilla group in its natural habitat. It is a life-changing experience to encounter these serene and amazing creatures. A guided trek into the dense rainforest in search of gorillas is the first step of the gorilla trekking experience. The ultimate purpose of this hike is to come across a gorilla family. For one hour, visitors are permitted to be in the gorillas’ presence. Normally, guests are only permitted to approach Gorilla groups from 7 meters. However, the distance has been raised to 10 meters because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since gorillas share 96% of their DNA with humans, they are highly susceptible to all human diseases.