Gorilla trekking Safaris in Uganda, Rwanda And Congo Gorilla Tours
It’s during this fun experience that people get one on one with the endangered mountain gorillas and their other sub species in just a period of one hour. This is when they also get to learn more about mountain gorillas for example their feeding habits, reactions towards human presence and their behavior in general.
Mountain gorillas survive on wild fruits and celery, bamboo shoots, roots, stems and leaves hence they are herbivores and seldom eat meat. The soothing montane climate and biodiversity of East Africa’s Virunga region largely contributes to mountain gorillas’ feeding and shelter. A lot of other mammal and bird species can also be sighted during gorilla trekking safari. While on this life time experience, visitors can anticipate to sight gorillas moving in a large number of about 10 to 50 gorilla individuals dominated by one alpha leader – the silver back. These groups are also widely known as “families” and consist of more adult females and young ones.
There are only two right spots for gorilla trekking in Uganda; Mgahinga national park and Bwindi impenetrable national park. Bwindi is the top gorilla trekking destination in the country and Africa at large as it harbors over 20 gorilla families. Mgahinga national park on the other hand shelters one habituated gorilla family group, and the park is one of the most visited national parks in the country, despite its small size.
Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali city is the cleanest in Africa and the country has well developed and planned infrastructure blended with beautiful hotels and lodges to ensure visitor’s satisfaction on Rwanda gorilla trekking tours.
Rwanda has registered success in as far as gorillas trekking is concerned and it has the most expensive gorilla trekking permits at $1500 USD to ensure its luxury type of tourism is not compromised.
Volcanoes national park is a famed destination known for gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda. Located in the northwest of Rwanda covering an area of about 16,000 hectares, the park is dominated by savanna grasslands, swamps and Afro montane forests. The park shelters 14 habituated gorilla families and each group of 8 visitors is allocated to one particular family.
Avid visitors to Rwanda have always admitted not to want to miss out on the gorilla naming ceremony celebrated annually in volcanoes national park. The enticing ceremony is locally known as “Kwita Izina ceremony”. It happens at least once every year and involves gorilla naming, feasts and traditional dances.
On the trekking day, visitors are advised to gather at the park headquarters in Kinigi at 8:00am for warm coffee and well guided briefing where they share the origin, history, behavior and all the informative knowledge about gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking in volcanoes national park takes about 4 to 6 hours depending on the location and closeness of the allocated family group, sometimes the rare primate species tend to move deeper to the dense forests and hilly areas in search of food.
Some of the mountain gorilla families that are habituated in Volcanoes national park include Kwitonda, Hirwa, Igisha, Karisimbi, Amahoro, Muhoza, Bwenge, to mention but a few.
Mountain gorilla tours are only in three countries including Rwanda, Uganda and Congo. Democratic republic of Congo is fully endowed with the vast natural resources including several mountains, fresh water bodies, bubbling crater lakes and beautiful wildlife, birds and rare primate species. Democratic Republic of Congo is the second largest country in Africa with exceptional riches in other rightful mineral resources including Gold, Diamond and oil. This makes this country one of the top destinations on the African continent.
Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the 3 countries where one can do gorilla trekking in Africa. The country is internationally recognized as one of the exceptional homes for the remaining mountain gorillas in the world, habituated in its renowned conservation area of famous Virunga mountains. The country also shelters a wide range of famous national parks in Africa that are always on every travelers’ list. Among all the 800 mountain gorillas remaining in the whole world, 350 of them are being sheltered in Democratic Republic of Congo. Interesting enough is how these endangered mountain gorillas can be sighted at a chance of 95%. Passionate travelers can anticipate to have a life time gorilla trekking safari experience in Congo.
The slopes of Virunga mountains homes almost half of the remaining mountain gorillas of the world including the renowned Virunga National Park. Kahuzi-Biega National Park is prominent for as the only National Park hosting the Eastern lowland gorillas in Congo. Unlike Rwanda and Uganda that homes only the endangered mountain gorillas, Democratic Republic of Congo homes both the east lowland gorillas and the mountain gorillas too hence making the country the best for seeing east Africa lowland gorillas in the whole world.
While a passionate traveler on East African safari may wonder what’s the countries to explore for a thrilling adventure on this safari, should just get started with the warm to have a lifetime experience and explore more as East Africa is highly endowed with breathtaking attractions and activities including a thousand hills, vast national parks and savannas, rare wildlife and bird species, unforgettable beautiful landscape views and fresh water bodies.
Safari activities that people on an East African safari can engage in for a memorable experience include boat cruising on the East African fresh water bodies such as the prominent enormous Lake Victoria, game viewing in a wide range of National parks for example Tanzania’s vast Serengeti national park, Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth national park, sport fishing, gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi national park, Rwanda’s volcanoes national park and Congo’s Virunga national park, bird watching, interesting cultural tours including the Ugandan Karamojong and Kenya’s Maasai, to mention but a few.
The countries to visit when on an East African Safari include Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Each of these countries differ in their own uniqueness, tourist attractions and activities. This explains why a number of visitors internationally prefer to secure one East African Visa that covers at least three destinations for a full East African Safari. The single East African Visa can enable the traveler to visit Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.
Your Tailored Gorilla Trekking Adventure Awaits!
We specialize in creating customized gorilla trekking trips that cater to your specific tour preferences. Witness the incredible beauty of Uganda’s gorillas up close and personal. Take the first step towards your unforgettable journey by clicking “Start planning” below and let’s make your gorilla trekking dreams a reality!
Testimonials
A collection of heartfelt accounts from our satisfied clients who have embarked on unforgettable safaris with us.
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Phionah M2023-09-0710 days Uganda and Rwanda combined safari Best of Uganda and Rwanda wildlife safari and road trip experience with Bujuku Eco Tours! I had the best safari experience with friends after a short notice booking. Communication with their team was smooth and payment terms were flexible to confirm our trip in Uganda and Rwanda. We highly recommend!VerifiedTaylor P2023-06-27Amazing experience with Bujuku Eco Tours in the Rwenzori mountains My friend and I just finished an 8-day trek in the Rwenzori mountains with Bujuku Eco Tours and had an amazing time. From the beginning, they were well organized and flexible to tailor personalized trip. The driver Johnson was very kind and expounded on Uganda's history and nature. The company supplied us with high-quality climbing and camping gear that we were unable to bring but was essential for a safe journey. We camped in tents along the Bukurungu trail as we enjoyed the solitude of mystical mountain valleys away from the groups on the central circuit. The hikes were challenging but the team chef supplied us with warm drinks and filling meals to keep us going. Summiting Mt. Speke and Mt. Stanley, we learned new mountaineering techniques while taking in the breathtaking mountain landscapes. I highly recommend Bujuku Eco Tours for any trek in the Rwenzori Mountains to ensure a safe, comfortable, and exciting trek.VerifiedChristy Adeola B2023-06-20Great service! Bujuku arranged a hike to Bisoke volcano in Rwanda for us and it was fantastic! Very well organised, and brilliant communication - even checking in with us by Whatsapp after my partner hurt his knee a little while descending the volcano. Great service - thanks Muhindo and the team!VerifiedPrakriti2023-04-11Great Services What an experience in the Rwenzori Mountains. Can never forget. Thanks to Joeffery and Johnson's great services that we managed to do it with ease. We summited the Mt Stanley - Margarita Peak and came back safely. 10/10 for BujukuVerifiedMark Dieleman2023-01-24Fantastische ervaring. Schitterend uitzicht en een pittige wandeltocht van een dag. Onvergetelijk prachtig. Wauw! Wat een fantastische ervaring hebben we gehad. Wij hebben voor 1 dag gekozen. Super gave ervaring naar een schitterende plek! Het was een pittige wandeling. Advies is om echt zo vroeg mogelijk weg te gaan, zodat je lekker op je gemak het kan doen. Uiteindelijk zijn wij met wat lampjes in het donker weer bij onze auto aangekomen.VerifiedJitse Raes2022-12-30Rwenzori Mountains + Chimpanzee trekking + Transport from Kigali We had a great experience in Uganda with Johnson and Geofrey from Bujuku Eco Tours. We did a 4 day Rwenzori trek and Chimpanzee trekking at an affordable rate. Everything was perfectly organized and the accommodations were very nice. Trekking gear for the Rwenzori mountains was arranged by the organization and of good quality. Transport from and to Kigali was very comfortable and there were possibilities to see a lot on the way. I would 100% recommend Bujuku Eco Tours for people wanting to visit Uganda.VerifiedLinde J2022-09-26Amazing hike to Lake Mahoma! Experienced guides and we were provided with enough delicious food, water and guidance! We would definitely recommend going with Bujuku Ecotours. Exevia, our guide, explained how we could get in Kasese from Kampala by bus. At the busstation in Kasese, they picked us up and drove us to the hotel where we stayed. The hotel was really clean and the four of us got 2 double rooms. The drinks and food (dinner arrival, breakfast saturday, dinner sunday, breakfast departure and every meal and snack during the hike) were included in the price! At the arrival Exevia took us to the hotsprings, which was a nice suprise. The hike to Mahoma Lake started saturdaymorning and was very beautiful. All the luggage was carried by porters, even our own backpacks. The guide was very experienced and explained a lot about the Rwenzori and its nature. The food during the hike was more than enough to energize us and because it was raining we could even sleep in a hut instead of the tents. During the evening they made a bonfire for us to dry up our clothes and sit by. The cook made delicious meals for dinner, breakfast and lunch and breakfast and enough water was carried along. All toghether this trip was amazing and the service of Bujuku Ecotours was outstanding. All our love and we see you in a few years when we will hike the top in 7 days!VerifiedApollo Mwangi2022-09-02MARGHERITA QUEST Was really a challenging expedition. The hardest actually for me to date. Bujuku offered Excellent service and assistance during my expedition. Really felt at home away from home 😊VerifiedAndrea B2022-08-10professionell tour company offering great value for a very good price the trip was perfectly organized. the communication with geoffrey via email was easy, quick and i got all the information i needed. on the spot the guys went every extramile to fulfill my wishes. i felt like a princess. they are very professional, reliable, on time, polite and kind. the equipment i borrowed was very good quality (sleeping bag, rubber boots, crampons, harness, etc). they offer great value for a good price. definetly recommended!VerifiedRoan L2022-01-09Great service and experience I did a hike with them, Margherita peak. they were very professional and very efficient. the guides were great and the whole experience was very comfortable and easy. they helped with everything and had information about everything. I would recommend this company to everyone. If you have any questions about the owner or guides, just message me.
Packing list for Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, Congo and Rwanda
While preparing for this lifetime primate experience, there are a must-carry items that visitors must come with during the trekking activity and these include;
Comfortable hiking shoes.
There is a need for comfortable but sturdy hiking shoes to ensure easy hiking especially on the steep slopes and in times when the trekking trails are muddy and slippery. Comfortable shoes will also protect visitors from thorns and sharp pointed stones.
Insect repellents
Visitors should endeavor to carry insect repellents as there are always disease transmitting insects during the remarkable activity, even including mosquitoes.
Walking stick
A walking stick is a must have as it helps trek to hike through slippery thick forests, have an easy access and track the allocated family much easier. Walking stick help in ascending especially on muddy trails.
Warm clothing and stockings
Visitors are also advised to hire porters to assist them carry heavy luggage while on gorilla trekking tour. Local porters are always available from the neighborhood and can charge as cheaper as $15 USD or sometimes less than that.
Rules and Regulations for Gorilla Trekking.
- Visitors are restricted to keep a minimum distance of about 10 feet between the visitor and gorillas. This is to ensure there is no easy transmission of diseases between both parties.
- Children under the age of 15 years may carry some infections in form of flue and cough therefore are not allowed to engage in this activity.
- Weird movements, unnecessary noise and eye contacts with gorillas are totally prohibited especially when one gets in touch with a gorilla family. The loud noise and worrying eye contact can be mistaken for danger to these rare primates.
- Visitors can not drink, or eat in the midst of mountain gorillas. Boozing and smoking are unhealthy to these primates and therefore visitors are advised to prepare, eat in time and can smoke or drink from 200 meters away from the gorillas.
- Offer a submissive gesture or posture once the watchful silverback tries to scare you but don’t run. Silverbacks are the first to be encountered once the gorillas are tracked and they are very keen on safety.
Why Travel With Us
Choose us for your Uganda safari adventure because we are experts with years of experience, offering personalized itineraries to explore Uganda’s wildlife, landscapes, and cultures. We prioritize safety, comfort, and sustainability, ensuring unforgettable journeys to see gorillas, enjoy game drives, and experience local traditions. Join us for a journey of discovery and adventure in the Pearl of Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can track Gorillas?
Tracking gorillas in Uganda can be done by anybody of age 15 and above
Where can Gorilla tracking be done?
Where can Gorilla tracking be done? In Uganda, Gorilla tracking is done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which has four sectors (Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija) and In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Nyakagezi Gorilla group) You can choose to track gorillas in any of the above sectors. In Rwanda, Gorilla tracking is done in Volcanoes national park. In DRC, Gorilla tracking is done in the Virunga national park.
What is the difference between Gorilla tracking & Gorilla habituation experience?
What is the difference between Gorilla tracking & Gorilla habituation experience? Gorilla tracking involves interaction with the gorillas for only an hour per group of 8 visitors while Gorilla Habituation involves interaction with the Gorillas for 4 hours per group of 4 visitors. The gorilla habituation experience involves following a team of researchers who monitor habituated gorillas.
How many people can track/habituate a Gorilla group?
How many people can track/habituate a Gorilla group? The Maximum number of people allowed to track gorillas per group per hour is 8. The Maximum number of people allowed to habituate a gorilla group is 4 people for 4 hours per group.
Why take an online writing course?
How much do i pay for the experience? The amount paid for a gorilla trekking or habituation experience largely depends on the type of permit paid for, the country of tracking as Uganda has cheaper permits than Rwanda and DR Congo. The cost will also depend on the type of accommodation and safari agreed with your tour operator. The amount paid for Gorilla permits is as below per category; US $ 700 for foreign non residents (gorilla tracking) US $ 600 for foreign residents (gorilla tracking) UGX 250,000 for East African Community citizen (gorilla tracking) US $ 1,500 for foreign non residents (gorilla habituation) US $ 1,000 for foreign residents (gorilla habituation) UGX 750,000 for East African Community citizen (gorilla habituation)
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