Waking up in the morning to go and look for the amazing great apes in the wild is one of the most amazing tourist activities on planet Earth. Gorilla trekking in African countries is ranked number one when it comes to visiting primates in their natural habitats. Africa has three countries where one can go for gorilla trekking. These countries include Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Encounter Africa safaris organizes gorilla trek trips to three African countries all around the year. Before booking gorilla trekking in African countries, you need to note the below.

Where in Africa can I go for gorilla trekking

Africa is the only continent that has mountain gorillas in the whole world. This is because of the climate as well as other conditions such as vegetation and hills that are habitat to these rare mountain gorillas. The only countries or places to see mountain gorillas in Africa are Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. That said and done, we need to look at each Africa country that has mountain gorillas in detail so that it helps you to make a choice based on facts. Encounter Africa safaris operates Africa gorilla trekking trips with guaranteed permits. For any country of your choice, feel free to contact us.

Where can I see mountain gorillas in Uganda

Uganda is located in East Africa and is home to the highest number of mountain gorillas in the whole world. One is able to see or visit mountain gorillas in two great Africa gorilla National Parks of Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. With over 450 mountain gorillas, Bwindi impenetrable National Park boots of about 36 families of mountain gorillas out of which 19 are habituated and ready for gorilla trekking safari holidays in Africa. Contact Encounter Africa safaris for more information about gorilla safari holidays to East Africa’s pearl of Africa.

Another place to see mountain gorillas in Uganda is Mgahinga National Park located in southwestern Uganda sharing borders with Virunga National Park and Volcanoes National Park. Mgahinga National Park has only one habituated mountain gorilla family but sometimes the park welcomes visiting gorilla families from Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Encounter Africa safaris organizes affordable Mgahinga gorilla safaris when contacted.

Where can I see mountain gorillas in Rwanda?

Among the three gorilla trekking countries blessed with mountain gorillas in Africa is Rwanda popularly referred to as “A Country of a thousand hills”. One can find or visit mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park which has 20 gorilla families out of which 10 are for research and 10 are reserved for gorilla trekking. Volcanoes National Park is the most popular mountain gorilla trekking National Park in Africa simply because the distance from Kigali International Airport to the starting point of gorilla trekking in Kinigi is about 2-3 hours compared to Entebbe and Kishasha for the other countries that have mountain gorillas in Africa. It is therefore simple to organize a day trip or 2 days trip to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali which may not be possible in Uganda.

Where can I see gorillas in Democratic Republic of Congo

Gorilla trekking in African countries can be carried out in Congo or the Democratic Republic of Congo. Neighbouring Uganda and Rwanda, DRC has a sizeable number of mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park. Dubbed as one of the best countries to trek mountain gorillas, DRC is and has been always affected by political insecurity with many attacks on tourist something that has derailed gorilla trekking in this rich and beautiful country. Encounter Africa safaris operates gorilla trekking in this African state of Africa on request and after conducting thorough research to establish safety and security status at any given time. Let’s discuss your dream trip to the DRC here.

How much does it cost to trek mountain gorillas in Africa

African countries that are home to mountain gorillas have different costs and price when it comes to gorilla trekking. It costs $1500 for a gorilla permit to trek Rwanda mountain gorilla while Uganda charges $700 and $400 in DR Congo. These prices are based on current and proposed for 2020 and can change anytime. Virunga determines the price of gorilla permits in DR Congo, RDP does for Rwanda while UWA is for Uganda.

Holding a gorilla permit for Uganda, Rwanda and or DR Congo entitles you to one hour with mountain gorillas in their respective parks of Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes and Virunga Respectively.

Each gorilla permit issued by the above three African countries of Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo irrespective of the difference in price includes one hour with mountain gorillas, park entry fees, services of a ranger guide, certificate and security while in the forest. It excludes meals, accommodation and transport to and from the parks which must be arranged separately.

Why is gorilla trekking in Africa so expensive?

As earlier noted it takes up to $1500 to spend one hour with mountain gorillas in an African country called Rwanda while it is equally expensive in Uganda at $700 per person per trek. Mountain gorillas have for a long time been on a list of endangered species until of recent when they have been scrapped. Thanks to the better conservation policies by the three countries and other conservation stakeholders. Mountain gorillas are looked as precious and costly to visit. Gorilla trekking is a unique experience where only 8 people are allowed to visit a given family of mountain gorillas in Africa. The high price is levied to limit the number of people visiting mountain gorillas since it has been proved that man’s presence has an impact on primates such as mountain gorillas.

Organizing a proper African gorilla trek to Rwanda, Uganda or DR Congo

Are you planning to travel to Africa to see mountain gorillas? The most important thing is to choose from Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo since they are the only three countries in Africa where gorilla trekking takes place. After zeroing on one country, you may also consider the price of a gorilla permit, distance from Airport to the park, security and costs of accommodation and transport. Once you have researched on these items, please ensure that you book your gorilla permit in advance to avoid shortage. You should also endeavour to select a lodge of your choice and budget. Encounter Africa safaris can assist you do this. You can as well check out our Gorilla trekking safari packages listed on our website.

What is the age limit for trekking mountain gorillas in Africa?

All African countries where gorilla trekking is currently taking place have 15 years and above as the accepted age for visiting gorillas. Whether planning to trek gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo, you need to first check whether your son or daughter has attained the age of 15 years. If your child is almost about to celebrate his 15^th Birthday and well built, please contact Encounter Africa safaris since possibilities of allowing that kid to trek mountain gorillas is 95%.

For more information about booking gorilla permits, checking gorilla permit availability, the best time to trek mountain gorillas and which country to go to, we have written a lot of literature on the same but feel free to contact Encounter Africa safaris and we will ensure that you are equipped with relevant information to enable you to make informed decisions before booking your dream gorilla trekking safari holiday to any of the three African countries that offer gorilla trekking safari tours. You can as well visit our trip advisor page or safari bookings and leave a review or check out what others say about our service