Gorilla tracking experience in Rwanda and Uganda.

The gorilla tracking experience in Rwanda and Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that allows travelers to come face-to-face with the wonderful mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. The experience begins early in the morning, as trekkers gather at the park headquarters for a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow during the gorilla trekking by the park rangers or park guides.

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After the briefing you will be grouped in various groups of eight members per group, and begin the way through the dense rainforests of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, you will move through the forest and climbing the steep slopes while searching for the elusive gorillas.

Although gorilla trekking can be challenging, with the landscape ranging from easy to difficult, but the excitement and anticipation gives with every step, as the guides expertly track the gorillas, following their footprints, droppings and other signs.

Gorilla trekking takes a period from 30 minutes to 6 hours of trekking, the guides lead you to the gorilla group, and suddenly this is where you will view the mountain gorillas, observing their broad chests, strong arms, and piercing eyes leaving the trekkers with the everlasting safari memories in one hour when the trekkers are in the presence of the gorillas, that’s when the trekkers are allowed to observe the gorillas feeding, watching the gorillas interacting with each other, watching them interact with each other, that’s the period when you will take the gorillas pictures, recording them videos thus providing a truly unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impression to the gorilla trekkers.

After one hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas, the gorilla trekkers will return to the starting point at the park headquarters to receive the gorilla trekking certificates for taking part in gorilla trekking.

Rules and regulations to take during gorilla trekking.

Gorilla tracking safaris in Rwanda and Uganda are done under strict rules and regulations that must be followed to ensure the safety and well-being of both the gorillas and the trekkers. Upon arrival at the park headquarters, the trekkers are briefed on what should be done and what should not be done during gorilla tracking, and are required to sign a waiver form acknowledging that they understand will adhere to the rules.

One of the most important rules is to maintain a safe distance from the gorillas, at least 7 meters (23 feet) away, to avoid stressing or provoking them, the trekkers are also required to stay in a group and follow the instructions of the guide at all the times, and to avoid making loud noises, eating or drinking near the mountain gorillas.

During gorilla trekking, the trekkers are not allowed to feed the gorillas because this can disrupt their natural behavior and lead to disease transmission. Furthermore, the trekkers are required to stay on the designated trails and avoid wandering off into the forest, as this can damage the habitat and disturb other wildlife.

Trekkers are also expected to respect the gorillas’ habitat and not litter or leave any waste behind. In terms of health and safety, trekkers are required to declare any illness or symptoms of illness before going on the trek, and to wear masks if they have a flu or cough to prevent transmission to the gorillas.

Lastly the trekkers are required to follow the instructions given by the park guides and the park rangers at all time during gorilla trekking, and to respect to local culture and environment. By doing these exact rules and regulations both the gorilla trekkers and the gorillas, thus contributing to the conservation of these incredible mountain gorillas and their habitats.

Age restriction for gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.

The age restrictions for gorilla tracking in Rwanda and Uganda are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both the trekkers and the gorillas and are strictly enforced by the park authorities.

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, the minimum age for gorilla tracking is 15 years, and this is strictly practiced and done, thus not allowing children under this age, On the other hand, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the minimum age for gorilla tracking is also 15 years old, and children under this age are not allowed to participate in gorilla tracking safari experience.

This age restriction is allowed in both Uganda and Rwanda gorilla tracking is a physically demanding and potentially activity, requiring trekkers to hike through dense forests and steep landscapes, for a bit several hours, and to be in close to these mountain gorillas. Also the park authorities also participate to minimize the risk of disease transmission between humans and the gorillas, and children under the age of 15 years may be more attractive to illness. By considering a minimum age limit of 15 years old, the park authorities can help ensure that trekkers are physically and emotionally prepared for the demands of gorilla tracking, and that the gorillas are protected from the potential harm in their habitats.

Where to do gorilla tracking in Rwanda and Uganda.

Gorilla tracking in Rwanda and Uganda is a thrilling adventure that allows travelers to come face-to-face with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. In Rwanda, gorilla tracking takes place in Volcanoes National Park, which is a home to various mountain gorillas divided into 10 habituated groups, the park is located about 2 hours’ drive from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, making it easily accessible for tourists. In Uganda, gorilla tracking takes place in two national parks; that’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Bwindi is known has the home of the half remaining gorillas on the planet, and is divided into over 23 habituated groups, and is located in the southwestern part of Uganda, which is about 8 to 9 hours’ drive from Kampala, the capital city.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, is a home to one habituated group of mountain gorillas, known as the Nyakagezi group. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda, which is about 10 hours’ drive from Kampala.

Both the two safari destinations offer a unique and unforgettable gorilla tracking safari experience, with the stunning landscape, diverse wildlife, and the opportunity to observe these incredible animals up close.

Whether in Rwanda or Uganda, gorilla tracking is an once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows travelers to connect with nature, support conservation efforts and create lifelong safari memories. Get in touch with us to plan your safari today.

Best time to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.

The best time to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda is during the dry season, which is from June to August and from December to February, when the weather is dry and sunny, making it very easy to move the dense forests and the steep landscape.

During the dry season, the park roads and the trails are less muddy and slippery thus minimizing the risk of injuries, and the vegetation can be transparent, making it easier to spot the gorillas. Additionally, the dry season offer better space for views, with the clearer skies, thus allowing the trekkers to take in the wonderful landscape and thus capturing the stunning pictures.

The dry season is considered the best time for gorilla trekking because the gorillas tend to move to lower elevations in search of food, making them very easy to locate and track. Also the rainy seasons, which occur from March to May and from September to November can make gorilla trekking more challenging, with the muddy and slippery trails, reduced visibility and a higher risk of the injuries.

However, it’s crucial to note that the rainy seasons can also offer some advantages, such as fewer tourists and the lower prices, and the lush vegetation can make the landscape even more beautiful and vibrant. Overall, the best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda is during the dry seasons, with proper planning and preparation, it’s possible to have a successful and enjoyable gorilla trekking experience during any time of the year.

Where to stay in Uganda and Rwanda during gorilla trekking safari.

When going on a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda and Uganda, choosing the right accommodation is essential to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. In Rwanda, there are several excellent lodges and hotels near Volcanoes National Park, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts.

Some other accommodation options include the Sabyinyo Silverback lodge, a luxurious eco-lodge located near the park entrance that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the valleys. Mountain Gorilla Views Lodge, a comfortable and affordable that offers beautiful views of the mountains and is located just a short drive from the park entrance, not only the above lodges Volcanoes National Park has other various accommodation options that can fit the clients preferences and tastes.

Uganda, has many comfortable lodges and hotels near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park, while offering a range of budgets and preferences. Some of top accommodations includes Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, a luxurious lodge located in Nkuringo, offering breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the surrounding landscape.

Another great option is the Mahogany Springs Lodge, a comfortable and stylish loge located near the park entrance, offering beautiful views of the surrounding forest and a range of the amenities and activities. Additionally, for those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Buhoma Community Rest Camp is a great choice, offering simple but comfortable accommodations and a range of activities and excursions.

Not only the above lodges but both Rwanda and Uganda also have various lodges and camps where tourists can stay during the gorilla trekking safari. Regardless of which lodge or hotel you choose, it’s essential to book in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and to make the most of your gorilla trekking safari experience.

Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda and Rwanda safaris.

Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda and Rwanda are vital component to gorilla trekking safari, as these allow you to access the national parks where gorilla trekking takes place and allow trekkers to observe these incredible animals in their natural habitats.

In Uganda, gorilla trekking permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the cost is 800 USD per person per trek for the non-foreign residents, 700 USD per person per trek for the foreign residents and 300, 000 UGX for the East African Citizens, with a maximum of 8 trekkers per group. The permits are valid for one day and allow trekkers to spend up to one hour with the gorillas.

In Rwanda gorilla trekking permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the cost is 1500 USD per person per trek with a maximum of 8 trekkers per group. The permits are only valid for one day and allow the trekkers to spend up to one hour with the gorillas. It’s crucial to book gorilla trekking permits well in advance, especially during the peak season, as they tend to sell out quickly due to competition. In Uganda, the gorilla trekking permits can be booked up to 2 years in advance, additionally, the trekkers must also purchase a park entrance fee, which costs at 40 USD per person per day in Uganda and 30 USD per person per day in Rwanda.

Once the permits are booked, trekkers will receive a confirmation letter, which must be presented at the park headquarters on the day of the trek. The permits in cases of illness or injury, and the trekkers must be at least 15 years old to participate in gorilla trekking safari.

Overall the gorilla trekking permits are a vital component of any gorilla trekking safari, and booking them in advance is essential to ensure a successful and enjoyable safari experience.

For more information about gorilla trekking safari in both Uganda and Rwanda, contact us at Encounter Africa Safaris and we shall plan and prepare for you a wonderful gorilla trekking safari in any of your desired destination that will offer you unforgettable safari memories in your entire life.