Are you looking for a great memory of a gorilla tour in Africa? Look no further we are here to organise for you an amazing gorilla trekking holiday you’ve been dreaming about.
A combined Mountain gorilla safari in Africa takes place in three countries which are Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These countries are harbouring the Virunga Mountains which inhabit the endangered mountain gorillas due to the favourable relief, climate and abundance of food.
The 3 countries by 2018 had a total population of 1063 mountain gorillas and Bwindi national park in Uganda leading with 459 gorillas hence having the highest number, almost half the total population.
In Uganda, you can trek these gorillas in only two national parks - Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga national parks. Both are located in south-western part of the country.
In Rwanda, you can trek these gentle giants from volcanoes national park and in DR Congo, you can trek these creatures in Virunga national park. All these national parks are interesting and full of attractions like different birds, various kinds of monkeys, olive baboons and large mammals such as elephants, buffalos among others.
While on a combined gorilla tour, you can encounter different cultures neighbouring these national parks and these include; Batwa pygmies and Bakiga in Mgahinga and Bwindi national parks, Iby’Iwachu cultural village for Kinyarwanda culture in volcanoes National park, among others. These entertain visitors through traditional dances, mouth-watering cuisines, story tales and craft work.
The safari to these gorilla destinations can take about 8 days or more but filled with massive discovery and exploration. Each park allows you to trek one gorilla family that is comprised of about 13 or more members. Each family is headed by a male gorilla called ‘silver back’ and it’s identified by the silver hair on its back.
All gorilla national parks are known for this activity and similar schedule; for instance the activity of trekking starts with briefing that lasts for about 20-30 minutes, followed by the assigning of a park guide and allocation to a group of 8 people to trek only one gorilla family depending on the reserved gorilla permit.
Gorilla trekking is a good adventure as you visit the habituated gentle giants in their natural habitats. Watch them play, feed, groom their infants, breastfeed and search for food.
The exercise takes about 2-3 hours depending on where you locate them and this will depend on where they spent a night before. An hour is granted after setting your eyes on them and this will be a photography moment. After the trek, you are rewarded with a certificate of recognition for trekking the endangered mountain gorillas.
Most tourists have doubts about these countries but what you need to know is that these countries are safe and taking a gorilla safari is worth and the best experience. The army forces in collaboration with the police and the park rangers have done a good job in promoting peace and security around these national parks and the countries at large.
Accessibility.
What you need to know is that the parks are easily accessed by road and from Kigali-Rwanda international airport which is the nearest airport to the region where these national parks are located.
On average, it can take about 4 hours to reach these national parks from Kigali international airport.
When to Visit?
Never worry about the best time to trek gorillas in these countries (Uganda, Rwanda and D.R. Congo). These national parks are located in tropical rain forests and this means they receive heavy rains. Therefore, you are advised to take a safari to these countries in the dry seasons of December-February and June-August.
This is when the trails seem to be dry and passable; enabling the parks to be accessed quite easily, good weather for photography and wildlife spotting. Although gorilla trekking can be done throughout the year, this depends on your budget and schedule.
We are here to take you to these countries for a great gorilla trekking safari. Book with us!