What is Gorilla Trekking?

What is Gorilla Trekking? Trekking through verdant forests in search of up-close encounters with gorillas in their natural habitat is known as gorilla trekking. You should go on this safari since it is an adventure of a lifetime. You are assigned a gorilla family on your gorilla walk, and you get to spend an hour watching them go about their daily lives.

What is the price of gorilla trekking?

From one country to the next, gorilla trekking costs differ. Only in the nations of Uganda, Rwanda, and the DR Congo is it possible to undertake gorilla trekking. Gorilla tracking in Uganda costs $800 for visitors from outside the country and $700 for non-US citizens. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda costs $1500. In DR Congo: The fee of a gorilla trip is $500 in Kahuzi Biega National Park and $450 in Virunga National Park. These costs cover both the hike into the forest and park admission.

Gorilla trekking permits

Permits for gorilla trekking are legal documents that give you permission to go through the bush in search of gorillas. There are 96 gorilla permits available daily in Rwanda, 160 in Uganda, and 64 in the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Before beginning the expedition, certain permits must be obtained. Discover Africa Safaris Tours obtains your permits from the Virunga park offices in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority. They are scarce, and they frequently sell out months in advance.

Comparison of gorilla trekking in the DR Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda

A unique experience, gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The undergrowth in the forest is dense, but as you progress forward, your ranges will clear a route. It adds to the adventure even though it can make the trek a little harder. The hilly terrain gives the woodland additional personality. The trek is easier and less overgrown in Rwanda. Trekking at the Virunga national park in the DR Congo is more simpler because the mountain has less vegetation. The complexity of your journey will depend on the gorilla family you are assigned as well as their whereabouts on the day of your excursion. Of course, cost is a consideration. Ugandan permits cost $800, Rwandan permits cost $1500, and DR Congo permits cost $500.

Gorilla trekking age limit

Across the three nations of Uganda, Rwanda, and the DR Congo, there is an age restriction for gorilla trekking. You must be at least 15 years old. It is thought that having maturity is necessary for handling the thrill, adhering to the rules, and reacting appropriately in the unlikely occasion that the gorillas charge.

How many individuals make up the group?

One gorilla family can only be trekked by a maximum of 8 individuals. In the forest, this small group is manageable. Furthermore, a large crowd might frighten the gorillas and provoke aggressive behavior. How much time is spent on the gorilla trek?

A gorilla journey might last three to six hours. The hour you spend with the gorillas is included in this. 30 minutes into the hike, gorilla sightings are possible. Before coming across them, others could have to wait up to two hours. This period of time is dependent on a few factors. First, the family of gorillas’ destination. More distant from the starting point are some gorilla families. The hike is extended as a result. Additionally, because these gorillas are in their natural environment, they can move around freely while feeding. You can wind yourself getting further away from your starting position by following them. Another factor is the vacationers’ physical condition. The majority of the terrain in this setting is hilly, which could slow down the group if one is not in good physical condition. You will take a detour if you come across woodland elephants because they are hostile. The aforementioned factors could all lengthen your journey.

Gorilla habituation versus gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking was already discussed in the beginning of the article. A gorilla’s habituation is the process of acclimating them to humans. For two years, researchers and park rangers visit this family of wild gorillas daily to ensure that they are comfortable with people. The main distinction between gorilla trekking and habituation is time. While you are only permitted an hour with the gorillas, you are given four hours for gorilla habituation. Compared to gorilla trekking, which costs $800, gorilla habituation costs $1500, however it is completely worth it. The Rushaga area of Uganda is the only place where you can get this experience.