Best time to go for gorilla trekking
The best time to go for gorilla trekking in Africa is during the 2 dry seasons from: December – February and June – August, despite the fact that Bwindi National Park National Park, Mgahinga National Park , Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park, and Kahuzi Biega National Park are open for gorilla trekking throughout the year due to the availability of gorilla permits issued each day. The dry months of June, July, August, December, January & February are regarded as the best time to visit, because the weather conditions favor Gorilla trekking, due to dry or less muddy ground.
The dry months of June, July, August, December, January & February is the best time to go gorilla trekking in Africa’s prominent National parks, because of the drier trails, making it easier for trekkers to easily navigate through the thick Vegetation cover and steep slopes when looking for gorillas.
Not like the Wet season when there is plentiful of heavy rains, causing the grounds/trails to be muddy and slippery, making it difficult to trek. The wet season, also dubbed “the low season” which includes March, April, May and October, November, contains lush forage for these intelligent giants to feed. Visitors can take less hours to find the chimpanzees during this season, because they don’t have to move further distances in search for food.
Secure your gorilla trekking permit early
Visitors intending to go for gorilla trekking during the peak season, must acquire their gorilla trekking permits early enough, at least 6 months prior to the gorilla trekking date.
Rwanda gorilla permits cost $1500, Uganda Gorilla permits cost $800 and Congo gorilla permits are at $400. Each purchased Gorilla trekking permit per person per day qualifies for one(1) Gorilla family including spending 1 full hour with them.
Gorilla trekking permits can be purchased through a reliable & licensed Tour Operator company or directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda, Rwanda development Board in Rwanda. While a gorilla habituation permit costs $1500, which involves only 4 persons in the company of researchers to stay for at most 4 hours in the gorillas’ presence.
What to pack For Gorilla Trekking In Africa.
Packing Light is highly recommended, when planning to go for a gorilla trekking experience in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and Congo’s Virunga National Park & Kahuzi Biega National Park
The packing list for gorilla trekking includes among others: waterproof hiking boots, waterproof day pack, insect repellents, rain jacket, camera without flash light, binoculars, long sleeved shirt/t-shirt, trousers, sweaters, sun glasses, hat, bottled water, energy giving snacks, first aid kit, walking stick.
Thinking what to wear during gorilla trek? Each traveler is urged to wear environmentally friendly clothes, whose colors are not shouting, and yes don’t forget, long sleeved shirts or t-shirts, trousers, rain jacket-to protect you in case it rains.
Physical fitness For Gorilla Trekking
Despite the fact that gorilla trekking can be done by everyone, it still requires you to be physically fit. Gorilla trekking in Africa can take between 2 to hours, which comprises of traversing through thick forest and steep slopes, when looking for mountain gorillas. However, you also need to carry plenty of water so as to stay hydrated, as well as energy snacks, since most gorilla families/groups take refuge in higher elevations, which requires more energy
On the other hand, you can opt to hire a porter at $10 or $20(depending on the weight) , in case your luggage is heavy, so that you can enjoy your gorilla trekking experience, while they help you carry.
What are the Gorilla trekking Rules & Regulations?
Whether you have trekked gorillas before, or it’s your first time, every gorilla trekking Enthusiast must adhere to the gorilla trekking rules and regulations, issued by guides and rangers each day, very early in the morning, before embarking on the actual gorilla trekking.
Some of the gorilla trekking rules & regulations include among others; Maintaining a 7 meter distance when with them, remain still whenever they charge, don’t use cameras with flashlights, only persons with at least 15 years of age are allowed to trek gorillas, Interact with the gorillas for at most 1 hour, don’t trek mountain gorillas when you are sick, don’t litter the park click here for more…
In conclusion, gorilla trekking still remains a top notch bucket list activity in the pearl of Africa. Yet to have a memorable experience, it is important to have knowledge about these gorilla trekking tips, when planning for a safari in Uganda. Besides Gorilla trekking, we also offer numerous fascinating experiences which can be combined with gorilla trekking: such as Wildlife safaris , White Water rafting, Wildebeest migration, Balloon safaris, Chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, Rwenzori trekking, and cultural encounters
