Frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda; Gorilla trekking is an adventurous and one of the most popular activities in Uganda and Rwanda where the tourists are given an opportunity to move on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the habituated mountain gorillas and one found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. There are various questions that travellers ask when planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and Rwanda and this article will help you answer some of the frequently asked questions which include,

Where is gorilla trekking done in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in two national parks that is Mgahinga gorilla national park and Bwindi impenetrable national park both located in south western region while gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes national park.

Bwindi impenetrable national park is known for harbouring the highest number of mountain gorillas which are found in four sectors namely buhoma sector in the north, nkuringo sector in the south, ruhija sector in the east and rushaga sector in the south.

What is gorilla habituation experience?

Gorilla habituation experience is an exciting activity where the wild mountain gorillas are trained to get used to human presence for trekking. Gorilla habituation experience is only done in Bwindi impenetrable national park in Rushaga sector and visitors who engage in the experience get an opportunity to spend four hours with the mountain gorillas.

What is a gorilla trekking permit?

A gorilla trekking permit is a legal card/document that is issued to visitors above the age of 15 years allowing them to visit habituated gorilla families and spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Cost of gorilla trekking permits in Uganda and Rwanda

A gorilla trekking permit in volcanoes national park Rwanda costs 1,500 USD per person for all nationalities while a gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park costs 700 USD per person for foreign non residents, 600 USD per person for foreign residents and 250,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.

A gorilla habituation permit in Bwindi impenetrable national park costs 1,500 USD per person for foreign non residents, 1,000 USD per person for foreign residents and 750,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.

When to book a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda and Rwanda 

Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda and Rwanda should be booked 3 to 6 months in advance before the trekking date because they are competitive and usually get sold out quickly especially during the peak season in the months of June to September and December to February therefore in order to avoid last minute disappointments you are advised to book in advance.

How long does gorilla trek in Uganda and Rwanda take?

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park and Volcanoes national park takes about 2 hours to 7 hours depending on where they will be located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food but when the mountain gorillas are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural environment.

When is the best time to trek the mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park and Volcanoes national park can be done all year round though the best time is during the dry season also known as the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February because during this period there is less or little rainfall in the parks therefore access roads and gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable which makes gorilla trekking easy.

What is the age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?

The age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is 15 years and this is due to the fact that gorilla trekking is strenuous and the grounds are sometimes muddy and slippery which becomes difficult for children. Another reason is that mountain gorillas are vulnerable to human diseases and children usually have communicable diseases like flue, cough which can easily be transmitted to the mountain gorillas.

What are the chances of seeing the mountain gorillas?

After purchasing a gorilla trekking permit in either Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park or Volcanoes national park, the chances of seeing the mountain gorillas is about 99%.

What to pack for gorilla trekking experience?

When going for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, there are a number of essential items to carry including hiking shoes, garden gloves, insect repellent, long sleeved shirt and trouser, waterproof rain jacket, energy snacks and drinking water, camera and extra batteries, a pair of binoculars, walking stick, warm sweater, back pack among others.

How many people are allowed to visit a gorilla family?

Gorilla trekking in volcanoes national park, Bwindi impenetrable national park and Volcanoes national park allows a maximum of 8 people to visit a habituated gorilla family daily and spend one hour with the mountain gorillas while gorilla habituation experience only allows a maximum of 4 people to spend four hours with the gorillas.

Is it possible to trek the mountain gorillas in Uganda via Rwanda?

Yes, it’s possible to trek the mountain gorillas in Uganda from Rwanda whereby tourists will fly to Kigali international airport and then cross to Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park via cyanika border in Kisoro or Katuna border in Kabale which takes about 4 to 5 hours’ drive.

What else is there to do in Uganda and Rwanda after gorilla trekking

There are a wide range of safari activities that tourists can engage in after gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda including wildlife viewing, chimpanzee trekking, boat cruise safari, chimpanzee habituation experience, canopy walk, guided nature walks, golden monkey trekking, mountain climbing, cultural experiences, sport fishing, horseback riding among others.

 For more information about the frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, do not hesitate to contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website to book a gorilla trekking package.