It’s very essential to plan your gorilla safari to Africa so that your gorilla trekking safari become a memorable one in your entire life below are some of the ideas to planning a gorilla trek.
The Destination:
After developing the idea of tracking mountain gorillas in Africa, the second thing you should think about is to know the destination where you going to see these giants. Uganda, Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo have prime locations for gorilla trekking. The perfect option for value and almost guaranteed sightings is Uganda, tracking in Uganda is done in Bwindi impenetrable national park which is located in the southwestern part of Uganda 7-9 hours’ drive from the capital city Kampala to the park headquarters, while Volcanoes National Park, in Rwanda, is typically known as the best place to track. The park is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda in RuhegeriMusanze district in a drive of about 2-3 hours from Kigali Rwanda’s capital and its largest city.
The Climate:
When planning a gorilla trek in Uganda or Rwanda you should also consider the climatic condition, In both countries, it rain heavyfrom March to May, and lighter rainy seasons is from October to mid-December. The republic of Rwanda is at a higher altitude than Uganda, making temperatures slightly cool. However whatever month, gorilla tracking experience remains breathtaking.
Packing list:
These are also very essential when preparing a gorilla trek to Africa, these include Hiking boots with ankle support, since tracking is done in the forest, this will give a good support to hike through the forest; a dry pack for camera gear; waterproof pants and jacket since tracking is gorillas is done in a tropical rain forest it can rain at any time; gaiters; gloves; binoculars, walking stick is provided by the lodge to give you support when in the forest, mosquito repellent to prevent from mosquito bites, a water proof bag is also essential to carry your accessories like Note book, camera among others.
Safety Tip:
Safety measures are also very essential when planning a mountain gorilla trek in Africa, Both countries Uganda and Rwanda are considered safe without any political insecurity, though caution is recommended near the Congolese border because of civil unrest.
Vaccines/Medicine:
Yellow fever required; hepatitis A, typhoid, meningitis, rabies, and antimalarial recommended.
Book a gorilla permit first:
In Bwindi impenetrable national park only 88 permits are on market each day and only 8 people are allowed to track in each gorilla group, and it takes 7-9 hours traveling from Kampala Uganda’s capital and its largest city, and about 1 and half hour to reach the park headquarters so you are recommended to book your accommodation to one of the three entry points and particularly on your entry point noted on your permit. Rwanda has 80 permits per day and also in each gorilla family only 8 members are allowed to track each day. In both countries, gorilla permits are on a very high demand so they get finished very early, it’s better to book gorilla permits prior to your tracking dates at least 2-5 months to avoid disappointment. Uganda gorilla permits costs USD 600 in the high seasons and USD 350 during the low seasons of May, April, and November, and Rwanda gorilla permits are at afee of USD750 per person per tracking each day, the price include a ranger guide
Rent Your Own Porter:
If you want a porter, their available at the park headquarters at a fee of just 20 usd$ per day, he can assist you with your backpack and your water, and if it means lifting you they can do to support you and continue with your gorilla trek.
Go with a first camera:
You are allowed to take as many photos as you can, however a flash camera is not allowed, remember you are only allowed one hour to stay with these amazing giant apes in their natural habitat and this will probably be your one chance to see them in the wild.
Visas: Required for Uganda (available upon arrival)