Find the perfect Uganda safaris/Uganda Tours holiday with Maranatha Tours and Travel a Ugandan based tour company organizing adventure safaris throughout Eastern Africa.

We arrange and ensure quality Uganda Safaris Tours, Rwanda Safaris, and Congo Safaris with priority given to the client’s interests, time frame and budget backed up with the best travel tips and advice from our knowledgeable travel consultants.

With over 6 years of first hand travel experience within East Africa, we can guarantee to offer you the Best Adventure Uganda Safaris tours which can be customized to include gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, chimpanzee tracking, wildlife safaris, bird watching, cultural tours in Uganda, city tours, mountain climbing safaris, whitewater rafting and so much more. We are ready to turn your dream holiday into a reality!

Popular Gorilla Trekking Adventure Safaris in Uganda and Rwanda

Best Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo

Gorilla trekking has become the most attracting activity in Africa especially in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Many tourists prefer going to the deep tropical rainforests searching for these endangered species and some even end up doing double trekking after a thrilling experience. In these three countries, trekking is now the leading tourist attraction bringing in visitors from different countries.

Uganda is known for its unsurpassed biodiversity but gorilla trekking safaris are the most popular and are the prime reason many tourists visit Uganda.
Mountain gorillas are scientifically known as Gorilla beringei beringei and in Uganda occupy the thick Tropical rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks found in the south-western corner of the country.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a one-of-a kind activity that leads enthusiastic primate lovers to the dense jungles to meet one of the 21 habituated gorilla families that call Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks home.

With more than half the World’s population of surviving mountain gorillas calling these Park’s home, Uganda is definitely the best gorilla trekking destination. Mgahinga is a home to only one habituated gorilla family known as Nyakagyezi while Bwindi Impenetrable offers shelter to 20 habituated gorilla families found within the four sectors of the Park thus 160 permits are available per day.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking safaris in Uganda

Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda are relatively cheaper than in Rwanda and the cost depends on a number of factors that include the transport means chosen, the accommodation facility (whether its budget, midrange or luxury) and the time of the year (wet months are generally low seasons where most safari lodges/hotels offer discounts).

However, some costs especially for gorilla permits remain constant at $600 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and Shs 250,000 for East African Community Residents.

What you need to carry for Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda

Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda are incomplete without a number of essential things that include a gorilla permit which you need to put first in your bag, gardening gloves that will protect your hands from getting hurt as you hold on tree branches, rain jacket, strong hiking boots with enough grip, toiletries, cameras with extra batteries and enough memory, long sleeved shirt/top, insect repellant, rainproof backpack, energy giving snacks, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, pair of binoculars, long trousers, long cotton socks and finally you will need to hire a porter on the day of trekking.

Best Time for gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda

Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda are done all year round but gorilla permits are usually on high demand during the dry months of January, February, June, July, August, September and December because most tourists prefer trekking during the dry season when trails are drier and less muddy or slippery.

This however doesn’t mean that the Gorilla trekking destinations are avoided during the wet season but surprisingly, the months of March, April, May, October and November offer easier and faster trekking conditions given the fact that food for the mountain gorillas is in plenty and these primates don’t move to far places.

Gorilla Trekking Trips

Gorilla trekking tips are set guidelines/procedures to be followed by tourists before, during and after trekking mountain gorillas to ensure their protection, given the fact that they are endangered and vulnerable species.

Mountain gorillas are scientifically known as gorilla beringei beringei and are one of the two sub-species of Eastern gorillas with at least 1004 of them occupying the mountainous rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as well as the Virunga Conservation Area comprising of Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Congo’s Virunga National Park.

Mountain gorillas are up to 98.2% rated to humans which makes them susceptible to most contagious diseases that also affect human especially flue/cold, cough, influenza and Ebola (can be transferred from humans to mountain gorillas and vice-versa). Also, giant apes just like other wild animals can be harmful to humans if provoked although they are habituated hence trekkers are always briefed on the dos and don’ts of trekking them. Therefore, the gorilla trekking tips are categorized into guidelines to follow before trekking, during trekking and when in the presence of the mountain gorillas and they include;

Gorilla trekking tips to follow before setting off

Ensure that you are of reasonable shape, given the fact that mountain gorillas live in areas of high elevation thus making gorilla trekking physically demanding.
Make sure you are over 15 years before trekking the mountain gorillas. This guideline is crucial for reducing the risk of exposing the already endangered primates to childhood diseases such as measles and also to avoid scaring them since children are unpredictable when it comes to responding to fear.
Always wash your hands before trekking the mountain gorillas to avoid spreading disease causing germs to the gorillas.
Maximum of 8 tourists are allowed to trek a habituated gorilla family per day to reduce risk of exposing mountain gorillas to diseases and to avoid behavioral changes.

Gorilla trekking tips to follow while searching for the allocated gorilla family

Practice the principle of “pack it in, pack it out” when dealing with litter and leave the Park exactly the way you found it. The fragile ecosystem of mountain gorillas has to be kept the way it was found so that the generations to come can also enjoy the privilege of meeting face to face with the great apes with their authenticity.
There are no toilets in the middle of the jungles and if you ever desire to answer the call of nature, speak to a ranger who will dig a small pit of 30 centimeters deep to allow you defecate and will be covered after use.
Keep voices low when trekking the mountain gorillas and only ask the guides questions related to mountain gorillas and the activity itself.

Gorilla trekking tips when in the presence of the great apes

Flash cameras are not allowed to taking photos of the mountain gorillas because it scares them and can provoke an aggression.
Trekkers are given only 60 minutes to interact with the mountain gorillas while taking photos as well as learning about their extraordinary behaviors and physical characteristics. This guideline is important to reduce possible risks of spreading diseases and stressing the mountain gorillas.
Do not cough or sneeze in the presence of the mountain gorillas but if you get the urge to cough or sneeze, turn your mouth away and cover it with a handkerchief to avoid spreading germs.
A minimum distance of 7 meters has to be maintained between the mountain gorillas and tourists. This is done to minimize behavioral disturbances and to avoid straining them. Similarly, do not touch the mountain gorillas and even when they come close to you, slowly move away.
Avoid eating and smoking while in the presence of mountain gorillas.
Remain together with your colleagues while in the presence of mountain gorillas to minimize any possible confusion to the great apes.
Avoid staring directly in the eyes of the mountain gorillas because they will perceive it as a form of provocation and call for aggressiveness. If mountain gorillas charge, submit by crouching down.
Avoid abrupt or swift movement while observing the mountain gorillas because it can scare them.

General Health rules

Mountain gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans and this makes them vulnerable to a number of human diseases. Therefore trekkers are advised to adhere to the following health guidelines;
• A distance of 7 meters must be maintained when watching the mountain gorillas.
• Respect the time limit (one hour) set for viewing the mountain gorillas.
• Avoid littering the National Park with rubbish because they act as breeding grounds for disease causing germs.
• Turn your mouth away from the mountain gorillas when coughing or sneezing.
• Don’t track the mountain gorillas if you are sick from contagious diseases such as cough and flue.

Things to carry for your gorilla trekking safari

Your gorilla trekking packing list must not miss your comfortable waterproof hiking boots, a backpack, camera with extra batteries, insect repellant, long trousers, first aid kit, long sleeved shirts/blouses, toiletries, rain gear, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat, pair of binoculars and gardening gloves.

Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is absolutely an incredible wildlife experience. DR Congo is ideal for all experienced visitors who wish to get off-the-beaten-path and also need a cheaper gorilla trekking alternative.

 

Gorilla trekking in Congo is best done in lush jungles of the Virunga National Park where over 300 mountain gorillas are confined.

The Virunga National Park is a UNESCO Heritage set in eastern DR Congo just at the border with Uganda and Rwanda.

It is one of the vast parks in Africa with area coverage of over 7800sq.kms and makes up part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area (VCA) which also covers Mgahinga National Park in southwestern Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda. The three countries are interlinked by the Virunga Mountain ranges and they are the only destinations in the world where 1004 mountain gorillas that still live on earth are found.

Mountain gorillas in the DRC mostly thrive in the southern side of the Virunga National Park and so far, only 8 families are available for gorilla trekking. They represent about 64 gorilla permits and each group is assigned to only 8 trekkers. They include Bageni, Nyakamwe group, Humba gorilla family, Kabirizi, Munyaga gorilla group, Rugendo, Mapuwa, and Lulengo gorilla group.

Gorilla trekking in DR Congo is an entirely run gorilla conservation initiative that depends on gorilla protection and safety.

On actual gorilla trek in the Virunga National Park, visitors are led where a gorilla group is found by experienced and armed park rangers/guides, trackers and porters. Currently, DR Congo is relatively peaceful compared to the past days and the government is doing all it takes to see to it that the country becomes safe and secure.

Gorilla protection, on the other hand, is one major priority and more efforts are still needed to ensure that these endangered and rare creatures safe and well-protected in the wild for future generations.

Gorilla trekking permits in the DR Congo

Gorilla trekking in the DRC like it is a case in Uganda and Rwanda requires all visitors to have gorilla permits. Each gorilla trekking permit in DRC costs $400 per person per trek which is a relatively cheaper option for budget visitors to also catch a glimpse at mountain gorillas while they are in their natural habitat.

You can secure gorilla permit in DR Congo through a reliable tour operator or park authorities with the Institute Congolese Pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN).

Note, DR Congo is also home to eastern lowland gorillas which can be trekked in Kahuzi Biega National Park or supplement your gorilla experience with hiking adventures in Nyiragongo or Nyamuragira Volcanoes.

Best time to go for gorilla trekking in the DR Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo is regarded as all year round destination regardless of your travel interest.

However, the best time to go for gorilla trekking in DR Congo is during the dry season which is usually experienced in the months of June, July, August, September and December, January, February. Virunga National Park also experiences two significant rainy seasons with the first phase starting in March, April, May, and October, November.

The wet/rainy season is also known as the low season and it is characterized by heavy rainfall which makes the gorilla habitat muddy and hence a big challenge for trekkers to hike through the dense vegetation and steep slopes to look for a gorilla group. The significant part of it is that there is plenty of forage for mountain gorillas to feed on and most safari lodges tent to reduce the accommodation rates.

Gorilla trekking rules and regulations in DRC

Gorilla trekking rules and regulations in DR Congo are the same as those in Uganda and Rwanda. They include among others;

• Strictly an hour is given to you to have a magical encounter with mountain gorillas.
• Only persons above 15 years are allowed to trek mountain gorillas.
• Maximum of 8 visitors are allowed to trek 1 habituated family.
• A distance of 7 meters should be kept at all times away from gorillas and never touch gorillas.
• Do not smoke, eat or drink while in the presence of gorillas.
• Wash your hands prior embarking on an actual trek.
• Keep your voices low at all times but feel free to ask your guide as many questions as possible.
• Do not go trekking mountain gorillas if you are sick and in case of cough, cover your mouth and when sneezing covers your nose. Most importantly, you are recommended to put on surgical masks.
• Keep with your group-do not surround gorillas.

What to pack for gorilla trekking in the DR Congo

When considering what to pack for gorilla trekking in DR Congo, we recommend the following items;

• Waterproof hiking boots
• Long pants
• Waterproof daypack
• Good camera without a flashlight
• Bottled water
• First aid kit
• Long-sleeved shirts/t-shirts
• Energy giving snacks
• Socks
• Walking stick-find one at Virunga National Park headquarters
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Gorilla permits
• Valid passport
• Vis
• Yellow fever vaccine card and many others.

Gorilla trekking tips

• A yellow fever certificate is a requirement if you are to be allowed to get into DR Congo. You may also immunize against rabies, hepatitis A, typhoid, meningitis and do not leave out anti-malarial tablets
• Submit your application for a visa earlier and you can obtain one at $100
• Pack appropriately for your gorilla trekking safari

Accommodation options in Virunga National Park

The best accommodation options in the Virunga National Park range from budget to luxury and they include; Bukima Tented Camp/Mikeno Lodge (Luxury), Kibumba Tented Camp, Tchegera Island Tented Camp and at Goma Town, the available accommodation choices include Ihusi Hotel, Lac Kivu Lodge and Hotel Cap Kivu.

Getting to the Virunga National Park

There are many routes that take visitors to Virunga National Park. From Rwanda, you get to this park from Kigali to Gisenyi and you drive for 1 and half hour to Bukima patrol station. From Uganda-drive from Kisoro through Bunagana border and spend half an hour to connect to Bukima.

By water-take, a ferry from Bukavu and then get to Goma and via Idjwi Island on Lake Kivu which is about 3 hours if you are using speed boat. From here, get a good and comfortable 4 wheel drive safari car to connect up to Virunga National Park.

By air-there are many airlines that fly to Goma International Airport and they include Brussels Airlines, Kenya Airways, Air France, Swiss Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian airlines to mention but a few.