Buhoma Sector This comprehensive guide to Buhoma sector including mountain gorilla families, location, gorilla trekking,…
Gorilla Walking Safari from London
Gorilla Walking Safari from London
Gorilla walking safaris from London offer a lifetime opportunity for you to walk with the rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorilla walking safari is all about enjoying an active trek through the jungle to search for the family of endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. The focus is mainly tailored to exploring the massive mountain gorillas, particularly, already habituated gorilla families.
The walk with a family of mountain gorillas from London, UK begins with planning a gorilla safari to your preferred destination. This involves booking with the local tour operator or company. When you finally secure your gorilla safari package, expect to have an experienced team leader take you to enjoy the actual thrilling walk with mountain gorillas.
Where to go for gorilla walking safaris in Africa? Safest Places to See Gorillas
A maximum of 4 destinations are available for primate enthusiasts to embark on a guided gorilla walking safari and enjoy up close and personal encounters with a group of mountain gorillas. The four parks to visit to see mountain gorillas in the world (Africa) include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Southwestern Uganda.
Mountain gorillas also reside safely in the jungle of Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda. The other place to consider a must-visit to enjoy a guided gorilla walking safari tour in Africa is the Virunga National Park in Congo.
Gorilla Walking Destinations in Africa and their gorilla families/groups to track
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is found in Southwestern Uganda and comprises 4 main regions or sectors each with habituated gorilla groups. They include Ruhija in the east which comprises gorilla groups like Mukiza, Oruzogo, Kyaguriro group, Bitukura gorilla group, and Happy gorilla family although this one isn’t yet open for gorilla tourism.
Buhoma sector to the Northern section of Bwindi. This sector features habituated gorilla groups such as Muyambi, Habinyanja group, Rushegura, Mubare gorilla group, and Katwe group.
Rushaga sector in the Southern Bwindi National Park holds habituated gorilla groups like Mishaya group, Busingye gorilla family, Kahungye group, Nshongi gorilla group, Bweza gorilla group, Rwigyi, Mucunguzi gorilla group, Bikingi, and others.
Nkuringo sector with gorilla families like Nkuringo, Bushaho, and Christmas. These are available for Bwindi gorilla trekking whether on 3-day gorilla safaris.
Volcanoes National Park with its gorilla families in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking Rwanda is best done in Volcanoes National Park where visitors on gorilla safaris engage in active search of habituated gorilla families starting from Kinigi. The 13 gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park include among others Sabyinyo gorilla family, the Kwitonda group, the Karisimbi gorilla group, the Agashya gorilla group family, the Susa A, the Ugenda gorilla family, the Umubano group, the Hirwa, Bwenge, and Amahoro gorilla group, and Muhoza.
Virunga National Park for Congo gorilla safaris
Virunga National Park in Eastern Congo provides refuge to about 8 habituated gorilla groups. The habituated gorilla groups to explore on gorilla walking safaris from London in the Virunga National Park include the Humba gorilla family, Kabirizi group, Bageni group, Mapuwa gorilla family, Nyakamwe group, Munyanga group, Rugendo, and others.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park for Eastern lowland gorillas in Congo
Visitors interested in up close and personal encounters with the Grauer’s gorillas in the wild (Eastern lowland gorillas) can consider visiting Kahuzi-Biega. This is the only park currently with habituated gorilla families that are open for Lowland gorilla trekking. The gorilla groups to expect to come across in Kahuzi-Biega National Park include the Nganwe gorilla group, Chimanuka, Mpungwe group, Bonnani gorilla family group, Mugahuka group, and others.
Gorilla walking/trekking permits to book
As you prepare for your epic gorilla walking safari from London, booking a valid gorilla permit should be the first thing to do. Take note that each gorilla walking destination has its cost set for visitors to secure gorilla permits.
- Uganda gorilla trekking permits cost USD 800 per person.
- Rwanda gorilla trekking permits cost USD 1500 per visitor.
- Congo gorilla permits are open for booking at USD 450 per person.
Obtaining a valid gorilla permit in Rwanda, Uganda or Congo is easier when you deal directly through the local tour operator. Contact Maranatha Tours and Travel to assist you plan and book a gorilla permit and also organize the entire trip. Contact our reservation through ino@adventureugandasafaris.com.
How to see mountain gorillas from London
Booking a gorilla safari to Uganda and Rwanda through Maranatha Tours and Travel is the only way that guarantees you a chance to see mountain gorillas. You can plan your gorilla safaris with our expert and explore a destination of your preference. We have unique gorilla tour packages crafted or tailored to suit every primate enthusiast’s travel dreams. The existing gorilla itineraries are also flexible and can be changed to meet a visitor’s desires and budget.
Gorilla status in the wild
Mountain gorillas are listed among the endangered species in the IUCN Red List. These apes are endangered due to the numerous threats including habitat loss, poaching, spread of infectious human diseases, and other factors. About 1063 mountain gorilla currently live in the wild and they thrive only in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. They share over 98% of their DNA with humans and contact with anyone sick poses a higher risk for them to contract diseases.
When to go for gorilla walking safaris
The dry season is the best for you to enjoy a guided gorilla walking safari and adventure in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. The peak dry season/months include June, July, August, and September, then December, January, and February. The dry months come with favorable weather conditions characterized by low rainfall and relatively drier trails.
What to pack for your gorilla walking safari from London
A successful gorilla walking safari requires adequate preparation which includes packing right. Here is a checklist of essentials to consider for your gorilla walking tour; waterproof walking boots, a camera that is free from the flashlight, a daypack, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, insect repellents, a sweater, a rain jacket, a first aid kit, and others.
Where to stay during the gorilla walking safari from London
- Bwindi accommodation options: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Broadbill Forest Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Trekkers Tavern Cottages and Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge. Other lodges include Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Gorilla Hills Eco Lodge, and Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge.
- Mgahinga National Park lodges to stay on gorilla walking safari include Mount Gahinga Lodge, Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle Lodge, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Mucha Hotel Kisoro, Travelers’ Rest Hotel, and others.
- Accommodation to stay in and around Volcanoes National Park Rwanda include One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Wilderness Bisate Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Amakoro Songa Lodge, Da Vinci Lodge, and Singita Kwitonda Lodge.
- Virunga National Park and its accommodation include Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp, and more.
Getting from London to Uganda and Rwanda to enjoy a gorilla trekking tour
Take a flight from London to Entebbe using RwandAir, British Airways, Uganda Airlines, EgyptAir, Brussels Airlines, Qatar Airways, and others.
From Entebbe, visitors can easily connect to their dream gorilla safari destinations in Uganda –Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Road transportation from Entebbe or Kampala in a 4×4 safari vehicle will take you about 8-9 hours to drive up to Bwindi/Mgahinga.
Flights can also be arranged and you set off from Entebbe Airport/Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro/Kihihi Airfield.
Accessing Rwanda from London by flight involves taking a flight up to Kigali International Airport (KGL). There are multiple airlines offering flight services to Kigali including EgyptAir, RwandAir, Swiss, and more.
From Kigali Airport to Volcanoes National Park, you can spend 2-3 hours driving in a 4×4 safari vehicle. You can also set off from Kabale/Kisoro town via the Katuna/Chanika border to Volcanoes National Park.
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