Gorilla trekking is a wonderful memorable rewarding experience which takes place in three African countries: Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. A gorilla trekking is an activity which involves searching gorillas in their habitat. In such process of trekking mountain gorillas, it allows you to get up close to these gentle giants of the jungle in their natural home. One needs to acquire a gorilla permit to meet this rare gentle giant known as Mountain Gorillas. A gorilla permit is a National document that allows you to trek mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
The process of gorilla trekking normally starts with an early morning briefing at respective park headquarters, then a hike or walk into the forest following the trail used by mountain gorillas and once found, you spend only one hour with the mountain gorillas. You will then return back and be offered a certificate. The trek itself may take up to 30 minutes or three-quarters of the day but once you find gorillas, you are allowed to spend only one hour with them.
In Africa, there are only four National Parks where gorilla trekking takes place which includes, Bwindi National Park is located in South-Western Uganda just at the extreme Rift Valley and lies on an area of about 327 km² on the edge of the western Great Rift Valley neighboring the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bwindi National Park has over 19 gorilla family which habituated for gorilla trekking and a gorilla permit cost $ 600.00 per person per trek and each gorilla family is visited by a maximum of 8 people per day, it’s advisable to book your gorilla permit in over 6 months in advance to avoid missing out your gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the southwestern corner of Uganda bordering Rwanda in the south and Democratic Republic of Congo in West and it sites on an area of about 33.7km2 making it the smallest National Parks among the gorilla National Parks in Africa. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has one gorilla family which known as Nyakagezi gorilla family which habituated for gorilla trekking and a gorilla permit for this family cost 600.00 per person per trek and each gorilla family is visited by a maximum of 8 people per day, to avoid disappointment during peak season, you’re advised to book your gorilla permit in 6 months of advance
Volcanoes National Park located in northwestern extending for over 160km². The park has a very unique Afro- montane appearance and its size is the most outstanding on East and Central Africa. Volcanoes National Park has over 10 gorilla families which are ready for trekking; each of gorilla family is visited a maximum of 8 people per day. A gorilla permit in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda cost $1500.00 per person per trek.
Virunga National Park is located in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and its sites on an area of about 300 km (190 mi) along the Albertine rift that splits the African continent from north to south. Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park has been the most attractive within this Park. The Park accommodated 8 gorilla families which are ready for trekking and each family visited 8 people per day. Virunga National Park has the lowest price for gorilla permits among the four National Parks where gorilla trekking takes place. A gorilla permit in Virunga National Park cost $ 400.00 per person per trek and it’s advisable to book your gorilla permit in advance to avoid disappointments