Mountain Gorillas are the world’s most endangered great apes with less than 900 of them remaining in the world. These gorillas can be visited in small groups of eight (8) people per gorilla group per day. Visitors are only allowed to visit the habituated groups and each person should have a gorilla trekking Permit. We organize very exciting gorilla tours which will bring you face to face with these hairy giants. Make your reservation today for the 3 day Gorilla Tour Uganda
What is a Mountain Gorilla Trek?
This is among the top items on any travelers’ bucket list. A trek involves searching the verdant thick forests along the muddy forest trails until you eventually come face to face with the mountain gorillas. you will spend about an hour with them, observing their interesting way of life, taking photos, recording videos as well as getting a chance to come face to face with these giants which have so much in common with man.
How much do Gorilla Permits cost?
In Rwanda each gorilla trekking Permit costs $1500 and then
in Uganda a gorilla Permits costs $600. However during the low months of April and November gorilla permits are discounted to $450 since the months are very wet receiving heavy rains.
Where to see mountain gorillas?
Based on the last published statistics, there were less than 900 mountain gorillas on the entire planet which makes them one of the critically endangered species. Today, there are just two mountain gorilla populations in the entire world, and one of these is found in the Impenetrable forests of Bwindi and the other within the Virunga mountains that extend into Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park as well as into the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Best Time to see / trek Mountain Gorillas
Although mountain gorillas can be seen all year round, we recommend our clients to avoid the wet months as the forest trails are normally very slippery and muddy so the trek is normally very challenging. During the months of March, April and May, as well as in November the parks are receiving a lot of rain which makes the trails very slippery thus the activity quite challenging.
What is mountain gorilla trekking like?
When we talk about gorilla trekking I know several pictures cross people’s minds yet the reality is very few actually know what this exciting activity really involves. Well, well, the good news is that I am going to detail you about it. Generally speaking, the forest hike is rather challenging and involves walking through the forest paths and occasionally your guide will have to clear the forest undergrowth using his machete. You will walk through some mud, find your way through the slippery underbrush, definitely you will sweat and because the humidity is pretty high in the forest, it’s a good idea to carry some bottled drinking water to keep hydrated. – No wonder this activity is ideal for those who are with good physical fitness.
Anyway, as you continue to search their natural habitat, you will eventually meet the gorilla group. the park rangers would have briefed you on how to behave while in their midst so for a rewarding time with these giant gorillas, we recommend that you follow whatever guidelines you are given. You will find these peaceful giants playing about and going on with their day to day activities not minding your presence at all. Actually there will not be any physical interaction with them unless if one moves past or near you.
You will be allowed to take photograph as well as record videos during the 45 minutes to one hour you will spend with them. This wildlife encounter you will have can never be compared to any other; it is a life memorial experience.
What does the Mountain gorilla habitat look like?
Well, gorillas live on the higher forested slopes at an altitude between of 2200 meters and 4300 meters. So as you ascend, you will have to walk through the thick forest undergrowth with ferns and vines, move through the bamboo and then to the gorilla areas which are normally cold and wet (depending on the season). However one thing you should remember is that these gorillas are wild and their movement is not restricted. So sometimes you may find them feeding on the lower slopes.
What do Mountain Gorillas Eat?
The western mountain gorillas eat a wide range of food. 86% of their total diet includes stems, leaves as well as shoots, while 7% are roots, 3% flowers, 2% fruits with a supplement of snails, ants, grubs and some soil for minerals.
What to Pack for a Gorilla trekking Tour?
Hiking Boots – a pair of good quality hiking boots is mandatory for this activity. These should also give you good ankle support.
Thick Gloves – as you traverse the forest floor it’s inevitable not to grab vines or branches for support along the slippery paths. A pair of gardening gloves will protect your palms from scratching and piercing vegetation.
Light rain jacket – gorilla live within the tropical forests of Bwindi and Virunga, and there it can rain anytime irrespective of the season. So this rain jacket will be a good idea.
Pants and long sleeved shirts – these will keep most of your skin covered and protect you from insect bites as well as scratches while in the forest.
Water – Avoid buying plastic water bottles while you’re in Uganda or Rwanda. They’re terrible for the environment. Bring a reusable canteen (preferably with a purifying filter built in) or a pack of filtration tablets. You’ll need to drink a lot during the trek.
A snack– because the activity is generally tiring, it’s a good idea to have an energy snack such as dried fruit, cookies or chocolate. However, don’t liter the gorilla habitat. Keep your rubbish with you and carry it out of the forest.
Energy snacks – The trek to the mountain gorillas isn’t impossible, but it is tough. Energy snacks like nuts, dried fruit, or power bars are a great idea. Just remember to take any rubbish with you as you go.