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  • Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Virunga Mountains

    Planning a gorilla trip to Virunga Mountains requires adequate time for you to have a complete and successful holiday. The Virunga Mountains are chain mountains comprising of 8 volcanoes all confined within Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They include Mount Sabyinyo, Bisoke, Karisimbi, Muhabura, Gahinga, Nyiragongo, Nyamuragira and Mount Mikeno. Gorilla safaris in the Virunga Mountains are conducted in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in eastern DR Congo. Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park and Mgahinga National Park make up the vast Virunga Conservation Area (VCA).

    In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, gorilla trekking is conducted in Nyakagezi gorilla group the only habituated gorilla family open for tourism in this park. Mgahinga National Park is situated in southwestern Uganda about 8-10 hours’ drive from Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. It inhabits a section of rare mountain gorillas and scenic Virunga Volcanoes like Muhabura, Sabyinyo and Gahinga. Gorilla treks in Mgahinga National Park start at Ntebeko Visitor Center.

    The Volcanoes National Park is set suitably in northwestern Rwanda about 2 to 3 hours’ drive from Kigali capital city. Most Rwanda gorilla treks into the Volcanoes National Park start from Kinigi park headquarters. Five of the eight Virunga Volcanoes are all found in Volcanoes National Park including Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Sabyinyo and Gahinga.

    Mgahinga National Park reachable by road or by air. By road, you need a good 4 wheel drive safari vehicle to help you navigate through the remote route to southwestern side of this magical country and visitors with limited time, plan for a flight which takes you from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro/Kihihi airstrip where you can easily drive in a 4 wheel drive safari car to either Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga National Park.

    Gorilla Permits

    Knowing how much a gorilla permit cost is very critical when planning a gorilla trek in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. In Uganda, gorilla trekking permits cost $600 per person per trek. To obtain your gorilla permit in Uganda, you can get in touch with a trust worthy, reliable and recognized ground tour operator and to avoid last minute rush, simply contact our reservationist and we shall make your dream come true or contact a reservationist at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). A gorilla permit is what allows you to track only 1 habituated family in Uganda in a group of 8 visitors. About 160 gorilla permits are available each day for booking in Uganda but due to high demand, you are encouraged to book one at least 3 to 6 months earlier before the actual trek to avoid any disappointment. In Rwanda, gorilla permits cost $1500 per person (you can purchase one through reservationist at Rwanda Development Board or tour operator) and 400 per person in DR Congo.

    Note, to confirm your gorilla permit you should have made complete payment and this means, your details are very essential and you will be required to send monkey to help reserve permit for you. When effecting payment, tour operator will send bank details/account where you will pay and make sure that you include bank charges to avoid less payment that may cause disappointment at a last minute of booking for a permit.

    Best Time to go for Gorilla Trekking in Virunga Mountains

    Knowing when it is best to trek mountain gorillas is very key when planning a gorilla trip to Virunga National Park. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga National Park and Virunga National Park can be done at any time of the year. But it is best explored in the dry months that is June, July, August, September and December, January and February. However, it is also possible for you to trek mountain gorillas during the wet season but this period is characterized by heavy rainfall and muddy slopes which makes it a bit challenging for one to hike through the dense vegetation and slippery steep slopes.

    What to carry for Gorilla Trekking

    When planning for a gorilla trek to Virunga Mountains, how you pack plays a significant role. For starters, your packing list should include bottle of water, energy giving snacks, waterproof daypack, rain jackets or poncho, a camera with no flash light, insect repellents, first aid kit, valid visa, passport, gorilla permit, long sleeved shirts or T-shirts, and gardening gloves, hats, sunscreen and others.

    Where to Stay

    When planning a gorilla trip to Virunga Mountains, accommodation is that thing any visitor must put into consideration. There are many accommodation options for your overnight stay in Mgahinga National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park. In Mgahinga National Park they include Mount Gahinga Lodge (Luxury), Travelers’ Rest Hotel Kisoro, Mucha Hotel Kisoro (Midrange) and Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp or Kisoro Tourist Hotel (Budget); in Volcanoes National Park, they include Bisate Lodge, Mount Gorilla View Lodge, Da Vinci; in DR Congo Virunga National Park the best places to stay while on gorilla tour include Lake/Lac Kivu Lodge, Mikeno Lodge, Bukima tented camp, Nyiragongo volcano summit shelters, Lulimbi tented camp and Tchegera Island Camp.

    How to get to Virunga Mountains

    How you get to Virunga Mountains (Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga National Park or Virunga National Park) matters a lot when planning a gorilla trip. You can get to Mgahinga National Park by road or air. By road, you need a good 4 wheel drive safari to take you from Kampala or Entebbe through Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale/Kisoro and this can be 8-10 hours’ drive depending on the route or drive from Kigali through Chanika or Katuna border to Kisoro/Kabale about 4 hours’ drive. Alternatively, take a flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield then land in at Kisoro/Kihihi airstrip where you can easily connect to Mgahinga National Park. Volcanoes National Park is found in the northwestern side of Rwanda about 2 to 3 hours while Virunga National Park is located in eastern DR Congo. Visitors can drive from Rwanda through Uganda connect to Virunga National Park via Kisoro.

    Hiring porters and walking sticks. A trek to see mountain gorilla is strenuous and entirely involves hiking through dense vegetation and steep slopes which all requires you to be physically fit. There are many porters for hire at the park headquarters to help you carry heavy luggage and you concentrate in your primate adventure. Porters can be hired at $15 each and walking sticks can be hired at $5 or if you are lucky enough you may find one at a free cost.

  • Gorilla Tourism in Africa: All You Need to Know

    Gorilla Tourism is described as a life changing experience. Mountain gorillas are listed as the world’s most critically endangered apes by IUCN. Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo are the only countries in the entire world where these charismatic wild creatures are protected. There are lesser than 900 individuals that still live in the wild today, all of which distributed within the very few remaining tropical rain forests in Africa.

    Gorilla Tourism in Uganda

    Uganda offers visitors two options to track the critically endangered primates in the wild. Gorilla tourism in Uganda occur only in the thick tropical rain forest of Bwindi Impenetrable Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The two protected areas are found in the misty valleys of Kabale, Southwestern part of the country which is about 9-10 hour drive from Kampala. Gorilla trekking is only done in habituated groups whereby there are 11 habituated families that have been set for tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and only one is found in Mgahinga National Park. Bwindi has four tracking areas and they include Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo sector. Each of the tracking sectors features gorilla groups.

    Buhoma area is one of the busiest sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park both in terms of tourist activities and accommodation facilities. The habituated gorilla families for tourists to trek include the Mubare aka Mubale gorilla family also known as the M. Group, Habinyanja (H. group) and Rushegura also known as the R. Group.

    Ruhija sector is still a developing area especially in terms of accommodation but it also features three gorilla families for tourists to trek while on safari to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The habituated gorilla groups to track in this area include the Oruzogo, Kyaguriro and Bitukura gorilla family.

    Rushaga sector features as the exceptional gorilla trekking area in Bwindi. It is in Rushaga that gorilla habituation experience takes place. For gorilla trekking safaris, the habituated groups include Nshongi gorilla family, Bweza, Busingye, Kahungye and Mishaya gorilla family.

    Nkuringo sector of Bwindi has only Nkuringo gorilla group for visitors to track and in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park there is Nyakagezi gorilla family. Gorilla trekking safaris and tours in Uganda is relatively cheaper, the trekking permits are sold at $600 per person for foreign non residents, $500 for foreign residents and shs.250000. This mainly applies in the peak season especially in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During these months, the demand for gorilla permits is high and visitors are encouraged to book for their permits early enough.

    During the low season Uganda Wildlife Authority offers opportunity to other visitors who may not be in position to track gorillas during the peak to also achieve their dreams in Uganda. In April, May and November, permits in Uganda are obtainable at $450 for foreign non residents, $400 for foreign residents and shs.150000 for East African residents. For visitors who may need to extend their stay in Bwindi, there is Gorilla Habituation Experience where you will spend all the four hours with the apes in the wild. For this adventure, the permits cost $1500 foreign non residents, $1000 for foreign residents and shs.750000 for East Africa residents.

    Volcanoes National Park is the best tourist destination for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Located in Northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is accessible about 2 and half to three hour drive from Kigali International Airport to the park. There are ten habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes national Park set for gorilla tourism. They include Sabyinyo, Ugenda, Umubano, Hirwa, Susa A and Karisimbi (Susa B), Bwenge, Kwitonda, Amahoro and Agashya (Group 13). A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda cost $1500 per person and applies to all visitors.

    In Democratic Republic of Congo, gorilla trekking is best done in the Virunga National Park Eastern part of the country. It features eight habituated gorilla groups for visitors to track and they include Munyanga, Humba, Kabirizi, Mapuwa, Rugendo, Lulengo, Bageni and Nyakamwe gorilla group. Gorilla trekking permits in DR Congo cost $400 per person. Besides, there is also Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park. The Virunga National Park is normally reached from Rwanda and visitors can spend about 4 to 5 hours drive. However, note that DR Congo is still recovering from political unrest.

    In conclusion, gorilla tourism is best done in Uganda Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. A trek to see the endangered mountain gorillas is a life time experience Gorilla trekking is a strenuous experience that requires you to be physically well to hike through the thick forest of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga National Park, Volcanoes National Park and the Virunga National Park.

  • Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

    With fewer than 1004 mountain gorillas that still thrive on earth today, Rwanda is that one unique country that offers you that golden opportunity to strike your imaginations with these massive and magnificent creatures while in their natural habitat. The others include Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

    Where to go for gorilla trekking in Rwanda

    Gorilla trekking is best described as lifetime experience and in Rwanda; you can take part in this rewarding primate adventure only in Volcanoes National Park. This stunning park lies suitably in northwestern side about 2 to 3 hours’ drive off Kigali capital city. While on safari in this park, you will be assigned to only one habituated gorilla families to track in a group of 8 visitors each day. In Volcanoes National Park, 10 groups have been habituated and readily available for visitor experiences.

    Each of these groups reward travel endeavors with unique experiences and rare history. They include among others the Susa A, the Susa B-also famously called Karisimbi group, Group 13 which is also known as Agashya, Amahoro, Sabyinyo, Umubano, Ugenda, Kwitonda and many others.

    Up on getting a family that is assigned to you, you have only an hour to strike your imaginations with these magnificent creatures, take as many photos as you can, explore their behaviors and body gestures. Usually, one is led by a dominant silverback gorilla whose responsibility is entirely depended on protecting the rest of the group members among others.

    One group may consist of about 20 to 30 members and the numbers keep changing based on various factors especially fights amongst the leaders where other members leave the family while others join.

    What is a trek like?

    The length of trek varies depending on a number of factors. However, the trek may last you about 2 to 6 hours less or even more. Usually, the length of treks is determined by visitors’ hiking speed, location of gorillas in the course of the day and nature of the habitat among other factors. Your trek kick starts with early morning briefing on dos and don’ts that should be observed while you are in the jungles searching for these magnificent apes. Visitors are led by well-trained park guide and trackers.

    The fact that treks start with briefing, you will be required to report to park headquarters early enough to join other visitors. Your gorilla trek involves you hiking through the dense vegetation and steep slopes in search of mountain gorillas. It is a strenuous experience that may require some physical wellness in you and this means, you need to do some exercise before the actual trek.

    For those who may not be trust their energies and have heavy luggage, you can hire a porter to help you carry your luggage to allow you concentrate on your adventure. Porters can be hired at $15 or $20 and they can be found at the park headquarters.

    Cost of gorilla permits in Rwanda

    To take part in this life changing primate adventure, you must have a gorilla permit. That said, permits in Rwanda cost $1500 per person and each permit gives you opportunity to track only one habituated gorilla family. You can obtain one through a ground tour operator or through a reservationist at Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

    However, while on a trek, your permit isn’t limited to only mountain gorillas as you also have a chance to catch a glimpse at other primates as well as bird species that equally make your experience absolute. Given the fact that there is high demand for gorilla permits, visitors are advised to book their permits in advance before the actual trek to avoid any kind of disappointments.

    Accommodation for visitor overnight stay while on gorilla safari in Rwanda

    For a gorilla safari to be complete, you need that excellent and comfortable accommodation facility for you to spend a night on. That said, there are variety of lodging options that you can choose to spend a night while on gorilla safari in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park.

    They range from budget to luxury and they include among others Bisate Safari Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, Mountain gorilla view lodge, Sabyinyo silverback lodge, Virunga Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel a mention but a few. While in Kigali, the notable hotels for you to spend a night include Marriott or Serena Hotel and others.

    The rules and regulations for gorilla trekking in Rwanda

    The fact that mountain gorillas are listed among the endangered species, a number of rules and regulations do apply and must be observed at all times by visitors while on gorilla trek. These restrictions are intended to safe guard the lives of these rare creatures and their habitat.

    They include among others-only persons above 15 years are eligible to trek mountain gorillas, a distance of about 8 meters must be observed at all times off from gorillas, only an hour is given to you to track only one habituated family, only 8 visitors are assigned to only one group, turn off a flash light camera while taking photos of these creatures, no trekking gorillas if you are not feeling well, cover your mouth in case you are coughing or nose when sneezing and many others.

    What to pack for gorilla trekking

    To make your trek ideal, you need to pack appropriately for this adventure and in your packing list, you need to consider essentials first starting with water proof hiking boots, rain jacket or poncho, long sleeved shirts/t-shirt, camera with no flash light, sun screen, first aid kit, toiletries, gardening gloves, walking stick that you can find at the park headquarters or at your lodge.

    When to go for gorilla trekking in Rwanda

    For any plans to track mountain gorillas in Rwanda, there are two seasons that you need to consider-the dry and wet season. The dry season begins from June to September and December to February and this is usually considered as the most ideal as the ground remains relatively driers making it easier for you to trek gorillas.

    However the challenge with this season is that, these creatures tend to roam to distant areas in search of what to eat and you will spend a bit longer hours while trekking. On the other hand, the wet season is equally ideal and usually starts from March to May and October to November.

    The advantage with this season is that there is plenty of forage for these creatures to depend on but the challenge with it is that the ground usually tends to slippery and muddy thus making it a little bit challenging for one to trek through the thick rain forest and steep slopes.

  • Rwanda Gorilla Trekking: Tips for An Unforgettable Experience

    As interesting putting food in the mouth, gorilla tracking is one of the safari activities that is not isolated or missed by tourists when they are having a safari of their lifetime as this activity can’t be missed in menu of the various activities they want to explore which will bring you closer to related human beings. Some of the Gorillas families that are tracked include the following: Susa made up of 41 gorillas, Sabyinyo, Amahoro etc.

    Just like in other countries like Uganda, where gorilla tracking is done in Bwindi impenetrable national park and in DRC, it is done in Virunga national park. For Rwanda, it is done in volcanoes national park which is located in the northwest of Rwanda considered to be the only national park where gorilla trekking can be done. Primate tracking  in Rwanda is done by various touring companies as the packages for this tracking ranges from 2 days to 12 day trekking Rwanda  which gives a wide variety of Gorilla groups to be trekked.

    More so, to even start trekking these so called primates in volcanoes national park, a tourism permit must be issued by the body concerned with tourism called Rwanda tourism board. This gives license to the tourists of which type of gorillas to be trekked at that moment. Permits for Rwanda Gorilla Trekking goes for around 750 dollars per day of which some bid of the money goes to the communities around the national park for development and well being of people around it. A primate tracking is most suitable in the dry months of June to September and also December, January and February making this activity easier than ever before as you will see below.

    Although Gorilla tracking in volcanoes national park  starts from 20 minutes to three quarters of the day in the evening, their some requirements that are needed to do this activity as tourists will go through a couple of challenges like rain, muddy soil, insects e.g. aunts which needs some bid of wearing strong shoes etc. These are some of the requirements needed to trek this amazing Gorillas are as follows.

    Tip number one is dressing according to the Safari activity. Wear shirts made of synthetic material which tend to dry faster. This is due to the fact that in most cases, this activity may be done in the rainy season which needs some bid of drying faster to make the tourist more comfortable. Their after you are advised at the bottom to wear long pants made of synthetic material which also tends to dry faster than  other type of clothes making the Safari more sweet and affordable to do . The other clothes like short jeans will make the activity more difficult to do as they will make the tourist uncomfortable and unable to walk properly.

    Wear proper foot wear(boots) that is reaches above the ankle, this is because while moving though this good scenery of tropical forests, there will be thorns, sticky plants that may endanger the lives of the tourists most especially the legs.  This will help you to move though the muddy soils, dangerous insects like the aunts that are of a danger to the lives of the human beings. On top of that, wear gators over those boots so that you can cover the remaining space which might be used to enter other staff like water making the tourist unreliable to do. On top of that wear high rubber willies with treads on the boots.

    Pack enough food and water before you come for this activity as it mostly takes you a long period of time from morning to the evening hours during the dry months of June to September. This may be in form of snacks, a bottle of water most especially a liter is enough for the all day and it is advisable  for one to bring these items along with him or herself  after all some companies do provide some food to the tourists before proceeding to national park. When you have reached the park in side, you are not allowed to give any food to these gorillas which might endanger the life span of these primates.

    Speak about your trekking preferences meaning that you as the tourist will have to communicate to specific company you had booked with to inform them about your fitness level and other diseases you may be facing  plus also what type of Gorilla you might want to see first. This enables the guide to assign you to a group that is in with your range which you can afford to do as some of tracking groups may even track within or  just outside the national park.

    Making sure that video camera is working in good conditions and already for use. The first thing is to put in mind is that light from camera shouldn’t be there as long as it does not disturb the movements of the so called primates. These photographs which are made tend to be of a darked exposure because of the so many trees that are situated in the park more so a camera should be kept in a water proof bag so that water does not disturb its settings

    Go for Gorilla tracking activity in a dry season is other tip for gorilla tracking meaning that the best months for Gorilla tracking are from June to September and also from December, January and February as these months tend to be dry because in the dry periods, movements of people within the park is much easier than ever before plus also cars are able to move in those roads drive safely. And that is why tourists are advised to come in the dry months although; they can also come in any period of the year. The wet months include the following march, April, May etc.

    Practice Gorilla etiquette meaning that you should start and learn to respect the environment of these primates such as their behavior and knowing that you a visitor to them. Don’t be afraid to these primates as they are close friendly to the human beings. More so if they approach you, don’t just run for hide out as they think that you have stolen something from them which marks in the end of the tips for Gorilla tracking in Rwanda.