Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safaris are a quintessential Safari experience for anyone visiting East Africa. These apes are primarily located in the lush rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Forest in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. These tours offer an extraordinary opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats, which are predominantly situated in the Albertine region and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
With these adventures, tourists navigate through dense forests alongside knowledgeable rangers, seeking out habituated gorilla families. Once the gorillas are located, guests are afforded a brief opportunity to observe and photograph them for approximately one hour, ensuring they depart with unforgettable memories.
This itinerary features a dual Gorilla Trekking safari that spans Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Forest. The journey commences in Kigali with a city exploration, followed by an overnight stay in Kinigi and an exhilarating Gorilla trekking experience. An optional Golden Monkey tour is available before you cross into Uganda via the Cyanika border. In Bwindi, the adventure continues with a hike in the Nkuringo region, where you will stay for two nights at the Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge. Throughout this 8-day tour, you will also explore Queen Elizabeth National Park, specifically the southern Ishasha sector, where you can observe the famous tree-climbing lions before concluding your trip back in Kigali, with accommodations provided at a wilderness camp.
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With Mountain Gorilla trekking Safaris, Rwanda showcases an impressive variety of luxurious lodges at the edges of the National Park in Kinigi. Uganda, on the other hand, shines with its diverse mid-range options on Gorilla tours. In Uganda, you’ll find several lodges right on the edges of the national park – Bwindi, allowing you to immerse yourself in the authentic forest vibe. In contrast, Rwanda offers lodges with breathtaking views of mountains, though these tend to be a bit further from the edges of the forests.
The best time for gorilla trekking is generally during the dry seasons between June to August and December to February. These months feature well-maintained trails and favourable weather, greatly enhancing your trekking experience, especially in the rainforests of Bwindi in Uganda. Rwanda boasts a lower crime rate overall, making it a safer choice for those who prioritize on Gorilla tours and other wildlife safaris. Uganda does have higher crime rates, particularly in urban regions, but remains a safe option for tourists who take sensible precautions.
For gorilla trekking in Uganda, you’ll need to secure a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority through a registered tour operator. You can purchase these permits at their headquarters in Kampala or Kisoro. Likewise, in Rwanda, you can buy a permit on an online platform of RDB or through an operator.
Gorilla tours are uniform no matter where you are doing it – Uganda or Rwanda. Mountain Gorilla Trekking safaris are some of the active wildlife trips. So, to ensure a memorable gorilla trekking experience, it is essential to carry along important items. Waterproof hiking boots are necessary as the forest floor is always wet, along with long-sleeved shirts and pants for protection against the thorny vegetation.
Additionally, gloves, a dependable rain jacket, because these are rainforests, any time it can rain. Water bottles with the least 2 litres for hydration are crucial. It is also advisable to pack energy-boosting snacks or a packed lunch from your lodge, as time for hiking is unpredictable. Insect repellent and a camera to document the remarkable moments. Furthermore, a backpack, binoculars, a hat, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit are vital components to guarantee thorough preparation for your trek.