Like other activities around the world that have been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic, travel and safaris have not been spared too. The pandemic which has led to suspension of international travels has forced travelers to postpone or cancel their safaris and tours to their favorite destinations.
However, as we continue to wait for the reopening of economic activities so that we can embark on our long-awaited safaris, it is good to plan and start with the best the wild has got to offer to compensate us for the overstay in the lockdown.
There are many incredible wildlife experiences in the world but gorilla trekking in the Virunga Mountains of East and Central Africa seems to have a cutting edge over the rest.
In addition to all the breathtaking facts about the gorillas like their human-like DNA, leadership hierarchy in their social groups and all their human-like behavior, there is still so much more to discover, admire and appreciate about these great apes.
Among all the wonderful wildlife safaris out there, it is gorilla trekking that gets you up closest with one of the world’s most significant creatures, the mountain gorillas. Whereas other wildlife species like lion, elephant, buffalo are only viewed while in safari vehicles, seeing gorillas requires you to hike on foot to meet them.
The whole experience of gorilla trekking from hiking through the dense montane foliage to meeting them in their habitat is emotionally moving though it may be a bit physically more demanding than the rest.
The several hours spent while hiking uphill and through the dense foliage to meet the gorillas are more than repaid once you meet them a family of these cheerful and zealous apes while feeding and playing in their natural habitat.
Several groups of mountain gorillas have been habituated in their parks in Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo and therefore they are now used to the presence of humans. On several occasions, these gentle giants come so close to their visitors to the extent of touching and climbing them as they welcome them into their territory.
Where to go for gorilla trekking?
All the world’s surviving mountain gorillas live in east and central Africa in 3 countries including Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Currently there are about 1,065 mountain gorillas living in four communities within this region including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in DR Congo.
The gorilla trekking experience is incredible in all the 3 destinations with differences coming from the prices of the gorilla permit and the infrastructure set up. DR Congo has the cheapest gorilla permit of all the 3 countries at about $450 per person although the civil conflict around its gorilla trekking destination makes it less attractive to the travelers. Uganda’s permit is less expensive than that of Rwanda at $600 and $1,500 respectively and suitable to budget travelers. Rwanda possesses the most developed tourism infrastructure of all with the best luxury safari lodges in addition to the shortest distance traveled from the airport to the park of under 3 hours.
When to go for gorilla trekking?
The best period for gorilla trekking in all the 3 countries is the dry season of June to September and December to February. In the dry season, hiking through the montane forests is less difficult and the gorillas can to be seen easily since they are moving freely in their habitat.
However, given the high popularity of gorilla safaris among travelers and the conservation regulations of the activity, gorilla permits are always limited on the market hence early booking of the permits is highly recommended. Gorilla tour operators advise that travelers book their gorilla trekking permits at least 6 months in advance to cater for a smooth arrangement of their gorilla safari.
What to pack for gorilla trekking?
Trekking mountain gorillas requires you to hike through dense montane forests and therefore having the right protective gear is one of the major keys for your gorilla trekking success. The necessary gear for gorilla trekking include gloves, strong hiking boots, hard jungle trousers and hard long-sleeved shirt to protect you from the thorny thicket and any unfriendly weather conditions.
Gorilla Trek Africa is the best guide for your post covid19 gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo
