Frequently Asked Questions About Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GORILLA TREKKING RWANDA & UGANDA.

Planning a gorilla tour? Frequently Asked Questions About Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda: The question is; Which is the best country to trek gorillas in Africa? Here we bring you the answers to frequently asked question by travelers who wish to know if gorilla trekking in Rwanda is best compared to gorilla trekking in Uganda or Congo.

Let’s first understand mountain gorillas; Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) are one of the two subspecies of the eastern gorilla. There are two populations: one is found in the Virunga volcanic mountains of Central Africa, within three National Parks: Mgahinga, in south-west Uganda; Volcanoes, in north-west Rwanda; and Virunga in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. The other is found in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Some primatologists consider that the Bwindi gorilla population in Uganda may be a separate subspecies, though no description has been finalized. As of December 2019, the estimated number of mountain gorillas remaining in the wild today is about 1063. This is response to the recent Bwindi-Sarambwe mountain gorilla census.

Below are some frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo, asked by most travelers;

1. What is gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking is a wildlife tour activity that involves hiking through the tropical forests of Africa to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking is only done in three East African countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the DR Congo.

2. Is Uganda or Rwanda better for gorilla trekking?

Both countries have mountain gorillas, and the opportunity to see them is equal. Uganda and Rwanda are the best countries for gorilla trekking in Africa because they both have similar rugged terrain and habitats. Individual mountain gorilla groups vary in their accessibility. As one of the frequently asked questions about Gorilla trekking by most travelers who wish to know if Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is conducted similarly in Uganda, the answer is yes.

Very few tourists choose to track mountain gorillas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to security concerns and poorly organized services. The regulations and quality of local gorilla guides and trackers are similar in Rwanda and Uganda, but there are many factors to consider when picking a location.

3. Is Africa the best destination for Gorilla trekking?

Africa is the best destination for gorilla trekking. There are three national parks that offer the best gorilla trekking and viewing opportunities:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda
• Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
• Kahuzi Biega and Maiko National Parks in Congo for lowland gorilla viewing

However, a large part of your gorilla tour experience depends on luck. The gorilla families in Rwanda and Uganda are not in a zoo but roam free in a large area of dense forests. Therefore, many factors, such as the length of your trek or the openness of the area where you encounter the gorillas, cannot be planned.

You can, however, plan for other things like your fitness level, budget, which gorilla family you want to see, and how much time you have for your holiday.

On the other hand, Uganda has two national parks and many gorilla families that are habituated for gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks. Furthermore, the cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda is almost half the price of one for Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. You can choose your gorilla trekking destination based on your budget, trekking options, and travel style. Read this article by Tracy Angus to get a clear picture.

4. What is Gorilla Habituation Experience?

Gorilla habituation experience is a tourist activity in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where visitors join researchers and park rangers to train mountain gorillas to get them used to human presence.

5. How much is a permit to see gorillas in Uganda?

A gorilla permit in Uganda costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, $500 for the rest of Africa, and Ugx. 300,000 (Uganda shillings) for East African community citizens. On the other hand, the price for Rwanda gorilla trekking permit is $1,500 per person. However, the cost of seeing gorillas is further determined by the type of accommodation, transportation, and additional activities of interest on safari. These must be considered when putting together a gorilla tour itinerary.

6. Is it difficult to trek gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda?

Trekking gorillas in Uganda is slightly more challenging than in Rwanda due to hiking through the thick forest with steep terrain, valleys, and crossing rivers. Gorilla trekking is relatively difficult and challenging, depending on your physical fitness. In both Uganda and Rwanda, however, one must be fit, able, and willing to hike the steep terrain in any weather to see mountain gorillas in the wild.

Many older people who don’t think of themselves as hikers or adventurers can successfully visit the gorillas. Personal assistants/porters can be hired to carry your day-pack and assist you in difficult areas. The local guides will work hard to make it as easy as possible for one to track and photograph the mountain gorillas.

We have had numerous clients in their 70s succeed in reaching their target mountain gorilla groups. But many people return very exhausted, muddy if they are not fit enough to go hiking in Rwanda and Uganda. Altitude sickness is not usually a problem, nor are insects.

You will want a pair of gloves and clothing that protects your arms and legs from thorns and nettles. Good balance is helpful in gorilla trekking, as trails may be slippery. And we advise you to hit the gym for a week or two before you embark on this journey. This answers the 4th of the most frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking in East Africa.

Habinyanja Gorilla Group (H_Group) – Watching a gorilla family relax. You are allowed only one hour with the gorillas.

7. How many hours can one spend with gorillas?

Visitors are required to spend a maximum of 1 hour in the presence of mountain gorillas while viewing to minimize disease transmission. A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda, Uganda, or Congo allows you to spend only 1 hour with any habituated group of mountain gorillas. Sometimes, your guide may allow you a few more minutes, especially if you have had a long trek to reach them and the tourist group is not disturbing the gorillas. But the one hour is always worth it because the experience is incomparable.

8. How close can I get to the gorillas?

Officially, you are required to keep a 7-meter distance from the gorillas. In practice, the mountain gorillas often violate this rule by coming closer to you as you stand quietly observing or photographing them. It is still helpful to have a telephoto capability on your camera since some animals are shy, and the silverback may be very protective of the young. You are not allowed to touch the gorillas, though it would be easy to do so.

9. Are the mountain gorillas dangerous?

Habituated mountain gorillas are not dangerous or prone to being angered by tourists if not disturbed because they have been trained to be in the presence of humans. All wild animals in Africa are best considered potentially dangerous and treated as such. Many people are surprised that the mountain gorillas seem to ignore the tourists in their midst completely, but there are a couple of rules that ought to be followed. One should not get between a mother and a baby or tease animals, use a flash, make distracting noises, or move quickly.

10. What else is there to see in Rwanda besides gorillas?

In Rwanda, besides gorillas, one can see wildlife in Akagera National Park, chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest, the Dian Fossey Museum, Kigali Genocide Memorial, and local markets. Rwanda is a beautiful, green, thriving country. Besides mountain gorillas, the genocide of 1994 attracts many visitors, other wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park, and in Nyungwe Forest.

Rwanda is well known as the land of a thousand hills. The volcanic soil is very rich, and subsistence agriculture produces food year-round. The genocide of 1994 is powerfully memorialized in the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre and at other sites around the country.

Visitors are encouraged to partake in these experiences and learn from them. Currently, there is no apparent ethnic conflict or significant insurgent or militant activity. There is a dynamic rebuilding of the social fabric and a commitment to the youth of the country.

You might wish to hike to Karisoke, where Dian Fossey conducted her pioneering research, or take a trek to see golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. This park has the greatest diversity. Other wildlife parks of Rwanda generally do not compare in diversity of species or quality of management with the parks and reserves of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

11. What about chimpanzee trekking, is that alike?

Trekking chimpanzees in Rwanda and Uganda is done similarly to mountain gorilla trekking because chimps and gorillas are closely related to humans, sharing 95 & 98% of their DNA genes with humans. There are more chimpanzees than mountain gorillas left in the wild, and they survive over a much broader range.

The park authorities of Uganda and Rwanda also monitor chimpanzee populations, and the groups that have been habituated for tourist visitors also require advance-purchased permits to visit. Two main sites for viewing chimpanzees in Uganda are Kibale Forest and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

You will hike in groups of 6-12 visitors accompanied by a park guide. Close encounters with chimpanzees seem to be less predictable than with mountain gorillas, though less hiking may be involved. In the experience of Journeys International groups, visits to the chimps of Kibale Forest have been more successful than visits to Kyambura Gorge.

12. What else is there to see in Uganda besides gorillas?

Besides gorillas, there are many things to see, such as wildlife including tree-climbing lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffaloes, and chimpanzees. There’s also culture, birds like the shoebill stork, beautiful lakes, and rivers. We always advise our travelers to combine a wildlife safari with a mountain gorilla trekking safari in Uganda for the best Africa Safari Adventure.

Uganda is endowed with beautiful flora and fauna, culture, and people. From the source of the Nile to the wide savannah plains, to the birds and Africa’s big 5 game, Uganda will remain with you everywhere you go after a Uganda gorilla safari.

Uganda may be the best safari country in Africa for a large variety of bird species and great birding safari habitats. Determined birders often see more than 400 species on a 12-14 day Uganda birding safari. There are also many other species of primates you are likely to see on a mountain gorilla trekking safari or a pure birding safari trip. The Rwenzori Mountains invite more extended hiking, while wetland habitats and Lake Victoria hold cultural and natural history safari attractions.

13. What is the best time to trek gorillas?

Gorilla trekking in Africa is best throughout the year, but the best time is during the two dry seasons, from December to February and June to September.
Mountain gorillas live at high altitudes in the mountains, requiring you to hike up to reach them. These places can be slippery and hard to reach during rainy seasons.

14. Where and when is it possible to visit Gorillas?

Gorilla trekking in East Africa can be done in only three countries of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo and it’s an all year-round tourist activity. The best time to go on a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda and Rwanda is during the short dry season from mid-December to early February or over the long dry season months of June to September. These periods offer by far the easiest hiking conditions and the lowest malaria risk.

Mountain gorillas like humans, live in groups of families and the the groups have to be tamed or habituated for tourism. The number of available habituated Gorilla groups for tourist tracking safari varies through the year depending on the location of the Mountain Gorilla family groups.

Gorilla groups often travel into the Congo or beyond the range of a day trek to visit them. Sometimes Mountain Gorilla family groups travel rapidly, break up and reform, or show behaviors that makes them less attractive to visit.Other habituated mountain gorilla groups are dedicated to research and not open to tourist tracking.

15. How long does a gorilla trek in Uganda take?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes 30 minutes to 6 hours or a full day, depending on the location and movements of the gorillas on a particular day. Although the gorillas are habituated, they are still wild animals that keep moving from one place to another in search of food.

Aperiod of time taken in gorilla trekking involves the time one takes in walking to where the habituated gorilla family is, plus one hour spent with gorillas once found and the time taken to return back to the park headquarters which is the starting point. So depending on where the gorillas are, visitors spend different time doing Uganda gorilla trekking.

16. Is it possible to trek gorillas in Uganda via Rwanda?

Yes, it is possible to trek gorillas in Uganda via Rwanda. However, you must check if land borders are open to allow you to cross by road trip and complete the necessary formalities. Visitors can take road transport, which takes about 4 hours from Kigali to Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga National Park in Uganda.

Alternatively, on luxury travel arrangements, you can fly from Kigali to Entebbe and then take charter flights to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park. Otherwise, visitors can fly to Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and then take a short road trip to Uganda for gorilla trekking and other wildlife safaris.

17. Does Rwanda have discounted gorilla permits?

In Rwanda, the cost of a gorilla permit is $1500 per person and per day for all international visitors. The minimum age limit to apply for and book a gorilla permit is 15 years. Currently, there are no discounted gorilla permits in Rwanda, but special offers are available to Rwandans and foreign residents in the East African Community.

18. How long does a gorilla trek in Uganda take?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes 30 minutes to 6 hours or a full day, depending on the location and movements of the gorillas on a particular day. Although the gorillas are habituated, they are still wild animals that keep moving from one place to another in search of food.

The time taken for gorilla trekking involves walking to where the habituated gorilla family is, plus one hour spent with the gorillas once found, and the time taken to return to the park headquarters, which is the starting point. So, depending on where the gorillas are, visitors spend different amounts of time on Uganda gorilla trekking.

19. Is it possible to trek gorillas in Uganda via Rwanda?

Yes, it is possible to trek gorillas in Uganda via Rwanda. However, you must check if land borders are open to allow you to cross by road trip and complete the necessary formalities. Visitors can take road transport, which takes about 4 hours from Kigali to Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga National Park in Uganda.

Alternatively, on luxury travel arrangements, you can fly from Kigali to Entebbe and then take charter flights to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park. Otherwise, visitors can fly to Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and then take a short road trip connecting to Uganda for gorilla trekking and other wildlife safaris.

20. Does Rwanda have discounted gorilla permits?

In Rwanda, the cost of a gorilla permit is $1500 per person and per day for all international visitors. The minimum age limit to apply for and book a gorilla permit is 15 years. Currently, there are no discounted gorilla permits in Rwanda, but special offers are available to Rwandans and foreign residents in the East African Community.

21. When should I book Rwanda gorilla permits?

Gorilla permits in Rwanda should be booked in advance, at least 2-5 months before the actual trekking date. The gorilla permits are very competitive, especially in the high season from June to September and December to February. This is one of the most frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.

22. What are the chances of seeing gorillas?

There are 99% chances of seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in Uganda and Rwanda. Part of the gorilla permit fees are used to hire gorilla trackers who monitor the movements of the mountain gorillas. These trackers keep track of where the gorillas laid their nests the day before and follow them the next day from there. The trackers provide information to the park guides about the location of the gorillas. Therefore, visitors are guaranteed to see gorillas.

23. How many mountain gorillas are there in the world?

The overall global population is now believed to be 1,063 mountain gorillas in the wild. Conservation efforts have led to an increase in the overall population of mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in the Virunga and at Bwindi.

24. Help me understand Bwindi Impenetrable forest.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a tropical rainforest found in southwestern Uganda and is home to half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas in the world. Bwindi is popularly known for gorilla trekking worldwide and has four gorilla sectors where gorilla trekking takes place: Ruhiija, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Buhoma. There are over 22 gorilla-habituated families that are open for trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

25. What is a gorilla permit?

A gorilla permit is a document issued to travelers above 15 years that allows them to participate in gorilla trekking and observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat . Without the gorilla permit, a traveler cannot go gorilla trekking.

A gorilla trekking permit is officially issued by Wildlife government organizations, including Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for Uganda gorilla trekking, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) for Rwanda gorilla trekking, and Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN).

26. How do I get a gorilla permit?

Travelers must book and get a gorilla permit in advance from a trusted tour company or from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) if they intend to trek gorillas in Uganda. For travelers to Rwanda, they should book and get a gorilla permit from a trusted tour operator or Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in advance. A trusted tour company will assist in booking and getting a gorilla permit to visit gorillas in Virunga National Park in Congo.

27. What is the cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda?

Gorilla permits in Uganda cost $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, $500 for the rest of Africa, and 300,000 Uganda shillings for East African citizens.

Gorilla habituation permits cost $1,500 for foreign non-residents, $1,000 for foreign residents, and 750,000 Uganda shillings for East African residents.

This does not include transportation from the registration and orientation site to the hiking departure point or trailhead. This point may be up to 25 miles away. Your travel agency takes care of this. You may also want to tip your tour guide to keep them motivated.

We recommend hiring a porter at an additional cost of $20 per trek, as they will help carry your daypack. They also carry you or assist you during trekking when necessary. That’s how the local community makes a little income from the park. Visitors with plans to undertake gorilla trekking in Africa always look at frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking before they decide to book their a tour. Again, choosing which place to go for a gorilla tour experience is important.

28. When should I book a gorilla permit?

The gorilla permits can be booked 2 years to 1 month in advance. Book early enough if you are to get the best gorilla trekking sector, especially for those interested in Bwindi gorilla treks. Any visitor planning for a gorilla trip needs to book the permit in advance, at least 3-5 months before the trekking date.

Gorilla permits are highly competitive, given that most people are interested in seeing these endangered primates, so booking in advance helps you avoid last-minute rush or even missing out.

Gorilla permits are served on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on the sector you choose to track.

29. What is included on a gorilla permit?

The gorilla permit includes;

• 1 hour of viewing gorillas once found
• park entry fees for the day of trekking
• park ranger/guide fees
• Gorilla trackers’ fees
• Visitors’ security in the forest.

30.What is the minimum age limit for gorilla trekking?

The minimum age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. A few exceptions are available in Uganda, where a child below 15 years can be allowed to track gorillas after seeking written permission from the authorities. Otherwise, any person of this age and above can apply for a gorilla permit to visit mountain gorillas.

The age limit is 15 years because children below that age may find it hard to positively deal with gorilla reactions. for example, staying calm if gorillas charge. Also, following the guidelines from park guides may be difficult. Children below 15 years may not be emotionally and physically prepared to do gorilla trekking. These children are easily infected with diseases that may be passed on to gorillas.

In the whole world, mountain gorillas reside only in Bwindi forest and the Virunga mountains along the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Congo.

Tourists must visit the endangered mountain gorillas with the assistance of tour operators like Adventures To Gorilla Africa Ltd. This company arranges the necessary gorilla permits, transportation, safari guides, and lodging required for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. You are not permitted to trek mountain gorillas on your own or outside designated areas; you must be accompanied by a park ranger guide.

31. How many people are allowed on a gorilla trek?

Only eight people are allowed to trek a habituated gorilla family per day. Several gorilla families have been habituated in both Uganda and Rwanda. The number is limited for several reasons, such as reducing behavioral disturbance to the gorillas, minimizing the exposure of gorillas to human-borne diseases, and reducing damage to the forests, which are homes to these endangered species.

32. Where can I stay during my gorilla trekking safari?

Accommodation for gorilla trekking in Uganda is available for every budget, taste, and travel style. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has the widest range of campsites, budget, mid-range, and luxury lodges, especially in the Rushaga gorilla sector. Also, when visiting Bwindi, you can stay in Buhoma, the headquarters of Bwindi, Ruhija, and Nkuringo gorilla sectors. Additionally, gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda are done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, though there are fewer lodges, including Traveler’s Rest Hotel in Kisoro town and Gahinga Lodge.

Given that gorilla trekking starts early at 7:30 am in the morning, always choose to stay at a lodge near the gorilla trekking briefing point.

33.What should I pack for a gorilla trekking trip?

Our last point on the most frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda is here. Going on a gorilla trip can be exciting, but it’s always more enjoyable when you carry everything needed with you. Some of the items to pack for a gorilla trekking trip include:

• Comfortable clothes that is long sleeved shirts and long trousers
• Strong hiking shoes
• Rain jacket or sweater
• Hand gloves
• Sun glasses, sun screen, hat
• Energy giving snacks and enough drinking water
• Camera and enough batteries

34. Simple Tips for a great Gorilla Safari

• Purchase your permits as far in advance as possible for priority assignment to a choice group and to be sure you obtain a permit at all.
• You will be with a group and guide. Also, consider hiring a local person as a porter assistant, even if you are very fit. This adds a great cultural dimension to the experience and is not really expensive.
• If you have the choice, visit the largest group available to you to maximize the photo opportunities and the different behaviors you will see.
• Prepare for the possibility of rain at any time of year.
• Wear long sleeves and slacks and bring glove to protect against thistles nettles and thorns.
• Wear durable hiking shoes, you will be off trail in rough terrain.
• Expect you might have a long hike. Be in the best physical shape you can be.
• Understand your camera well, Cameras with built-in video are very good. Telephoto ability helps.
• Consider traveling with a companion or friend with whom you will share the lifelong memory of the encounter.
• Listen to the advice of your guide. Trust that they really wants you to get great photos and have the best possible experience.