How long does gorilla trekking take in Bwindi, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks? ‘How long does gorilla trekking take?’ is a question frequently asked by those planning a safari to Africa specifically to trek mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking safaris in Africa is an exciting and thrilling safari experience. Trekking for mountain gorillas is a huge draw for visitors to Africa. Many people travel to Africa specifically to go on mountain gorilla treks and spend time in the company of these magnificent animals.
In the exciting primatological pursuit known as “gorilla trekking,” participants make their way through thick undergrowth in search of a family or troop of gorillas. Finding gorillas in their habitants on a trek requires after fresh tracks and evidence left by these primates. All of this information will help you, the trekker, find a group of gorillas.
The location of the gorillas the night before, as well as their access to food, are two of several factors that determine how long a gorilla trekking safari will take. Gorilla mating season, trekker fitness, and trail conditions are just a few key factors that affect the duration of a gorilla trek.
Given these factors, gorilla trekking safari typically run between thirty minutes and seven hours. If the gorilla group has retreated deeper into the bush, your gorilla trekking may take even longer in some areas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla trekkers are only allowed one hour with a gorilla family after the family has been spotted.
You’ll want to have your camera handy for this. You are welcome to take as many pictures as you wish with the gorillas as long as you don’t use the flash. Gorillas are highly sensitive animals and will likely react negatively to your camera’s flash.
When compared to the more difficult hikes in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and Congo’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, gorilla trekking safaris in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Virunga National Park only takes around four hours.
How to book a gorilla trekking permit?
Gorilla permits are in high demand, so tourists are advised to apply for them at least six months in advance of their mountain gorilla safari. There are three different price points for gorilla trekking permits: $700 in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla national parks, $1500 in Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park, and $450 in Congo’s Virunga national park.
If you want to go gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Congo, you can get a permit through a tour company like Primate Holidays or by contacting the respective national park’s reservation office: Uganda Wildlife Authority for Uganda, Rwanda Development Board for Rwanda, and Virunga National Park for the Congo.
Hiring a reliable tour company will save you the hassle of applying for a gorilla permit. If you want to go gorilla trekking tour, there are three countries you can do it from: Rwanda, Uganda, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
What to pack for a gorilla trekking safari?
You should pack the following items for a gorilla trekking safari: long sleeved shirts or t-shirts, long trousers, sun glasses, a hat or cap, bottled water, snacks, a light rain jacket, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera and extra batteries, a first aid kit, and a good pair of hiking boots and among essential personal ones.
When is the best time to trek mountain gorillas?
Although gorilla trekking safari can be done at any time of year, the optimum times are in the dry months of June through September and December through February. During the dry season, the gorilla habitats are kept dry, making it easier for trekkers to make their way through the thick forest and steep hills in search of the gorillas.
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