Gorilla Trekking in Africa
Gorilla Trekking in Africa: Gorilla trekking safari is the top tourist activity done in 3 destinations of Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo thus bringing in a high revenue to tourism sector. Taking on a comparison between gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo is yet what all travelers would like to read about in order to make an appropriate decision on which country to trek in. the comparison is basically based on the cost of the gorilla permits, the accommodation facilities, the nature of the terrains and many more though most of the things are the same like the number of trekkers per gorilla family which is maximum 8 persons and the time spent with gorillas which is just 1 hour.
Encountering with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitats is such an exciting moment in that the trekkers usually end up forgetting all about the hardships encountered while following up these primates since they are found of roaming the entire forest in search of food and trekking have to always follow them up until they finally stop giving a chance to trekkers to enjoy a session of photo taking and recording some short videos of the gorillas as they feed, copulate, breastfeed and many more.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda,
This activity is conducted in 2 national parks situated in south western part of Uganda that is Bwindi impenetrable national park a home to the largest number of endangered mountain gorillas remaining in the world and yet the only park that offers gorilla habituation experience. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park is done in 4 sectors that is Rushaga sector, Buhoma sector, Ruhija sector, and Nkuringo sector. Another park to trek Gorilla in Uganda is Mgahinga Gorilla national park a home only 1 gorilla family Nyakagezi that used to roam with in Virunga massif in Virunga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo and Volcanoes national park in Rwanda. A permit to trek endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda with in Bwindi and Mgahinga costs $ 700 for Foreign Non Residents, $600 for Foreign Residents and Ugandan shillings 250,000 for Ugandans and East African Community member states. Each gorilla trekking permit allows you to spend one hour with gorillas in the jungle. However, those who wish to spend more than 1 hour with gorillas then opt for gorilla habituation experience that allows 4 hours with gorillas at a cost of $1500 per permit per person. All gorilla permits in Uganda are obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority at the park headquarters in Kamwokya along Kira road. Keeping in mind that only 8 persons are allowed to trek a particular gorilla family, implies that Mgahinga gorilla national park offers only 8 permits per day since it has only 1 habituated gorilla family Nyakagezi unlike Bwindi impenetrable national park that has 21 habituated gorilla families thus 168 permits are available for gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park on a daily basis.
The accommodations in Bwindi impenetrable national park are relatively cheaper and comfortable for both budget, midrange and luxury tourists. The driving distance from Kampala to Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga national park which are situated in south western part of uganda takes about 7-9 hours making it a long drive that some guest find it hard to travel. However with the long drive, there is an option of arriving in Kigali Rwanda then drive to Uganda for gorilla trekking. And finally, one may opt for a chatter flight from Entebbe or Kajansi.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a fascinating activity is conducted in volcanoes national park the only park in Rwanda where one is assured of encountering and spending an hour with gorillas. Volcanoes national park is situated in Virunga massif which is shared with Virunga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla national park in Uganda and the volcanoes itself in Rwanda. To participate in gorilla trekking in Rwanda, a permit costs $1500 per person issued out by Rwanda Development Board. With 12 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes national park, Rwanda issues out 96 permits on a daily basis. The accommodation facilities in Rwanda are very stunning and Rwanda offers the best luxury accommodations making it the best choice for guests that wish to enjoy a luxury gorilla trekking safari. The driving distance from Kigali city to Volcanoes national park is very short taking about 2-3 hours. Unlike 7-9 hours from Kampala to Mgahinga Gorilla national park and Bwindi impenetrable national park in Uganda.
Gorilla trekking in Democratic Republic of Congo
Trekking gorillas in DRCongo is done in Virunga national park for mountain gorillas and one can as well trek Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Beiga national park all based in DRCongo making it the best destination for tourists who wish to trek 2 species of Gorillas the Mountain Gorillas and Eastern lowland gorillas. A permit to trek gorillas in Democratic Republic of Congo costs $400 making it the cheapest permit as compared to a Ugandan permit at $600 and that of Rwanda at $1500 that is the same cost for Gorilla habituation experience in Uganda within Rushaga sector of Bwindi impenetrable national park. During low season, trekkers can even obtain the cheapest permits at $200 to trek gorillas in Democratic Republic of Congo thus making DRCongo the best choice for tourist that prefer cheap Gorilla trekking safaris.
Uganda vs Rwanda vs Democratic Republic of Congo
Comparing gorilla trekking in Africa brings us to a conclusion that in terms of cost, Rwanda offers the most expensive Gorilla trekking safaris followed by Uganda and the cheapest is Democratic Republic of Congo making it the best oprtion for budget travelers.
However, based on other factors like accommodation facilities, Rwanda takes a lead since it has the most stunning lodges where tourists on a gorilla trekking safari can reside. In terms of availability of habituated gorilla families, Uganda comes on top of the list since as of now, it has 21 habituated gorilla families followed by Rwanda with 12 gorilla families and finally Democratic Republic of Congo. But surprising during high season, even Uganda run out of Gorilla permits due to high demand for Gorilla trekking safari.
Conclusion, whichever destination you chose for your life time gorilla trekking Africa safari, be rest assured of the best moments spent with these primates in their natural set up. An hour spent watching gorillas as they do their daily activities is so precious and worth the input. Therefore, be part of the next tourists that will visit gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
