Day: November 13, 2019

Are you wondering when is the best time to see mountain gorillas? Well, the endangered gorillas can be visited all year round. Travelers intending to trek mountain gorillas have continuously asked the best time to trek gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is quite a difficult question to answer since the best time to trek gorillas depends on the traveler’s choice and interests. One traveler may see the dry season as the best time while the other one looks at the low season as his/her best time. However, depending on comparisons of various past travelers’ reviews, African Apes Tours & Travel offers you a guide on how to choose when is the best time to trek gorillas. There are 2 gorilla trekking seasons, which vary in different ways. Each season has its own advantages and disadvantages. Travelers are reminded to study and understand the differences in each season before choosing when to visit mountain gorillas.

High season

Most travelers have ranked the high season between the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February as the best time to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. During this season, rainfalls are less and forest grounds less slippery which eases hikes to meet gorillas. Also, the dry season is normally sunny which makes gorilla photography and filming colorful. However, gorilla permits tend to sell out quickly during the dry season due to high demand. This denies last time travelers a chance to trek gorillas since no one can trek gorillas with no permit. Travelers intending to trek mountain gorillas during the dry season are therefore advised to book permits as early as 6 months in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments.

Low season

Gorilla trekkers crossing a stream

This season is during the months of October, November, March, April, and May. Low season is also known as a wet season is usually rainy with everyday rains. Gorilla trekking during this season is normally challenging given the slippery and muddy forest grounds, especially in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Visits are generally few in the low season as hence gorilla permits very much available even for those who want to book last-minute gorilla tours. Despite it being the rainy season, there is no single day that travelers have ever failed to see gorillas because of rain. It’s so magical how sunsets in immediately after rains enabling travelers to continue with their gorilla treks. Also in this season, service providers especially hotels, lodges and tour companies give discounts to encourage more visitor numbers. Therefore low season gives travelers discounted gorilla tours much cheaper compared o high season. The few visits in this season give travelers an up-close encounter with the endangered species with no crowds. This gives them ample space for photos and film unlike in high season where there are crowds of visiting trekking gorillas. The green sceneries of the neighboring areas adjacent to gorilla national parks make photography wonderful.

When to book for a gorilla safari

Sunny day in Bwindi Forest

Having known the differences in seasons, you ought to choose which season you want to visit gorillas. Whichever season you choose to visit gorillas, endeavor to book as early as 6 months before the trekking date. Early gorilla booking gives travel operators ample time to tailor-make for you a suitable gorilla safari package. It also enables travel operators to timely book and reserve hotel rooms in the respective sector if you are trekking gorillas in Bwindi Forest National park where permits are distributed between Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Ruhija gorilla sectors. Your hotel/lodge/camp should b near the park headquarters /briefing point to avoid long drives in the morning.

How to Book a gorilla safari

For those interested in booking a gorilla tour to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorilla Safaris in Africa is at your service. We tailor-make for you a suitable gorilla tour itinerary to fit your budget, time and travel interests. Contact us today, tell us your interests and we shall offer you the best at affordable rates.

Conclusively, gorilla trekking can be done throughout the year. Book to trek gorillas in the low season for colorful photography and in the low season for discounted rates with African Apes Tours. Gorilla safaris remain the best wildlife in the world worth doing.

Wondering what to carry for gorilla trekking? African Apes Tours & Travel brings you a full list of gorilla trekking packing to ensure you have a comfortable and peaceful gorilla safari to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s undeniable that the carryon gorilla trekking packing list is one of the key features that ensure a successful gorilla trek. During the gorilla tour inquiry, travelers are always reminded to carry the appropriate essentials that help them during gorilla trekking. Mountain gorillas live in the jungle forests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla Forest, Volcanoes National park and Virunga National park in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo respectively. These forests have thick bushes with slippery and muddy grounds which at times make gorilla tracking very difficult and strenuous. Packing the light attire for gorilla trekking, therefore, guarantees comfort and safety, saving you the hustles and bustles associated with trekking to see gorillas. The essential gorilla trekking gear every traveler coming to see mountain gorillas must have include:

Hiking Boots/Shoes

Hiking boots, shoes should be number one on your packing list. These ease your movements through slippery and muddy forest grounds of Bwindi, Volcanoes, Mgahinga and Virunga gorilla parks. Also, hiking boots protect your feet from cuts by sharp stones. Never bring open shoes and flats for gorilla trekking unless you want to have a terrible experience. Also, your gorilla trekking hiking boots should be waterproof to prevent water from reaching your feet. If you do not have hiking boots, tell your driver guide to get or you gumboots/rubber boots, which are hired at the respective park headquarters. Never bring white snickers or a pair of new shoes for gorilla trekking. They will wear out and get torn in the jungle. Therefore bring second hand or already used shoes which you will not take back after gorilla trekking.

Long-sleeved shirts/blouses

Endeavor to wear long-sleeved shirts or blouses to protect your arms from rough bushes some of which are thorny. Your gorilla trekking shirts should be in dark colors preferably Khaki to blend with forest vegetation. Short-sleeved shirts and armless blouses expose you to forest coldness, which can make you sickly after the trek. Therefore long-sleeved shirts keep you warm throughout the gorilla trek. Also, ensure to wear cotton shirts, which cannot easily be plucked by thorny bushes exposing you to hurts.

Gardening gloves

A traveler wearing a rain jacket and hand gloves for gorilla trekking

For your hands, remember o carry gardening gloves. These protect your hands from touching muddy when climbing in steep areas and also protect your hands from thorns when grabbing the bushes for support.

Rain jackets/gears

Regardless of the season, gorilla parks can receive rainfall at any time of the year. Travelers are therefore reminded to carry rain jackets o prepare for the unpredictable forest rains. Your rain jacket should be waterproof and light not too heavy for you.

Ponchos and sweaters

Carry ponchos and sweaters, or scuffs to keep you warm during gorilla trekking. In most cases gorilla national parks are always cold due to the thick forest which does not allow light penetration. A poncho/sweater will keep you warm and strong throughout.

Hats and sunglasses

The hat protects your head and hair for ladies from getting dirty and wet by forest raindrops. Interestingly, most local markets and craft shops have all kinds of hats sold at affordable rates. More so, sunglasses protect your eyes from forest insects and direct sun.

Insect repellants

Remember to carry insect repellents to protect you from bites from harmful forest insects including mosquitoes. RID is the commonly used insect repellant bought from most pharmacies and drug shops all over Africa.

Long trousers and stockings

Avoid trekking gorillas in short pants, which expose your legs and thighs to forest bushes. Also, make sure you tuck your trousers into stockings to avoid bites from ground insects and scratches by thorny bushes.

Other things to carry fro gorilla trekking

Besides clothing for gorilla trekking, travelers are reminded to pack the following essentials, which ease the gorilla trekking session. Among the things you must carry include:

Drinking water and energy-giving snacks

You ought to carry enough bottled drinking water and energy-giving snacks to keep you strong during the gorilla trekking session. Make sure you carry some bread, boiled egg, chapati, fruits and some juice to keep you strong for the unpredictable time you will spend in the jungle trekking to see gorillas. 3 liters of water is the recommended amount you should carry to quench the thirst during gorilla tracking.

Hiking/walking stick

A walking stick gives you support in the up and down hills of gorilla trekking safari. Fortunately, hiking sticks are all available at all national park headquarters hired at very affordable prices.

Hire a porter

Hiring a porter will ease your gorilla trekking session. Porters are local people hired to carry traveler’s baggage to and from gorilla trekking. Also, porters help to support you by holding your hands in slippery and steep forests hence preventing you from falling. Hiring a porter is an indirect way of supporting local livelihood earning them living to sustain their families and improve their standards of living.

In conclusion, knowledge of what to pack for gorilla tracking is very essential for every successful gorilla trekking tour. Contact African Apes Tours, get to know the appropriate packing list for gorilla trekking to avoid any difficulty.

While planning for gorilla trekking safari, It’s wise to know the actual cost of gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. in all gorilla destinations, a gorilla permit is a pass to trek mountain gorillas without which no one is allowed to visit these endangered species. What’s the cost of a gorilla trekking permit is one of the frequently asked questions about African Apes Tours. Most upcoming travelers have always asked what’s the cost of a gorilla tour in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo during gorilla tour inquiries to confirm where to go for gorilla trekking. The cost of gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo is different. Each country sets a different gorilla permit cost depending on the country’s conservation policies and plans. Currently, Rwanda sells the most expensive gorilla permits followed by Uganda and then Congo with the cheapest gorilla permits. The cost of a gorilla permit determines how expensive of how cheap a gorilla safari will be

Cost of gorilla permits in Uganda

Uganda gorilla permit

The price of gorilla permits in Uganda varies depending on a client’s status and nationality. A single Uganda gorilla permit costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, UGX 300,000 for East African residents and $500 for tourists from the rest of Africa. Travelers can book Gorilla permits  prior to the tracking date to avoid missing on this amazing wild experience in the high mountains. For those who want to do gorilla habituation experience, a single permit costs $1500 allowing you to spend 4 hours with the endangered gorillas undergoing training. Each day Uganda wildlife authority issues out 144 gorilla permits to trek gorillas in Bwindi forest and Mgahinga gorilla national parks. More so, 16 gorilla habituation experience permits are issued out every day in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi forest where gorilla habituation takes place. To check gorilla permit availability and book gorilla tours in Uganda, contact us at African Apes Holidays for bookings.

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

Rwanda gorilla permit

The cost of a Rwanda gorilla tour is $1500 for a gorilla permit in Volcanoes National park. This $1500 is only for the permit meaning that travelers who will pay for other tour inclusions such as accommodation, transport, guide and miscellaneous separate. In May 2017, Rwanda double increased her gorilla permit cost from $750 to $1500, which transformed Rwanda into a luxury gorilla tour destination. Since then, Rwanda gorilla tours became so expensive for budget travelers who opted to do Rwanda Uganda gorilla safaris. Here travelers fly into Kigali and trek gorillas in Uganda via Cyanika or Katuna borders in Kisoro and Kabale respectively. Every day, 80 gorilla permits are available to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National park Rwanda. Gorilla permit bookings in Rwanda can be done directly with Rwanda Development Board or African Apes Tours your ultimate gorilla safari company.

Cost of gorilla permits in Congo

The permit to trek gorillas in Congo costs $450, which makes it the most affordable gorilla destination in Africa. Each day, 64 gorilla permits are available to trek gorillas in Virunga National Park. Congo gorilla tours also involve visiting the eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National park to meet the largest gorilla species (Eastern Lowland gorillas) in the world. The fewer visits to Virunga National park make Congo the best gorilla safari destination for adventurous travelers. However, visitors are advised to be careful and avoid moving alone and in late hours while in Congo since the area is not secure.

When to book for a gorilla permit in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo

Ensure to book and reserve your gorilla permit as early as possible. The recommended time to book for a gorilla permit is at least 6 months in advance to ensure timely planning and avoid any last time disappointment. Also, gorilla permits tend to sell out quickly due to high demand. Those who book last-minute trips often miss out on gorilla permits. Gorilla Safaris in Africa helps you check permit availability and reserve for you a permit to ensure you enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.

HOW TO GET A GORILLA PERMIT IN UGANDA

The following steps are a clear guide to acquiring a gorilla permit in Uganda:

• Choose Your Dates and Gorilla Group: Decide on the dates you want to trek and which gorilla group you wish to visit. There are several habituated gorilla groups in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
• Select a Tour Operator: Gorilla permits in Uganda must be obtained through a registered tour operator. Choose a reputable operator who can arrange your permit as part of a gorilla trekking package.
• Contact the Tour Operator: Contact the tour operator directly or through their website. Provide them with the details of your preferred dates and the number of permits you need (one permit per person per trek).
• Confirm Availability: The tour operator will check availability of permits for your chosen dates and gorilla group. Gorilla permits are limited (especially during peak seasons), so it’s advisable to book well in advance.
• Payment: Once availability is confirmed, you will need to make payment for the gorilla permit.
• Receive Confirmation: After payment, the tour operator will send you a confirmation of your gorilla permit booking. This confirmation is essential as it serves as your permit to trek with the gorillas.
• Trekking Day: On the day of your trek, present your gorilla permit along with identification (passport or ID) at the park headquarters. The park rangers will verify your details before assigning you to a gorilla group for the trekking experience.
• Enjoy Your Trek: Follow the instructions of the park rangers and enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime experience trekking with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

It’s important to note that gorilla permits in Uganda are in high demand, especially during the peak seasons (June to September and December to February). Therefore, booking prior to the travel date (up to 6 months or more) is highly recommended to secure your permit and avoid disappointment. Check out our packages here.

Do you want to book a gorilla permit or check gorilla permit availability in Uganda, Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo? Contact African Apes Tours & Travel and you will be sorted within the shortest time possible.

Where is the best place to see mountain gorillas is undeniably one of the frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking in Africa. Most if not all travelers planning to visit gorillas have frequently asked where do mountain gorillas live to have a glimpse of this memorable encounter. For future travelers planning a gorilla safari, African Apes Tours offers you the best guide on the best gorilla trekking destination to offer you a memorable gorilla trekking safari. Mountain gorillas are endangered species, which were once at the verge of extinction. These species only survive in 3 African countries and anyone who wants to trek gorillas must visit any of the three countries. The following is where to trek mountain gorillas

Uganda – Bwindi Forest & Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks

Located in East Africa, Uganda is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Uganda gorilla tours take place in two-gorilla destinations, which are Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National parks all located in southwestern Uganda. Altogether, Uganda has 18 gorilla families 17 of which live in Bwindi forest while 1 gorilla family lives in Mgahinga Forest. Currently, it’s very possible to trek Uganda gorillas starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda. A 1 Day Uganda gorilla tour starts at 3:30 am with a set off from Kigali, driving for 5 hours to reach Bwindi for gorilla trekking and a drop off to Kigali at the end of the day. Budget travelers can, therefore, fly into Kigali and trek gorillas in Uganda with no difficulty. The habituated gorilla families in Uganda include
• Mubare gorilla family
• Habinyanja family
• Rushegura Family
• Nshongi Family
• Bitukura Family
• Busingye family
• Nkuringo Family
• Bwengye Family
• Christmas Family
• Nyakagyezi Family
• Katwe Family
• Bikingi Family
• Kyaguliro Family
• Bweza Family
• Oruzogo Family
• Mishaya Family
• Kahungye Family
• Bweza Gorilla group
Of recent, Uganda received the Hirwa Gorilla family, which migrated from Volcanoes National park to Mgahinga gorilla national park. Currently, the Mgahinga forest hosts 2 gorilla families. Regarding gorilla permits in Uganda, The pearl of Africa offers the most affordable gorilla permits in Africa. A single gorilla permit costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. Magical Encounters Limited helps you book and reserve a gorilla permit saving you time and energy.

Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda ranks as a luxury gorilla destination in Africa, which offers travelers with high-end gorilla tours for a memorable experience. The land f a thousand hills is home to over 350 mountain gorillas and home to the highest number of mountain gorillas in the Virunga conservation area. Rwanda gorillas live in Volcanoes National park and have been habituated into 10 families to ease trekking. In May 2017, Rwanda double increased her gorilla permit cost from $750 to $1500 which transformed the country into a luxury gorilla destination. Also, the high-end lodges which have been constructed all over Rwanda offer travelers with luxury accommodation services making the whole trip luxury and wonderful. The nearness of Volcanoes National park to Kigali international airport, roughly 3 hours drive makes Rwanda a first stop center for short time travelers who want to do a 1 Day Rwanda gorilla trek in the shortest me possible. Rwanda gorilla families are
• Susa A group
• Igisha group (Susa B)
• Sabyinyo Family
• Umubano family
• Ugenda gorilla family
• Bwengye family
• Kwitonda group
• Titus gorilla family
• Karisimbi gorilla family
• Amahoro gorilla family
• Agashya gorilla family
• Mafunzo family
• Pablo gorilla family
• Hirwa family (presently living in Rwanda)
To book a Rwanda gorilla safari, contact African Apes Tours and we shall tailor-make for you a suitable gorilla trekking tour at affordable rates.

The Democratic Republic of Congo – Virunga National park

Congo is yet another gorilla travel safari destination you sought to visit for magical and unbeaten gorilla tours in Virunga National Park. Despite the continuous threats and insecurity threats in Virunga park, Congo remains the best gorilla tour destination for adventurous travelers. The fewer visits to the park have kept it natural and off beaten. Congo has 8 gorilla families habituated for trekking every day. These are:
1. Munyaga gorilla family
2. Bageni Gorilla group
3. Nyakamwe Gorilla family
4. Humba gorilla family
5. Mapuwa gorilla group
6. Kabirizi gorilla family
7. Lulengo gorilla family
8. Rugendo gorilla family
Congo offers the very cheap gorilla tours at $450 for a gorilla permit. Budget travelers are therefore advised to trek gorillas in Congo to enjoy this magical experience at affordable rates.
In all gorilla destinations, each gorilla family is visited by a group of 8 people for an hours’ interaction.

NOTE: All gorilla permit bookings are recommended as early as 6 months before the trekking date due to the high demand for gorilla tour permits. Contact African Apes Tours & Travel today, book your gorilla tour to Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo with no difficulty.