Gorilla Trekking Tours Uganda , Rwanda & Congo with Superfine Safaris
Join our all-inclusive Gorilla trekking tours to Uganda, Rwanda and the democratic Republic of Congo customized by Superfine Safaris. It’s with no doubt that mountain gorilla trekking has been ranked as the best wildlife experience on the world. Travelers who have done gorilla trekking before yearn to do it over and over again. The beautiful and fascinating gorilla trekking experience entails long walks deep into the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park and the Virunga Conservation Area.
Superfine Safaris is a reliable gorilla trekking agency in Africa. We offer tailor-made gorilla safaris and tours allowing you to meet up with endangered gorillas in their natural habitats. Our gorilla tours sessions take place in four gorilla national parks which are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest/Mgahinga Gorilla National parks in Uganda, Volcanoes National park in Rwanda, and Virunga National park in DRC. Gorilla trekking in Virunga park is currently on halt due to security threats by rebel groups who reside there. However, travelers to Congo can be part of our guided Eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National park which is open and safe for tourism.
For short-time travelers, we offer a 1-day gorilla tour to Uganda and a 1 day Rwanda gorilla trek to Volcanoes National Park. Our short-day gorilla tours require you to be in the park or near the park. to avoid getting late for pre gorilla trekking briefing at the start of the day. All our 1-day gorilla trips start and end in Kigali Rwanda. If you have ample time, we design a long safari of 20 days gorilla and wildlife safari which entail gorilla trekking, game viewing, chimpanzee trekking, forest walks, boat cruising, and cultural tours all in one trip. You are required to book gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo as early as possible, roughly six months prior to travel since they normally sell out in the last days. Our reservation team and driver guides ensure you get the best gorilla trekking tour worth the penny. Superfine Safaris offers tailormade gorilla trekking packages at affordable rates
About Gorilla Trekking Parks
Gorilla trekking takes place in four National parks. You, therefore, have to visit any one of the four parks to see these endangered primates. You can also do double gorilla trekking in two or more parks. Our 4 Days of double gorilla trekking offer you the chance to trek gorillas in Volcanoes Park and Bwindi forest parks. Double gorilla trekking offers you accurate gorilla comparisons and extended time (2 hours) with the gorillas.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
Sheltering over 450 mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a prime gorilla trekking destination in Africa. The jungle forest is home to half of the world's total gorilla population. The park is divided into 4 regions i.e Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the East, Rushaga, and Nkuringo in the south. Altogether, Bwindi Forest has over 20 gorilla families habituated and ready for visitors. The list of gorilla families/groups in Bwindi forest include Nkuringo, Kyaguliro, Habinyanja, Kyaguliro, Mubare, Kutu, Rwigi, Mishaya, Katwe, Christmas, Bweza, Oruzogo, Bweza, Muyambi, Bitukura, Mukiza, Bushaho, Nshongi, Bikyingi, Mucunguzi, and Kahungye gorilla groups. Travelers have a chance to choose which gorilla family they would want to visit. Each permit to trek gorillas in the Bwindi forest costs $800 for foreign nonresidents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. The high number of gorilla permits in Bwindi Forest gives many travelers a chance to see the endangered primates.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National park
Located in northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is second after Bwindi in sheltering the high number of Mountain Gorillas. Volcanoes National park is popular for its luxury gorilla trekking safaris at $1500 each permit. Also, the park is located roughly 3 hours' drive from Kigali International Airport which makes it the most accessible gorilla park in Africa. If you have limited time and would want to see the endangered gorillas, Volcanoes is the best place for you. The list of gorilla families in Volcanoes National park Rwanda include Hirwa, Amahoro, Agashya, Ugenda, Umubano, Karisimbi, Susa A, Sabyinyo, Titus, and Pablo gorilla groups. You can combine your Rwanda gorilla trekking trip with other wildlife experiences in the park such as golden monkey trekking, Mt Karisimbi/Bisoke hiking, bird watching, and visiting the Musanze caves.
Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National park
Mgahinga gorilla park is home to the one and only Nykagyezi gorilla family habituated for trekking. The Nyakagyezi family entails over 16 members headed by Mark the dominant silverback. Initially, the Nyakagyezi family would cross to the neighboring Virunga in Congo which makes trekking a bit difficult. However, the gorilla family is now fully settled in Mgahinag gorilla Park and is available for trekking. Each day, there are 8 gorilla permits issued to trek the Nyakagyezi gorilla group. The gorilla trekking add-ons in Mgahinga Gorilla National park include Volcano climbing (Gahinga, Sabinyo, Muhabura), bird watching, and Batwa cultural trail among others.
Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National park Congo
Gorilla trips to Virunga National Park are still on halt! The closure of the park is due to civil conflicts and rebel attacks in the park. However, We shall keep you posted once the park reopens for tourism. The park hosts over 200 mountain gorillas habituated into 8 families. These are Mapuwa, Kabirizi, Kyaguliro, Bageni, Humba, Nyakamwe, Lulengo, and Rugendo gorilla groups. Trekking gorillas in Virunga National park costs $400 allowing you to spend an hour with the endangered gorillas. Superfine Safaris is at your service to book and reserve all gorilla trekking safaris in Africa
Customized 2024 Gorilla Trekking Tours in Africa
1 Day Uganda Gorilla Tour
Book a 1 Day Uganda gorilla tour starting from Kigali Rwanda to Bwindi Forest National park with Superfine Safaris. Fly into Rwanda and trek gorillas in Uganda on our one-day Uganda gorilla trek. Read More
2 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek
This 2 Days Rwanda gorilla tour takes you to Volcanoes National park in northwestern Rwanda. Trek one of the 10 Rwanda gorilla families on this 2 Days Rwanda gorilla trek with Superfine Safaris. Read More
5 Days Gorillas & Chimps
The 5 Days Uganda primate safari to trek gorillas in Bwindi Forest and Chimps in Kibale Forest. The trip offers you the best primate encounter in their natural habitats with Superfine Safaris. Read More
2 Days Uganda gorilla tour
The 2 Day Uganda gorilla trip to Bwindi Forest starts and ends in Kigali Rwanda. Trek Uganda gorillas from Rwanda on our 2 Days Uganda gorilla tour with Superfine Safaris. Fly into Kigali and trek gorillas in Uganda. Read More
3 Days Congo Gorilla Tour
Join our customized 3-Day Congo gorilla trek to Virunga gorilla National park with Superfine Safaris. Virunga park is home to 8 gorilla families available for trekking every day. Buy a Congo gorilla permit at $450 and enjoy this gorilla trekking experience. Read More
4 Days Double Gorilla Safari
Prime 4 Days gorilla safari to Rwanda and Uganda for a double gorilla trekking experience. Trek gorillas two times in Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Forest for comparisons and memorable gorilla encounters with Superfine Safaris. Read More
MORE ABOUT MOUNTAIN GORILLA TREKKING
What is gorilla trekking?
What is gorilla trekking/what’s the meaning of gorilla trekking is among the frequently asked questions by travelers planning gorilla safaris in Africa. Well, gorilla trekking is an experience that involve walking uphill and down the valleys in the dense forests searching for the endangered gorillas. It is a strenuous long walk of between one hour to over 7 hours in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla Park, Volcanoes National park and Virunga National park in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo respectively. On a good day, you can see gorillas even after a 30 minutes trek!
Gorilla trekking Uganda
Gorilla trekking Uganda take place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park and Mghinga Gorilla National park. Both Parks are located in south western Uganda in Kabale and Kisoro districts respectively. Gorilla trekking in Uganda costs $800 for a gorilla permit issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority. Superfine Safaris offers tailor-made Uganda gorilla trekking packages ranging from 1 Day gorilla trekking Uganda that starts and ends in Kigali Rwanda. You can also book a 3 Day gorilla trekking Uganda in either Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla Parks allowing you to spend a night in the gorilla park. The Uganda gorilla trekking tours also entail game viewing, bird watching, mountain climbing, community tours among others. Uganda gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impntrable Forest take place in any of the four gorilla regions which make up this great park. These are Buhoma. Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. The list of Uganda gorilla families/groups habituated for trekking include Nshongi, Nkuringo, Bweza, Habiyanja, Kyaguliro, Kutu, Christmas, Mishaya, Busingye, and Oruzogo among others
Gorilla Trekking Rwanda
Gorilla trekking Rwanda happen in the Bamboo forest National Park located in north western Rwanda. With a single Rwanda gorilla permit costing $1500, Rwanda Is the prime luxury gorilla trekking destination in Africa. The park is roughly 3 hours’ drive from Kigali International Airport and it’s the most accessible gorilla park in Africa compared to other gorilla parks in Uganda and Congo. Gorilla trekking Rwanda packages comprise of both short and long safaris based on the traveler’s available time and budget. The 1 day Gorilla trekking Rwanda gives you chance to see gorillas in the shortest time possible. In addition to Rwanda gorilla trekking tours, travelers to Rwanda can go game viewing in Akagera National Park, Chimpanzee trekking in Chimpanzee forest and Mount Karisimbi Hiking. The list Rwanda gorilla families/groups available for trekking include Hirwa, Amahoro, Sabyinyo, Karisimbi, Umubano, Agashya, Kwitonda and Susa A gorilla groups
Gorilla trekking Congo
Gorilla trekking Congo are centered in Virunga National Park which covers Congo’s share of the Virunga Massif. The gorilla trekking Congo prices goes for $450 per permit which makes Congo the best gorilla tour destination for budget travelers. Congo gorilla trekking tours also entail visiting Kahuzi Biega National Park to see the endangered Eastern Lowland Gorillas. The list of gorilla families in Congo include Lulengo, Rugendo, Mapuwa, Kabirizi, Bageni, Humba, Munyanag and Nyakamwe among others. Congo tour packages can combined trekking mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas on the same safari. Besides gorilla trekking in Virunga National park, Superfine offers guided hiking tours to the summit of Nyiragongo Volcano. The 4 days Congo gorillas & Nyiragongo volcano offers you the best lifetime adventure
Gorilla trekking Tips
Make sure you are in good shape
.
Gorilla trekking is a strenuous adventure which entails hiking up and down through the dense forest which are usually muddy and slippery. Fitness is therefore a key for anyone planning gorilla trekking especially in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park Uganda.
Plan for at least 3 hours Hike
Whereas the gorilla trekking hike can be as short as 30 minutes, you are advised to plan for at least 3 hours. There is certain time for trekking but all depend on the location of the allocated gorilla family and the hiking speed of the slowest person in your group, you should not underestimate how steep the mountains can be or how thick the bush is.
Make sure you have plenty of Drinking water.
Endeavor to carry enough drinking water when going go gorilla trekking adventure. Hiking comes with sweating which creates thirst. You need enough water to quench this thirst and keep you fresh all through
Make sure you have enough food
Since the actual time to spend in the jungle is not certain, you are advised to carry enough food. These include packed lunch and some energy bars or bananas as a snack. Porters help you carry the foods and drinking water
Take clothes that you no longer want
Hiking through the jungle is no joke. The bushes are at time thorny which can torn your clothes. You are therefore advised to bring clothing you don’t mind if they get spoilt.
Carry hand gloves
You may at a certain pint grab on the stems of trees or even the nearby bushes to avoid falling in the slippery grounds. Hand gloves are therefore of big help protecting your soft hands from getting hurt and dirty
Gorilla Trekking Questions
How Difficulty is Gorilla Trekking?
How difficulty is gorilla trekking is among the common asked questions! The fact that the adventure entails hiking up and down hill through thick forests, gorilla trekking is with no doubt difficulty and not for the faint hearted. Also, the actual tome foe trekking is not certain, You can spend over 6 hours trekking through the forest before meeting the gorillas. Travelers are therefore advised to be physically fit and mentally ready for this adventure!
What is the best time for gorilla trekking in Africa?
June to August and December to February is the best time for gorilla trekking in Africa. The dry season in the months make it easy to hike through the dense forests with no difficulty. However travelers are advised to book for gorilla trekking permits in advance since permits are on high demand during this time.
What is the gorilla trekking age limit?
15 Years old is the age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Anyone aged 15 years and above is believed to be mature enough to follow the rules and regulations of mountain gorilla trekking.
What is the difference between Gorilla trekking & tracking?
Whereas some people often mistake trekking and tracking to be the same, the two experiences are different. Gorilla tracking is a process of trying to find the allocated gorilla family while trekking is following the movements of gorillas after meeting them. However, the two terms can mean the same, they are all about hiking in search for the endangered mountain gorillas.
What is pre gorilla trekking briefing?
Pre gorilla trekking briefing is the session in which travelers are introduced to the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking. The session also involve registration of travelers and the allocation of mountain gorillas. The activity usually take place at 7:00am at the respective park headquarters and every traveler is expected to be there by that time.
What are the rules and regulations of Gorilla trekking?
As said before there are gorilla trekking rules and regulations which travelers must adhere to for a successful and enjoyable gorilla encounter. These include
- Keep a distance of seven meters away from the gorillas
- Do not trek when sick
- Do not cough or sneezing the presence of the gorillas
- Do not touch the gorilla
- Do not eat or drink in the presence of the gorillas
- Do not litter in the gorilla park
- Do not smoke
- Do not shout for the gorillas, speak at a low tone
