Gorilla trekking has turned out to be the most expensive tourist’s activity in Africa yet it’s also the most sought activity. Mountain gorillas live in tropical and sub tropical rainforests in Virunga national park in Congo, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga national park in Uganda.
Gorillas are the largest living primates on earth and share 98% DNA with humans making them close relatives, the female gorillas always reach sexual maturity before males but they have a low birth rate with 1-2 fertile days in a month and produce only 4-6 off springs in a month.
Gorillas are herbivores animals that feed on vegetation mainly composed of leaves, fruits, pith, bamboo shoot, stems, bark and sometimes supplement their diet with ants, insects and termites they spend most of their day feeding and only rest around midday before they start foraging again until 6pm when they build nests. The biggest predators of gorillas are humans and occasionally elephants.
A gorilla permit is a card issued by Uganda wildlife authority, Rwanda development board and Virunga national park.
In Uganda
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost $600 per person and 1500 per person for gorilla habituation experience, the permits can be bought from Uganda wildlife authority or you can obtain a permit from any trusted tour operator.
Gorilla permits in Uganda should be bought 3-6 months in advance especially during the peak season, gorilla permits in Uganda are on high demand since Rwanda raised the price for permits and Congo can sometimes be insecure to visit hence this has left many travellers with no option but to visit Uganda for the authentic experience.
In Democratic republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo offers the cheapest gorilla permits in Africa with permits costing $400 per person and $200 during the low season however many clients who would love to travel for gorilla trekking in Congo must always check with the security conditions in the country.
In Rwanda
Rwanda offers luxurious and up market gorilla trekking experience in Africa with gorilla permits cost $1500 per person. Rwanda gorilla permits should also be booked in advance especially during the peak season; gorilla permits in Rwanda can be obtained from Rwanda development board or through a travel company.
Best time to visit gorillas
The best time to visit mountain gorillas is in the dry season of June to September and December to February. The wet season of March-May and October-November can make the roads to the parks impassable; the trekking trails also become very muddy and slippery making the adventure very hard.
What to carry for gorilla trekking
When travelling for gorilla trekking, you must carry water proof hiking boots, garden gloves, sun screens, long trousers, long sleeved shirts, insect repellents, energy giving snacks, hiking sticks, plenty of drinking water and so much more. There are also potters available at every national park headquarters that can help you with luggage at an affordable price.
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