Embarking on a gorilla tour in Africa is an extraordinary adventure, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encounter these incredible primates in their natural habitats. However, booking a gorilla tour requires an individual to make careful planning, taking into account various factors such as costs and destination. In this guide, we will navigate you through the essential steps for booking your gorilla trekking tours in Africa, taking you from choosing the best destination that is to say Uganda or Rwanda, to selecting a reputable tour operator, understanding costs, and securing gorilla permits. With proper planning and preparation, we guarantee you an unforgettable encounter with mountain gorillas.
1. Choose your Destination
This is an essential part to be considered first when you think of wanting to embark on a gorilla trekking adventure in Africa. there are only three countries in Africa, particularly in East Africa offering gorilla trekking adventurous activities and that’s Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. In Uganda, gorilla trekking adventures take place in its Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park for Rwanda, and Virunga National Park for Congo.
Each of these gorilla destinations comes with a unique experience, from different levels of trekking difficulty, and breathtaking views to a diverse of wildlife encounters. When choosing one of these destinations, we advise you to opt for one that aligns with your adventure goals and physical readiness for a seamless and enjoyable gorilla trekking adventure.
2. Research Tour Operators
When planning a gorilla tour to any of the three destinations in Africa, getting a reputable tour operator is an important factor to consider as it ensures that you get a safe and enriching gorilla trekking adventure. You can start by looking for a tour operator who offers gorilla trekking itineraries. You must consider his/her experience by checking online reviews from your fellow travelers. These can be checked on travel platforms like TripAdvisor, one of the common platforms used by different tour operators in Africa, or on Lonely Planet. Ensure that the tour operator you have chosen is licensed to ensure a safe and seamless gorilla trekking experience.
You can decide to choose two operators, and compare their itineraries and costs to come up with one that better suits basing on your adventurous needs. Engage with them directly to get deeper insights into their customer service and expertise. With all these well done, you will be able to make an informed choice ensuring you a memorable gorilla trekking adventure. Maranatha Tours and Travel is one of the reliable travel operators offering customized gorilla tours and other wildlife safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo
3. Understanding the Costs
For an effective gorilla tour planning, one must first understand the costs associated with these adventures in Africa. understand the different expenses you will incur with the primary one being the gorilla trekking permit, which ranges from $450 to $1,500 per person depending on the country you have chosen. Rwanda typically has the highest permit fee at $1,500, while Uganda’s gorilla permits cost $800 per person and Congo’s is $450.
In addition to the t gorilla permits, you will also need to consider the accommodation costs which may vary significantly based on your levels of preference. Accommodations typically range from budget lodges to luxurious camps or hotels. You should also account for transportation costs inclusive of flights and ground transfers.
Not forgetting about the additional costs such as the park entrance fees, guide fee, and optional tips for porters.
However, if you choose to work with a tour operator, they may offer you an all-inclusive gorilla trekking package, simplifying the processes of securing the permits and covering other logistics. This can make your planning much more manageable and hence enjoyable.
4. Secure Your Permits
Gorilla trekking should be booked in advance especially if you are planning to trek during the peak travel seasons which often range from June to September. These permits are limited and hence can easily get sold out quickly, so securing them at the right time like 3 months before your travel dates will not only save you time but will also guarantee your spot in the gorilla natural habitats. In Rwanda, you can purchase a gorilla permit directly through the Rwanda Development Board, while in Uganda, they are acquired from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Ensure that you confirm your travel dates before applying. Alternatively, you can also acquire gorilla trekking permits through licensed tour operators, leaving them to assist you with all the processes and handling any necessary arrangements. Remember that gorilla permits are issued per individual and they are nontransferable.
5. Choose the Right Time to Trek Gorillas
Choosing the right time to trek mountain gorillas in their natural habitats is the key to an enjoyable and memorable experience. The best months for gorilla tours in Africa are the dry seasons also referred to as the peak travel months. In Uganda, these months range from June to August and December to February while in Rwanda, it’s June to September and December to February. During these months, the weather is drier offering a more conducive environment for gorilla trekking adventures. However, these months often attract larger crowds, which may be less appealing for those seeking a more intimate experience. As a result, adventurers may end up opting for rainy months, which typically range from March to May and October to November.
However, your choice of when to trek to incredible primates will majorly depend on your availability and preferences.
6. Prepare for the Trek
First of all, you have to ensure that you have the essential gorilla trekking gear. This includes sturdy hiking boots, lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, insect repellents, a good camera, sunscreen, any necessary medications, a waterproof jacket, and a day pack. Next, focus on keeping yourself fit if you are and getting fit if you are not as gorilla trekking is a physically demanding adventure, involving navigating through steep hikes that can last for at least three hours. Regular exercises in the months leading to your trekking dates will help build the stamina needed to handle the challenging terrains featuring the mountain gorilla natural habitats. This preparation will ensure you have a safe, seamless, and unforgettable experience with these magnificent creatures.
7. Plan for Other Activities
While gorilla trekking is the highlight of your safari to Africa, consider planning for additional activities to enrich your adventurous days while here. You may choose to explore the nearby national parks for thrilling wildlife safaris, enjoy birding, go on game drives, or take a boat cruise. Nature walks, and cultural encounters are also excellent options. Many regions near gorilla habitats are featured with stunning landscapes offering opportunities for beautiful hikes accompanied by sightings of unique flora and fauna.
Don’t miss the chance to relax at scenic lakes or waterfalls, or engage in activities like canopy walks and zip-lining. All these experiences will complement your gorilla trek offering you unforgettable safari days in Africa.
This is on my high priority to do list 🙂