Africa is the world’s second-largest and second-most populous continent, after Asia in both aspects. At about 30.3 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 20% of Earth’s land area and 6% of its total surface area. With 1.4 billion people as of 2021, it accounts for about 18% of the world’s human population. No other wildlife encounter in Africa matches the experience of gazing into the eyes of a wild silver back mountain gorilla.
There is more meaning and mutual understanding in exchanging a glance with the gorilla than any other animal that you know. The similarity, sight, their hearing, their sense of smell is so similar to ours, that they see the world in the same way as we do.
There’s something especially captivating about watching an animal whose mannerisms and body language can be so similar to our own. Gorillas enthral and terrify in equal measure, their immense bulk a threat and yet intensely beautiful. Charismatic, engaging and expressive, it’s not surprising we see so much of ourselves in their faces when we learn that over 98% of our DNA is shared.
Mountain gorillas are among the most critically endangered of the planet’s species and though conservation efforts continue, numbers are still worryingly small. To be able to watch from such a close distance is an enormous privilege and one that we cannot take for granted that our grandchildren may be able to replicate.
For adventure seekers yearning to experience nature at its most raw and captivating, there is no better destination than the lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda.
This enchanting rain forest is home to the majestic mountain gorillas, one of the world’s most endangered species. You’ll delve deep into the dense foliage, your senses heightened by the symphony of exotic bird calls and the rustling of leaves underfoot. As you catch your first glimpse of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, your heart will skip a beat. Feel the exhilaration as you witness their playful interactions, their soulful eyes meeting yours.
The park has several entry points, each offering a unique experience. The most popular entry points are Buhoma and Nkuringo, both providing convenient access to the gorilla trekking trails. It’s essential to book your accommodation in advance, as the lodges near Bwindi tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Bwindi gorilla Safaris can be enjoyed throughout the year, but certain seasons offer better visibility and weather conditions. The dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, are generally considered the best time to visit. During these months, the trails are less muddy and easier to navigate, providing a more comfortable trekking experience.
If you’re a true adventure seeker and don’t mind of rain, visiting during the wet season can offer a unique and serene experience, with the forest glistening in the mist.
As you embark on your Bwindi gorilla trekking safari, be prepared for an awe-inspiring rain forest adventure few people have experienced. The gorilla trek through the dense forest can be physically demanding, but the rewards are immeasurable. Guided by experienced trackers and armed with their knowledge of the gorillas’ habits and whereabouts, you’ll hike through the wilderness in anticipation of an encounter with these gentle giants.
The duration of the gorilla trek can vary, depending on the location of the gorilla family you’re assigned to visit. It can range from a few hours to a full day of hiking, but the journey is part of the adventure. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest, with opportunities to spot other wildlife, such as monkeys, birds, and even elephants.
Bwindi gorilla trekking safari is a dream come true for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. The chance to witness the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is an experience that will stay with you forever. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers a rare glimpse into the untamed wilderness of Africa, captivating your senses and fueling your spirit of adventure.
Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris happen in Volcanoes National Park. The park is the setting for the famous ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ a movie about Dian Fossey’s work in conservation of gorillas.
Volcanoes National Park is undoubtedly Rwanda’s most popular park and it has a lot to offer in terms of sights and activities. You can combine gorilla trekking with a few other activities for diversity and excitement. Visitors to the Volcanoes National Park can also undertake golden monkey trekking, volcano climbing, and hiking, Rwanda birding safaris, nature walks, cave explorations, among many others.
Gorilla trekking starts with a briefing from the ranger guides at the park headquarters where you join all the people looking to do a gorilla trek. After this experience you are allocated a gorilla family to trek and a ranger guide to lead you. Some of the families are near the briefing area and other groups require driving to the trail head from where you enter the park. Regardless of the gorilla group allocated to you, you will all be able to sight the gorillas which are often found feeding and the little ones playing.
Rwanda’s most celebrated wild mammal attracts a lot of attention, and for good reason. Mountain gorillas hold a special place in the nation’s collective heart, at the centre of the Rwandan experience.
Gorilla tourism in Rwanda attracts many Travelers to the Volcanoes National Park and the chances of seeing mountain gorillas are very high. Gorilla trekking at the Volcanoes National Park involves hiking through dense bamboo forests and Steep Mountain slopes in search of one of the gorilla families in Rwanda. The final encounter with the primates is considered one of the most exciting and memorable Wildlife encounters in Africa.
One must book a Rwanda gorilla permit in advance so as to be sure of getting a spot for gorilla trekking on a given date. Gorilla permits can be very difficult to secure during peak seasons like June to September and December to March. Gorilla permits in Rwanda currently go for $1500 – but that is only a fraction of the overall price of gorilla trekking.
A group of up to 8 people may trek a gorilla group in a day in Virunga National Park where you first gather and get briefed at the park headquarters on the rules and guidelines of gorilla trekking that is in the early morning. You then go on to be led on these treks by the Virunga Park rangers and local guides.
Democratic Republic of Congo is the only country in the world where you can spot both lowland and mountain gorillas. Both sub-species feed on leaves, tree shoots and fruits. Both subspecies live in families/groups led by a dominant male silver back that is responsible for the safety of the rest of the group members and keeping unruly individuals in check.
The chances of seeing the gorillas in Congo are high because the Rangers always know their last location. However, there are challenges along the way which may prolong the time taken finding the group. These challenges include bad weather, the terrain and the distance from the starting point to the location of the particular gorilla group.
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