Gorilla Trekking is number one on the bucket list of every traveler planning Africa Safari. Gorilla trekking experience is completely worth it, it lasts a lifetime. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo are the world's top Gorilla Trekking destinations. All these parks give travelers a once-in-lifetime opportunity to track gorillas, and observe the primates in their natural habitat.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is inhabited by a population of about 340 individuals of Mountain Gorillas, which makes up almost half of all the mountain gorillas remaining in the world. The rest of the worldwide mountain gorilla population is in the nearby Virunga Mountains which is shared by Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Selected gorillas families have been habituated to human presence and the number of visitors is tightly controlled to prevent degradation of the habitat and risks to the gorillas.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is also a birding paradise, home to over 348 bird species. This area is one of Uganda's best bird watching destinations. Proclaimed as a World Heritage Site, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world hosting unique and precious floral species. There's also a substantial chimpanzee population and research shows that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the only forest in Africa where Gorillas and Chimpanzees live together.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is also home to elephants, chimpanzees, monkeys and various small antelope and bird species. There are seven habituated gorilla groups located in different parts of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The groups range in size from 10 to 20 individuals, each with one or two Silverbacks.
Rwanda, the land country of a thousand hills is one of only three countries in the world where the critically endangered mountain gorillas live. The country is famous for its Volcanoes National Park on the slopes of the Virunga mountain range which is a popular Gorilla Trekking destination.
While planning your Rwanda safari, one should not miss out on the magnificent opportunity to visit Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, home to the six Virunga Volcanoes and the world famous mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park is home to Mountain Gorilla, golden monkeys, Spotted Hyena, buffaloes, elephants, black-fronted duiker , and bushbuck . The park also harbors 178 bird species.
The Volcanoes National Park is located in northwestern Rwanda, is a top Gorilla Trekking destination. A safari to the Volcanoes National Park combines culture, adventure and conservation tours and gorilla trekking. While a visit to the mountain gorillas is often at the top of visitor, the dramatic landscape also offers thrilling hiking and visits to the fascinating golden monkeys. Hikes in the mountains can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours + depending on the family allocated to your group and their location. The journey back can take just as long, but you are often carried along by the euphoria you feel at seeing the gorillas!
Gorillas in Rwanda make their homes in and amongst the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains in the Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. Trek to see them and you'll be introduced by your expert trackers and guides to one of the fully-habituated families of mountain gorillas and you can stay with them for an awe-inspiring hour, often crouching just a few feet away, whilst the gorillas go about their daily lives.
The Volcanoes National Park is also one of Rwanda's conservation epicenters, where many non-profit organizations base their operations. Visitors can pay homage to the legendary scientist and gorilla advocate Dian Fossey with a hike to her tomb or a visit to the Dian Fosse Gorilla Fund that continues her legacy of research and advocacy to this day. A visit to the bustling Musanze market provides a rare opportunity immerse yourself into Rwandan culture.
Within the Democratic Republic of Congo, the mountain gorillas are found in Virunga National Park which is also a UNESCO Heritage site. This park is located in the eastern side of democratic Republic of Congo and boarders both Uganda and Rwanda. The park is home to over 200 gorilla individuals mostly situated in the southern part of the park.
The Virunga National Park can also be accessed from south western Uganda at the border crossing area of Bunagana where you can be able to purchase a local visa for crossing.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TREKKING GORILLAS
Gorilla trekking is an active expedition with moderate to strenuous hikes. Participants must be at least 15 years old, and should be physically fit. While tracking Gorillas, guests will trek through thick jungle at elevations ranging up to 10,000 feet, for as many as four to eight hours, depending on the location of the Gorillas. Treks can be arduous; and the terrain can be steep, uneven, wet, and muddy. Gorilla Trekking is not suitable for those who suffer from a cardiac, respiratory, or circulatory disorder or a disability that limits mobility.
Most important to note is that you need a good Safari company to organize your Gorilla Trekking Safari.You can contact Mushra Travel Agency which is leading Safari Company in East Africa. The company organizes Gorilla Trekking Safaris to Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Contact their Customer Service Team to get a Tailor Made Gorilla Safari today.
Martin Wynn
Nguyen An Tra My
