Delve deep into the forests of East Africa and encounter with some of the most endangered and majestic wildlife creatures of Africa - the Gorillas. Plan a Gorilla trekking safari and get a chance to face the great mountain gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda. The proud silverback and imperious walk of these creatures will leave you in joy for hours. If looking for a hiking and active adventurous trip, opt for the incredible gorilla trekking safari and witness intimate wildlife encounter of a lifetime.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Gorilla Trekking Sectors is one of the amazing and thrilling activities in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. It is quintessentially different from other sectors in terms of location, altitude and, of course, the trekking experience. A different group of gorilla families is habituated in the different sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. However, no group of a gorilla family is allowed to trespass the premises of another sector, despite being connected with other sectors.
Gorilla Trekking Safari is the best way to do Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi that gives an unforgettable trekking experience. Just to see the difference between all the trekking sectors, one must visit all the sectors to explore the beauty of the sectors in Africa. By visiting the different gorilla trekking sectors, tourists would understand the uniqueness of the sectors and get in-depth knowledge of the trekking sectors. Here is the comprehensive information of all four trekking sectors:
Compared to other sectors, Buhoma Gorilla Trekking Sector is situated in the northern part of Bwindi. It is one of the most-visited trekking sectors of the National Park as it is easy to reach there and all parts of Buhoma from kabala town and Kihihi Airstrip. Buhoma Gorilla Trekking Sectoris well-recognized for being the very first sector where gorilla tourism started. It was all started when Bwindi’s oldest gorilla family Mubare was acclimatized in the year 1992, a year after the establishment of Bwindi forest into a national park. This trekking sector is too close to Queen Elizabeth National park, home to the famous tree climbing lions. This enhances the overall trekking experience for a traveler unlike other trekking sectors in the far east and south. Moreover, this trekking sector is also known for the most luxury lodges that provide excellent delicacies and room services to travelers. Apart from gorilla trekking, travelers on gorilla trekking tours can have a fun time with the community like the Batwa and Bakiga communities.
Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector is located in southern Bwindi which is home to the famous Nkuringo Gorilla family offering great trekking experience to travelers. Nkuringo Gorilla Trekking Sector is located on the higher altitude which makes it strenuous to hike. That’s why this place is suggested to young travelers or those who are physically fit. Therefore, before planning for mountain gorilla trekking in Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi make sure that you have well-equipped with the trekking equipment. This sector complements the rest of the trekking sectors of Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east and Rushaga in the south. Most of the travelers who trekked mountain gorillas in Nkuringo sector found Nkuringo gorilla group is the most amazing family to interact with. Nkuringo family was headed by Bahati who part ways with Nshongi family in Rushaga sector to form his own group. Similar to the other gorilla groups, Nkuringo family is also open to eight travelers every day, which means that only 8 gorilla permit available. Apart from gorilla trekking, Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector is good for a forest walk. A forest walk to Nkuringo sector can boost the chance of seeing forest animals like monkeys, baboons, forest pigs and many more.
This Rushaga gorilla trekking sector is located in the southern part of Bwindi, home to 5 gorilla families which makes it perfect for gorilla trekking. This sector has ease of access from Kigali and Rushaga is the first point if moving from Kigali. Rushaga gorilla trekkings sector offers gorilla habituation and it also gives a better view of the Virunga volcanoes including the Virunga, Gahinga, Lake Bunyonyi and Muhabura in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Lake Bunyonyi is the deepest crater lake in Uganda and the second deepest in Africa. During Gorilla Trekking Safaris, the tourists make sure to take a forest walk around the sector along with bird watching and other activities. When it comes to accommodation in Rushaga, it offers a different type of accommodation including gorilla safari lodge, gorilla valley lodge, Bwindi jungle lodge, and gorilla safari camp. These lodges provide luxury mid-range and budget accommodation to the travelers and that too at affordable prices.
This trekking sector is located in the eastern part of Bwindi forest national park and a great hub to all the gorilla families (Kyaguriro, Bitukura, and Oruzogo). These all families are available for trekking and those who are interested in hiking, Ruhija sector offers the most arduous and adventurous hiking trail for hikers that will lead to the peak of Rwamunyonyi. While doing gorilla trekking tours, there are high chances of seeing other primates like elephants and monkey species which give an immense pleasure of staying in the place. Most of the lodges in Ruhija offers luxury and budget-friendly accommodation to travelers and that too at fair prices. Besides, gorilla trekking, the tourists must bring binoculars for easy spotting of endemic bird species like the Grey Bush Shrike, Starred Robin, Yellow Streaked Greenbul, Hornbills, Turacos, etc.
To experience a hassle-free gorilla trekking, it is suggested to book the trip in advance with your travel company. The travel specialists guide you to the right gorilla trekking tours as per your trekking requirements. The peak seasons or the best months to do gorilla trekking in Africa are June to September and December to January.
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Mountain gorillas trekking is found to be done in most of the areas in Africa. Rwanda gorilla trekking, home to several animals and especially gorillas, this natural biodiversity is used for research and for adventure activities. It is famous for trekking beside other adventurous activities, so read on to reveal to the best spots while having mountain Gorilla Trekking Tours.
This National park is the Rwandan section of the great volcanic massif (a compact group of mountains) better known as the Virunga Mountains that sit on the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC. It has a historic association with gorilla conservation. The most famous tourist attraction in Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park has a lot to offer which includes lakes, mountains, wildlife, and cultural and historical sites. Although, there is a wide range of spots in Rwanda, the mountain gorilla trekking in the Virunga region at Volcanoes National Park is one of the most-visited places in Rwanda. It is quite famous for thrilling mountain gorilla trekking, however, this is not the only thing to do while gorilla trekking tours. Most probably, the tourists that visit the place may encounter themselves with the giant elephants on the very first day of the tour. These wild elephants are not literally wild animal rather they are quite friendly and calm when they cross the way right in the presence of tourists.
Musanze districtinitially known as Ruhengeri is the center part of Rwanda’s gorilla trekking tourism. With a plethora of cafes, bars, and restaurants, this place is perfect for tourists who want to enjoy their urban life. Volcanoes National Park’s Headquarters are based in the small village of Kinigi. Volcanoes National Park gives permission for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, so the tourists are suggested to plan gorilla trekking tours in advance to guarantee availability.
There is a wide range of options for safari camps and lodges available in and around Volcanoes National Park. From basic to luxury, the accommodations are available for all kinds of travelers. Although, Ruhengeri and Kinigi generally fall into lower budget categories whereas the luxury lodges are available on the outskirts of the Park. It is always suggested to make a book the booking in the lodges with the help of the best Gorilla trekking guide.
Mountain gorilla trekking gives an experience like no other adventure-activity can offer. There are almost 12 habituated groups of gorillas that are spread all over Volcanoes National Park. However, there are a lot of activities that can be performed when on Gorilla Trekking Tours. The hiking trail is one of the most performed activities that tourists like to do while enjoying their gorilla trekking tours. It is recommended to have a guided walk into the mountains for acclimatization before visiting to see the gorillas. This gives a better understanding of the overall ecosystem to tourists.
The most popular routes in Rwanda is the tomb of Dian Fossey and the Karisoke Research Centre which takes a few hours of steep walking. Apart from these, hiking to the crater lake on Mount Bisoke is another activity option that one can option when in Rwanda.
The twin lakes are the hidden gems of Rwanda settled in the low hills of the Muhabura Volcano of Rwanda region near the gorilla trekking centre of Ruhengeri. These lakes are surrounded by beautiful hills and light blue water which makes a jaw-dropping backdrop. Lake Burera camping is an absolute pleasurable experience and considered as one of the relaxing spots while on gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda. There is a wide array or recreational tourist activities that can be carried out in these twin lakes.
Rwanda is a country with rich culture and history, so tourists can explore the historic areas with the help of locals and could also explore the cultures of the place. The tourists can also enjoy staying with the locals and can get engaged in the day to day activities. Fishing is the only traditional method to their survival and the depth of the water is believed to be about 180 meters deep.
A wide range of accommodations available, ranging from luxury to basic lodges and resorts, however, most of the tourists choose to pick camping beside beautiful lakes. The best panoramic views of these lakes can get from the Lodge and it can be visited all year round.
Kimironko Market for Amazing Shopping Experience
When on mountain gorilla trekking tours, visit the vast warehouse complex which is famous as Kimironko Market for a truly immersive shopping experience. This is the most popular market in town with the best vendor selling wares from all over the country.
Follow the Drama of the Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti
If staying in the Ubuntu camp, you will have a marvelous opportunity to witness the great wildebeest migration that happens occasionally in Serengeti. Pull open the canvas of your boutique tent and watch the great wildebeest migration happening right in front of you. If this does not give you goosebumps, then the zebras - filling the landscape with a blur of black and white stripes - will surely do. Try to stand transfixed as a leopard disappears into the grass and emerges with an impala carcass, to the cacophonous protest of storks that swoop overhead. Watch how the great wildebeest migration seems to be a scrumptious buffet to the lions.
Visit Maasai Mara for the River Adventure
If Serengeti is a place to explore the wildlife, the Maasai Mara is a place to explore the azure waters of Africa. Maasai Mara game driving would be full of surprises comprising of 500 resident bird species and some wild black rhinos. Some new species that haven’t been encountered would seem like a caracal or a colobus monkey. However, spotting Leopards and Cheetahs looking for prey is always a breathtaking view. Explore Maasai Mara for three days and get closer to the African riverside areas.
Mountain gorilla trekking tours can be planned in all-year around, therefore, the best time for trekking is all seasons. However, the dry season that starts from mid-December to February and from June to September is considered to be the most comfortable times to do mountain gorilla trekking as the trails are in a better condition during the desired time period. This is not specific to trek only in dry season, as apparently, wet season has its own advantages when it comes to mountain gorilla trekking. During March to May and October to December, many tour guides believe that most of the gorillas prefer to stay at the lower slopes of the mountain, due to the fact of availability of food in abundance and the average temperature gets milder during these months. The months from March to May are perfect months to enjoy watching gorillas playing around the forest and for mountain gorilla trekking.
The authorized time for mountain gorilla trekking is usually one hour that is permitted to a tourist by the different government bodies. This keeps gorilla unaware of any human absence and also they might not have caught up with any kind of disease that a tourist suffers with. That’s why the tourism governing bodies have permitted only one hour for the mountain gorilla trekking. Although, one hour is sufficient time to witness the African giant animals and to photograph them.
It is quite important to know the best time for the easiest mountain gorilla trekking conditions in Africa, therefore, it is advisable to follow the time period that has been suggested for hassle-free gorilla trekking. Although this African activity is considered as a year-round activity, it is always wise to consider in more preferable months of the year.
While on mountain gorilla trekking tours, there are high of encountering discomfort of humidity and hard hiking but nothing can beat the joy of watching live gorillas playing in the forest. Under the guidance of well-trained guide, tourists get a closer review of these giant gorillas without fear of getting attacked by these wildlife animals. In fact, these giant gorillas are habituated to human behavior that they go to sleep even in the presence of humans. It is suggested to spend some time with them just observing them. Once they are comfortable in human presence, it becomes quite easy for the visitor to photograph them.
June, July, August, and September are considered as the best time of the year to visit gorillas as what the travel specialists have recommended. If not possible in these months, January and February are perfect months to enjoy mountain gorilla trekking tours. When it comes to the average temperature of Uganda, 21.5 degrees C and 71 degrees F are the average temperatures of daytime but they drop at night time to 54 F that affects the altitude. Usually, the skies are clear in the daytime which supports the best mountain gorilla trekking in Africa.
Choosing the best accommodation in Africa depends on the preference of tourists since there is a wide range of accommodations available in Africa. Whether it is an adventurous stay or luxury stay, Africa offers a lot of accommodation options to tourists. From safari lodges to luxury hotels to wildlife camping, all kinds of accommodations are available at affordable prices. There are some wildlife accommodations in Africa that can give a comfortable and luxurious stay in the dense forests of Africa. The best part with the accommodations in Africa is that they all are close proximity to forest and national parks in Central Africa. Apart from this, these accommodations offer high-quality food at the best prices, which can be enjoyed while having amazing forest views.
Depending on the season bookings, the visitors can get a good discount on their bookings for hotels, safari lodges, and camping tents. When it comes to accommodation in Rwanda, it falls into two kinds of accommodations; luxury hotels in the capital city- Kigali and wildlife inspired safari lodges. Although camping tents are only available in the most popular areas of the Volcanoes National Park while mountain gorilla trekking.
A citizen of the US, Canada, and the EU do not require to carry a visa for mountain gorilla trekking in Africa. They can stay there for up to 90 days and for other cases, do not forget to fulfill your visa and passport requirements as per the rules before leaving for the trekking.
When traveling in and around mountains, there are certain health and safety measures you need to keep in mind while mountain gorilla trekking.
Health Measures:
Make sure to visit a general practitioner for regular check-ups before departure.
Carry all medications and prescription (if any) that are required for trekking mountains asgorilla trekking takes place in fairly remote areas.
Malaria is the most common disease around mountains, so make sure to follow all the rules that are provided by the trekking guides.
Do not forget to carry hand-sanitizer in case of no water supply is there.
Ensure to drink only bottled water.
Most of the Central African areas are free from disease.
Safety Measures:
The Democratic Republic of the Congo does not need any official requirement of vaccination for the entrance.
Rwanda and Uganda, famous for gorilla trekking are generally safe countries in Africa to travel in and around.
The Central African Republic has some FCO travel warnings a few years back but Dzanga-Sangha Reserve has still opened it for tourists and gorilla trekking.
These are some health and safety measures that need to be followed before leaving for trekking.
When it comes to forming a trekking team, only 8 or up to 8 visitors are permitted to go for trekking at a time. Since gorillas are seriously at risk of extinction, it becomes necessary to keep them safe and healthy. Therefore, it is recommended to follow the rules and regulations that are mentioned by the governing bodies in Africa. Many efforts have been put in to save them and here are some guidelines that a tourist must adhere to before leaving for trekking.
What to wear- Before setting off for trekking, make sure to wear sturdy clothing like long sleeve shirts, trousers, and lightweight boots to make it more pleasurable and hassle-free.
Carry a walking stick- Walking with a stick would definitely help a visitor to move comfortably and without any problem.
Maintain distance- Keeping a distance of 7 meters is mandatory to ward off contagious diseases like cold, flu, etc.
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