Gorilla trekking guide for Africa

Gorilla trekking guide for Africa – Mountain Gorilla trekking safaris with Guaranteed Gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda – Budget Gorilla safaris in Africa

 Gorilla trekking guide for Africa – As their name implies, mountain gorillas live in forests high in the mountains, at elevations of 8,000 to 13,000 feet. They have thicker fur, and more of it, compared to other great apes. The fur helps them to survive in a habitat where temperatures often drop below freezing. But as humans have moved more and more into the gorillas’ territory, the gorillas have been pushed farther up into the mountains for longer periods, forcing them to endure dangerous and sometimes deadly conditions.

What might have been a bleak outlook for the subspecies just a couple of decades ago has brightened in recent years due to conservation efforts Despite ongoing civil conflict, poaching and an encroaching human population, both populations of mountain gorillas have increased in numbers and this is part of your gorilla trekking guide for Africa.

Eastern lowland gorillas

Gorilla trekking guide for Africa-The eastern lowland gorilla—also known as Grauer’s gorilla—is the largest of the four gorilla subspecies. It is distinguished from other gorillas by its stocky body, large hands and short muzzle. Despite its size, eastern lowland gorillas subsist mainly on fruit and other herbaceous materials, just like other gorilla subspecies.

Years of civil unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have taken their toll on both the eastern lowland gorilla and the mountain gorilla. The eastern lowland gorilla makes its home in lowland tropical rain forests in the eastern DRC. In the last 50 years, its range has decreased from 8,100 square miles—about the size of the state of Massachusetts— to about 4,600 square miles today. This subspecies may now occupy only 13% of its historical range. There were nearly 17,000 eastern lowland gorillas in the mid-1990s but scientists estimate that the population has declined by more than 50% since then. An accurate accounting of the animals has been impossible for many years because of violence in the region.

Throughout the unrest, the gorillas have been vulnerable to poaching, even in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, home to the largest population of protected eastern lowland gorillas. Rebels and poachers invaded the park and people set up illegal mines. But, with help from WWF and other organizations, park staff is reestablishing control over the land.

Western lowland gorillas

Gorilla trekking guide for Africa-The western lowland gorilla is the most numerous and widespread of all gorilla subspecies. Populations can be found in Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Equatorial Guinea as well as in large areas in Gabon and the Republic of Congo. The exact number of western lowland gorillas is not known because they inhabit some of the most dense and remote rain forests in Africa. Significant populations still exist, including in isolated swamps and the remote swampy forests of the Republic of Congo.

Western lowland gorillas can be distinguished from other gorilla subspecies by their slightly smaller size, their brown-grey coats and auburn chests. They also have wider skulls with more pronounced brow ridges and smaller ears. Large numbers have not protected the western lowland gorilla from decline. Because of poaching and disease, the gorilla’s numbers have declined by more than 60% over the last 20 to 25 years. Even if all of the threats to western lowland gorillas were removed, scientists calculate that the population would require some 75 years recovering.

Cross river gorillas

Gorilla trekking guide for Africa- This subspecies of the western gorilla is very similar in appearance to the more numerous western lowland gorilla, but subtle differences can be found in the skull and tooth dimensions. Cross River gorillas live in a region populated by many humans who have encroached upon the gorilla’s territory—clearing forests for timber and to create fields for agriculture and livestock. Poaching occurs in the forests as well, and the loss of even a few of these gorillas has a detrimental effect on such a small population.

Efforts to protect these animals are focused on securing the forests that house them. WWF and partners have worked with the governments of Cameroon and Nigeria to create a protected area for the Cross River gorilla that spans the border of these two nations.

What you need to know before booking a Gorilla trekking trip to Africa

• Gorillas are wild apes leaving around Africa’s tropical rain forests you will be required to be physically fit as species like mountain gorillas leave in the hilly parts of the rain forest in the African rift valley.
• Travelers are required to purchase their travel insurance before travelling to Africa for the gorilla trekking safari
• A portable medical kit is advised as problems like stomach upset, injuries while hiking in the jungle,
• Allergic reactions to insect bites can occur and those who are asthmatic are required to bring their own in healers as medical services in the African Great Rift Valley are not easily accessible.
• Travelers are advised to bring duffel bags as domestic flights have restricted weight of luggage and also the safari jeeps don’t have much luggage room.
• Travelers are advised to carry some cash for tips, en route coffee, souvenirs, donations, local alcoholic products as some places do not take credit card or it can be slow.
• Portable power charger is advised as electricity in Africa is not constant.
• .Back packs are required for hiking activities.
• Few energy bars are advised possibly bring your own
• Bring your own torch
• Extra camera batteries
• Quick dry clothes are advised
• Pair of binoculars are necessary as wildlife can be in a distance
• Vacuum water bottles are also helpful to keep your water cool

Top destinations for Gorilla trekking in Africa

Rwanda

• Volcanoes gorilla national park

Its located north western Rwanda covering area size of 160km/sq and its famous for the iconic mountain gorillas with estimated population of over 400 mountain gorillasRead more

Popular Rwanda Gorilla trekking safari packages.

Uganda

• Bwindi impenetrable national park

This national park is located south western Uganda covering area size of 331km/sq it’s famous for the iconic mountain gorillas with estimated population of 1004 mountain gorillas .Read more

• Mgahinga gorilla national park

It’s located in the southern part of the country near the border with Rwanda and democratic republic of Congo covering area size of 33.9km/sq it’s famous for the iconic mountain gorillas with estimated population of over 20 individuals.Read more

Top Uganda Gorilla trekking safaris offered by Great Adventure Safaris

Democratic Republic Of Congo

• Virunga national park in gorilla trekking guide for Africa

It’s located in the eastern democratic republic of Congo covering area size of 7769km/sq it’s famous for the iconic mountain gorillas with estimated population of over 200 mountain gorillas

• Kahuzi-biega gorilla national park

This national park is located near bukavu town in the eastern democratic republic of Congo covering area size of 6000km/sq it’s famous for eastern lowland gorilla with estimated gorilla population of over 1000 gorilla.

Gabon

• Lope gorilla national park

This national park is located in central Gabon covering area size of 4910 km/sq     it’s famous for western lowland gorillas with the estimated population of over 100 gorillas leaving in one of Africa’s dense tropical rain forest

Central African Republic

• Dzanga-ndoki gorilla national park

This national park is located in south western Central African Republic covering an area of 1143 km/sq it’s famous for western low land gorillas with the estimated gorilla population of 2000 gorillas in the rain forest

Cameroon-Nigeria

• Cameroon-Nigeria gorilla region

The cross river gorillas are restricted to the forested hills and mountains of Cameroon-Nigerian boarder region at the head waters of cross river with estimated area size of 12000km/sq being the world’s rarest gorilla species and being located in the hard to reach areas the last estimate from 2014 suggest that fewer than 250 mature cross river gorillas exist

Gorilla trekking permits in Africa

It’s important to note that all gorilla national parks in Africa are owned by their respect governments however no individual company can therefore possess gorilla permits in order to acquire a gorilla permit in Africa your travel agent has to arrange that for you.

Best time for Gorilla trekking in Africa

The Best time for Gorilla trekking are the months of January, February, June, July, August, September and December. The areas have less rainfall at times with no rain at all. A traveler chose these months as the best for Gorilla trekking even though these months are on a high demand for Gorilla permits.

What to pack before traveling to Africa for Gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking guide for Africa – You have already paid for your gorilla tour, gorilla permits, transport and accommodation. The next very important thing is to make sure that you have packed the right gorilla trekking gear for your gorilla safari.

• Hiking Boots

One of the most important items that should be included in your gorilla trekking gear is hiking boots. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National park and Volcanoes National Park involves trekking/hiking in search for the endangered mountain gorillas. Because of the nature of the forest plus the altitude and terrain, you need light weight hiking boots for this activity. Hiking boots are must as you decide on what to pack for your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s volcanoes National Park.

• Garden Gloves

You will be required gloves to protect your hands during your gorilla trek. As you move in this forest, remember that it can get slippery and somehow you need to hold on something just in case such happens. If you happen to touch some itching plants, trees or even climbing trees, you may be harmed. These gloves will therefore protect you from germs and other items that may scratch your hands. Consider including Garden Gloves in your gorilla trekking packing list.

• Rain Jacket

Consider including a rain jacket or poncho in your gorilla trekking packing list as it is very crucial in as far as gorilla trekking gear is concerned.  Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a tropical rain forest and as such, rain is received throughout the whole year. You will never tell when it is going to rain so you need a rain jacket in order to be protected from rain. Many clients prefer traveling in drier months of June, July, August and beginning of September and try to avoid rainy seasons of March, April and May but being a tropical rain forest, it can rain any time. When deciding on what to pack for your gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Volcanoes National Park, a Rain jacket or Poncho should be included.

• Long Sleeved Shirts/Blouse

You are required to have long sleeved trousers/shirts/blouse for your gorilla trekking. Please ensure that you tack in your trousers in your hiking boots to avoid insects such as safari ants entering your trousers. Jeans and Kaki safari trousers can do this better.

• Energy giving snacks

Gorilla trekking can take from 30 minutes to eight or so hours and that’s why a certain level of fitness is required. To add on that, we advise that you carry some energy giving snacks as supplements. Before departing from your lodge, you need to carry your packed lunch and lots of drinking water as you never know when you will return. Energy giving foods can be bought in Uganda or Rwanda so contact or ask your guide to take you to a nearby super market.

• Cameras and extra batteries

Photography is an important component of your safari and thus make sure that you have your camera ready, charge your batteries very well and if necessary, carry extra batteries as you will need to take as many photographs in the one hour you will have with the gorillas. Please make sure that you switch off your flash while taking gorilla photographs.

• Hut and Sun Glasses

If it is hot, please carry a hat to protect you from the strong sun rays. You may also need to carry some sun glasses too. These are extra optional.

• Pair of Binoculars

Don’t forget that you are on safari and you want to have clear views of everything. Bwindi Impenetrable National park is home to over 350 birds, chimpanzees, black and white Colobus monkeys among other primates, forest elephants and buffaloes so during your trek in search for the rare mountain gorillas, you will have a chance to spot some of the above.

• Porters for your gorilla trek

This is an extra optional item and we advise all our clients to take a porter for their gorilla trekking. As earlier noted, gorilla trekking can be strenuous and thus you will need someone to give you a push or a pull on the way to the gorillas. These porters go for a fee but it is worth it. Remember that these porters are actually school going students either in their vacation or have been chased out of school due to school fees. By paying some money to have a porter with you, you will have contributed to community development indirectly.

Important rules for Gorilla trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking guide for Africa –  Meeting Gorillas in their natural habitat means a lot to them therefore keep the following in mind while gorilla watching.

• You must be at least 15 years of age to engage in the Gorilla trekking activity. Below that age do not bother.
• Once you locate the gorillas, you are limited to one hour of observation and photography. Be careful not to exceed the stated time.
  Always leave 5 meters distance when observed at all times (15 feet) from the mountain gorillas.
  Though Gorillas are our closest relatives, do not look directly in to their eyes. This upsets them.
• While Gorilla trekking, give chance to the gorillas to pass at their time instead of you over passing them even if they may be using the designated foot paths. Wait until they give way.
• At times the Gorillas may get closer to you because some are used to human beings, do not run away, Stay calm and your ranger guide will be alert to protect you. Running away will increase the risk of being harmed.
• Avoid Flash photography when taking Gorilla pictures and videos.
• You are supposed to spend one hour while viewing mountain Gorillas. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will finish the visit before one hour to avoid dangers.
• While with and after the visit, keep your voices down until you are 200m from the gorillas.
  Do not distance yourself while Gorilla trekking. Keep close in your group when you are near gorillas
• You are strictly not allowed to track Gorillas when you are sick. Just report the sickness on time then an alternative visit can be organized for you or a money refund made.
• If you feel like coughing or sneezing when you are near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or viruses.
• Do not try to touch or get in closer contact with the gorillas. These are wild animals and when they attempt to come near you, try to move away in order to maintain the authorized 5 meters.
• While Gorilla tracking, Avoid smoking, drinking or eating when you are with the gorillas. Eating or drinking inevitably will increase the risk of food dropping and this also attracts gorillas near you which can increase the risk of transmission of diseases.
• Avoid dumping any rubbish like water bottles, food wrappers / leftovers in the Park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be returned back with you.
• Easing yourself on the trek is very normal. Please ask the guide to dig for you a hole and Make sure the hole is 30cms deep. Please cover it when you are through!
• Avoid annoying mountain gorillas. Once you locate the gorillas, your excitement can cause some problems if not controlled very well. Please always keep your voices low
• You should wash your hands before you head out to the gorillas. Alternatively put gloves on your hands before entering the forest.

 Planning a budget gorilla safari in Africa

Gorilla trekking guide for Africa – African safaris can be very expensive from flight, to accommodation, Gorilla permits and other safari properties but we at Great Adventure Safaris know where and when to go, plus the best places to stay affordable and pocket friendly cost, kindly see more in our blog posts below.

How to pay for your Gorilla trekking safari in Africa?

• Bank transfer

In this case after confirmation of all your trip plans with the agency the agency will send you its local bank details with a country swift code which you will take to your bank in order to transfer funds however depending on where the funds are coming from and going to it can take between 3-30 days this usually happens with countries which have insecurity like wars

• Credit card payment

Here your agency will share a secure payment link with you which you will follow and will to some point require your credit card information to complete the payments but there is usually a sur-charge levied on the use of the credit card as imposed by the service providers.

• Cash

Sometimes agencies will accept a 50% upfront payment in order to pre-book activities like gorilla permits in a good understanding the balance can be brought in cash upon arrival where you will be issued with a receipt

Visa requirements for your Gorilla trekking holiday in Africa

A tourist travelling to Africa is required to possess a valid passport or travel document valid for not less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit

Depending on the African country you intend to visit we advise your inquire before travelling as other countries may require advance application and for others it can be issued upon arrival at the entry point.

Vaccinations for your Gorilla trekking tour in Africa

• Mandatory vaccination

Yellow fever, all travelers travelling to Africa are required to present a yellow fever in-caution certificate upon arrival at the airport.

• Precaution vaccinations

Measles, mumps, rabies, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, hepatitis A,B, typhoid,

How to access Gorilla trekking destinations in Africa?

• By air

Many African countries operate domestic flights from the main international airports to the designated air strips/landing areas near the gorilla national parks for more information about scheduled or charted flights contact your local travel agent.

• By road

This is the most popular means of transport to access most gorilla national parks in Africa

A 4 wheel Toyota land cruiser /jeep is recommended due to the nature of African roads

Read more;

How safe is Gorilla trekking in Africa?

Over years gorilla trekking activities in Africa are contacted by trained guides and armed personnel this makes it safe for gorilla trekking

Age limit for Gorilla trekking in Africa

Minimum of 15 years and above with no maximum however no critical heath conditions are allowed as of the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking.Read more

How do I book my Gorilla trekking safari to Africa?

• Your home Travel agency

You can contact your local travel agency at home to arrange for you the package this is the most convenient way of booking your African gorilla trekking safari however it is a little bit expensive but its reliable

• Direct contact with local tour agency

Here we recommend being recommended by a traveler who has visited the country you intend to visit or you can go on line to search for tour packages in the country you intent to visit for more information contact Great Adventure Safaris your Africa travel specialist.

• Personal arrangement

Here the traveler can contact the gorilla national parks directly or book his or services direct however it’s not advisable as communication links in Africa can be slow or there is a lot of fraud in some African countries for more information contact great adventure safaris-your Africa travel specialist

What to expect while gorilla trekking in Africa?

Rain

Due to climate change (global warming) African weather conditions are un predictable and all African gorilla forest are tropical rain forests meaning it can rain any time of the day or month but this does not stop gorilla trekking activities however it’s very important to note that roads, trails can be slippery during this period.

Animal attacks

Most African rain forest in habits other wild life besides the habituated mountain gorillas such as wild elephants, wild buffalos, wild gorillas, wild chimpanzees which can charge while on gorilla tracking activities however the armed rangers will shot in the air to disperse them

Slippery terrains

During rainy season most gorilla trekking trails are slippery this can make the hiking difficult however with proper hiking boots it’s manageable.

Unexpected gorilla movements

When dominant silverbacks fight gorillas usually move a lot this can make the tracking harder as you may have to move longer distances to find the gorillas

Long drives

As gorillas don’t leave in one place you may have to drive long distances to some of the areas where the families are leaving as to avoid extremely long hikes over the hills.

Higher altitudes

Some gorilla families’ leave in higher altitude of 2600-3000m above sea level like in Uganda and Rwanda so asthmatic clients are advised to take note.

Closed group/ joining other clients on gorilla trekking day

Traveler can decide to purchase all the gorilla permits in a particular gorilla family and trek as a private group or you will join other travelers as a minimum of 8 travelers is advised by African gorilla national park standard conservation rule.

 Being carried to and from the gorillas

For senior citizens and physically incapable travelers can be carried using a sedan chairs by porters to and from the gorillas but might result in to extra payment of 300-600USD for the service. Contact TATA AFRICA SAFARI and GREAT ADVENTURE SAFARIS to book budget and luxury gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda for the best experience.