Gorilla trekking in East Africa is an incredible wildlife encounter experience that is done in Rwanda, Uganda and DRC. The process involves hiking through the lush and impenetrable forests to observe and encounter the magnificent endangered mountain gorillas.
In East Africa, gorilla trekking is done in destinations of;
1. Uganda.
● Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an incredible destination in southwestern Uganda renowned for hosting the biggest number of gorillas. Gorilla trekking is the top-notch activity in this place and you are able to encounter a good number of these magnificent apes in close range.
Bwindi has four sectors and each of these has gorilla families where you are able to trek from. This process is challenging but rewarding at the end of the day because you are able to encounter your favorite gorilla family at a close range and take photos for memories.
● Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in southwestern Uganda a home to mountain gorillas offering ultimate gorilla trekking experiences within their natural habitat. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has one habituated family called Nyakagezi which is open for trekking by tourists.
2. Rwanda.
● Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes National Park is located in Rwanda known for hosting mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and offering memorable adventures for gorilla trekking. The park is part of the great Virunga massif having lush forests and scenic landscapes which makes it a unique and rare destination in Rwanda.
The park has various habituated gorilla families from which you are able to trek.
3. Democratic Republic of Congo.
● Kahuzi-Biega national park
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is located in the eastern part of DRC known for its significant population of eastern lowland gorillas. This type of gorilla species differs from the mountain gorilla species.
You are able to observe these remarkable primates in their natural habitat alongside other wildlife species.
● Virunga national park.
Virunga National Park is a UNESCO heritage site located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The key highlights of the park are the mountain gorilla trekking where you are able to encounter gorillas at a close range within their natural habitat. You get a chance to see other wildlife species like chimpanzees, monkeys, elephants and various bird species.
Cost of gorilla trekking.
● Uganda
Foreign nonresidents pay USD 700
Foreign residents pay USD 600
East African citizens pay UGX 250,000
● Rwanda
Foreign nonresidents pay USD 1,500
● Democratic Republic of Congo
Foreign nonresidents pay USD 400
Available options of gorilla trekking for pregnant women
Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding due to the rugged terrain and potentially long hikes to reach the gorillas in their natural habitats.
For safety reasons, pregnant women are advised not to engage in gorilla trekking because the process involves steep slopes, dense vegetation and challenging conditions that might pose risks to both the mother and the unborn child.
If the pregnant mother insists on seeing these gorillas, you are advised that they first seek medical attention before embarking on the process of gorilla trekking. However, here are some of the options that can be taken for them not to fall out of place.
They can see the gorilla from a distance in some gorilla destinations which is a good option because they don’t need to stretch a lot.
They can try visiting educational centers and gorilla conservation centers where gorillas are kept in a more controlled environment.
Pregnant women can also opt for virtual gorilla tours that have been introduced in some organizations which involve people experiencing gorilla encounters through immersive technology and virtual reality.
When to do gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking can be done throughout the whole year, but the best time to engage in this activity is during the dry seasons. During the dry season, the trails are dry and less slippery with little or no mud that could make the hikes slippery.
The dry season ranges from June to September and December to February.
