Find the best tour operator for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo (DRC)
Choosing the best tour operator for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is really important. You have to think about a few things like if they are well-known, if they keep people safe, what others say about them, how they care for the environment, and how much it costs. Iconic Africa Safaris is a great choice for gorilla trekking because we focus on making your trip special from the moment you arrive. On our trips, you can also do things that help communities and protect nature, like planting trees or helping out with local projects.
When you choose us as your Tour Operator for gorilla trekking, we take care of everything from when you land at the airport to when you leave. We arrange private or group rides to where you want to go on your safari. We’re are also serious about looking after the environment. We encourage people not to bring things that can’t be recycled and to use things like refillable water bottles instead.
Gorilla trekking is tough because you have to walk through forests and sometimes tricky areas, like steep hills or thick bushes. You might have to cross rivers and wetlands too. But it’s all worth it when you get to see gorillas in their natural home. In Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo, you can spend about an hour watching them. If you want even more time with the gorillas, you can go to Bwindi Forest in Uganda for something called Gorilla Habituation. That lets you spend four hours with them instead of just one.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda, DR Congo and Uganda
In East Africa, you can go gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. These countries have national parks where you can find mountain gorillas. The parks are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in DR Congo. In DR Congo, you can also see Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Beiga National Park. To go gorilla trekking, you need a permit. It’s important to book your trip early, especially if you plan to go during the busy season from June to September. You should book at least 5 months in advance. You can book directly or through a trusted tour operator.
Cost and Permits in Uganda
In Uganda, the cost of a gorilla permit is $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for residents, and 300,000 Uganda shillings for East African Citizens. With a permit, you can spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda has 17 habituated gorilla families, with 16 in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga. This means there are 136 permits available every day. In Uganda, you can also do Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Forest. This allows you to spend 4 hours with semi-habituated mountain gorillas. A habituation permit costs $1500 per person. You can get permits directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a trusted tour operator like Iconic Africa Safaris.
Cost and Obtaining Gorilla Permits in Rwanda
To see mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, you need a permit. The cost varies depending on where you’re from. For foreigners who aren’t residents, it’s $1500 per person per trek. For foreign residents, it’s $500 per person, and for East African citizens (from Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan), it’s $200 per person. Each permit lets you spend an hour with the gorillas. There are 12 gorilla families in Rwanda, so 96 permits are available each day. You can get permits directly from the Rwanda Development Board or through a tour operator like Iconic Africa Safaris.
Cost and Obtaining Gorilla Permits in DR Congo
In DR Congo, you can see mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park and lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Beiga National Park. For Virunga, during high season (mid-December to mid-March and June to October), permits cost $400 per person per trek. In low season (mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December), they’re $200. In Kahuzi Beiga, permits cost $400 for foreign non-residents, $200 for East African residents, and $20 for national residents. You can get permits directly from the parks or through a tour operator like Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd.
Important Note about Gorilla Trekking
When you book your permit, remember that it only covers the gorilla experience. You’ll need to arrange and pay for accommodation, transport, meals, and other expenses separately. Make sure to get all the details from your tour operator, like Iconic Africa Safaris.
Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking
To go gorilla trekking, you need to be at least 15 years old. There’s also a maximum age limit of 85, depending on how fit you are. If you’re older or have trouble walking, you can still go gorilla trekking in some places like Bwindi Forest. They have sedan chair carriers to help. These chairs are carried by porters, so you can still enjoy the trek even if you can’t walk well. You can hire a sedan chair in advance or on the day of the trek for around $400 to $500.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Africa
Gorilla trekking happens all year round. The best time to do it in Africa is during the drier months. These months are January, February, and June to early September. This time makes it easier to travel to the park and see gorillas because the vegetation isn’t too thick.
Why Choose Iconic Africa Safaris for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, DR Congo, and Rwanda
Iconic Africa Safaris is the best tour operator for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. We can help you book your gorilla trekking adventure in these places. When you contact us, we’ll guide you through the booking process. We offer different gorilla trekking safari packages. These packages range from budget-friendly to luxury options. We can also help you secure gorilla permits.
With Iconic Africa Safaris, you can be sure of a memorable safari holiday in Uganda, Rwanda, or DR Congo. We’re dedicated to providing excellent service and ensuring customer satisfaction. Our team of tour consultants is always ready to answer all your safari questions. When you book with us, we guarantee you a fantastic gorilla tour in Uganda, Rwanda, or DR Congo.
