Although much is known about mountain gorillas, both past and upcoming trekkers have repeatedly asked questions about how to ensure a memorable trekking experience. The mountain gorilla trekking experience has drawn many people, including travelers, researchers, schoolchildren, and conservationists, all seeking in-depth information about the mountain gorillas. Roughly 900 mountain gorillas are surviving worldwide, making an encounter with this endangered species a remarkable experience for all travelers.
How much is a Mountain gorilla permit?
Regarding the cost of a gorilla permit, each country, i.e., Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has a different cost. For Uganda, a permit costs 600 USD; for Rwanda, 1500 USD; and in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 450 USD. However, regardless of differences in permit costs, a trek to any destination is unique in its own way. Accessing the permit at a discounted rate is an advantage for budget trekkers, helping them save money for other purposes.
When is the best time to trek?
Since mountain gorillas live in the tropical rainforests with slippery, muddy ground, the dry season is the best time for trekking. This is between June and September, and then December and February. However, gorillas can be trekked in the wet season to make the trip more adventurous and memorable. Similarly, trekking in the wet season is cheaper since permits are discounted.
What is the dress code for trekking?
Dressing right for trekking is very helpful for every trekker. This involves hiking boots for easy movements in the slippery grounds and bites by ground insects, long-sleeved shirts, panties, and hand gloves for protection against thorny bushes and rush leaves, sunglasses, hats to protect from direct sun, rain jackets, and warm light jackets to provide warmth in the cold forest weather and unpredictable rain showers. Once a trekker is properly dressed for the jungle, an extraordinary experience is assured.
What are the dos and don’ts while trekking?
Maintaining a 7-meter distance from the mountain gorillas is a must for all trekkers. Gorillas are the closest relatives of human beings, sharing approximately 99.8% of their DNA, making them susceptible to human genes. The distance is intended to prevent the spread of human-wildlife communicable diseases, such as flu and cough, which are harmful to endangered species. Moreover, trackers are recapped to avoid any close contact with the gorillas, even if the endangered species approach trekkers. Non-flashlight cameras are the only cameras allowed for photographing.
What is the trekking time?
Regarding trekking time, it starts early in the morning after a brief briefing by the park rangers/guides. Once the trekking begins, there is no specific time to spend in the jungle; it varies depending on the gorillas’ movements and where they slept the previous night. This means that fortunate trekkers can meet the gorillas in as little as 30 minutes, or as long as 6 hours, or even the whole day. However, whether it takes a short or long time, trekkers are 99.9% certain to meet the gorillas.
Where do mountain gorillas live?
With only 900 mountain gorillas surviving worldwide, many people have long wondered where these endangered species live. Mountain gorillas dwell in only two destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda and the Virunga Conservation Area, shared among Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This means that to encounter the endangered species, one must visit one of the two destinations.
What is included in the permit?
The permit includes the park entrance fee, the cost of park rangers who guide during the trek, and other services within the national park, except for accommodation. This means that a permit covers the park entrance and the Rangers’ salaries.
What is the age limit for trekkers?
Only travelers aged 15 years and above are allowed to trek mountain gorillas. It’s a mandate that anyone below the age limit (15 years) cannot trek, even if they have paid or traveled with a group of other trekkers.
All travelers are advised to carefully read and understand the above frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking and obtain appropriate answers before confirming any gorilla trip to Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo. All travelers visiting to see mountain gorillas should be aware of the above to ensure an enjoyable and memorable experience, with no questions left unanswered and no interests unfulfilled.
