WHERE TO TRACK MOUNTAIN GORILLAS

  Where to track mountain gorillas

Mountain gorillas are regarded as endangered species, there are only about 880 individuals left in the world. Gorilla tracking is one of the most interesting activities done on earth and very many tourists whole over the world come to African specifically to track these close relative of human in their natural habitat. Gorillas are regarded humble and they rarely attack human, making it possible to meet in a close distance of about 7-10 meters. Few countries in the world house mountain gorillas, for any traveler who is interested in tracking gorillas here are the three countries where these species of primates are found and they can be tracked safely in their environment. Let us examine one by one of these countries

Uganda is one of the three countries blessed to host these endangered species, they are found in two national parks that’s Bwindi impenetrable national park, and Mgahinga gorilla national park. Uganda is known as the world’s premier safari destination for gorillas tracking and it houses almost a half of the world’s population over 480 individuals with Bwindi impenetrable national park housing over 400 individuals and Mgahinga about 80 in number. Bwindi impenetrable national park is located in the south western part of Uganda about 530 from Kampala Uganda’s capital and its largest city passing via Kabale Kanungu to Buhoma about 7-9 hours on a clear day weather condition, or you can use a charter flight from Entebbe international airport or Kajansi to the modern tarmac airstrip at Kisoro town. 

Mgahinga gorilla national park is also located in south western region of Uganda near the border with Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo; the park is reached in a drive of about 8 hours on a good tarmac from Kampala up to the park. Mgahinga has only one gorilla group called Nyakagezi gorilla group and this group tend to cross to Rwanda or to the Democratic Republic of Congo in search for new adventure, so it’s not reliable. When interested in tracking in this group it’s always advanced to consult from your tour agencies or tour company organizing your safari about its presence before booking.

Bwindi impenetrable forest N.P has 12 groups gorillas and each group is readily available to be tracked every day, however each group has its own experience so a reasonable degree of fitness is needed, since tracking is done in the tropical rain forest, it can rain at any time and become muddy so you are reminded to come with tracking gears such as strong pair of shoes, long sleeved shirts or blouses, rain jackets, battled water and sometimes packed lunch since meeting gorillas is unpredictable it can go from a half or full day in the jungle searching for them. Gorilla tracking is unforgettable experience as it’s worth the money you pay for this activity and the effort needed to reach the park and the trek from the forest. To be allowed to be among the 8 members allowed to track gorillas in each group you are required to pay a fee of $600 per person in the high season per tracking including the park entrance fee during the high season and $350 per person in the low seasons during the months of April and May both in Bwind and Mgahinga National parks. Permits are obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) headquarters in Kampala in both Bwindi impenetrable national park and in Mhahinga gorilla forest National Park.

In Rwanda gorillas are tracked in Parc national des volcans (volcanoes national park) which is located in the far northwestern part of the park Ruhengeri Musanze district. From Kigali Rwanda’s capital and its largest city it takes about 2-3 hours’ drive up to Kinigi park headquarters. Due to its nearness a one day gorilla safari tour can be arranged. Mountain gorillas have made Rwanda very popular due to a very big number of travelers who flop in in large numbers to see these rare species; however this was due to the works of Diane Fossey a prominent primatologist who studied and habituated these giant apes to human standards for a period of over 20 years. 

Gorilla tracking is a major highlight to any traveler who makes it to Rwanda and it’s regarded as the number one activity done in Rwanda. Rwanda house over 380 gorillas sharing almost a half of the world’s population, and tracking begins very early in the morning at 7:00am after reporting at the park headquarters to receive a short briefing about how the whole process will be, and then after you will be lead to the forest to being the activity. Like Uganda gorillas, Rwanda gorilla tracking time is unpredictable as it can go from a half to full day making the whole process exciting, and ounce they are met you are only allowed to stay with them for only one hour studying their behaviors as well as taking photos. Rwanda has 9 gorilla families ready for tracking each day and these include: the Susa group, group 13, Kwitonda, Amahoro, Karisimbi gorilla group, Sabyinyo, Agshya, Omubano and Hirwa gorilla group. Only eight members are allowed to track in each group, and each group is assigned to an armed ranger guide who led you through the whole gorilla tracking process. And porter are readily available if you need them at a fee of 10-20 $UD per person to carry your bags and other items in case you get tired during the process of tracking. 

To track gorillas in Rwanda you are charged a fee of USD 750 per person per tracking including the park entrance fee. Permits are issued at the Rwanda Tourism Board offices (ORTPN) in Kigali or Ruhengeri (near the PNV). Gorilla tracking in Rwanda and Uganda are at a very high demand so you are advised to book earlier prior to your safari; permits are issued on first come first served basis, so the earlier the better to avoid disappointments on the last date.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is another country blessed to house the rare mountain gorillas in the Virunga national park. However some insecurity problems have hindered tourism industry and gorillas are not tracked much as its in Uganda and Rwanda. Gorilla permits in the democratic republic of Congo are sold at $450 per person per tracking with park entrance fee. At www.elephantsafaris.co.ug/ we are their to organize for you a pocket friendly gorilla safari to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, for more information about mountain gorilla tracking send us an inquiry at info@elephantsafaris.co.ug our staff is their to get back to you ASAP