Gorilla trekking safari experience from South Africa to Uganda/ Rwanda safari

A gorilla trekking safari experience from South Africa to Uganda/ Rwanda safari can best be memorable along with other primates like Golden monkeys, chimpanzees among others in Uganda or Rwanda volcanic Virunga massif highlands which are the natural habitat of mountain gorillas and the only place where they do survive in the world. After game drives and trophy hunting in Kruger game park and other South African parks, visiting coastal areas like cape town, your next destination should be Uganda or Rwanda to have a near experience with the gentle mountain gorillas.

Gorilla trekking safari experience from South Africa to Uganda/ Rwanda safari

Be part of the mountain gorilla conservation efforts

For every permit you pay for and every visit you make to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys destinations, you directly contribute to the efforts of conservation and preservation of these endangered species; We salute all those that have embarked on this journey before.

Cost of gorilla permits from South Africa

Gorilla permits or pass are the most crucial requirement for trekking mountain gorilla in all these countries. Gorilla permits can be bought through a trusted tour agent like Travitude safari tours company at least months in advance prior to the date of visit. The number of trekkers is limited per gorilla family per day so for surety of a gorilla trekking trip advance booking is needed.

Habituation is only done at Bwindi impenetrable national park giving an opportunity to visitors 4 hours per day with the Gorillas at a charge of $1,500 (tourists), $1,000 (foreign residents) and 750,000 UGSHS for East African nationals.

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800 for tourists (FNR- foreign nationals/residents), $700 for foreign residents (FR), $500 for individuals from the rest of Africa, Ugshs. 300,000 for East African residents.

A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 for foreign nationals, $500 for foreign residents in Rwanda, rest of Africa and African nationals and $200 for East African residents and Rwandan citizens.

Happenings after finding the gorillas

On locating these mountain gorillas, you will be allowed to stay with them for an hour as you are having photos, observing, asking questions and so on. While on this session, you are not allowed eats or drinks or to take photos when the flash lights are on.

You will keep a 7 meters distance around the mountain gorillas and also advised to wear a mask if you’ve got one a regulation aimed at protecting the primates from contracting viral or bacterial respiratory diseases like flue or cold.

When the one hour of staying around a particular gorilla family elapses, you will get back to the park headquarters.

FAQs

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Gorilla trekking safari packages while from South Africa to Uganda/ Rwanda

Gorilla habituation sessions

Gorilla habituation of gorilla families are tracked by researchers/ doctors and rangers for one hour time to make them get used to the presence of human. Gorilla habituation is thus a great process that facilitates gorilla trekking as it helps influence the behavior of gorillas to get them used to human presence.

Best time for gorilla trekking safaris

The dry seasons in these areas are the best for the gorilla trekking safari experience from South Africa that is from June to September and December to March. It’s easier to trek to the higher altitudes where gorillas stay during dry seasons when there’s rainfall that makes the terrain slippery and muddy thus making it difficult to achieve to gorilla nests easily. Also gorillas like any other animals tend to roam more during the dry season creating higher chances of finding them easier than during the wet seasons.

Gorilla trekking safari guide & tips;

Tropical countries have unpredictable climate, rain gear is a must have
Insect repellent
Recommended clothing – long trousers and long sleeved sweaters or shirts while in the forest to avoid insect and plant stings.
Sturdy hiking boots are essential, especially ones you have used before.
Drinking water, however eating, drinking and smoking near the gorillas is strictly forbidden – your guide will communicate designated time and place.
Photography is permitted, although you must not use flash
Porters are available to help you carry your day-pack for a small charge.
You will not be allowed to trek gorillas if you have communicable disease like flu or cough

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Gorilla trekking safari experience from South Africa to Uganda/ Rwanda safari