Private gorilla trekking tours from USA, New York, California, Washington, New Jersey

Gorilla trekking from USA

At a cost of $800- $1,500 for a gorilla trekking permit, embark onto one of Africa’s greatest wildlife tours & experience- gorilla trekking tours from USA, New York, California, Washington, New Jersey in Rwanda or Uganda. Mountain gorillas are rare endangered species with a last census of about 1,063 individuals. Coming to see mountain gorillas from United states is one of the top adrenaline wild activities while watching them pay, climbing trees, chest pumping and observing their behaviors some of which are like those of human beings. Mountain gorillas share a 98% DNA similarity with human beings and interestingly display these human like characters while in the wild for example socializing. According to BBC & research, mountain gorillas can seek out old friends even after 20 years.

Why a gorilla trek from USA?

Top Africa primates safari experience; Outstanding among other trips, the endangered mountain gorillas are only found in Uganda, Rwanda and D.R. Congo and have been habituated for tracking experiences. Mountain gorillas are the biggest apes alive on the planet accompanied by chimpanzees that are also popular in the region.
Typical holiday; mountain gorillas trekking safari is a typical holiday trip away from day-to-day modern life as it involves hiking deep in the tropical montane forests tracking gorilla families. Hiking into the montane jungles requires physical preparation and fitness to take on trek that lasts for more than one hour. However, older people and physically challenged persons are supported by porters to ensure that they enjoy this unique experience.
Have your mind soaked in nature; Rwanda and Uganda mountain gorilla trekking safari holiday from USA gets you immersed in the true natural wilderness for example when you trek deep into the tropical montane forests, safari game drives in the savannah wilderness, unique sightings of mountains, the great rift valley, crater lakes and much more.
Ecotourism & responsible travel; Support conservation of endangered species and nature eco-systems through the fees that are charged on permit fees to push conservation efforts and projects.
Slow travel holidays; When combined with safari wildlife game drives on longer days packages, gorilla trekking safaris from USA become absolutely relaxing and refreshing to the travelers. Slow travel combined gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris take from 5 days up to 30 days in Rwanda or Uganda and beyond into Kenya and Tanzania for many other experiences e.g. wildebeest migration, bird watching, white sand beach holidays, chimpanzee tracking, hot air balloon tours, Africa’s big 5, cultural tours, water rafting, bungee jumping at the source of the river Nile etc.

Cost of gorilla tracking permits for USA travelers to Uganda

For well planned gorilla trekking packages from USA, the dates for tracking the mountain gorillas got be known to have your flights well scheduled in consideration with your permit dates.

Gorilla tracking permits cost $800 per person cheaper than cost of Rwanda gorilla tracking permits which are at $1,500 per person where you will spend an hour with the mountain gorillas on reaching the assigned gorilla family.
Gorilla habituation experience permits cost $1,500 per person. Gorilla habituation meaning; is the process of training mountain gorillas to get used to human presence before they open for tracking. Gorilla habituation is only done in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable forest along researchers/ doctors and expert rangers. A gorilla habituation experience allows you to keep around mountain gorilla for up to 4 hours, taking photos, videos and getting more knowledge about these magnificent endangered species. Only 8 permits are available per day and bought at first come first serve basis so see that you book in advance for this unique experience.

Cost of gorilla tracking permits for American travelers to Rwanda

Unique about gorilla trekking in Rwanda is the touch of luxury safari blended with the jungle tales of Volcanoes national park. For an exciting gorilla tracking experience for travelers from USA, permits in Rwanda go for $1,500 per person also allowed for persons aged 15 and above.

Travel flights for gorilla trekking from USA

Book a 16 hours direct flight from John F. Kennedy int’l airport in New York to Jomo Kenyatta international airport in Kenya & an addition of 2 hours to Rwanda/ Uganda.
You can also book an average 22 hour flights with Fly emirates, Qatar airways, Turkish airlines, KLM all with daily flights to Rwanda/ Uganda via John F. Kennedy international airport (JFK), Hartsfield- Jackson Atlanta int’l airport (ATL), Dallas Fort Worth int’l airport (DFW), Los Angeles int’l airport (LAX), O’Hare int’l airport (ORD), Miami int’l airport (MIA), San Francisco int’l airport (SFO), George Bush intercontinental airport (IAH), Newark liberty int’l airport (EWR), Dulles int’l airport (IAD) etc.
You may choose a 1 hour 10 minutes domestic flights from Entebbe int’l airport or Kajjansi airstrip to Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips which are located near gorilla tracking parks OR a 10 hours road trip adventure while in Uganda. From Kigali city/ Kigali int’l airport in Rwanda, it will take you 2 hours 30 minutes to reach Volcanoes gorilla park by road.
For road travel & game drives you will use a comfortable 4×4 safari jeep/ landcruisers.

Gorilla trekking safari packages from USA, New York, California, Washington

2 days gorilla trekking Uganda safari

The 2 days Uganda gorilla trekking from USA is a short/ weekend holiday adventure experience and mountain gorilla focused trip. This 2 day gorilla itinerary is tailored in 2 ways; as one starting from Kigali Rwanda or as a fly-in gorilla safari. Also you can start from Entebbe and exit through Rwanda. To starts from Kigali, you transfer to Mgahinga/ Bwindi impenetrable forest national parks in Uganda on a 3 hour drive. The fly-in itinerary sets off from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips that are near the gorilla parks and fly back after tracking.

2 day gorilla trekking Rwanda safari

2 days Rwanda gorilla trekking safari from New York requires you to fly from JFK/ EWR airports to Kigali (KGL) airport. Day 1 of this itinerary offers a Kigali city tour with visit to local markets, coffee shops, genocide memorial site, malls, art & crafts shops. After the city tour, you head to Kinigi at the Volcanoes national park to prepare for the next day's gorilla trek. 2nd and last day of the trip starts with an early morning gorilla trekking experience after which you visit Ellen DeGeneres campus of the Dian Fossey fund before departure.

3 days Uganda gorilla trekking safari

Short 3 days gorilla trekking Uganda from USA is a popular relaxing gorilla encounter experience. On day 1, you transfer to Bwindi impenetrable forest/ Mgahinga national parks which home to more than 50% of the world's remaining mountain gorilla species. Tracking mountain gorillas starts very early in the morning and takes 3- 6 hours. While trekking in the tropical rainforests, you also enjoy watching birds, colobus monkeys, chimps, butterflies, unique tree species, reptiles etc. After tracking gorillas, you take a rest in a hotel outside the gorilla parks where you set off for departure on the last day.

4 days Rwanda gorilla trekking safari

A 4 days Rwanda focused golden monkeys & gorilla trekking from USA/ Washington in the Volcanoes national park is a gem for primate lovers. Arriving to Rwanda through Kigali, day 1 offers a city tour that takes you to coffee shops, museums, genocide memorial site, local markets, art & crafts shops etc. In the evening you head to Kinigi at Volcanoes N.P to rest and get ready for the Next day's tracking experience. Day 2 is a gorilla trekking day which takes 3- 6 hours from where you visit Ellen DeGeneres campus of the Dian Fossey fund before resting off the day. Next day takes you back high to the bamboo forest zone for golden monkey tracking, followed by nature walks, birding & a Batwa community tour. The last day takes back to Kigali city for a chill as you wait for your departure flight.

A pride of 10 Lions warming themselves in the early morning hours.

5 days luxury gorilla trekking & wildlife safari

Top recommended Uganda luxury 5 day gorilla trekking trip from USA that takes to Bwindi impenetrable & Queen Elizabeth game parks on a fly-in safari itinerary. Day offers a Kampala city tour taking to art & crafts shops, historical sites, museums, local markets and finally a nightlife experience before rest. Its on day 2 that you fly for 1 hour from Kajjansi to Kihihi airstrip from where you head to Bwindi's Buhoma sector for a rest of day's nature walks & relaxation. The Next day takes you tracking mountain gorillas that last 3- 6 hours. From Buhoma you drive to Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth N.P for an evening game drive and rest. You spend the next day on more game drives, a Kazinga channel boat cruise, birding, visiting crater lakes etc. On day 5, you transfer from the lodge to Kasese airport for a 1 hour flight back to Entebbe for departure.

African elephant grazes in savannah behind jeep

8 days Rwanda- Uganda Gorilla & wildlife tour

A 8 days multination adventure package from USA starts from Kigali- Rwanda and departs at Entebbe in Uganda with wildlife, chimpanzees & gorilla trekking tours in the top popular game parks. Kigali city offer a tour on the 1st day and after head out to Akagera game park. Starting early in the morning, game drives in Akagera N.P focus on Africa's big 5 (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, rhinos). After a hot lunch, you drive moving out of the park to transfer to Uganda's Bwindi/ Mgahinga gorilla parks. After tracking gorillas, you continue to Queen Elizabeth N.P for game drives, chimp tracking, boat cruises, birding etc. A walking safari in L. Mburo N.P precedes transfer to Kampala on day 6. Day 7 takes you through Kampala for a tour & a nightlife experience. You depart on day 8.

Costs of gorilla safari packages from USA, New York, Washington, California

Safari cost quotes vary and depend on various factors that are coordinated in the itinerary preparation such as transport mode, accommodation class, park entry permits, meals, amenities, number of days, number of activities etc. Gorilla safari packages for cheap/ budget travel costs start from $1,800 per person, mid-range/ affordable travels start from $2,800 per person and luxury travel costs start from $3,500 per person.

More tips along gorilla trekking safari for USA travelers

Best time for gorilla trekking tours from USA

Gorilla trekking tours from USA are done all throughout the year. The dry seasons in these areas are the best for the gorilla trekking experiences that is from June- August and December- February. It’s easier to trek to encounter mountain gorillas during dry seasons when there’s less rainfall and muddy grounds. Also the wet season months of March- April and September- November are great gorilla tracking times in the impenetrable Bwindi and Mgahinga forests. Wet/ rainy/ green are also considered a low travel season and thus lower costs for amenities and services. Wet season months are also bird breeding times making them a top preference for birders. Still for birders, the gorilla trekking forest parks host palearctic European and North Africa immigrant bird species from September- April.

Tips & what to pack for gorilla trekking tours for USA

Gorilla trekking is for persons of 15 years and above
Over shirts/ Jackets
Insect repellent
Long sleeved linen shirts/ T-shirts
Pair of khaki trousers/ Jeans
Sun hats/ caps
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 at a small charge.
You will not be allowed to trek gorillas if you have communicable disease like flu or cough