Thinking of Mountain gorillas and where to find them, there are only three countries in the world and the African continent hosting these significant endangered gorilla species. Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are the only destinations that present fun-filled adventurous mountain gorilla trekking safaris.
About 1,063 mountain gorillas are said to exist as reported by the latest census and due to such small numbers, these species are highly protected against extinction caused by poachers and predators. Gorilla safaris in Uganda are done in either Mgahinga or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which offers the best gorilla safari due to its large numbers which is almost half of the overall population.
Large numbers mean that there are several habituated gorilla groups hence more gorilla trekking permits are available. Uganda stands out because it has two mountain gorilla destinations, unlike the other two countries that have only one destination.
In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is carried out in Volcanoes National Park while in the Democratic Republic of Congo, you find these species in Virunga National Park. Gorilla trekking permit prices vary across each of these countries with Rwanda’s permits costing $1500, Uganda’s are at $700 and DRC at $400 only.
Gorilla trekking involves embarking on guided trails through the African jungle in pursuit of encountering these enormous primates who also share over 95% of their DNA with man. They do have similar characteristics and behaviors with Man such as family settings and emotions like laughter and sadness. You’ll be amazed at how true this is once you get close to these mountain gorillas.
Gorilla trekking can last between 30 minutes to 7 hours and this all depends on where the allocated gorilla group is currently residing. Some gorilla groups stay close to the starting points and hence are easy to find while others love the high altitude areas which take a longer period to meet them.
Gorilla treks commence with a briefing from the park rangers and guides as early as 8:00 a.m, The Groups made of eight members then set off to meet a specific family of gorillas. It should be noted that only a maximum of 8 people are allowed to meet a gorilla family per day; this is a safety precaution ensured to protect the primates from catching diseases that might be spread by humans. Other safety precautions considered are perfectly healthy individuals and only those above 15 years can take part in this exercise.
During trekking, the rangers always know where to find the particular family assigned to a group and some of the signs that guide them are broken branches and plants that show where the family last spent its night. They also send a team in advance who then communicate to let them know which route to use in order to find the primates.
You can always hear the loud grunt of a silverback who is the head of a gorilla family before finally meeting them. Gorilla families have undergone habituation and are very calm and gentle since they are used to human presence, however, they can be hostile when they sense danger.
Tourists are given an hour to spend with a gorilla family and ought to use this time to observe the family, see how the young ones are playful, mothers breastfeeding while the silverback is always on the lookout and protecting the family against any kind of danger.
Besides gorilla trekking, visitors can also take part in gorilla habituation tours. This is the process gorillas pass through before being availed for visits by tourists. The process focuses on training gorillas on how to behave once they meet humans; it is a long process that takes 2-4 years. Gorilla habituation experiences can also be done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park at a fee of $1,500 per permit.
Here, tourists can spend about 4 hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group. You get to observe them diligently and by the time you leave, you’d have known each family member’s name and character.
When to go for gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is an experience everyone should take part in at least once in their lifetime. The activity can be enjoyed all year through but for a smooth experience, it is advisable to carry it out during the dry season when the rains are less and the treks are not that muddy and slippery.
How you can get involved in gorilla conservation?
In order to continue protecting mountain gorillas from extinction, one can take a gorilla safari in any other gorilla destinations, donate to conservation organizations that are aimed at protecting the gorillas, use a tour agency that sends a percentage of what they earn towards conservation effects, support communities surrounding the gorilla conservation areas by donating to their projects or buying items from them and lastly spread information about gorilla conservation and continue encouraging other people to come and visit mountain gorillas.
