Gorilla trekking in the East African region is one of the lifetime experiences while on an African safari and brings out the true lovely adventure and an exceptional experience. The region is endowed in a way that all the mountain gorilla trekking destinations in the world are situated right here in East Africa.
There are only three gorilla trekking destinations in the whole world and these include Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
The chances of encountering the human-like primate species, mountain gorillas in all three hosts are almost 95%. In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is done in Volcanoes National Park where 13 habituated groups are available for visitors to choose from and track. D.R. Congo’s Virunga National Park is yet another popular spot for mountain gorilla trekking in the country.
Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the largest host of the endangered mountain gorillas in all with almost half of the a thousand remaining mountain gorillas in the wild. This has made the vast park famous hence boosting the tourism sector of Uganda to the standard level. There are 21 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi National Park situated in four gorilla sectors.
The four gorilla regions in Bwindi include Buhoma, the most popular and visited gorilla sector, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga.
The Buhoma sector is situated in the northern part of the park and shelters four gorilla families including Habinyanja, Katwe, Rushegura which was initially part of Habinyanja and Mubare as the oldest of all.
Mgahinga National Park being the smallest national park in the country, shelters only 1 habituated gorilla family, “Nyakagezi Family”.
Even though Mgahinga National Park is the smallest park,its only family the Nyakagezi group consists of three silverbacks that impressively get along well and is the second popular gorilla trekking destination making it the most visited national park in Uganda.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the only spot for gorilla trekking in the country and allows visitors to track the 13 habituated gorilla families. It is also part of the Virunga range that also spans Congo and Uganda. Some of the gorilla families in Rwanda include Amahoro, Agashya, Kwitonda, Hirwa, Susa, and Karisimbi, to mention but a few.
There are only 10 gorilla families in Congo’s Virunga and they include the Rugendo gorilla family as the oldest habituated gorilla family in Virunga, Mapuwa, Lulengo, Munyaga, Bageni gorilla family, Nyakamwe gorilla family, to mention but a few.
HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO TREK GORILLAS DURING X-MAS SEASON AND HOW BEST IS IT OVER OTHER MONTHS?
A large number of people would wish to spend their festive holidays on rather a different kind of experience. Having to spend one’s quality time during the festive season with the endangered primate species of mountain gorillas is an exceptional way of celebrating the festive season.
Gorilla trekking during this period is possible, however, due to increased demand, visitors are advised to book their gorilla trekking permits in advance as it is hard to secure one during the festive season.
HOW IS THE WEATHER DURING X-MAS.
The weather during the Christmas season is absolutely favorable for all gorilla trekking activities. The Christmas season of December coincides with the last dry season of the year in Uganda hence enabling most visitors on festive holidays to be part of the lifetime experience.
Unlike the wet season, the dry season enables visitors to track gorillas in time while having the most spectacular views of other wildlife. All gorilla trekking trails are accessible and not slippery in the dry period making it easy for trekkers to hike and locate mountain gorillas. The short vegetation also enables travelers to have clear views of other primate species, mammals and birds.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO TRACK GORILLAS IN X-MAS?
Gorilla trekking permits in both Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable national parks during the Christmas season cost 250,000 UGX for East African citizens per person, 600 USD for foreign residents and 700 USD for foreign non-residents per person.
BOOKING GORILLA PERMITS DURING X-MAS.
The Christmas season in Uganda coincides with school and work holidays in Europe and USA hence skyrocketing the demand for gorilla trekking permits hence they may be fully booked early enough. Visitors are advised to book early and in advance to avoid inconveniences.
