Gorilla trekking is one of the most popular adventures in East and Central Africa. Being able to watch mountain gorillas in their natural setting is a one in million experience that many travelers have rated as the top world trips of a lifetime! Gorilla Trekking has over the past decade drawn thousands of adventure travelers to Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. Every year, the demand for gorilla permits increases yet this activity was developed along the guidelines of ecotourism. The number of gorilla permits is limited and there is a set carrying capacity in each national park where the activity is done. Out of the numerous gorilla trekking spots in the world, Uganda, Rwanda and Congo have the best spots for gorilla safaris in Africa. Those looking for life time gorilla safari experiences here is a review of the national parks where you can enjoy this lifetime adventure which is top on the bucket-lists of most adventure seekers to East and Central Africa;
Virunga National Park
This is Africa’s oldest national park. This volatile ecosystem sits amidst various conflicts – conflicts of seasonal civil wars as well as interests of Oil exploration within the Albertine region. The Virunga National Park stands out in Africa for its diverse ecosystem and active volcano features. The park is one of the most famous destinations in the world and it is the ultimate destination for goilla trekking and volcano hiking in Africa.Tourists to Virunga National Park have options for taking different adventures given that there is a variety to choose from. The most popular adventure activities include mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee habituation experiences, taking nature or forest walks, Nyiragongo volcanoes hiking, and feeding eyes on wonderful views and landscape. Besides its one of the only four national parks in the world where mountain gorillas live! For one to track gorillas here, you must plan your trip well in advance. The top things not to be missed on your Congo gorilla trekking tour is the Nyiragongo Volcano hike, Lake Kivu, Virunga forest jungle, views of mountain Rwenzonri, Goma town, Bukima village and much more.
There are several places to stay during your safari to the Virunga National park. You can even to choose to stay in luxurios lodges that are very classy such as the Mikeno Lodge and Bukima Tented Camp. It is also possible to spend a night in Gisenyi Rwanda, a town close to the Congo Border.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The most beautiful wild jungle forests with unspoiled beauty in Uganda also known as the Pearl of Africa. This is one of the only four national parks where gorilla trekking safaris are conducted. Amongst all the gorilla parks, Bwindi is one of the most rated destinations and currently the most affordable. Bwindi is a treasure to Ugandans and it is one of the few UNESCO world heritage sites in Africa. Every day seeing mountain gorillas in Bwindi is a must and visitors can get a chance to track gorillas twice in four different park sectors. Currently gorilla permits in Uganda cost USD600 per person.Whether you are looking for luxury or budget gorilla safaris, a trip to Bwindi Impenetrable forest in Uganda is just worth every penny.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the only destination where you can enjoy gorilla habituation! This newly introduced activity is for those who need to spend more time with gorillas! With this experience you will follow the gorillas for a period of up to 4 hours. Gorilla Habituation costs USD1500 and it is worthy the experience. This activity is done in the Rushaga sector and it is limited to only 4 travelers tracking one group. Book a safari in Uganda and feel the breathtaking natural beauty of the forest, meet the gorillas and enjoy hiking in the natural wood lands!
Visitors to Bwindi can also enjoy many other adventure activities!
Mgahinga National Park
What’s unique about Mgahinga national park is it’s the presence of mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, volcano hikes and the traditional culture of the forest people. However, the park offers the most rewarding gorilla trekking safari experience to those seeking to see gorillas, hike the volcanoes plus golden monkeys. If your interest is to track gorillas and hike the impressive volcanoes, plan your gorilla safari tour to Mgahinga National park. Perhaps Mghainga National park is another great place to track gorillas and golden monkeys just like in Volcanoes National park Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park
This is a favorite to many travelers given the ease to access the gorillas in their natural home. This park is located within the northern province of Rwanda. You can easily do day trips from Kigali given that the park lies within a distance of just 2-3 hours drive from Kigali. Currently gorilla permits cost USD1500 per person and therefore the park has been rated as a luxury gorilla trekking destination in Africa.
For the past decade, the Volcanoes National Park has been topping the lists of the best gorilla trekking destinations in Africa. The park has attracted all kinds of people including celebrities. Plan your trip to this great park in northern Rwanda and experience a life changing luxury gorilla trek in the well conserved jungle forest.
Tourists to the park have opportunities to track particular habituated gorilla families at a cost of only $1500 dollars and also get 30% discount when they visit other tourist attractions in Rwanda. For those planning to track gorillas in Rwanda, a gorilla permit cost $1500 per a trek and tourists are free to see gorillas either once or twice.
Kahuzi Biega National Park
Kahuzi Biega National Park is the only place where eastern lowland gorillas can be tracked in Africa. This protected area is located near Bukavu and lies near the western banks of Lake Kivu. Established in 1970 by the Belgian photographer and conservationist Adrien Deschryver, the park is one of the only two national parks that protect the endangered Eastern lowland gorillas (also known as the grauer’s gorilla. A gorilla permit costs USD400 per person for adults, USD200 for students and USD150 for infants. Apart from gorilla trekking, there are also several adventures that you can do while on a safari to this park. These include waterfalls hike, nature walk, visit the Okapi National Park, explore the Bukavu Town and more. You can also easily access the Virunga National Park on your trip.