Mountain Gorilla Trekking Countries in Africa

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Countries

The only places in the world where you can go mountain gorilla tracking are in Africa. For the last 20 years, tourists from all over the globe have gone to Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the hopes of having the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe these primates in their native environment. There are two subspecies of the eastern gorilla, and one of them is the mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei).

According to the most recent mountain gorilla census, there are an estimated 1,004 individuals in two populations as of 2018, which places them on the IUCN Red List as Endangered. It is possible to undertake mountain gorilla trekking in any of three African countries: Rwanda, Uganda, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This means that no matter which nation you visit, you will be able to view mountain gorillas.

Two populations of mountain gorillas are known to live in the Virunga mountain ranges, which include the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, as well as Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are all destinations that Katland Safaris can arrange gorilla excursions to. Tour packages are available at a variety of price points and levels of luxury; if you would like a bespoke quote based on your specific requirements, please contact us via email.

What part of Africa is ideal for hiking with gorillas?

The only continent on Earth where mountain gorilla monitoring is practiced is Africa, namely in the nations of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since mountain gorillas may be seen in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the ideal location to view them is really up to the traveler’s interests; after all, the experience you’ll have after your walk is quite the same regardless of where you go.

Just one thing distinguishes Rwanda and DR Congo from each other: While mountain gorillas in the Virunga/hills inhabit a tropical rain forest with a diverse array of flora and fauna, their Ugandan counterparts call Bwindi Forest National Park home. No matter which nation you visit, you will have a 98% chance of seeing gorillas in their native habitat. Uganda, DR Congo, and Rwanda are all wonderful places to observe these big creatures.

The Virunga Mountains, which are shared by Rwanda and Congo, are home to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Uganda is the ideal location to observe mountain gorillas in Africa because it offers trekking in two distinct ecosystems: Bwindi National Park, a tropical rain forest, and Mgahinga National Park, a montane ecosystem similar to that of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

How much does it cost to go to the Mountain Gorilla Trekking Countries for a gorilla expedition in Africa?

A gorilla permit is required in advance of any mountain gorilla trip in any national park if you want to spend more than an hour in proximity to these majestic creatures. If you want to know how to book a gorilla permit in Rwanda, Uganda, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Katland Safaris has all the information you need. Using our gorilla tours and inquiry service will save you the trouble of arranging for your gorilla permit.

After you’ve paid, we’ll take care of checking the availability of gorilla permits for the days you’ve specified, making the necessary reservations, and paying for them. Obtaining a gorilla permit often requires planning, typically for many months. There are a limited number of trekking permits available daily in each national park, so it’s best to plan ahead at least three to five months before your visit. Paying the gorilla permit money in advance allows us to collect it on your behalf when you schedule a gorilla trip.

Gorilla permits in the Democratic Republic of the Congo cost $400 per person per trek from mid-December to mid-March, then again from June to October, and $300 from mid-March to mid-May, then again from mid-October to mid-December, annually, during the low season. The price of a gorilla permit is $300 for residents of East Africa and $20 for citizens of the Congo.

An annual gorilla permit in Uganda costs $70 for East African nationals, $800 for foreign non-residents, and $700 for foreign residents. Mountain gorilla tracking takes place in Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You may also have a gorilla habituation trip in Bwindi, Uganda, where you can spend four hours interacting with mountain gorillas for $1,500.

Volcanoes National Park is the place to undertake gorilla tracking in Rwanda; a permit costs $1,500 year-round. The news that Rwanda has reduced the price of gorilla licenses by 30% is welcome news for tour companies. From November to May, you may now spend Rwf911, 076 ($1,050), which is likely to entice more tourists. But, in order to take advantage of this deal, tourists need to stay in Rwanda for a minimum of three days and pay extra to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park.

When is the ideal season to visit Africa to go trekking with mountain gorillas?

Because of their tropical locations, Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo all experience tropical and montane climates and weather all year round. The national parks of Bwindi Forest, Virunga, and Volcanoes are all susceptible to unpredictable rains at any time of day or week.

The best time to visit is during the dry season, which begins in December and continues through February, June, July, August, and September. The trails are often dry during this time, and the vegetation is not fully grown, so seeing gorillas is easier and clearer. March, April, May, October, and November are the other somewhat rainier months; most tourists avoid going gorilla trekking during these times due to the fully grown foliage and the very treacherous routes.

Where can I find a place to stay in Africa while I go mountain gorilla tracking?

You may find cheap, mid-range, and luxury accommodations in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. On the lower end of the price spectrum, you’ll find Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Ride 4 a woman, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Buhoma Camp Lodge, and others; on the upper end, you’ll find Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Icumbi Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, and Buhoma Havens Lodge, among others, with prices ranging from $100 to $300 per night per person; and finally, there are the more luxurious options; Prices for these and other five-star accommodations start at $300–$400 per person per night. Some of these possibilities are Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Engagi Lodge, Gorilla Sanctuary Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, and more.

You may find affordable, mid-range, and luxury accommodations in Virunga National Park. Bukima Tented Camp and Kibumba Tented Camp are two inexpensive alternatives with nightly rates ranging from $90 to $100. Tchegera Island Camp and Lulimbi Tented Camp are two mid-range options with nightly rates ranging from $100 to $300. Nightly rates at the luxurious Mikeno Lodge start around $300–$400. Just tell us which one works best for you, and we’ll check availability and make the reservation for you.

You may find both high-end and more affordable lodging alternatives in Volcanoes National Park. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it at any of our lodges: single, double, twin, triple, or family rooms. Guests may enjoy a night’s stay at any of the five lodges: the opulent Virunga, Sabinyo Silverback, Bisate, mid-range Mountain Gorilla View, Lebambou Gorilla, and Da Vinci.

The Gorilla Solution Lodge, Villa Gorilla, Virunga Hotel, Faraji Hotel, Kinigi Hotel, Hotel Muhabura, La Palme Hotel, and Home Inn are among the inexpensive alternatives. Give us the details of your desired lodge and your budget, and we’ll give you advice on how to make the most out of your money.

There is a wide spectrum of prices and quality of lodging in Mgahinga National Park. Kisoro Travelers INN is one inexpensive choice; rates there range from $90 to $100 per night. Lake Cahahfi Resort and Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge are two mid-range possibilities; rates there range from $100 to $300 per night. Prices for five-star hotels like Gahinga Lodge start at $300 to $400 per person per night.

Choosing Katland Safaris for your mountain gorilla trekking in Africa is the best choice.

Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are all part of Katland Safaris’ incredible gorilla trekking adventures. For information about our reduced packages and custom vacations, please contact us.

Our ability to curate unforgettable experiences is a product of the cohesive team we’ve built over the years, which includes both youthful and dynamic employees, as well as seasoned and dedicated directors and managers who are native Ugandans. You may read about other people’s experiences on safari bookings and on TripAdvisor, where Katland Safaris has a lot of positive ratings.