Tracing the history of gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Following Dian Fossey’s 1980s mountain gorilla population census survey, which estimated that there were 300 mountain gorillas in the globe, the idea of gorilla trekking safaris was born. One of the most endangered primates in the world was the mountain gorilla.
In order to lessen hostility between people and mountain gorillas and raise money for their conservation, gorilla trekking was established.
Nothing was done to promote gorilla trekking in the 1980s because of political unrest in various African nations, including as Rwanda and Uganda.
What Is Uganda’s Gorilla Trekking History?
In Uganda, gorilla habituation began in the 1990s in the impenetrable national park of Bwindi. The process of acclimating a family of wild gorillas to human presence without changing their character is known as “gorilla habituation.” Depending on how long the gorillas take to adjust, it is still unknown how long it will take to acclimate a family of wild gorillas to human presence. It could take up to two years for gorillas to become habituated.
The process of gorilla habituation takes time.
The Mubare gorilla family became accessible to the general public in 1993. Ten members make up this gorilla family, and there was formerly a dominant silver. The gorilla family is headed by the dominant silverback. He is entitled to all females, defends the family, and discovers new feeding grounds.
Additional gorilla families, such as the Rushegura Group in 302 and the Habinyanja Group in 1998, were made accessible for hiking. The rest is history.
There are currently 19 gorilla families in Uganda that are available for reservations and reside in either Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is another location where gorillas can be habituated. The gorilla habituation experience is an adventure in which you accompany a group of researchers as they follow a family of semi-habituated gorillas to assist them adjust to human presence without changing their natural behavior.
There are now two gorilla habituation families available for reservations in Uganda, and a team of habituators and researchers may bring up to four visitors.
What is Rwanda’s Gorilla Trekking History?
The Albertine National Park, which was administered by Belgian Colonial Authorities, was created in 1929 by extending Volcanoes National Park, the site of gorilla trekking, far into Rwanda.
Dian Fossey, an American primatologist, conducted research on mountain gorillas in Rwanda in 1967. She established the Karisoke Research Center, where she constructed snares to capture forest residents, protected mountain gorillas from people who slaughtered them, and much more.
About 300 mountain gorillas were found to reside in the Virunga region following a census she and her team conducted in the 1980s. As a result, the world began to recognize the predicament of mountain gorillas as one of the most endangered primates.
By 1985, unidentified assassins had brutally slain Dian Fossey at her residence.
When the Rwanda Genocide occurred in 1994, the country’s civil instability intensified. Many Rwandese lost their lives during the 100 days of ignorance. As Volcanoes National Park turned into a battlefield, the majority of the mountain gorilla conservation efforts came to a complete halt.
With the reopening of Volcanoes National Park to tourists in 1999, gorilla trekking was once again possible.
There are currently 15 gorilla families in Rwanda that are accessible for gorilla trekking.
Gorilla trekking: what is it?
Following a completely habituated gorilla family in the wild and spending just one hour with them is known as “gorilla trekking.” The gorillas are accustomed to being around people.
To participate in this expedition, it would be ideal to have a gorilla trekking permit; however, only eight people are permitted per hike per day.
Where in Rwanda and Uganda can I go gorilla trekking?
In the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda
The only place in Rwanda where mountain gorillas can be found is Volcanoes National Park. There are now 15 gorilla families in this park that are accessible to tourists. Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhabura, Mountain Karisimbi, Mountain Bisoke, Mountain Sabyinyo, and Mountain Gahinga are the five volcanoes that make up the park’s topography.
Other primates found in the forest include blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, golden monkeys, and black and white colobus.
This forested National Park is home to a variety of birds, including endemic Albertine species.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda
Ten refuge woods, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, are thought to have survived Africa’s ice age. It is estimated that this ecosystem has existed for more than 30,000 years. About ten primates, including mountain gorillas, L’Holst’s, Pottos monkeys, blue monkeys, chimpanzees, olive baboons, black and white colobus, and others, are among the diverse fauna and flora that call it home.
This park is home to more than 350 species of birds, seven of which are listed on the IUCN Red List. This region is home to a number of Albertine endemic birds.
Park in Mgahinga National
This habitat, which is roughly 33.7 square kilometers in size, is the smallest gorilla trekking area. In this park, only one gorilla family—Nyakagezi—is presently accessible to tourists.
Other primates found in this park include vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, golden monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, black and white colobus, and others.
Hiking any one of the three unique volcanoes that make up the park’s topography—Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhavura, and Mountain Gahinga—offers breathtaking views.
Which of Rwanda and Uganda Is the Best Place to Go Gorilla Trekking?
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encounter some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas is gorilla trekking. Standing in front of the legendary mountain gorillas is an experience that cannot be equaled, whether you are gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda.
The following factors distinguish Rwanda from Uganda as the top destinations for gorilla trekking:
The price of a permit for gorilla trekking
A gorilla permit for Rwanda costs $1500 per person, whereas one for Uganda costs $800 per person.
The duration of the travel from the airport to the locations for gorilla trekking
It takes roughly three hours to drive from Kigali Airport to Volcanoes National Park, and eight to nine hours to drive from Entebbe Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The quantity of open gorilla trekking families
Rwanda has 15 gorilla families available for public reservations, whereas Uganda has 19 gorilla trekking families and two gorilla habituation families available for tourists.
Activities that can be added to gorilla trekking
Rwanda offers less safari chances to interact with gorilla trekking than Uganda, which offers more extra safari activities.
When is the ideal time to reserve a permit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda?
Although gorilla trekking is possible throughout the year in Rwanda and Uganda, travelers typically choose the dry seasons of June, July, August, September, December, and January.
Securing your gorilla permit at least six months or a year in advance is safe because this is also the busiest time of year for tourists. During this time, service providers have more choices, such as lodging options, to utilize when gorilla trekking.
Due to competition from other safari activities for expert driver guides, vehicle rental, and other services, gorilla safari packages are expensive during this peak season.
If you want to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda but have a tight budget, you can pick the off-peak months. There is minimal competition for gorilla permits, and there is also the possibility of receiving services at a reduced cost.
During the low season, there is a greater opportunity of going gorilla trekking alone or with a small group of other trekkers.
Is Trekking with Gorillas Dangerous?
Because mountain gorillas are timid creatures who hardly ever fight with people, gorilla trekking is safe. There have never been any reports of visitors being assaulted by mountain gorillas in the history of gorilla trekking.
To find the mountain gorillas, you must abide by the gorilla trekking guidelines that are explained during the briefing and the ranger’s informational sessions.
Even if the mountain gorillas are accustomed to humans, try to avoid upsetting them. They still exhibit the characteristics of wild creatures. Since wild animals must find their own food and are not dependent on human support, it is even illegal to feed mountain gorillas.
Mountain gorillas have a spy network that serves as informers for the Dominant Silverback because they are sensitive to outsiders in their immediate area.
What is the duration of the Gorilla Trekking Safari?
Since mountain gorillas are untamed creatures that roam freely in the wild, the best time to locate them is still up in the air. In two hours or more, you might find the mountain gorilla. Finding the mountain gorillas depends on a number of variables, including
The closeness of their food
In the event of conflict with another family of gorillas
When the silverback in charge is daring
The wet season is the current weather state. Sometimes the trails are impassable due to their slick surface.
The rest of the trekkers’ number one.
What Are the Guidelines for a Rwandan or Ugandan Gorilla Trekking Safari?
Due to the nature of this activity, which may require hiking to reach the mountain gorillas, the gorilla trekking age limit is 15 years of age and up.
Whenever you are around mountain gorillas, try not to move. Because it makes the mountain gorillas feel that their visitors are ambushing them, it is not permitted to surround them when you are meeting them. They might hide if they become irritated.
It is essential to wear a clean mask before to encountering the mountain gorillas. Sanitizing your shoes before entering the jungle is the best course of action. Steer clear of bare-handed contact with foliage since this could infect the mountain gorillas.
Let’s say you contract a contagious illness, such as the flu, COVID-19, or a cough. In order to prevent spreading this sickness to the extremely vulnerable mountain gorillas, you might have to volunteer and remain behind.
It is prohibited to eat or smoke within 300 meters of gorillas because the smoke may eventually make the animals unwell or even cause them to steal your food and become dependent on you. Since they are untamed creatures, they have to look for nourishment.
Since the mountain gorillas are accustomed to being around people for that brief period of time, you are only permitted to spend an hour with them when you first meet them. You must later let them go to their everyday activities on their own.
To allow the forest to flourish in its natural environment, littering is prohibited there. Throughout their lives, mountain gorillas eat leaves. Throwing non-biodegradable materials like drink cans and plastic wrap can change the forest’s composition over time.
Since mountain gorillas are typically frightened of new things in their environment, please refrain from using flash photography when shooting pictures. In order to avoid creating conflict among the gorillas, the camera must also be soundproof.
To reduce the possibility that the forest inhabitants may exhume anything, ask the ranger guide to dig a hole for you that is about 30 cm deep and then cover it well. Try to avoid spreading viruses to the mountain gorillas because they can be curious at times.
The vegetation is contaminated by spitting, which could spread human diseases to the mountain gorillas. It’s not hygienic either.
The family may go into hiding if you provoke the mountain gorillas when you find them. Primates that are extremely sensitive and aware of their surroundings include mountain gorillas.
The maximum distance allowed to be distant from the gorillas is eight meters. This will lessen the likelihood of contracting an infection. If they come near you, back off gradually so they won’t notice your movements.