Guide to gorilla trekking in Virunga Massif
Gorilla Trekking within the Virunga region brings to light every single visit done in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo. Furthermore mountain gorillas are the key reasons as to why several tourists visit those countries. Rwanda and Uganda are known to be secure countries where one is able see gorillas in a tranquil setting.
In the middle of many convincing online companies tracking mountain gorillas can be conducted throughout the year in the Virunga despite the fact that seasonal changes occur in the national parks of Bwindi impenetrable forest, Mgahinga forest in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo where gorillas stay.
June to September and from December to February attract majority of tourists who choose to go for gorilla safaris at that time of the year and in the low seasons which call for discounted gorilla permits.
Usually one must put in mind their budget quote before they choose desirable accommodations near the parks. Well note that Trip Advisor always highlights for you the best tour operators and accommodations as reviewed by those who have had an experience with them.
Well, as you plan on your gorilla tour, bear in mind you are required to purchase a gorilla tracking permit at a cost. In Uganda a permit costs $600 high seasons and $450 in the low seasons of April, May and November while in Rwanda a permit cost $750 with no discount provided.
On a daily basis, only 8 people are allowed to see a gorilla family in all the parks and we strongly advise you to book your gorilla permit and accommodations in advance in order to avoid any further disappointments.
Many interested trekkers have found gorillas trekking a tiring process and opt to reserve permits through a local safari operators who help you purchase a gorilla permit and reserve accommodations much faster with your dates.
Thinking of what to wear can be quite a challenge! but here are the tips you need to know as you plan on your gorilla adventure. Endeavor to get yourself gorilla trekking gears which include good quality walking/hiking boots and warm layers of cloth with long sleeves for the cold evenings/ wet weather.
At the sight of a mountain gorilla you will realize that the male gorilla are twice bigger than the female about 6 ft tall and still weigh 350 -500 pounds. Mountain Gorillas feed on only afro-montane vegetation and eat about 75 pounds each day with large quantities of leaves, flowers, fruits and bamboo roots. Gorillas have long muscular arms and the adult male called silverbacks can stretch to 7 feet. Mountain Gorillas may be seen in ancient dark forests of Mgahinga Gorilla Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National park in Rwanda and Virunga National park in Congo.
Trekkers are always briefed about rules to follow while with the gorillas and these include;
• Maximum of 8 visitors to a habituated mountain gorilla baby
• Washing hands before you visit gorillas.
• Keeping your voices low while in the forest
• Never throw rubbish in the park
• Observe a 7 meter (21 feet) distance from the gorillas
• Flash photography should be switched off
• Never smoke, drink or eat when you are near the gorillas
• Do not touch the gorillas. Remember they are wild animals.
Lastly, remember that gorillas can charge and you should not panic in such a scenario but rather stay calm, crouch and look down slowly. They are also at a risk of disease transmission and stress to the group so most times if one is sick he or she stays behind but is refunded.