A Complete Guide to Choosing a Gorilla Trekking Tour Operator in East Africa.

As one of the most interesting tourism activities in Uganda, gorilla trekking has many travelers scratching their heads and questioning, “How do I Choose A Gorilla Trekking Tour Operator?” We’ll address it in this article. The activity takes place in the forested areas of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, but it is most popular in Uganda and Rwanda.

Gorilla Trekking Destinations. How do I Choose A Gorilla Trekking Tour Operator?

In Uganda, gorilla trekking is done in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks while in Rwanda, it’s only done in Volcanoes National Park. All these National Parks have different populations of gorillas and are open for gorilla trekking.

Of the three destinations, Bwindi has the highest population of mountain gorillas living in its 4 gorilla sectors that is Rushaga, Ruhija, Buhoma, and Nkuringo. Bwindi accounts for over half of the total mountain gorilla population worldwide.

Volcanoes National Park on the other hand being Rwanda’s only gorilla national park has been equipped with exciting activities to do alongside gorilla trekking and has since become an incredible destination. Volcanoes is now home to 12 gorilla families that are open for trekking.

Mgahinga on the other hand has only one gorilla family- Nyakagezi but so exciting. The family is comprised of playful juveniles that steal the hearts of travelers. These gorillas often dwell on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains and getting to them is exciting just as watching the primates. The trek will take you through picturesque slopes of the mountain, and dense forest as you enjoy views of various flora and fauna.

How do Gorillas Live?

Gorillas live in groups, they are highly social individuals and their families are more like the human extended families. The gorilla families are comprised of Elder members, juveniles, and infants.

The family is headed by a dominant silverback who is in charge of the overall welfare of the group and makes key decisions about the feeding plans and migration. The aunties in the group help in grooming the young ones and feeding them.

New gorilla families are often created when male gorillas break off from their original families and start new ones. This is usually brought about by the desire for supremacy since animals are highly territorial and always want to be at the top. Being under the leadership of another silverback is sometimes seen as minor therefore adult males tend to break off and start their own.

To enable gorilla tourism, mountain gorillas are first habituated to make them familiar with human presence in their habitats such that they do not charge towards visitors. Gorilla habituation is a scientific activity that is only carried out by experienced scientists. However, travelers can also join in the experience since it’s even more immersive. It is only after successful habituation processes that gorilla families are open for trekking.

Choosing a gorilla trekking Tour Operator.

When choosing a gorilla trekking tour operator in Uganda or Rwanda, you can consider things like:

Reputation: Find a tour operator with positive customer reviews on websites such as Safari Bookings and TripAdvisor. This indicates that a person has been tried, tested, and approved over time, making them a reliable choice for taking care of your safari.

Local knowledge: Choose a tour operator that offers knowledgeable local guides who are familiar with the area. Before making reservations for travel, it is usually advisable to ask questions about anything you are unsure about. This will allow you to determine whether or not someone has the expertise you require. Researchers must take full use of this, but it applies to all travellers.

Membership: Consider a tour operator who is a member of an organization like the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO), which is licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board. AUTO members are eligible to acquire gorilla and chimpanzee permits from the Authorities.

In-person presence: To make sure your experience runs smoothly and you stay safe, pick a tour operator that will accompany you the entire time. Make sure that a representative or tour operator will accompany you throughout your safari at all times. In addition to ensuring safety, this enables you to ask questions. Guests learn more about the places they are visiting, and get the most out of your vacation.

Best time to go for a gorilla trekking Safari. How do I Choose A Gorilla Trekking Tour Operator?

While gorilla trekking operates year-round, the dry seasons offer the most comfortable conditions. East Africa experiences two dry periods. That is; a short season from June to September and a longer one from December to early March. However, visiting during the wet season has its advantages – parks are less crowded, permits are easier to secure, and the lush conditions create excellent opportunities for bird watching and photography. The key is choosing the timing that best aligns with your preferences and priorities.

For those considering a gorilla trekking adventure, companies like Ibuth Safaris provide comprehensive services across Uganda and Rwanda. Their established connections with accommodation providers, local guides, and other stakeholders help ensure a smooth experience.

To make the most of your journey, consider combining your gorilla trek with other regional highlight. You can choose from traditional wildlife safaris and nature walks to cultural encounters with local communities. Each additional experience adds another layer to your understanding of these remarkable countries.

To sum it up, gorilla trekking is a must-do adventure for anyone passionate about primates. Ready to plan your journey? Our team would be delighted to help organize your gorilla trek or discuss additional safari activities to enhance your experience. Reach out to us by phone at +256 393 247 137 / +256 742 678 918. Or send an email to info@ibuthsafaris.com for more information.