This gorilla tracking safari offers you the opportunity to trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park respectively.
Having a chance to see some of the last remaining 800 mountain gorillas in the world is a wonderful experience in their main habitat. These gorilla safaris starts and ends in Rwanda.
On day one, you will be picked from your hotel or place of residence and transferred to Parc Nationale des Volcanoes, Overnight at: Luxury lodge (Up-market): Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Gorillas Nest Lodge.
Moderate: La Palme Hotel or Volcanoes Gorilla Lodge. Low Budget: Kinigi Guest House or Muhavura Lodge. Meal plan: Lunch and Dinner
On day two, have breakfast and go for briefing after that set off in the forest for Gorilla trekking. A thrilling trek through the refined foothills of the Virungas provides inspiring views in all directions.
Then, suddenly, the trail enters the national park, engrossing trekkers in the strange closeness of the rain forest, alive with the calls of colourful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, and besieged with fresh spoor of the mountains’ elusive populations of buffaloes and elephants.
Through gaps in the forest canopy, the marvelous peaks are sighted, easily easy to get to and among the uppermost in Africa, indicating an ascent.
Gorilla trekking is quite strenuous but a worthwhile on encounter of these gentle giants. The enthusiasm of your coming across with these apes will wipe away your intricacy of the strenuous trek.
Spend time watching gorillas, watch the adults feeding their young ones, brushing and resting as the youngsters play from vines in a pleasurably playful display. After your trek, have lunch and depart for Uganda.
You will cross the border via Kisoro then clear at the boarder – Uganda is 1 hour ahead of Rwanda. Gorilla Valley Lodge/ Travelers Rest Hotel Kisoro (lower budget).
Moderate: Gorilla Safari Lodge/ Chameleon Hill Resort/ Mutanda Lake Resort. Up-market: Volcanoes Mgahinga Lodge/ Rushaga Gorillas Safari Lodge
On day three, after breakfast, proceed for the morning briefing before enjoying the highlight of the trip- Gorilla trekking, which may last the entire day. We trek through the rain forest and bamboo covered slopes, accompanied by a guide and trackers, in search of a mountain gorilla family.
The walking can sometimes be tough and long, but when you catch a glimpse of the magnificent silver back, any discomforts will be quickly forgotten.
When sighted, visitors will be guided to within 6 metres from the gorillas, sit around them for a whole hour while gazing into their big round eyes. Gorilla trekking is unpredictable.
It’s difficult to foresee how many hours you will hike. The gorilla excursion can take from 2 up to 8 hours. Expect to walk along distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas.
A good physical condition is recommended. For conservation purposes, time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour. A ranger will brief you on how to behave with the gorillas. Return to Rwanda after the trek.
