Gorilla tourism has become a key attraction in
Virunga massif that straddles Congo, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo
(DRC). The gorilla parks are Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park and
Mgahinga National Park in Rwanda, DRC, and Uganda respectively. Trekking these
amazing primates is every adventurer’s ultimate dream.
You can rely on tour operators like the Virunga
Community Programs for year-round mountain gorilla trekking. However, it is
important to note that seasonal changes occur in these parks where gorillas
stay.
From December to February and June to September
attract most of the tourists who come for gorilla safaris. Some also prefer
coming during low seasons when there are discounted permits.
It’s important to usually have a budget in mind
before choosing a desirable accommodation near these gorilla parks.
The gorilla trekking permits cost $1500 in
Rwanda, $600 in Uganda during high seasons with no discount provided. Gorilla
permits for Virunga National Park remain the cheapest in the whole region.
Normal price for a gorilla permit in Virunga National Park costs USD 400.00 per
person per trek compared to Uganda gorilla permits at USD600.00 and Rwanda
gorilla permits at USD1500.00, while effective 2018, the price of Congo
discounted gorilla permits (Congo low season permits) is at USD200.00 per
permit per trek.
Note that only 8 people are permitted to see a gorilla
family during the day. Virunga Community Programs advises that you book the
necessary permits plus accommodations in advance so that you may avoid
potential disappointments.
Several enthusiastic trekkers have discovered
that this is a tiring process. They instead decide to reserve their permits via
local safari operators and companies who assist them to buy the gorilla permits
and reserve accommodations much faster depending on the date of the adventure.
What to wear
Mulling over what to put on for a gorilla
trekking adventure may be quite a challenge. But when you follow these
guidelines, you are going to discover that this can be an exciting and
memorable trip.
First, you should try getting yourself the right
gorilla trekking gears. They include quality hiking or walking boots and warm
layers of attires with long sleeves for wet weather and cold evenings.
Meeting the Mountain gorillas
When you meet the primates for the time time, you
will discover that the male gorillas are two times bigger than the female ones
at about 6 feet tall and between 350 and 500 pounds. They mostly feed on
afro-montane vegetation, each day eating around 75 pounds with large quantities
of bamboo shoots, roots, flowers, fruits, and leaves. They have long muscular
arms and the silverbacks(male gorillas) may stretch to 7 feet.
Trekkers always are briefed about rules and
regulations to follow when trekking the mountain gorillas, and these include:
· Maximum of eight visitors
to a habituated gorilla family
· You should keep your
voice low when in the forest
· Do not throw rubbish in
the park
· Observe a respectable
distance of 7 meters from the gorillas
· Switch off your flash
photography
· Do not eat, drink or
smoke when you’re near the gorillas
· Do not touch them. You
ought to remember they’re wild animals
· Lastly, you should not
forget that they may charge and you shouldn’t panic in such a scenario. Instead
just stay calm, crouch and slowly look down. The gorillas also are at risk of
disease transmission.
Arrivals at park headquarters should begin as
early as 6:30 am. Ensure you check in with your permit.
Take your time also to mingle with fellow trekkers to become familiar with
various gorilla rules.
Note also that trekking mountain gorillas need
some level of fitness since it involves hiking uphill in search of the
primates. But enjoy the trekking since being in contact with the gorillas
will give you a fascinating experience to remember!
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