Double gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is one of the amazing experiences for those interested in encountering the gorillas in these countries. This is a lifetime experience where travelers have an opportunity to see and encounter the mountain gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda.
Mountain gorillas live in the dense rainforests of the Volcanoes National Park that is situated within the Virunga region in the northwestern province of Rwanda. In Uganda, they are situated in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is also in the Virunga region, and the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Both the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are within southwestern Uganda. Mountain gorillas share a DNA of about 98.5% with humans.
Tracked gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda are first habituated to get them used to human presence. This habituation process takes about 2 years, and it is done by a group of researchers and rangers.
Gorilla trekking is an immersive guided hike that involves tracking gorillas in their natural habitat, typically taking 2 to 6 hours per day. As you come across them, you will have 1 hour viewing them in their natural habitat.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Uganda is one of the most fascinating destinations around the world, offering travelers the opportunity to explore various attractions throughout the country, ranging from cultural to wildlife and historical sites. Gorilla trekking is one of the most exciting activities that travelers can experience while visiting Uganda.
Uganda is considered to be home to the highest number of mountain gorillas, where it is home to more than half of the world’s population of gorillas. In Uganda, mountain gorillas are situated in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the south-western part of Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to the highest number of gorillas in Uganda. The park is divided into 4 sectors that include Rushaga, Ruhija, Mgahinga, and Nkuringo.
All these sectors are home to several habituated families that are available for tracking. In this park, travelers also can engage in gorilla habituation, which is done in the Rushaga sector.
Other activities that you can engage in during a double gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda include a Batwa community visit, forest walks, and many others.
The other destination is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is situated in southwestern Uganda in the Virunga region at the border of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In this park, there is one habituated gorilla family.
On a double gorilla trekking safari in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, there are other activities that you can engage in, like golden monkey trekking and hiking of the several Virunga ranges like Gahinga, Sabyinyo, and Muhavura.
In Uganda, there are about 21 habituated gorilla families that are available for tracking. To encounter gorillas, you are supposed to book a gorilla permit to ensure availability.
To secure a gorilla permit, you are supposed to use a licensed and reliable tour operator. The cost of the gorilla trekking permit in Uganda includes 800 USD for foreign non-residents, 700 USD for foreign residents, 500 USD for the rest of Africa residents, and 300000 UGX for East Africa residents.
Where should I stay during a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda?
While on a double gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, there are several accommodation facilities that are dotted around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These accommodation facilities are rated from budget to luxury.
Some of the accommodation facilities include Volcanoes Lodge, Rushaga Haven Lodge, Four Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Kaara Gorilla Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friends, Ride 4 Women Lodge, Sanctuary Lodge, and many others.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Rwanda is another interesting destination that you can engage in for a double gorilla-trekking safari. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in the Volcanoes National Park, which is situated within the northwestern province of the country.
Volcanoes National Park is one of the oldest national parks and is historically known for the gorilla conservation works that were led by the late Dian Fossey. The park is also within the Virunga region, and there are several Virunga ranges.
In this park there are several gorilla families that are available for tracking. To track gorillas, you are supposed to use a reliable tour operator to book a gorilla permit.
The cost of the gorilla trekking in Rwanda includes 1500 USD for foreign non-residents, 500 USD for foreign residents, and 200 USD for East African residents.
Where to stay during a gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park?
On a double gorilla trekking safari in the Volcanoes National Park, there are several accommodation facilities around the park, where these facilities are dotted around the park. Some of the accommodation facilities include Ingagi Gorilla Lodge, Mountain View Lodge, Sambora Gorilla Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Gorilla Lodge, and many others.