Africa is home to the three best countries in the world for a gorilla safari. The Uganda, Rwanda and Congo have made a name for themselves in the safari industry as the leading destinations for travelers seeking gorilla treks through untamed, pristine rain forests in search of these elusive primates. The experience of encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is said to be a life-changing and eye-opening moment that has become an unforgettable memory for all who have had the privilege to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo are amazing countries to visit for a complete wildlife safari. In terms of biodiversity, they offer the full tour package. Visitors are always impressed with the weather and stunning scenery. They are the only countries where you can go see the endangered silver back gorillas and learn about gorilla conservation programs during your wildlife tour.
Uganda and Rwanda are very safe countries to go for wildlife. There is still instability in certain parts of Congo but the country’s unique attractions make her simply irresistible – Democratic Republic of Congo is the only country where you can see both silver back mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas.
Security and safety while watching silver back gorillas during a Congo Safari is assured by assigning armed rangers to move with visitors throughout their gorilla tracking safari. A gorilla safari in Congo may be unpredictable because of the insecurity around the Virunga National Park, but the park management is prepared to go to great lengths to protect tourists including closing the park if things appear to be getting out of hand.
Whereas game drives are great, an African safari is incomplete without a silver back gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. A silver back gorilla safari takes you hiking through dense rain forest to meet face to face with wild gorillas in Africa. Trekking to see silver back gorillas in Africa or participating in the gorilla habituation experience are special and once in a lifetime experiences – You will be having a close encounter with creatures that look and behave like we humans.
In countries where mountain gorilla trekking is possible, gorilla tourism is far more valuable – Most visitors to East Africa come to see wild gorillas alongside other activities like golden monkey trekking, birding, mountain hiking, chimpanzee trekking or visiting the grave of Dian Fossey. We are also including cultural visits like visiting the Iby’Iwacu cultural village and the Batwa among others during a Rwanda or Uganda safari.
With about 28 Gorilla groups available for trekking, only 8 visitors are allowed to visit each gorilla family in a day. Gorilla permits sell like hot cake and competition for the available daily permits is high – Gorilla permits in Africa are sold on first come first serve basis. Visitor must book early in order to secure their gorilla permits.
Tracking gorillas in Africa is a year-round. However, the best time to visit Uganda and other East African counties on a safari is during the drier seasons (January, February, June, July, August and September). During the drier months, the park roads are free of mud and the animals gather at specific waterholes to drink making it easy to spot them. Gorilla trekking in Africa is best done during the dry season to avoid the slippery trails typical of rainy seasons.
During a gorilla safari in Africa, the decision on which gorilla family to track depends on your overall fitness and preference. Some gorilla groups live near the starting points for tracking while others go deeper in the forest.
With a luxury gorilla tours in Africa, you get to travel in luxury tour vans and sleep in the best hotels and lodges while drinking fine wine in the African bush. Luxury gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo can be arranged for individuals, families, large groups and honeymooners.
Honeymoon safaris in East Africa involve special treats for lovers who want to spend their honeymoon experiencing Africa’s beautiful nature or taking part in activities like gorilla trekking. Imagine spending time with your loved one away from the hustle and bustle back in your city while watching breath-taking wildlife, relaxing on lake Kivu, enjoying the natural green African vegetation and landscape under the stars.
When you are with the gorillas: A 7-meter (21 feet) distance should be observed at all times from the gorillas. The further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be. You must stay in tight group when you are near the gorillas. Keep your voices down at all times. However, it is okay to ask the guide questions. Do not smoke, drink or eat when you are near the gorillas. Eating or drinking inevitably will increase the risk of food/drink morsels/droplets falling, which could increase the risk of transmission of diseases. Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the guides example (crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes and wait for the animals to pass). Do not attempt to run away because that will increase the risk. Flash photography is not permitted! When taking pictures move slowly and carefully. Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals. The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is one hour. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will finish the visit early.
You need Hiking boots, a rain jacket, garden gloves, long sleeved shirts, a backpack, drinking water, energy giving foods among others for you to successfully prepare for your gorilla trek.
You have an opportunity to literally explore Rwanda from south to north and to have a glimpse of what generally the country can offer. Fascinating landscape, beautiful rivers and lakes, overlapping hills and lush green forests will be some of the highlights you may enjoy as you trek to see the primates on this trip.
Transfer to volcanoes national park in Kinigi via Gisenyi in Ruhengeri. You will pass via tea plantations with spectacular views of the neighbouring communities and beautiful sceneries reaching in the evening. The distance from Kibuye to Volcanoes is roughly 3-4 hours’ drive. You will spend an hour with the mountain gorillas and then descend back to the lodge.
