Chances of Seeing Gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo
What are the Chances of Seeing Gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo?
Visitors planning to go Gorilla trekking in Africa are always concerned about the chances of seeing Mountain Gorillas. What are the chances for a successful Gorilla trek? Or, upon tracking, what are the chances of finding the Gorillas? These are some of what visitors search for when checking for gorilla trekking reviews on the internet, and they are right. Gorilla trekking is an expensive activity considering the price of a Gorilla permit, airline tickets, accommodation, Visas, transport and gear to be used for the activity. For a fact, the chances of encountering Gorillas are more than 95%. As you plan for your Gorilla Safari, be 95% sure that you will see the Gorillas. We would give 100% surety but we rule out the 5% for nature’s uncertainties.
Emphatically, the chances of seeing Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat are very high. If it were not so, Gorilla trekking Safaris wouldn’t be this popular. Basing on our extensive experience in organizing gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo – the chances of seeing the gorillas are 95%. We would even confidently say 100% for Uganda and Rwanda.
Is it possible to see Gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo on a single visit/trek? What are the chances?
This question is more or less similar to the main subject matter. We see many visitors opting for double Gorilla trekking. It is perhaps for fear of losing out on one, unaware that it is possible to see Gorillas even on a single visit/trek. On the other hand, this experience has always left visitors yearning for more as no one can ever have enough of the Gorillas. Each encounter with them is different regardless of the number of visits. As a matter of fact, visitors have always booked double tracking or tracking more times than once where resources can allow.
Gorilla trekking can be carried out throughout the year, including the major national holidays, with potential disruption being significant events like insecurity in the park, as seen in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Take note, that heavy rain does not deter gorilla trekking activities. We have had only one rare instance in the past concerning unsuccessful Gorilla trekking experience. It’s when a husband fell ill and was exhausted along the way thus preventing the wife from succeeding in gorilla trekking. She couldn’t continue minus him.
What makes the chances of seeing Gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo very high?
Gorilla families’ allocations basing on fitness levels
Allocation of Gorilla families is based on the individual fitness levels. This helps to ensure that all visitors can complete the trek. Gorilla groups located far from the respective trek starting points are allocated to the younger and more physically fit people. Older people and others with physical fitness challenges are assigned families that are closer to the starting point. Incase of any physical limitations, please communicate upon booking your Gorilla safari to get the required assistance.
Contrary to the above, there are some physical limitations that automatically disqualifies a visitor from tracking the Gorillas. Individuals with diseases like cough, flu or diarrhea, for example, are not permitted to track Gorillas. This is to prevent the transmission of diseases to these primates. Gorillas have limited immunity to human illnesses. If you feel that you may not be physically fit enough for the activity, inform Jungle Escape Africa Reservations team to reschedule your visit early enough.
Advance team of Trackers locate the Gorillas first
In Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, the advance group of trackers are the real heroes of Gorilla trekking. Their role is to ensure that tourists and rangers do not wander aimlessly through the forest. This increases the chances of a successful Gorilla trek. The trackers are part of the park staff. They reach the park very early in the morning to locate the Gorilla groups before visitors are led into the forest. Once they locate a gorilla family, they relay the precise location to the rangers while using global positioning devices, or satellite phones. The visitors are then led by the ranger guide along the easiest route to reach the gorilla group. If not for these trackers, perhaps finding Gorillas would be considered very challenging.
Preparing well for the gorilla trek increases chances
Among others, mental preparedness and practicing walking beforehand will increase chances for a successful Gorilla trek. Don’t forget to carry the items listed on the gorilla trekking packing list. These include hiking boots, long shirts and trousers, hand gloves and a warm jacket. These items support trackers to navigate the dense Gorilla jungle, mud, insects as well as the sun’s rays.
It’s advisable to book early. During the peak season of June, July and August the Gorilla parks receive many visitors just like the rest of the countries’ parks. If you have doubts about your physical fitness level, it is recommended to book your trip early and always make sure to be assigned to an easier trek in the appropriate sector of the park.
Gorilla habituation raises chances for a successful trek
Gorilla habituation plays a key role in successful Gorilla treks. One final point to consider is that visitors are taken to watch habituated Gorilla families. Habituated Gorilla families are accustomed to human presence and will not flee when approached. This increases the chances for successful Gorilla Safari.
Also, tourists desiring to have more time with the gorillas can engage in the gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi. This magical encounter differs from standard gorilla trekking as it involves spending four hours after locating them. Visitors have one hour for the regular Gorilla treks.
How difficult is Gorilla trekking? What are the chances for a successful Gorilla trek?
Can a difficult trek limit my chances of finding the Gorillas? Gorilla trekking is considered challenging because of the high elevations in which the Gorilla parks are located. However, any moderately fit individual can register a successful gorilla trek. Gauging the level of difficulty experienced during Gorilla trekking is based on various factors. These include the location of a Gorilla family, the tracking area, Gorilla movements and the trekker’s physical fitness level.
What is the cost of gorilla trekking – Uganda, Rwanda & Congo
Can the high cost of a Gorilla permit limit one’s chances of seeing the Gorillas? No. The cost of gorilla trekking depends on the country you choose to visit. In Uganda, the prices for a gorilla permit have been revised by ‘’UWA’’ Uganda Wildlife Authority. Early last year 2024, Uganda Wildlife Authority confirmed that from 01st July 2024 to 30the June 2026. Uganda gorilla permit will cost USD800 from previous price of USD700, Rest of Africa pay USD500, USD700 for foreign resident and UGX300,000 for East African Citizens.
Rwanda gorilla permits cost USD1500 per person per day, making it the most expensive. For those seeking a budget friendly option, can do gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo available at a cost USD400 per permit. Most importantly, these prices are subject to change and it is advisable to check with the respective authorities or a reliable tour operator like Jungle Escape Africa for the most recent updates. See Rwanda to Uganda Gorilla safaris.
All in all, despite the high chances of seeing Gorillas, it is advisable to book your gorilla safari at least five months in advance. This permits your tour operator ample time to plan your trip successfully, including securing a trek in an easier sector or with a shorter distance to cover.