If you are thinking about taking a wildlife safari or any adventure vacation and you like animals why not do something different and visit the rare mountain gorillas in Africa? Well, do you know that there are just about 1000 mountain gorillas left in the world?
Do you know that there are only three countries in the world where the mountain gorillas are found? Do you know that these apes are classified as endangered and really need your efforts in order to survive?
There are about 1000 mountain gorillas left in the world surviving within only three African countries; Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (former Zaire). Unlike their counterparts the lowland gorillas, there are no mountain gorillas in the zoos and to see them, you have to take an African safari to one of these three African countries!
Therefore if you are an adventurer who loves animal safaris most especially trips that focus on primates and apes, then you might enjoy going to exotic gorilla trekking safaris. This special get away is incomparable to going to the zoo and indeed it is a better, thrilling and extra ordinary experience. On a gorilla trek through the parks that host the mountain gorillas, you will actually get to see the animals in their natural habitat, get close with the gentle giants, see them eye to eye this time in their natural wild.
In other words, you will see how they really interact with themselves, other animals, and nature. This is much more authentic than going to a zoo where the animals are held in captivity. You will get to see them up close just as you would in a zoo, but more real and exciting. You will get to see them through your safari vehicle. In other words, you will be driving right up to them and observing them through the windows of your car. Do not entice the animals and you will be safe and sound.
Why Go Gorilla Tracking?
Gorilla trekking is fast becoming a popular adventurous activity for visitors who take their holidays in Africa. Though may be you have ever seen the gorillas within the zoos in Europe or America, gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo are quite a different holiday, once in a lifetime. With only about 880 mountain gorillas still surviving in the wild of the Virunga Ranges, visiting the mountain gorillas within the tropical rain forests in one of the above countries is a magical, exhilarating once in a life time thing to do for not only a noble cause but also for a rewarding experience.
Where To Go Gorilla Trekking
There are only three countries where one can go gorilla trekking: Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Many travelers who want to go on a gorilla trek wonder about how to choose the best place for their trek. Which places in either Uganda and Rwanda, are best to see gorillas?
How Much Does It Cost To Go Gorilla Trekking
In order to track the mountain gorillas, one needs to book gorilla permits in advance. The cost of a gorilla permit differs from one country to another. In Uganda, the permits cost US$800 per person and the prices go down to as low as USD450 per person during the months of April, May and November. In Rwanda, gorilla permits cost US$1500 per person while in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) they cost US$450 per person.
If you are to travel independently, you can book these permits with respective organizations within the three countries; Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Uganda, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Rwanda and the Virunga National Park (gorillacd.org) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There are several travel agencies that can help to book gorilla permits such as Go Gorilla Trekking, specialists in selling gorilla tour packages.
Most tour operators sell gorilla permits in a fully inclusive tour package (FIT) to travelers. This is the most common form of securing gorilla permits and tour operators have an upper hand in organizing a smooth and safe gorilla tour.
When To Go Gorilla Trekking
Many travelers wonder about the best time to go gorilla trekking in Africa. However the most important thing to know is that Africa is an all year round destination and it can be visited anytime of the year.
