FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking refers to the tracking and observing of gorillas in their natural habitat. This activity allows people to get into the natural habitat of these endangered primates to witness them. The gorilla trekking experience can only be done in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
However, one requires a gorilla permit to be able to trek these endangered primates in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park. The trekking in the parks starts with an early morning briefing at the park headquaters followed by a hike into the dense forest. Once a gorilla family is located, you will be allowed to spend an hour in their presence. After the activity, you will be awarded with a certificate.
Vibrant Holiday Safaris is licensed to provide tailor-made gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.
What is gorilla habituation?
Habituation refers to the process by which wild animals become accustomed to the presence of humans and learn to be around them without being aggressive. The gorilla habituation process is an extended version of gorilla trekking. During the habituation process, the visitors have a chance to spend up to the whole day in the presence of these endangered species.
When is the best time to trek gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda can be done all year round. However, June, July, August, September, December to February are the best months of the year for the trekking activity since it is the dry season. It is important to note that the weather conditions may change during the above suggested months.
What are the prices of gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda?
A gorilla permit is a payment proof card that allows visitors to participate in the gorilla trekking experience in both Uganda and Rwanda. This permit has to be acquired months before the trekking dates. This is due to the very high demand of the activity, therefore, one has to book in advance so as not to miss out on the permits.
In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs 800$ well as the same permit costs 1500$ in Rwanda. This payment allows you to spend upto an hour in the presence of these endangered primates.
When to book a gorilla permit
At Vibrant Holiday Safaris, we advise that you book your gorilla permit 2-3 months before your travel date to avoid disappoints mostly in the peak season of June, July, August, September, December, Jan and February since permits are likely to be so limited due to the high demand.
To know more about availability of these permits, please contact Vibrant Holiday Safaris and we shall guide you right from the booking process to the trekking activity.
What are the chances of spotting mountain gorillas?
The chances of spotting mountain gorillas are upto 98%. This is possible because an advanced team of mountain gorilla trackers get into the thick forest early enough to locate the gorilla groups. Once located, they do communicate on the where about of the gorillas to your assigned ranger guide. This advanced team keeps the communication with your guide to ensure you are on the right track until you locate the gorilla family. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS