Gorilla trekking can be conducted all year around in Uganda and Rwanda. The best time to go gorilla trekking is during the months of June, July, August, September and December, January, February and March.
This is because there are less rains and the parks are drier, making it simple to hike and see the gorillas.
Gorilla permits within Rwanda are $1500 per individual and then in Uganda they go each at USD 700 as of 01st July 2020 and beyond.
The permit offers you one hour with the mountain gorillas in a group of 8 people. In case you are threatened by the price look at it in this point of view that you are contributing to the conservation of mountain gorillas and as a form of thank you, you will be rewarded with an hour in the midst observing and enjoying their company.
Keep in mind that just 80 people are allowed to see the gorillas in their natural habitat each day. Because their habitat is very fragile, every time you walk in this forest you leave a footprint.
For Uganda visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park which has 17 gorilla group making it the best place or park where you can see the gorillas in the wild.
Bwindi an ancient forest has 90 mammal species, 11 primates including the black and white colobus monkey.
More so if you do not feel like doing this experience in Bwindi Forest National Park which thinker destination but interested in gorilla photography you can opt to visit the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which is part of the Virunga Massifs.
Virunga is divided 3 blocks and one sector in Uganda as mentioned above and the in Rwanda it is called the Volcanoes and then in Democratic Republic of Congo is it called Virunga.
For Rwanda visit to the Volcanoes National Park will bring you face to face with these Giant Apes (mountain gorillas).
A visit to the Land of a thousand Hills offers you fantastic Rwanda gorilla safaris in the Volcanoes National Park, home to 12 habituated gorilla families existing in different locations of the park.
Besides the mountain gorilla, other attractions include over 75 species of mammals like Elephants, Buffaloes, and Giant forest Hogs, Bush bucks and spotted hyenas among others.
The park is also a home of over 180 species of birds whereby 26 species are endemic to Virunga and Rwenzori mountains.
Expect to leave your comfortable bed early enough, and move to the briefing point by 7:30am.
After briefing, tourists will be allocated different tracking routes, each 8 tourists. Head to the forest accompanied by guides and rangers as you begin you search for gorillas.
In the forest, you may see monkey species, butterfly species, mammals and so much more. Sometimes the forest is challenging and a good level of fitness will be required. At the end of the day, expect to be muddy and sweaty.
Once you see the gorillas, it’s okay to take photos with your camera or iPhone but avoid flash or else the gorillas might charge. You will spend between 40 minutes and 1 hour in company of these gentle giants.
It will be such a life changing experience. After the trek, head back to your accommodation or opt for a cultural village experience of the Batwa pygmies or Dian Fossey grave, Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke in Rwanda.
