GORILLAS
Gorillas are amongst the most spectacular animals on the planet
and visiting them is one of the finest wildlife experiences imaginable.
Trekking Mountain Gorillas can be done in three countries, all
of which are located in Central Africa.
UGANDA (Click
for more / click to close)
To the south-western corner
of Uganda is Bwindi Impenetrable National
Park. A World Heritage Site, Bwindi is
home to roughly 350 Gorillas, about half of the worlds
wild mountain gorilla population. Apart from its rare
apes, Bwindi offers a variety of activities and encounters,
from primates, to over 100 mammal species, brilliant
birdlife, age-old trees, spectacular butterflies and
friendly people. Buhoma Village is the hub for gorilla
trekking in Bwindi offering a variety of lodges which
cater for all types of travellers. The main UWA (Ugandan
Wildlife Authority) Park Offices are situated here
and it is where the majority of gorilla treks begin.
Currently, Bwindi offers five habituated gorilla families.
Mubare, (5) Rushegura, (19) Habinyanja,
(18) are located in the Buhoma region, Nkuringo (15)
in the Nikoringo area and Bitukura (13) in Ruhija.
(July 2009)
Later this year, Nshongi near Rushaga is due to come online for visitors.
Uganda is not just about Gorillas, it offers a variety
of other activities including habituated chimpanzee
encounters, spectacular wildlife including tree-climbing
lions, some of the best birding on the continent which
includes sightings of the elusive shoebill bird, superb
fishing, white river rafting, waterfalls and a hole
lot more.
Based on my experience of other central-African countries,
Bwindi has proven over time to be the premier destination
to see gorillas and the ultimate African rainforest
experience.
| Success rate of viewing Gorillas |
9 ½ /10 |
| Overall cost of journey |
Medium to expensive (determined by number of days
/ length) |
| Cost per permit |
USD 500. Pre-purchased for a set group of 8 people |
| Trekking time |
Anywhere from 20 minutes to 8 hours, depending on
which gorilla group you choose |
| Viewing time |
Limited to 1hr from the time you enter their space |
| Current permit allocation per day |
Bwindi-Buhoma: 24; Bwindi-Nkuringo 8; Bwindi Ruhija
8 |
| Best months |
Jan / Feb, July & Aug, with March & June
being my favourite months |
| Worst months |
April & May, October & November |
| Age limit |
15 years of age |
| General fitness level |
7 / 10 |
| Current Security |
9 ½ /10 |
Mgahinga Gorilla National
Park is the second but less reliable place
to see Mountain Gorillas in Uganda. However, due to its geographical
proximity to Rwanda’s Virunga National Park, the gorillas
often cross borders and are not accessible to visitors in
Uganda. Mgahinga also offers great birding, lovely hiking
trails, a variety of primates including the beautiful Golden
Monkey.
| Success rate of viewing Gorillas |
4 /10 |
| Overall cost of journey |
Expensive due to its location |
| Cost per permit |
USD 500 / only one group |
| Trekking time |
1 – 5 hours |
| Viewing time |
Limited to 1hr from the time you enter their space |
| Current permit allocation per day |
Nyakagezi, 8 |
| Best months |
Jan / Feb, mid March, June, July & Aug |
| Worst months |
April & May, October & November |
| Age limit |
15 years of age |
| General fitness level |
6 / 10 |
| Current Security |
9 ½ /10 |
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RWANDA (Click
for more / click to close)
Parc Nationale Des Volcans is Rwanda’s
premier tourist destination. A mere 1 ½ hours drive
north from the capital Kigali, Volcanoes National Park
and its Gorillas were made famous by their murdered protector,
American primatologist Dian Fossey. Surviving amongst all
the odds in the misty rainforest below Rwanda’s towering
Virunga volcanoes are roughly 200 endangered Mountain Gorillas.
Access begins in the town of Musanze, (old Ruhungeri town)
which is situated at the base to the entrance of the park.
Currently, Volcanoes offers 7 habituated Gorilla families:
Susa (40), Sabyinyo, (9) Group 13, (25) Amahoro, (16) Hirwa
(12) and Kwitonda (17).
Apart from Gorilla trekking, the park also offers fantastic
Golden Monkey trekking, scheduled hikes to Dian’s Fossey’s
gravesite, cultural interaction and spectacular scenic drives
in the area. Lake Kivu is simply magnificent with Akagera
and Nyungwe National Parks providing some great birding,
fauna, flora and wildlife encounters. A journey to Rwanda
is not complete without a visit to the Genocide Museum.
| Success rate of viewing Gorillas |
9 ½ /10 |
| Overall cost of journey |
Medium to expensive (determined by number of days
and quality of lodge chosen) |
| Cost per permit |
USD 500 |
| Trekking time |
Anywhere from 20 minutes to 6 hours, depending on
which gorilla group you are allocated |
| Viewing time |
1 hour only from the time you locate them |
| Current permit allocation per day |
Volcanoes National Park – 56. |
| Best months |
Jan / Feb, June, July, Aug & Sept |
| Worst months |
|
| Age limit |
15 years of age |
| General fitness level |
5 / 10 |
| Current Security |
9 ½ /10 |
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Gorilla trekking with Xa! nini Safaris
Wildlife has always been my absolute passion with gorillas
high on my, “To Do list before I die”! In
July 2006 my dream became a reality and I journeyed to Uganda’s
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Today this magical forest
and country forms the backbone of my Gorilla safari business
and through my continued travel to this region enables me
to share with you my passion and knowledge of fantastic Gorilla
trekking.
We will design a journey that suits your safety, comfort
and needs:
- Individually tailored packages.
- Travel independently or join a private safari.
- Eco friendly lodges with en-suite facilities in prime locations.
- Culinary expertise featuring organic fruits and vegetables.
- Using small, exclusive camps, private vehicles and expert
local guides.
- Meet and greet at International Airports.
- Safe and reliable air and road transfers.
- The use of responsible operators who adhere to the sound
ecological principles of conservation.
Central Africa offers a diverse range
of sites and activities:
- Tracking rare Mountain Gorillas.
- Phenomenal bird watching, with over 1008 species recorded.
- Renowned primate encounters, especially chimpanzees and
Golden Monkey’s.
- Guided bush walks in a variety of National Parks and private
concessions.
- Phenomenal game viewing.
- Spectacular waterfalls, white river rafting and fresh water
fishing on the Nile.
- Cultural interaction with local communities.
TIPS WHEN PLANNING A GORILLA JOURNEY
- Plan as far
in advance as possible in order to secure Gorilla permits
and suitable accommodation.
- Permits
are worth their weight in gold and are in high demand during
the peak trek months. Permits can be bought
up to one year in advance. In order to secure multiple
permits in specific groups, book well in advance or in the
off-peak months.
- Minimum age
limit for visiting the gorillas is 15 years of age.
- Minimum
age limit for visiting the chimpanzees is 12 years of age.
- Gorilla
permits are non-transferable and non-refundable. Visitors
tracking gorillas all day, and who fail to see them
will be refunded 75% of the tracking fee.
- Tracking gorillas
is un-predictable and can be very strenuous. We encourage
you for your own enjoyment to
make sure that you are relatively fit and healthy.
- Entry
visas can be purchased on arrival at Entebbe International
Airport or Kigali International Airports
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