Gorillas In Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda : Welcome to the land of the mountain gorillas! Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda are home to some of the last remaining mountain gorillas in the world. These magnificent creatures are endangered, and visiting them is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. Here is a guide to visiting gorillas in Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda.
Uganda:
Uganda is home to half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. The gorillas live in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in southwestern Uganda. To visit the gorillas, you must obtain a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The permit costs $700 per person and allows you to spend one hour with a gorilla family.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a strenuous activity, and visitors are advised to be in good physical condition. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. Once you reach the gorillas, you will be amazed by their sheer size and peaceful demeanor. Watching them interact with each other is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Congo:
Congo is home to the Virunga National Park, which is home to a quarter of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking in Congo is more challenging than in Uganda or Rwanda due to the country’s unstable political situation. However, with the right tour company, gorilla trekking in Congo can be a rewarding experience.
To visit the gorillas in Congo, you will need to obtain a permit from the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature. The permit costs $400 per person and allows you to spend one hour with a gorilla family.
Rwanda:
Rwanda is home to the Volcanoes National Park, which is located in the northwest part of the country. The park is home to about one third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. To visit the gorillas in Rwanda, you will need to obtain a permit from the Rwanda Development Board. The permit costs $1,500 per person and allows you to spend one hour with a gorilla family.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is less strenuous than in Uganda due to the shorter distances you need to trek. However, it is still a challenging activity, and visitors are advised to be in good physical condition. Once you reach the gorillas, you will be struck by their intelligence and gentle nature.
Visiting gorillas in Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda is an experience that should not be missed. These incredible creatures are endangered, and seeing them in their natural habitat is a privilege. Whether you choose to visit them in Uganda, Congo, or Rwanda, you are guaranteed to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget.
Rwanda is one of the three countries in the world where you can go on a gorilla trek and see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. There are currently 12 gorilla families in Rwanda that are habituated and available for visits. Each family has its own unique characteristics, personalities, and behaviors that make every visit a unique experience. Here are some of the gorilla family groups you can visit on your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour:
- Amahoro Group:
The Amahoro group is a peaceful family led by Ubumwe, the dominant silverback. Amahoro means “peace” in the local language, and the name suits this family perfectly. The group is made up of 17 individuals, including one blackback, four adult females, and several juveniles.
- Hirwa Group:
The Hirwa group is a relatively new group formed in 2006 when members of two different groups merged. Hirwa means “lucky one” in the local language, and the name was chosen because the merger resulted in a larger and stronger family. The group is led by Munyinga, a dominant silverback, and has 16 members, including two blackbacks, five adult females, and several juveniles.
- Sabyinyo Group:
The Sabyinyo group is named after the Sabyinyo volcano, which is part of their habitat in the Virunga Mountains. The group is led by Guhonda, the largest and most dominant silverback in Rwanda. The group has 13 members, including two silverbacks, two blackbacks, four adult females, and several juveniles.
- Umubano Group:
The Umubano group was formed in 2008 when Charles, a blackback, left the Amahoro group to form his own family. The group is led by Ubumwe, a dominant silverback, and has 13 members, including one silverback, one blackback, four adult females, and several juveniles.
