When planning a gorilla trekking safari, you might wonder about your chances of seeing the Mountain Gorillas. It’s important to know that the chances of seeing these magnificent creatures in Uganda or Rwanda are remarkably high, at about 99%. Given the high cost of gorilla trekking permits, the authorities managing the parks have implemented several measures to ensure that all visitors can see the gorillas.

A key measure is the deployment of an advance team, also known as gorilla trackers. This dedicated team monitors the movements of the mountain gorillas within the park. Each morning, they determine where a particular gorilla family slept and follow the trails left by the gorillas. This tracking process ensures that tourists can closely follow and eventually see the gorilla family they are assigned to.

The Ugandan government has invested significantly in conservation efforts and in ensuring that tourists, who have paid substantial amounts for their permits, have a successful and memorable experience. The trackers’ detailed knowledge of the gorillas’ habits and movements allows them to guide tourists through the forest to the exact locations where the gorillas are likely to be found.

This meticulous planning and tracking process has made gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda highly reliable. Tourists can embark on their trekking adventure with confidence, knowing that the chances of encountering a mountain gorilla family are almost guaranteed. This success rate underscores the effectiveness of the conservation and tracking efforts in place, providing a fulfilling and awe-inspiring experience for all visitors.

What is the Secret to Seeing Mountain Gorillas on Your Trek in Uganda?

Will I see the Gorillas on my Trek?

Yes, most definitely! One of the secrets to the high success rate of seeing mountain gorillas is the use of an advance team of pre-trackers. This team wakes up very early and follows the trails left by the mountain gorillas from where they spent the night. Although this advance team is not usually seen by the guests doing the trek, they communicate with the ranger guides to ensure that the groups assigned to a particular gorilla family follow the correct trail.

Mountain gorillas are constantly on the move, as they leave their overnight spots and roam the forest in search of food. The advance team, equipped with GPS devices and satellite phones, tracks these movements and keeps tabs on the last known locations of each gorilla family. Since gorillas typically move only about 2 to 3 kilometers per day, the advance team can easily detect them and provide accurate directions to the ranger guides who accompany the tourists. This information is relayed to the rangers early in the morning while you are still enjoying breakfast at your lodge.

When can I miss seeing the Gorillas?

The only time you might miss seeing the mountain gorillas is if you are unable to enter the forest due to illness. If you fall sick, catch a cold, experience stomach problems, or suffer from any other condition that prevents you from trekking, you will likely miss the opportunity to see the gorillas.

However, the chances of seeing the mountain gorillas on your trek are exceptionally high, thanks to the efforts of an advance team of pre-trackers. These dedicated individuals wake up early and follow the trails left by the gorillas from where they spent the night. Although the pre-trackers are not seen by the trekking guests, they maintain constant communication with the ranger guides. This ensures that the tourists assigned to a particular gorilla family follow the correct trail.

Mountain gorillas move around the forest daily in search of food, covering about 2 to 3 kilometers each day. The advance team, equipped with GPS devices and satellite phones, tracks these movements and provides precise directions to the ranger guides. This information is relayed early in the morning, ensuring that tourists can confidently follow the right path to encounter the gorillas.

Where can i see gorilla in Africa?

Gorilla trekking is one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences available, and Africa is home to both mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas. Here are the primary destinations where you can see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats:

Mountain Gorillas

1. Uganda

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Bwindi is one of the best places to see mountain gorillas. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The park offers a challenging but rewarding trek through dense rainforest to encounter these majestic animals.
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Though smaller than Bwindi, Mgahinga is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area. It provides an equally exhilarating gorilla trekking experience.

2. Rwanda

• Volcanoes National Park: Located in the Virunga Mountains, this park is renowned for its successful conservation efforts and well-organized gorilla trekking. Rwanda offers a more luxurious trekking experience with well-developed infrastructure, making it a popular choice for many travelers.

3. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

• Virunga National Park: This park is the oldest national park in Africa and one of the most biologically diverse. It offers an adventurous trekking experience, though it is less frequented due to the region’s political instability.

Lowland Gorillas

1. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

• Kahuzi-Biega National Park: This park is one of the best places to see Eastern Lowland Gorillas. It offers a unique trekking experience through diverse habitats, from dense tropical forests to bamboo groves.

2. Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville)

• Odzala-Kokoua National Park: This remote and wild park is an excellent location for seeing Western Lowland Gorillas. The park’s conservation efforts provide a rare opportunity to see these gorillas in a more secluded and pristine environment.

3. Central African Republic

• Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve: Part of the Sangha Trinational UNESCO World Heritage site, this reserve offers exceptional opportunities to observe Western Lowland Gorillas, often in large family groups.

What to Expect during Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is an adventurous activity that involves hiking through dense forests and rugged terrains, often at high altitudes. This experience can be physically demanding due to the challenging landscape and varying weather conditions. However, the opportunity to encounter a family of gorillas in their natural habitat is a reward beyond compare. Trekking through the lush vegetation, trekkers follow trails that are sometimes steep and muddy, requiring a good level of fitness and determination.

The duration of a gorilla trek can vary significantly, ranging from a few hours to an entire day, largely depending on the location of the gorilla groups. Rangers and guides accompany trekkers, providing valuable insights about the forest ecosystem and ensuring safety throughout the journey. The anticipation builds as trekkers approach the gorillas, often indicated by the sounds of their movements and vocalizations.

Upon reaching the gorillas, trekkers are allowed a precious hour to observe and photograph these magnificent creatures. Watching the gorillas interact, play, and go about their daily activities in such close proximity is an unforgettable experience. This encounter offers a profound connection with nature and a deeper appreciation for the conservation efforts that protect these endangered primates and their habitats.

Booking a Gorilla Trekking Safari with Kenlink Tours.

Booking a gorilla trekking safari with Kenlink Tours promises an unforgettable adventure. Renowned for their expertise and excellent service, Kenlink Tours offers comprehensive packages that include permits, guided treks, and comfortable accommodations. Our knowledgeable guides ensure a safe and enriching experience, leading you through dense forests to encounter gorillas in their natural habitat. The company’s commitment to sustainable tourism and conservation enhances the experience, providing insights into the efforts to protect these majestic creatures. With us, you can expect a well-organized, memorable safari that connects you deeply with nature and the awe-inspiring gorillas.