Where is The Best Place To Do Gorilla Trekking in East Africa?
Where is The Best Place To Do Gorilla Trekking in East Africa?
Gorilla trekking in Africa as well as the whole world is only done in Uganda, Rwanda and DR. Congo. Gorilla trekking is one of the most incredible and memorable experiences one should do once in a lifetime.
Deciding the best place to do gorilla trekking in East Africa is hard, however there are several factors that will help you decide the best destination for you and these include prices, levels of security and comfort.
Types of Gorillas You can Track and Where to find them
There are only two types of gorillas that is lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas, seeing these gorillas depend on which part of Africa you visit. These gorillas can be classified as Eastern or Western gorillas.
Lowland gorillas can be found in the east and west Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the Republic of Congo, and Angola are home to the western lowland gorillas.
Congo is the only home to the eastern lowland gorillas.
Mountain gorillas on the other hand (known for living in altitudes above 2200 m) is considered one of the most endangered species by the IUCN. With less than 1500 species roaming free, they can only be found in four locations that is Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in DR. Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
Permits and Costs
The total price of a gorilla permit plays a significant role in deciding where to go for gorilla trekking in East Africa, generally Africa is a costly destination to travel to independently. Still, for travelers planning to go gorilla trekking, prices can double or triple very easily.
Costs for tour guides, vehicles, accommodations and permits are some of the costs to consider before deciding where to do gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda or DR. Congo.
Here are some costs you need to calculate before planning your gorilla trek
Visas
Uganda – Single entry visa costs 50 USD, 110 USD for the East African Visa
Rwanda – Single entry visa costs 50 USD and the East African Visa costs 110 USD
Congo – The Kivu tourist visa costs 100 USD – only allows you to travel around the Kivu region and a DR. Congo Visa costs 200 USD.
International and local transportation
Generally, Uganda is the most affordable country to travel to from Europe or USA, a round trip costs around 600 – 700 EUR. However, Rwanda and DR. Congo costs around 700 – 1000 EUR round trip.
Most travelers combine an entire trip around the region and do different activities in all three countries until they decide where to go for gorilla trekking.
Accommodation and tours
You can find accommodation in all price ranges in all the three countries, from luxurious lodges going for dollars a night to basic guesthouses for budget travelers.
If you are planning to book a tour that takes care of everything, inform them about the kind of accommodation you want and what budget you are prepared to spend, by given your tour operator will give you more option and be able to get the best of your budget.
Gorilla Trekking Permits (for 1 hour with the gorillas)
Uganda: 800 USD
Rwanda: 1500 USD
DR Congo: 400 USD or 200 USD with a student ID
Travel Tip: Uganda is the most affordable country to travel around, even though the permits in DR. Congo are less expensive. It is cheaper to move around and it is easier to combine your gorilla trekking with different activities which will give you the best value traveling to Uganda.
Security and risks
Regarding security and potential risks, Uganda, Rwanda and DR. Congo are completely different countries. Rwanda is considered one of the safest countries even safer than some European Cities, Uganda is relatively safe – although caution should be applied and some parts of Congo are considered warzones and should be avoided at all costs.
During your gorilla safari in Uganda, basic precautions are necessary to avoid petty crime. Using private transportation to move around and not moving out of your lodge or hotel without a companion is not allowed.
In Rwanda, you can move around independently. Renting a car or a motorbike to travel around the country or using public transportation is works okay.
Meanwhile in DR. Congo, the only recommended mode of transport is private transportation. To move outside cities and specific location, you need to proceed with a private security escort and it is not advisable to leave your accommodation once the night sets on.
When it comes to security and risks, nothing compares to Rwanda (this is by far the safest country in Africa). Rwanda is the safest country in Africa and perfect for travelers concerned about insecurity, corruption and petty crime.
For travelers who like traveling off the beaten path, DR. Congo offers a more adventurous Congo safari experience. However, you will need to under the risk you are getting when visiting this country, you should be able to handle uncomfortable situations. Having a good guide in DR. Congo will improve the experience, but you have to keep in mind that this is one of the most volatile countries currently.
Where you should go
It is difficult to determine the best place for gorilla trekking Africa as each destinations offers pros and cons that can be more important depending on which kind of traveler you are.
Still each of these destinations will blow your mind and you will be thrilled to see the endangered mountain gorillas.