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 is an incredible wildlife encounter offering the most memorable experience on the planet, gorilla trekking in East Africa is done in only 4 places that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo.

Each of these gorilla trekking destinations that is Uganda, Rwanda and DR. Congo have pros and cons.

Gorilla trekking is an exciting experience in jungle which rewards with an encounter with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, East Africa is the most popular region in the world to see gorillas in the African jungles. Each gorilla location has different prices, levels of security and comfort.

What types of gorillas can you track, and where to find them

There are only two types of gorillas that is Lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas, these gorillas are more classified as Eastern or Western gorillas depending on which part of Africa you intend to trek the gorillas.

Lowland gorillas are found in the East and West of Africa

• The Western lowland gorillas are found in countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, the Central Africa Republic
• The Eastern lowland gorillas can only be found in DR. Congo

Mountain gorillas known for living in altitudes above 2200m are considered one of the most endangered species by the IUCN with less than 1500 species roaming free, they can only be found in three locations that is the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in DR Congo, and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda.

To help you choose the best place to do gorilla trekking in East Africa, here are the details to help you make your decision.

Permits and costs

The total price of a gorilla trekking safari in East Africa plays a significant role in deciding where to go. Generally, Africa is a costly destination to travel to independently. Still for all visitors planning to go gorilla trekking, prices can hike easily.

Some of the costs on a gorilla safari you must consider include tour guides, transportation that is either road or air, accommodation and gorilla permits. When planning your gorilla trek, here are some of the costs you need to calculate

Visas

• Uganda: 50 USD single entry or 110 USD for the East African Visa
• Rwanda: 50 USD single entry or 110 USD for the East African Visa
• DR Congo: 100 USD for the Kivu tourist visa (only allows you to travel around the Kivu region) or 200 USD for a DR Congo visa

Kivu Visa Stamp – visa on arrival Congo

Kivu Visa Stamp – visa on arrival Congo

International and local transportation

Generally, Uganda is the most affordable country to travel to from Europe or USA for a road trip. However, Rwanda and DR. Congo are also relatively affordable. Most of the travelers combine an entire trip around the whole region and do different activities in all three countries until they decide where to go for their gorilla trekking.

Combining these three countries for a safari is the most affordable to travel around, you can start your trip in Uganda for chimpanzee trekking, later travel to Rwanda for a safari in Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park and finally, finish your trip in DR.Congo where you do the gorilla trekking either at the Virunga National Park or the Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

To move around, you must hire a driver, multiple tour operators offer drivers and tour guides and normally the cost is included in the price for the gorilla trekking safari. 

Accommodation and tours

In all these three countries, you can find accommodation in all price ranging from luxury lodges, midrange and budget accommodation for budget travelers. If you are planning to book a tour with a tour operate or agency that takes care of everything, inform them about what kind of accommodation you want and the budget you are prepared to spend. By giving this information to your operator helps you save unnecessary money.

Price of Gorilla Trekking Permits

Gorilla Trekking permits allow visitors to stay 1 hour with the gorillas and 2-6 hours of trekking in the forest

Uganda: 700 USD

Rwanda: 1500 USD

DR Congo:  400 USD or 200 USD with a student ID

Generally, Uganda is the most affordable country to travel around. Even though permits are less expensive that DR. Congo, moving around is cheaper. Combing your gorilla trekking with different activities which will give you the best value when traveling to Uganda.

If you are traveling to the East Africa region and gorilla trekking is not your priority, Uganda is the perfect destination to visit.

Security and risks

Regarding security and potential risks, Uganda, Rwanda and DR. Congo are completely different worlds. Rwanda is considered one of the safest countries in Africa, Uganda is relatively safe although some caution should be applied and some of the DR. Congo are considered warzones and should be avoided at all costs.

During your safari visit to Uganda, basic precautions are necessary to avoid petty crime, only private transportation to move around most especially during night hours.

In Rwanda, you can move around independently at all times. You can rent a car or a motorbike to travel around, also public transportation is safe to travel around the city.

In Congo, security is a big concern and the only recommended mode of transport is using private transportation. Outside cities and specific location are needed to proceed with a private security escort and you cannot leave your accommodation in the night.

In terms of security and risks, no country compares to Rwanda as it is the safest country in Africa. For travelers concerned about insecurity, corruption and petty crime, Rwanda is the best place to visit for gorilla trekking.

For travelers who like traveling off the beaten path, DR. Congo is a more adventurous destination. However, you need to understand the risk you are getting when visiting this country. You should be able to handle the uncomfortable situations, finally having a good guide in DR. Congo will improve the experience.