Our 1-day gorilla trekking safari takes you to Rwanda’s most visited national park; Volcanoes National Park for a lifetime gorilla …

Capturing the magical eyes, the silver-lined backs of the male gorillas and the feeding style of the female gorillas in the secret jungle where only trees, the camera and the stolen echoes from the birds as you witness the action might be the only encounter you need to have a peace of mind and a lifetime memory. Yes, gorillas are our closest relatives, that have detached themselves from us a thousand years ago and choosing to live in a paradise that has hidden its face from the face of the earth, just like a bride on the wedding day, thus a reason why with the little savings you may have, take a step to have a gorilla trekking safari to Africa. Research shows that gorillas share over 95% human DNA with similar senses to that of humans, and feed and nurse their young ones the same way. In a group, they are called a troop, led by a dominant silverback, which has the role of ensuring unity, protection and provision. In case the mothers are dead or lost, then it takes up the mother’s duties as well. Over 8 members may compose a family, which besides the silverbacks, there are infants, black backs, adolescents and the mothers among others.
These apes love moving from one place to another every day in search of foliage such as bamboo, stems, leaves, fruits and shots; as well as for security purposes. The adults eat up to 30kgs per day thus the secret of their strength and giant bodies. They are gentle and shy if not scared, but very aggressive when annoyed. Their reaction to anger includes tearing vegetation, thumbing the ground, running around the territory on four legs, hooting repeatedly, kicking the air, beating the chest, and figurative feeding among others; a reaction which can be controlled by squatting done, staying in the same place, keeping quiet or looking done. It can be unforgettable when such an event happens, though on the other hand so dangerous and uncalled for.
Our 1-day gorilla trekking safari takes you to Rwanda’s most visited national park; Volcanoes National Park for a lifetime gorilla …
Due to the conservation efforts put in place, the population of gorillas has grown to over 1000 individuals in the wild, and open for visitors aged 15 years and above for trekking, research and habituation experiences. Africa is the only continent hosting the mountain gorilla species in the Virunga chain of mountains, and the Eastern lowland gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The eastern lowland gorillas are a unique species, quite bigger than the mountain gorillas, though very playful, and ever on the ground feeding or resting. In East Africa, they can only be found in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kahuzi-Biega national park.
Gorilla lovers have a choice to make between the two, or all of them. From game viewing, beach safaris, birding and cultural experience, Gorilla trekking is now on-demand, and one of the activities on everyone's bucket list. Prices are fixed, and it won't be a mistake that one may regard it as so expensive; however, we present to you the best way to go gorilla trekking without breaking the bank, getting alone or selling off your valuable property. For first-timers, gorilla tracking is an activity that involves getting to the jungle in search of the gorillas wherever they are resting, eating, or playing. It is done on foot, through the guidance of experienced pack rangers who start tracking from the point the creatures were last spotted, through the lush vegetation, tree branches, hills and slopes to where they are. It can last for as long as 1-6 hours, depending on how far the apes have moved.
As long as you are aged 15 years and above, you can trek gorillas while on a honeymoon, family vacation, wildlife safari, research, photography, group vacation, camping safari or solo travel among others. Disability should not be the reason for not realizing your dream of trekking gorillas because porters are there to move with you wherever you go. The exercise starts very early in the morning at the park headquarters with a briefing by park rangers who will verify your documents and then explain to you the do’s and don'ts while with the apes in the Jungle before the real activity. Tracking can be a bit tiresome, depending on a gorilla family you’re tracking; but apart from gorilla trekking, there are numerous plant species you will discover, primates such as the monkeys to encounter, and listening to the echoes of rare bird species.
The importance of having this clue in your mind is that once you miss out on the briefing and the trekking, your permit expires, thus resulting in loss of your money and time, hence additional expenses. To enable you not to incur extra costs such as fines, medication, or even dismissal from the park, here are some of the rules to follow while with the apes; -No littering in the park, unnecessary noise is prohibited, no using flashlights while taking photos as it affects the gorillas’ eyes and makes them feel in danger, no looking straight into the eyes of gorillas because it frightens them, keeping a 7m distance rule, no smoking or imitating the apes, and above all, don't go for tracking in case you are suffering from flu or cough because gorillas are vulnerable to human transmission.
In line with the rules, Budget Gorilla trekking is the best way to visit your relatives - the gorillas without incurring much cost. It might be to Volcanoes national park where gorilla permits sell at 1500usd, Uganda at 700usd, or the Democratic Republic of Congo at 400usd. Price attractiveness speaks nothing to the experience attained after gorilla trekking, and for that reason, here are some of the tips to pay attention to; -
Travelling during low season. As a budget gorilla trekker, it is important that you travel during the low season because this is the time when most tour companies give discounts, hotels / lodges are available at discounted rates, and even there is a chance that the permits are discounted. The only challenge is that this season comes with unpredictable rains, slippery grounds, and hardship of clearly sighting the apes since they tend to hide in the thick bushes. This season is normally the months of April to May, and around late October to November, when different countries experience both slight and heavy showers of rain.
Budget transportation. As long as you have stepped your feet to any of the gorilla - hosting destinations, feel free to use public transport such as buses, motorbikes or taxis to reach the park. These transport means are fast, safe, reliable, comfortable and very pocket friendly. However, for foreigners who may not feel comfortable and familiar with the country; feel free to contact any tour operator for assistance in finding budget accommodation options and transportation which come with a qualified tour guide at a very budget rate.
Time Duration. The time spent on the trip determines how much you will have to depart with during your safari. The longer the stay, the higher the cost, and the reverse is true. In line with this, our advice is that you can make the trip as brief as possible. For instance, two days and one night are enough to explore the jungle and learn whatever transpires there in; for countries like Rwanda, where it only takes 2 hours from the airport to Volcanoes national park, a one-day safari works perfectly well. As you plan your trip, it is important to book few months in advance, at least six, before making a traveling because the gorilla permits are on high demand yet only limited to eight people per day, age 15 years and above. You should be physically fit, have the love for trekking and spirit for adventure because this offer is far beyond what money can give, one based on reality and not fantasy. Below are some of the destinations to have your unforgettable Budget Gorilla trekking safari in Africa, and an insight into each destination has to offer.
Kahuzi-Biega national park. Located few kilometers off the western shores of Lake Kivu, Rwanda; Kahuzi-Biega national park conservation area is a perfect destination for budget travelers. It is situated on the outskirts of Bukavu town, eastern region of Democratic Republic of Congo in central Africa. The rare eastern lowland Gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri) call it home, researchers call it a natural lab, and the primate lovers call it a true paradise. It is a tropical rain forest with a wide range of biodiversity, plenty of flora, bamboo tree species and some volcanic mountains among others. Besides the famous lowland gorillas, over 136 species of mammals have been recorded, over 365 rare bird species, over 12 unique primate species including Chimpanzees, cercopiuthic hosts and Colobus Monkeys among others. Two gorilla families are open for trekking by visitors and they are Bonane family with over 13 individuals and the other is Chimanuka family with over 20 individuals. The tracking is light and offers a chance of enjoying the beautiful scenery, breathing in the fresh air, and listening to the various melodies from the birds.
Virunga National Park. Established in 1925 and listed among the World Heritage site in 1994, Virunga national park is one of the oldest national parks in Africa and host to the endangered mountain gorillas which can only be found in Africa. It is situated in the Albertine Rift, right in the eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo, Goma region. The park covers an area of 7,768.93km2, with an array of vegetation, over 3000 fauna and flora species, over 68 amphibians, over 120 reptile species, over 196 mammals, and 706 birds among others.
There are over 8 groups habituated in Virunga national park, and open for tracking, and they include kabizi gorilla group with over 19 members, Rugendo group with over 12 members; Humba group with over 10 members and the most loved by tourists; Muyaga group, with the famous adult female Bilali and over 9 members; Bageni group is the largest family with over 25 members; Nyakamwe group with 11 members, Lulengo group with over 9 members, and Mapuwa group among others. During the briefing session, you will watch documentaries and listen to the unique characteristics for each of these gorilla groups, before picking one group with the characteristics you want to see. Virunga national park offers the best option for a budget gorilla trekking safari because of her lowest prices for gorilla permits in comparison with the rest of the destinations.
Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes national park is Rwanda's' top tourist destination, situated in the northeastern part of Rwanda, a 2-3hour drive away from Kigali city, through undulating hills and jaw-dropping sceneries. The park sprawls through 160km2 of lush rain forest, with 5 distinctive volcanoes in the Virunga mastiff namely; Sabinyo, Bisoke, Gahinga, Karisimbi and Muhabura among others. This park offers asylum to the endangered mountain gorillas and a primate research center left beyond by the famous primatologist and author of "Gorilla in the mist"; Dian Fossey, whose devotion and love for the gorillas has made it possible for us to reunite with our closest relatives in their natural habitat.
Gorilla trekking is the main activity here, with over 10 gorilla families open for trekking namely; Susa group (Susa A) the largest group, Amahoro group, the most peaceful; Sabyinyo family, the easiest to track; Umubano group, with over 13 members; Agashya family, also one of the easiest to track; Hirwa family, one of the most interesting and lucky families in the park; Kwitonda family, with over 25 members, Karisimbi group residing beneath mountain Karisimbi; Bwenge group found at the slopes of Mountain Visoke; Titus group, surviving since the times of Dian Fossey research, and Ugenda family among others.
Bwindi impenetrable national park in Uganda is a true African jungle, harboring half of the world's surviving endangered mountain gorillas. The park is among a few conservation areas the country established in 1991 with the intentions of conserving wildlife such as primates, birds, mammals, reptiles and the unique tree species among others. It is situated in the southwestern part of Uganda, and one of the finest gorilla trekking destinations in the world.
Bwindi national park has four sectors where trekking is done namely; Buhoma sector with the following families, Katwe, Habinyanja, Rushegura and Mubare group; Ruhija sector with Mukiza, Oruzogo, Bitukura, and Kyaguliro A & B groups among others; Rushaga sector with Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya, Busingye, Kahungye, Musinguzi, Nshongi among others ans well as Nkuringo sector with Christmas, Bushaho and Nkuringo group. For convenience purposes, trekkers should find accommodation properties in the very gorilla trekking sector they plan to visit. Gorilla permits go for 700usd in Uganda.
Mgahinga national park was established in 1991, Mgahinga national park is one of the finest gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda and world over. It is a small haven with plenty of flora and fauna, fascinating landscape, and unique tree species. Only one gorilla group is available for trekking for anyone aged 15 years and above, at 700usd as per the most recent Uganda wildlife tariffs.
Packing list for Budget gorilla trekking. While on a budget trekking safari, you must carry only those essential items to minimize the extra cost of the luggage. The following are some of the items you need to pack; Documents such as the Visa, passport, and medical insurance, long-sleeved shirts to protect your hands, garden gloves to protect you from thorny bushes; a sun hut; strong hiking boots to help you easily tussle the slopes and heights, camera for photography, binoculars to spot distant creatures, socks to cover your legs and rain jacket.
Best time for budget gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking is an all-year-round activity. But when it comes to a budget safari, timing will help you cut costs yet encounter your closest relatives the mountain gorillas. Dry season (December to March, and June to October) could be the best because of the favorable factors. But you will discover that it is the peak season and prices tend to be so high. Wet season (March to May and mid-October to early December) is the most ideal time because of the discount offers in the accommodation facilities, transportation, and permit prices among others. However, we advise that as you plan to travel, book your trip at least 3 months in advance so that the necessary preparations are made by your booking agent.
Accommodation for budget gorilla trekkers. In all different destinations, there are budget lodges, resorts, homesteads and camps, with ample space, tasty cuisine and comfortable beddings. I also recommend the idea of camping during your safari because besides being cheap, it draws you closer to nature and different sights and sounds at night. Lighting, security and several other necessary facilities are at your reach.
Budget gorilla trekking is a special offer for you whose budget is fixed yet wants to make the dream of watching these gentle apes come true. Whatever destinations you pick; experts place to tailor for you a remarkable trip that will perfectly suit your desires from the start to the end of the safari. It is advisable that you buy gorilla permits at either headquarters of the tourism bodies of respective bodies or use a travel company with a trusted history and reputation. Gorilla trekking is fun, very interesting, and a lifetime activity that comes once in a lifetime. Book your budget gorilla trekking trip today.