Rwanda Gorilla Trekking for Diplomats
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Planning a Safari and Gorilla Trekking Combo
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Are you planning to visit Africa to see mountain gorillas and you are searching where best to fly to that is close to visit the gorilla, the closest airport to fly to visit gorillas depends on the specific location where you plan to see them. Here are the nearest airports to some popular gorilla trekking destinations in Africa:
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda: The closest airport is Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. From Kigali, it is approximately a 2 to 3-hour drive to the Volcanoes National Park, where you can go on gorilla treks.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda: The closest airport is either Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Entebbe, located near the capital city of Kampala, or Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Rwanda. From either airport, you can either drive or take a short domestic flight to the nearest airstrip, Kihihi Airstrip or Kisoro Airstrip, and then continue by road to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo: The closest airport is Goma International Airport (GOM) in Goma, which is located near the border with Rwanda. From Goma, you can reach Virunga National Park by road, which usually takes a few hours.
Kahuzi Biega National Park, DR Congo to visit the Eastern Lowland Gorillas, the closest airport to fly to visit Gorillas is Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and from here you can start and end your trip.
It is essential to note that gorilla trekking requires a permit, and it is advisable to make arrangements in advance through the respective national park authorities or trusted tour operators. Additionally, travel requirements and logistics may vary, so it’s recommended to check the latest information and guidelines from official sources or consult with a reputable travel agent for up-to-date information on the specific destination you plan to visit.
Closest airport to fly to visit gorillas in Uganda, there are many options to get to visit gorillas by flying, one of the options is to Fly to Kisoro Airstrip from Entebbe and trek gorillas in Rushaga or Nkuringo region of Bwindi or Kihihi Airstrip from Entebbe and trek gorillas in Ruhija or Buhoma sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Rushaga region is located in the south park to Bwindi impenetrable National Park, Rushaga is a home for 8 Gorilla Families which by far is the most of any sector and its gorilla families being easy to trek due to the nature of terrine in the region. Rushaga can be easily accessed through Kisoro and for those travelling from Kigali it is just 4-5 hours drive. Gorilla families include Rwigi, Muchunguzi, Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya and Kahungye which are all available tracking and open to tourists. Also, this is the only region in Bwindi that offers Gorilla Habituation experience.
Cost and Getting Gorilla permits in Uganda
The Gorilla permit in Uganda Costs $700 Per person per trek for the Foreign nonresidents, $600 Per person for residents and $70 for East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan), this gives you an opportunity to spend one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda has 17 habituated gorilla family groups with 16 found in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga this means 136 Gorilla permits are available every day for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Uganda also gives you an option to spend more time with the mountain gorillas through Gorilla habituation experience which is only done in Bwindi forest, a gorilla habituation permit costs $1500 per person giving you an opportunity to spend 4 hours encounter with the semi habituated mountain gorillas under the guidance of trackers and researchers as opposed to one hour for the normal trekking. Getting gorilla permits in Uganda can be done directly by booking them through Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a trusted tour operator in Uganda like Eco Adventure Safaris.
Cost and Getting Gorilla Permits in Rwanda
The Gorilla permit in Rwanda Costs $1500 Per person per trek for Foreign nonresidents, $500 Per person for foreign residents and $200 for East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan), this gives you an opportunity to spend one hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda has 12 Gorilla families hence 96 Gorilla permits are available each day for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Getting gorilla permits in Rwanda can be done directly by booking them through Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted tour operator in Rwanda like Eco Adventure Safaris.
Cost and Getting Gorilla Permits in DR Congo
Gorilla tracking in Congo is done in Virunga National Park for Mountain Gorillas and Kahuzi Beiga National Park for Lowland gorillas. A gorilla permit in Virunga National Park costs $400 per person per trek for the high season months of Mid-December to mid-march then June to October and then $200 for the low season months of mid-march to mid-May and then mid-October to mid-December every year. A gorilla permit in Kahuzi Beiga National Park costs $400 for foreign non residents, $200 for East Africa Residents and $20 national resident. Getting gorilla permits in Congo can be done directly by booking them through Virunga National Park or through a trusted tour operator like Eco Adventure Safaris.
P.S When booking your gorilla permit it is important to note that the gorilla permit price excludes accommodation, air tickets, ground transport, meals and other expenses, you will need to get more details of the package you are booking with your tour operator.
Uganda is one of the Best places to visit gorillas in Africa, compared to Congo Uganda is safe for travelers and compared to Rwanda Uganda is much more affordable for gorilla trekking.
What is the age limit for Gorilla Trekking in Africa?
Safari to Africa to see apes in their natural habitat. The minimum age limit for visiting apes in Africa is 15 years and the maximum age is 85 years depending on fitness levels. Gorilla trekking for elders is now made possible especially in Bwindi forest through the provision of sedan chair carriers, these chairs are used to carry those who feel unfit and are unable to walk into the forest at the time of their trek, you will be carried by potters to and from the forest during your trek, hiring the sedan chair can done in advance or at the day of the trek and price ranges from 400-500 dollars.
What is the best time for Gorilla Trekking in Africa?
Gorilla trekking in Africa is done throughout the year and the best time to do a gorilla trekking in Africa is during the drier months of January, February, June to early September, this is makes it easier to travel to the park and gives a clear view of gorillas given the vegetation cover is not too much high grown.
What to pack for Gorilla Trekking in Africa?
Trekking Gorillas in Uganda exclusively alone. During gorilla tracking you will need a comfortable, hard wearing, pair of walking shoes or boots. Conditions are generally very muddy in the forest when it is raining. There are uphill sections which may be quite steep and strenuous. It is also advisable to wear a long sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers to protect yourself from the undergrowth, stinging nettles and biting ants. Suggested Items to pack for Gorilla trekking;
• Insect Repellent
• Torch/Flashlight – and Spare Batteries
• Wet Wipes
• Water Bottle
• Camera, lenses etc
• Comfortable walking/hiking boots & socks
• Gardening gloves for gorilla tracking
• Sandals/strops/walking shoes
• Hat and Sunscreen
• Rain Jacket
• Sweater/fleece
• Swimwear
• Binoculars (game/bird watching)
Why book your trip to Africa to visit Gorillas through Eco Adventure Safaris?
Eco Adventure Safaris will help you book your Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Rwanda Africa and DR Congo contact us and we advise you on the booking process. We as well have different gorilla trekking safari packages ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury options that we can book for you including the gorilla permits. Feel free to checkout our trip advisor reviews and read from a community of happy satisfied clients. With us, you can be rest assured of a memorable Uganda safari holiday. We are devoted to providing excellent service and customer satisfaction. Our team of excellent tour consultants is always willing to help answer all your safari questions. We guarantee you a great gorilla tour in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo with us. Feel free to contact us here for more details about closest airport to fly to visit gorillas we will advise you accordingly and help book for you this gorilla tour.
