Chances of Seeing Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi and Rwanda

Probably the most frequent query we get from visitors who want to go gorilla trekking is this one. It is also among the things that travelers seek for when looking for reviews on gorilla trekking on the internet. The cost of gorilla trekking is high, and visitors’ chances of sighting the primates are a constant worry. When you take into account the cost of a gorilla permit, plane tickets, lodging, visas, transportation, and equipment purchased for the activity, you have a lot to lose.

The gorillas are highly valued by the governments of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, not only due to their endangered status but also because they generate foreign exchange and increase the likelihood of visiting gorilla country. There is a very good probability of sighting the gorillas. If it would not be as well liked as, it is if that were not the case. There is a 95% likelihood of sighting gorillas based on our expertise arranging gorilla trips in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The number is merely meant to lower anticipations. However, 100%, I would say with confidence. All year long, gorilla trekking is conducted (including on significant national holidays). The kind of activity we have witnessed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo could only be put an end by a big event, like as a war or unrest in the park. Even during periods of intense rain in the bush, gorilla trekking is still conducted.

We have heard of only one case in the past where two tourists could not manage to see the gorillas. They were going two and along the way, the husband grew weary and unwell. The wife was unable to watch the gorillas without her husband, thus she was unable to stay with the group. This is a rare event, as we shall see in the next chapters.

How are groups of gorillas assigned?

Each person’s fitness level is taken into account while allocating gorilla families. While elderly visitors are typically given to gorilla groups nearby, younger and more physically fitter visitors are typically assigned to gorilla families located further away from the park offices.

This guarantees that every person finishes the hike. Allowing for the possibility of encountering mountain gorillas is crucial. Any physical limitations you may have are known to park administrators and rangers being young does not equate to physical fitness or you are in good health. It is also crucial to remember that if you have diarrhea, the illness, or a cough, you cannot track gorillas. These illnesses are communicable and may infect primates. The immunity of mountain gorillas to human diseases is weakened.

We urge you to let your tour operator know in advance if you don’t think you’re fit enough to track the gorillas for longer than two hours so that a simpler trip can be arranged for you. A gorilla family that is closer to the beginning location is what we mean by an easier walk. Hiring some porters to carry you to the tracking site would be another way to address unfitness, particularly for elderly people. Chairs for sedans. You can read our essay about senior gorilla trekking. At this point, are you starting to doubt your abilities to finish the hike? Be at ease! All you need to do before your vacation is practice walking and mental preparation. Remember to bring the goods on the gorilla trekking packing list, such as thick jackets, hiking boots, long shirts or pants, and hand gloves. These supplies will help you get ready for the sun, muck, mosquitoes, and dense African jungle.

Can I witness the gorillas?

Returning to the causes of the increased probability of gorilla sightings. The advance squad of trackers are the unsung champions of everything positive about gorilla trekking. These men get up early in order to go and find the gorilla groups before to escorting visitors into the bush. Using satellite phones, radios, or GPS gadgets, they pinpoint the gorilla family’s exact location and notify the rangers about it. The Rangers are also informed by the trackers on the best path to take in order to reach the gorilla group.

It would be challenging to locate the gorillas without this group of skilled trackers. Without them, tourists and Rangers would be moving about aimlessly in the forest. Make your gorilla tour reservations at least five months in advance to maximize your already excellent chances of seeing the gorillas. This will give your tour operator  from Naleyo tours and travels more time to carefully arrange your travel, including securing a gorilla hike or tracking section that is more convenient for you. Arranging a travel being early is especially crucial in June, July, and August, when most tourists are visiting Africa.

It is difficult to ensure that you will receive a permit if you schedule your excursion after the deadline. If you are not, sure how fit you are, reserve your trip in advance and request that you be put on a gentler walk in the appropriate area of the park. Some people think that there is a greater likelihood of seeing mountain gorillas in Rwanda, but that is a discussion for another day.

Last but not least, visitors are brought to witness habituated gorilla families because habituated gorilla families are accustomed to having humans around, they will not flee from you when you approach them. 

You may be interested in learning about the Bwindi gorilla habituation experience if you would like to spend more time with the gorillas. Unlike traditional gorilla trekking, this excursion entails spending four hours with the gorillas after locating them because you would be going into the jungle with researchers and very skilled trackers, it is a more engaging and educational experience. Participation in the gorilla habituation experience is limited to four tourists.

You may spend more time with the primates and discover a great deal about the efforts being made by scientists, primatologists, and environmentalists to safeguard them if you can afford the $1500 permission fee.

Finally, we may state that the likelihood of the likelihood of sighting gorillas is great. Although there is no assurance that you will see the gorillas, it is hard to see how a physically strong traveler could miss out on such an amazing experience. It is your responsibility to keep following the Rangers until you reach the primates’ location, as they always know where they are before the expedition begins.

What is the duration required to locate the gorillas?

That is, of course, unpredictable. Unpredictable since it relies on the gorilla group you have been placed with and where they are that particular day. Gorilla hiking typically lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours. One great thing about mountain gorillas is that they rarely move for more than two hours.

They do not move as much as Gorillas in the wild. Only when the dominant silverback detects a threat, such as from another silverback, do mountain gorillas relocate very far away. They typically lead abundant lives requiring little mobility.

If you still have questions after reading this material, send us an email at info@naleyotoursandtravels.com. Thank you for reading.