How long does Gorilla trekking take in Bwindi, Volcanoes and Virunga? Are you thinking about a trip to Bwindi, Volcanoes and Virunga National Park and wondering how long does Gorilla trekking take in Bwindi, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks. We can help you find the best details about how long does Gorilla trekking in these remarkable mountain gorilla parks.

Gorillas in Congo

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks is one of the once in a lifetime experience that attracts many travelers to do during their visit to Africa.  Despite the high costs, time and discomfort from booking to doing the hike through the forest to search for these endangered apes watching gorillas in their natural habitat in Bwindi, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks is one of the best wildlife experiences every traveler would do on his/her safari.

How long does Gorilla trekking take in Bwindi, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can vary quite a bit terms of time and difficulty because the gorillas are always moving around in the forest. This means that each trek can be different depending on where the gorillas are that day. It’s important to be ready for changing weather, as conditions can shift quickly. The ground can be steep and there might not always be clear trails to follow. Some trek might only last for 1 hour, while other could take a full day, sometimes stretching to 8 hours pr more, especially in hot and high-altitude conditions therefore please be prepared for this by being as fit as possible.

While on a gorilla trekking in Bwindi, you might walk over 9 miles, which can take around 3 hours to spot these fascinating rare mountain gorillas in their habitat. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park starts in the morning at 8:am and it can end at 3:00pm. However kindly note this is for the normal trek, gorilla trekking sometimes can take the whole day it all depends on the nature that day and the movement of the gorillas on the forest.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park last about 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on where the gorillas are. Once the you encounter these creatures, you will be given 1 hour to be in the presence of the gorillas while watching them feed, play, breastfeed, mothers grooming their babies and among others. Follow the park’s rules and stay calm; avoid sudden movements. After an hour, you’ll return to the headquarters to get your gorilla trekking certificate.

Volcanoes national park is a stunning place to visit in Rwanda, located in the northwestern part of the country. This park offers stunning natural scenery and has been a popular spot for safaris since it was established in 1925, making it Africa’s oldest national park. It lies within the Virunga Mountains, right next to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Cost of gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.

Rwanda gorilla permit is charged as follows; for foreign non-residents, it’s cost $1500 Per person, $500 Per person for foreign residents and $200 for East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan). This permit allows you to spend an hour with the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. There are 12 gorilla families in the park, which means that every day, 96 permits are available for trekking. Getting gorilla permits in Rwanda can be done directly by booking them through Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted tour operator in Rwanda

How long does Gorilla trekking take in Bwindi, Volcanoes and Virunga?
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park

Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park typically takes between 30 minutes and 7 hours, including the time spent with the gorillas. The actual trekking time can vary from 1 to 2.5 hours each way, depending on the gorilla group’s location and the terrain. Once the gorillas are found, you’ll be allowed to spend one hour observing them. Virunga National Park is a national park in the Albertine Rift Valley in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was created in 1925. Virunga National Park is Africa’s most biodiverse protected area, home to over one thousand species of mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian as well as 1/3 of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park

Gorilla tracking permits in Virunga National Park costs $400 per person during the busy seasons, which run from mid-December to mid-March and June to October. during the quitter month, which are from mid-march to mid-May and then mid-October to mid-December the permit price drops to $200. You can purchase these permits directly from Virunga National Park or through a reliable tour company

What is the best time for Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking 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. During these periods, it’s easier to get to the parks, and you have a better chance of seeing the gorillas clearly since there’s less tall vegetation blocking the view.

What to pack for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi, Volcanoes and Virunga National Park?

Trekking Gorillas in Bwindi, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks, you will need a comfortable, hard wearing, pair of walking shoes or boots, insect repellent, camera, binoculars, hat and sunscreen, rain jacket, sweater, water bottle, gardening gloves and wet wipes among others.

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