Mountain gorilla trekking is the single most extraordinary wildlife encounter on Earth. With fewer than 1,100 remaining, should you trek in Uganda or Rwanda?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Permit: $800. 22 habituated families. Trek: 2-8 hours through dense rainforest. Cheaper permits, more families, intimate encounters in dense forest. Easily combined with chimps and tree-climbing lions.
Permit: $1,500. 12 habituated families. Trek: 1-4 hours through volcanic bamboo forest. Shorter treks, just 2.5 hours from Kigali airport. Higher altitude.
Groups of 8 trekkers spend one hour observing gorillas at 7m minimum distance. Watching a silverback beat his chest, mothers nursing infants, and juveniles play-wrestling is profoundly moving.
Regular hiking for 2-3 months before. Pack sturdy waterproof boots, long trousers, rain jacket, garden gloves, camera with no flash. Book permits 3-6 months in advance. Hire a porter ($15-20).
Permit revenue helped populations recover from 620 in 1989 to over 1,100 today.
Contact Nature Nest Safaris for permit availability and custom itineraries.
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