How long does gorilla trekking take is among the questions that have been asked by most travelers on different forums like a trip consultant and lonely planet. However, some tourists when they talk about the length of gorilla trekking, used to mean the days needed for Gorilla tracking tours while others mean hours gorilla trekking take on the day of trekking in Uganda or Rwanda.

Those who have trekked mountain gorillas can tell you because they now agree that the length of gorilla tracking experience is unpredictable however the truth is the activity takes about 30mintues-6 hours of the trekking day. In most cases unfit people and tourists with senior citizens are allocated to the short trek which takes like 30 minutes-1 hour they the gorillas observe them and come back to your reserved lodge or to other activities, maybe those who are physically fit and well prepared to hike for long-distance searching the mountain gorillas that stay in high altitudes. Tourists are always advised to prepare enough before the trekking day mostly improving their physical fitness.

A standard gorilla tracking tour in Uganda takes a minimum of 3 days, in that day 1 for traveling to either Mgahinga gorilla national park or Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, day 2 visiting the endangered mountain gorillas, and day 3 to go back to Entebbe International Airport from the national park you have trekked. For most of the tourists who are interested in seeing mountain gorillas, Bwindi impenetrable forest is their first priority. When we talk about the length of gorilla trekking, we mean the actual day of trekking.

The length of gorilla trekking depends on several factors, this is why it is not unpredictable but according to the above information, at least you can know the hours you will spend in the forest even this activity is only done during the day. Most of the mountain gorilla families are staying in the high elevations but you have the right to ask for either a short or long trek depending on your interests and fitness.

Another factor why the length of gorilla trekking is not specified is that mountain gorillas are among the wildlife animals and we all know it very well that they cannot settle in one place. They always move from one place to another place looking for food and water, others are used to moving because of fights with others. On your trekking day, you may find when your allocated gorilla family has moved from a close distance and it needs you to spend long hours to find the gorilla group.

How many gorilla families are in Uganda or Rwanda?

While planning to book a gorilla permit in Uganda or Rwanda, it is good to know the number of gorilla families is found in any gorilla destination you want to trek. This helps you to know the total number of permits are available every day for gorilla trekking. The bwindi impenetrable forest is the one with many mountain gorillas, as it holds almost half of the few remaining mountain gorillas on earth. So, Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga national park have about 19 habituated gorilla families and 2 among them are used for habituation experience. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has introduced gorilla habituation for tourists who want to spend more time with mountain gorillas and this activity is done in only Bwindi Forest at Rushaga sector of the park, its permit goes at $1500 per person for 4-hour interaction with these unique creatures. While Rwanda at Volcanoes national park, there are 20 gorilla families, and 10 among them are already for trekking then the remaining 10 are used for research.

When to travel for mountain gorilla trekking?

Tourists are allowed to visit mountain gorillas at any time of the year. However, the most recommended seasons run from June-August and December-February because during this period the hiking trails are not too slippery and muddy and making gorilla trekking excellent. However, mountain gorilla destinations are unpredictable so at any time it can rain even though in the dry season. This is the reason we advise you to carry good hiking boots, long-sleeved clothes, garden gloves, insect repellent, sunglasses, hat other things which important for gorilla trekking are a camera with extra batteries, a pair of binoculars mostly bird lovers, packed lunch, snacks, energy drinks, and water.

For Gorilla trekking safari in either Uganda or Rwanda, Wild Epic Safaris is the number one travel operator so contact or send an email and we organize your trip that you will never forget in your lifetime. For more information do not hesitate to contact us.

Reasons for booking with Wild Epic Safaris.

Traveling to a new place is so exciting and it is one of the greatest experiences one can ever encounter. You get a chance to encounter the food, culture, and natural resources of the area. Wild Epic Safaris is the best tour operator that can help you experience all the amazing cultures in Africa plus the authentic wildlife. Wild Epic Safaris can help you to save money and restless nights trying to look for where to go. We are experienced and well informed and passionate about what we do. Wild Epic Safaris is locally raised and has got a business license. We are quick to respond to any kind of questions from our clients. We have got the best tour packages and pricing. Our company can afford the group size that you would like to come along with.