Can I do Gorilla Trekking Exclusively Alone?

Wondering whether you can do gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda alone? Do not fret, this article has got you covered. Trekking gorillas alone in Uganda or Rwanda is one of the interesting safaris that travelers can do exclusively and get a beautiful experience. The gorilla trekking activity is possible to do alone whether it is your first or second time in Uganda. Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda are the African destinations that travelers on their gorilla safaris can engage in. This lifetime activity with the large and powerful primates.

Gorilla trekking is somehow challenging especially if you are not physically fit. Hiking, walking for a long time through difficult terrains, and thick vegetation, and crossing rivers, and weather can sometimes prove to be hard. However, this does not mean that one cannot do a gorilla trekking safari to Uganda or Rwanda alone. With the help of an experienced tour operator, your gorilla trekking adventure can never go wrong. Additionally, tracked gorilla families are first habituated for them to get used for human interference. This process of habituating gorillas takes about 2 years.

Where can I do gorilla trekking alone in Africa?

While planning a gorilla trekking safari alone in Africa, travelers are supposed to choose from Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The destinations to the gorilla trekking include;

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Located in southwestern Uganda in the Virunga region at the border of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This park is home to several mountain gorillas that are situated around the park. In this park, there are two habituated gorilla families that travelers on their safaris can track on their safaris. Also, travelers are supposed to plan in time to ensure availability.

Volcanoes National Park

It is one of the oldest parks in Africa which was gazette in 1925. The park is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda at the border of Uganda and, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Volcanoes National Park is within the Virunga region and also this park hosts 5 volcanoes of the Virunga ranges. It also hosts the history of the gorilla conservation efforts which were carried out by the late Dian Fossey who was killed by poachers. In this park, there are several families of gorillas which are available for tracking.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda in the Kanungu district at the border of Uganda and the democratic republic of Congo. The park is home to a large number of mountain gorillas which are situated around the park. It is divided into four sectors that travelers can use to access and track mountain gorillas. In this park, there are several gorilla families which are habituated for human interaction. Also this park, it’s the only where travelers can do gorilla habituation in the Rushaga sector.

Kahuzi Biega National Park

Kahuzi Beige National Park is located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in Bukavu. The park is home to the lowland gorillas which travelers can see. Trekking of the lowland gorillas was first done from 1973 to 1975 the park’s land was extended. Travelers planning a gorilla trekking in this park are supposed to use the Kigali International Airport to cross to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Travelers are transferred through the Cyangungu border to Bukavu the nearest town to the park.

How much is the gorilla trekking permit?

For the exclusive gorilla trekking alone, travelers are supposed to have a gorilla trekking permit for one to see the mountain gorillas. In Uganda, the gorilla trekking permit costs about 800 dollars for foreign nonresidents, 700 dollars for foreign residents, 500 dollars for the rest of Africa, and 300,000 Uganda shillings for East African citizens. Whereas in Rwanda, the gorilla trekking permit costs about 1500 dollars for foreign nonresidents,500 dollars for foreign residents, and 200 dollars for the rest of East African citizens. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the gorilla trekking permit in Kahuzi Beige National Park costs about 450 dollars per trek.

What is included in a gorilla trekking permit for travelers trekking exclusively alone?

While paying a gorilla trekking permit for tracking gorillas exclusively alone, travelers are supposed to the trekking permit consisting of the guide fees, conservation fees, park entrance fee, and government revenue. The permit excludes tips, meals, transportation, accommodation, and many others.

What is the age limit for tourists interested in trekking gorillas exclusively alone?

Tracking the mountain gorillas exclusively alone, the age limit for tracking gorillas is 15 years and the maximum age is 85 years. Travelers in the aged class are supposed to be fit enough to track gorillas. The aged travelers usually track gorillas using the African helicopters which are operated by six porters.

How to book a gorilla trekking permit for lone travelers?

For travelers planning a gorilla trekking for exclusive safaris, you are supposed to book a gorilla trekking in time to ensure availability. Booking a gorilla trekking permit requires travelers to use licensed tour operators to purchase and book the trekking permits to ensure availability for travelers. Also, travelers are supposed to share the tracking dates with the tour operators and also details of the travelers plus the payment receipt. The booking of the trekking permit is done in a period of 2 to 6 months to the tracking dates.

Why is the gorilla trekking permit expensive?

The gorilla trekking permit is quite expensive due to the following reasons;

Conservation efforts and fees are high.
Some of the fees of the permit are contributed to the community for the development.
The trekking permits are expensive due to the high demand for seeing gorillas.
15% of the permit fees go to the government for the revenues.