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Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking is an amazing and one of the most popular activities that attract big numbers of tourists in Africa. Gorilla trekking in Africa is done in three countries that is Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo and it involves moving on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the endangered gorillas and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Discover these gentle giants with Chopper Tour and Travel

Gorilla trekking in Uganda: Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in two national parks namely Bwindi impenetrable national park which is famously known for harboring half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and Mgahinga gorilla national park both located in southwestern part of Uganda. Both Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park are a home of more than 24 habituated gorilla families which are available for trekking on a daily basis.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda: Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is carried out in Volcanoes national park which is located in northwestern part of Rwanda in Musanze village. Volcanoes national park is a home of about 11 habituated mountain gorilla families which are open for trekking daily.

Gorilla trekking in Congo: Gorilla trekking in Congo is done in two national parks namely Virunga national park which harbors the mountain gorillas and Kahuzi Biega national park which harbors the eastern lowland gorillas.

Chopper Tour and Travel at a Glance

Chopper Tour and Travel tailors East Africa safari tours that allows tourists to explore two or more East African countries in a single adventure. Countries to explore during Africa safari tours include Uganda, known as the Pearl of Africa; Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills; as well as Tanzania, Kenya, and Congo. Each of these countries in East Africa boasts its own unique and captivating tourist attractions, including primate species such as gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, baboons, and various monkeys, as well as mammals like the Big Five game, diverse bird species, reptiles, flora, and the local communities. Many tourists embarking on an African safari tour typically opt for an East African tourist visa, which covers three destinations: Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. This indicates that travelers must secure tourist visas for both Tanzania and Congo in order to enter these countries.

Top Africa Safari Tour Destinations

UGANDA

 A safari is not truly complete without Uganda, as this landlocked country, often referred to as the Pearl of Africa, offers an abundance of sights to behold. Therefore Uganda is an essential destination that should not be overlooked when touring East Africa. A Uganda safari allows tourists to explore the magnificent Murchison Falls, famously known as the Devil's Cauldron. This stunning waterfall is located within the oldest and largest national park in Uganda, which is also home to the Big Five Animals. Additionally, visitors can stop by the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on their journey to or from Murchison Falls National Park. An encounter awaits with the rare and endangered primate species, the Mountain gorillas, in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Uganda is known to host the largest population of endangered mountain gorillas, with over half of the remaining gorillas residing in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Mgahinga National Park is home to a gorilla family as well. The unique Nyakagezi gorilla family. Trekking mountain gorillas has consistently been an intriguing and thrilling experience in the pearl of Africa. The remaining population of endangered mountain gorillas resides in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo, allowing for an opportunity to enjoy gorilla trekking safaris in East Africa across three destinations: Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.

 Chimpanzee trekking is yet another thrilling activity available in Kibale Forest National Park, renowned as one of the premier primate destinations in Uganda, home to 13 distinct primate species. Chimpanzees in Uganda can be found in Budongo Forest within Murchison Falls National Park, as well as in Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu Forest in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and at the Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The savanna national parks of Uganda serve as premier destinations for wildlife viewing safaris. Among these, the exquisite Queen Elizabeth National Park stands out as a home to the remarkable tree-climbing lions and the breathtaking Kazinga Channel, which hosts a substantial population of hippos.

 Lake Mburo National Park is an excellent choice for Uganda walking safaris, while Semliki National Reserve offers outstanding opportunities for nature walks to the Sempaya hot springs and cruising along Lake Albert. Explore the stunning landscapes of the Rwenzori Mountains, Mt. Elgon, and numerous other breathtaking peaks. Uganda boasts a variety of tourist attractions, including cultural centers like Bigo bya Mugyenyi, Kasubi Tombs, Kabaka’s Palace, Nakayima Tree, Nyero Rock Paintings, and numerous others. Uganda stands out as an exceptional Safari destination for religious tours, offering tourists the opportunity to explore Gadhafi Mosque, Lubaga Cathedral, Namirembe Church, Namugongo Martyrs' Shrines, and many more remarkable sites. Uganda provides travelers with a variety of experiences, including primate viewing safaris such as gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation experiences, chimpanzee trekking, and golden monkey tracking. Additionally, visitors can enjoy birding safaris, cultural tours, wildlife viewing safaris, mountaineering safaris, walking safaris, and much more with Chopper Tours and Travel.

RWANDA

 Rwanda is a stunning destination to discover during a Rwanda safari. Rwanda is known as the land of a thousand hills, characterized by its stunning hills characterised with beautiful terraces. Rwanda is one of the destinations that is frequnetly visited by travelers on a safari in East Africa, thanks to its stunning attractions. These include national parks such as Volcanoes National Park, located within the Virunga massif, renowned for its population of endangered mountain gorillas and its impressive volcanic mountains. In Rwanda, tourists can trek the endangered mountain gorillas exclusively in Volcanoes National Park, with additional populations located in Congo and Uganda.

 Nyungwe Forest National Park is another stunning destination in Rwanda, home to 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees, monkeys, baboons, and various other primates. A captivating Rwanda canopy walk is an exceptional experience not to be missed during an African safari with Chopper Tour and Travel, and it can only be enjoyed in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda. For exhilarating game drive experiences in Rwanda, explore Akagera National Park for Rwanda Wildlife safaris through the savanna landscape and enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema.

In addition to Rwanda national parks, Rwanda attracts many travelers who eager to learn about Rwanda history and visit the genocide memorial sites, where thousands of Rwandans lost their lives in tragic circumstances. Lake Kivu is a beautiful destination to explore during a Rwanda safari, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Magical Mount Nyiragongo located in Congo within the Virunga massif, among other sights. Rwanda offers a variety of safaris, including Gorilla trekking safaris, chimpanzee trekking safaris, Golden monkey tracking safaris, canopy walks, explorations of Lake Kivu, volcano hiking safaris, the Dian Fossey hiking safari, nature walking safaris, birding safaris, and cultural tours to Ibyiwacu cultural village, among others.

TANZANIA

Tanzania stands out as a premier destination for safari enthusiasts, boasting a wealth of tourist attractions. Among these, Serengeti National Park is particularly notable, renowned for being the most visited park and home to the magnificent wildebeests. Many travelers on an East African safari tour visit Serengeti National Park to witness the seasonal migration of wildebeests, which move between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

In addition to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania boasts several other national parks that serve as prime destinations for wildlife viewing safaris. Among these is Lake Manyara National Park, which attracts numerous tourists eager to catch a glimpse of the famous tree-climbing lions. A visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda can be combined with the opportunity to observe the remarkable tree-climbing lions, as these unique species are exclusively found in two stunning countries in East Africa: Tanzania and Uganda.

Tarangire National Park is renowned for wildlife viewing safaris in Tanzania, alongside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Arusha National Park, Lake Natron, and numerous other national game reserves, including Selous Game Reserve and Uwanda Game Reserve, among others. A safari to Tanzania presents a variety of experiences, including game drives and wildlife viewing, birding excursions, boat cruises, nature walks, cultural explorations, hot air balloon adventures, and beach safaris, among others.

KENYA

Similar to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Kenya is home to the enchanting Masai Mara National Reserve, renowned for hosting the largest population of wildlife species, including the wildebeest that migrate across the Mara River to and from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. An East Africa safari tour to Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya offers one of the finest experiences for tourists wishing to witness the wildebeest migration across these two remarkable countries.

In addition to Masai Mara, Kenya boasts numerous other tourist destinations, including Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for its population of flamingos and other stunning water birds. A Kenya safari offers travelers the opportunity to explore Tsavo National Park, including both Tsavo East and Tsavo West, as well as Hell’s Gate National Park, Amboseli National Park, Samburu National Park, Mt. Elgon National Park, and many others, each featuring unique attractions of fauna and flora. Kenya is an exceptional destination for wildlife viewing safaris, birding adventures, mountain hiking safaris, nature walks, cultural tours, swimming, and boat cruise safaris, among others.

A combined East African safari to Kenya and Tanzania can be easily customized, as the two countries are in close proximity to each other, featuring neighboring national parks like Masai Mara and Serengeti, which are divided by the Mara River. Embark on an unforgettable wildlife safari to the Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park, where you can experience the unparalleled beauty of East Africa.

CONGO

Similar to other nations in East Africa, Congo stands out as a prime destination for those embarking on an East Africa safari tour, offering the chance to discover its stunning attractions, including Virunga National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas and the majestic Volcano Mountains. Another park worth visiting in Congo is Kahuzi Beiga National Park, which is home to Eastern lowland gorillas. The most enjoyable safaris in Congo feature Nyiragongo hiking safaris in Virunga National Park, mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park, and Eastern lowland gorilla trekking safaris in Kahuzi Biega National Park, among others. Any of these gorilla safaris can be paired with other safaris from any country within the East African region to create a complete East Africa adventure.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO AFRICA

The best time for a safari is influenced by the specific activities planned. However, a safari in Africa can be enjoyed throughout the year. The ideal months for visiting the national parks in Africa are during the dry season, when the parks are arid, accommodations are comfortable, and wildlife sightings are more accessible.

For example, the dry months represent the prime seasons for primate viewing safaris, game viewing safaris, walking safaris, hiking safaris, and enjoying the beaches in Africa. During these months, the vegetation cover is minimal, allowing for easy wildlife sightings and straightforward navigation during hiking and trekking safaris. Furthermore, the rainy months are ideal for birders visiting East Africa, as many bird species reproduce during this time and flock to the forests due to the abundance of food available.

For Safari enthusiats who wish to witness the wildebeest migration, I suggest visiting East Africa between July and November, as this period marks the migration season through the Mara River.

Book your Africa safari tour to explore either two countries within the region or opt for a comprehensive combined safari that encompasses all five countries: Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Congo. Chopper Tour and Travel is always prepared to create a customized itinerary that perfectly aligns with the destinations you wish to explore..