Is there Kenya Gorilla trekking? Kenya does not have gorillas in their natural habitat so there is no Kenya gorilla trekking at the moment. Kenya is renowned for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. While the country is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), many people wonder if Kenya also offers “Kenya gorilla trekking” safaris.
Gorilla trekking is a very unique opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The experience typically involves hiking through dense forests and rugged terrain to reach the gorillas' habitat, where visitors can spend a limited amount of time observing and photographing the mountain gorillas from a safe distance. While gorilla trekking tours are most commonly associated with countries like Rwanda and Uganda, some people may be surprised to learn that Kenya also offers gorilla trekking experiences.
The mountain gorilla is a critically endangered species, with only around 1,000 individuals remaining in the wild. These gentle giants are found in the forests of the Virunga Massif, which spans the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While Kenya is not home to mountain gorillas, it is home to another subspecies of gorilla known as the eastern lowland gorilla, or Grauer's gorilla.
The eastern lowland gorilla is the largest of the four gorilla subspecies and is found in the dense forests of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. While Kenya does not have its own population of eastern lowland gorillas, it is possible to include gorilla trekking in the DRC as part of a larger East African safari experience that includes Kenya.
For those interested in Kenya gorilla trekking safaris, the most common route is to combine a visit to the country's famous national parks and reserves with a trip to either the DRC, Uganda, or Rwanda or see the eastern lowland gorillas or mountain gorillas. This allows visitors to experience the best of Kenya wildlife safaris and natural beauty while also having the opportunity to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
Gorilla trekking in both Rwanda and Uganda offers visitors the incredible opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. In Rwanda, the primary destination for gorilla trekking is Volcanoes National Park, part of the Virunga Massif, where visitors can embark on guided hikes through the lush forests to encounter these magnificent creatures. The park is home to several habituated gorilla families, and the experience of coming face to face with these gentle giants is truly awe-inspiring.
In Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the main gorilla trekking destinations. Both parks are situated in the southwestern part of the country and offer a similar experience of trekking through dense forests to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
The experience in both countries provides a unique and unforgettable opportunity to witness these endangered primates up close and to contribute to their conservation efforts.
In DRC, one of the most popular destinations for gorilla trekking is the Kahuzi-Biega National Park, which is home to a significant population of eastern lowland gorillas. The park is located in the eastern part of the country and offers visitors the chance to see these magnificent creatures in a relatively untouched and remote setting.
Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park typically involves guided hikes through the park's dense forests, with the opportunity to observe the gorillas up close in their natural habitat.
For those who prefer to stay within Kenya's borders, the country offers a wealth of other wildlife experiences that are sure to delight nature enthusiasts. Kenya is home to an incredible array of national parks and reserves, including the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, which is known for its abundant wildlife and the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and other grazing animals.
In addition to the Maasai Mara, Kenya is home to other iconic national parks such as Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Park, and Samburu National Reserve, each offering its own unique wildlife and natural beauty. Visitors to these parks can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and a diverse range of bird species.
In conclusion, while Kenya is not home to mountain gorillas, it is possible to include gorilla trekking tours in Uganda, Rwanda and also the DRC as part of a larger East African safari experience that includes Kenya.
Cost of gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda and Uganda
The cost of gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda and Uganda can vary depending on a number of factors, including the time of year, tour operator, and specific details of the tour package. In Rwanda, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit is currently set at $1,500 per person, regardless of nationality. This permit allows visitors to track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and includes the services of a guide and park entrance fees.
In Uganda, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit is $700 per person for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. It's important to note that the availability of permits can be limited, especially during the peak tourist seasons, so it's advisable to book well in advance.
In addition to the cost of permits, visitors should also consider other expenses such as transportation, accommodation, meals, and the services of a tour operator or guide. Many visitors choose to book comprehensive tour packages that include these additional services, and the cost of such packages can vary widely depending on the level of luxury, duration of the tour, and inclusions such as transportation, accommodation, and meals.
List of the best itineraries for gorilla trekking in East Africa
Book your gorilla trekking tour from Kenya with Dav Safaris
As a local tour operator based in East Africa, Dav Safaris is proud to offer custom-made gorilla trekking tours besides Kenya wildlife safaris. For any inquiries, detailed itineraries or reservations contact us via email at info@davsafaris.com and davsafaris@gmail.com. For personalized assistance, kindly reach out via phone call or WhatsApp to +256701412430 and +256757795781.