There are countless Reviews about gorilla trekking on the web. That is because gorilla trekking is one of the most popular wildlife activities in Africa. Gorilla Tourism in Africa is very popular and each year, tens of thousands of Travelers visit the countries of Uganda, Congo and Rwanda just to see the majestic primates in their natural settings. Mountain gorillas cannot be seen in zoos. Attempts were made in the past to keep a few in zoos but they failed to adapt like their cousins the lowland gorillas. Apart from the 
fact the fact that they cannot be seen in zoos, mountain gorillas are also special in the eyes of tourists because they are endangered. Only 1,000 still remain on earth and it is why tourists prefer visiting them to the lowland gorillas in other parts of Africa.
What is gorilla trekking? Gorilla Trekking involves hiking through dense forest to see a creature that looks and behaves like we humans. Mountain gorillas are found in four national parks – Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes and Virunga. Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are found in Uganda. The Volcanoes National Park is found in Rwanda and Virunga National Park of Congo. Uganda has 50% of the overall population of mountain gorillas in the world.
Reviews about Gorilla Habituation and Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo
Before making a decision to pay the high price for gorilla permits, most tourists tend to do some research about gorilla trekking to find out what other travelers are saying about the activity. They want to find out the chances of seeing the gorillas, the best time to track the gorillas, the cost of gorilla trekking, best country for gorilla trekking, the packing list, rules, requirements and how strenuous gorilla trekking is. Travelers also look about for reviews about the best tour companies for gorilla trekking to choose from the many out there. Gorilla trekking reviews play a big part in influencing the final decision of travelers.
Instead of copying and pasting reviews of our past clients, we thought it would be better to describe the experience as a whole while covering some of the important things to consider about the activity. The cost of gorilla trekking differs from county to country. In Uganda, gorilla permits cost $600, In Rwanda $1500 and in Congo $400. Part of the money collected is used for gorilla conservation purposes and paying the salaries of the Rangers and Guides in the park. Gorilla permits can be booked online or through your tour operator. Permits are only a part of the overall cost. You have to also plan for transport, accommodation, food and items on the packing list. It is important to book gorilla permits in advance especially if you consider yourself unfit so that you are given an easier trek. About the chances of seeing mountain gorillas. There is a high chance of seeing the gorillas because the Rangers always know where to find them. An advance team of trackers are sent before the sun rises to know exactly where the primates are located. If you are wondering about the best country for gorilla trekking, then you may have to read another of our articles entirely.
Gorilla trekking reviews on TripAdvisor and Fodor’s
TripAdvisor and Fodor’s are two other reliable sources of information from real travelers about their experience tracking mountain gorillas in Africa. Both websites have a community of travelers who can easily share information about their time in Africa and with the gorillas. However, we also have reviews from our own clients who have done both gorilla trekking and the habituation experience. To start with, you might want to check out reviews about Mission Africa Safaris. You can also check out reviews from Fodor’s about the fitness levels for gorilla trekking.
Gorilla Habituation Experience Reviews and Testimonials
Most reviewers will describe how gorilla trekking begins in the morning (7am) with a briefing about the gorilla trekking rules, gorilla groups and the park. Only eight people may track a gorilla group in a day. The eight travelers will normally be accompanied by about three armed Rangers including the team leader. Gorilla groups are allocated based on the overall fitness of individual travelers. The disabled will be assigned Sedan chairs and special porters as you will read about it in our article on gorilla trekking for seniors. It is also important to note that porters are available for hire by even the more fit travelers. The services of a porter costs between $15 and $20. Porters for gorilla trekking help with carrying any heavy equipment or bags. They will also lend a hand when the hike gets tougher.
After the briefing is complete, travelers divided into groups. Each group takes a different direction to look for the primates deep in the forest. Tracking mountain gorillas involves going through 
unpredictable terrain which can be rugged and hilly. You may even need to cross river streams and cut your way through thick forest. Everyone would have been given a hiking stick to help with navigating through the unpredictable terrain. The walking stick, your rain jacket, clothing and hiking boots should make everything much easier. The activity can last for between two and three hours depending on the gorilla group assigned, their location on that specific day and the weather. It is important to carry along packed lunch and enough drinking so that you don’t get hungry or dehydrated. The hike gets more difficult as you continue deeper into the forest. If you are lucky/unlucky, you might find your gorilla group after only 30 minutes.
The experience of watching a group of mountain gorillas is amazing according to most reviewers. Most gorilla trekking reviews describe the activity as a life-changing experience. You will see them groom, 
breastfeed, play, communicate, fart and bully one another. The silverback often remains aloof but will be watching all the actions with a stern glare. According to most reviews, there is a striking similarity between that behavior of gorillas and we humans which may leave one speechless. It’s almost like tracing your roots back to the time when modern technology was not there. You can only stay with the gorillas for one hour if you are doing the standard gorilla trekking. If you are booked for the gorilla habituation experience in Uganda, expect to be with the gorillas for four hours after tracking. Gorilla habituation is a more demanding activity but will allow you more time to understand the primates and in the company of senior primatologists.
Regardless of which activity you choose to go for, keep a distance of at least 7 meters between yourself and the nearest gorilla. Maintain the distance even when they come near you as they chase each other. Eating near mountain gorillas is prohibited. Making sudden movements may alert the gorillas. Do not make loud noises or use flash cameras. These actions will only draw the attention of the primates to you. Avoid direct eye contact with the primates – They are shy and may assume you are attempting to challenge them. Do not surround the gorillas as group. Give them space to move about. In the event that a gorilla charges, avoid any eye contact, remain calm and try to act submissive.
Finally, in order to have the best possible experience, dress appropriately. Try to pack long sleeved shirts/trousers, hand gloves, rain jackets, sun screen, insect repellents and a hat. Is gorilla trekking worth it after reading this article? Well, it is all up to you. We hope that when you decide to visit the primates, you contact us as your preferred company to arrange everything on the ground. Thanks for reading!
