Gorilla Tour with a German-Speaking Guide

Gorilla Tour with a German-Speaking Guide

If you speak German and are planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Africa, Trek Africa Expeditions is here to help you organize and book your trip with a German-speaking guide. Gorilla trekking in Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that draws travelers from around the world. Despite the physical challenges, high costs, and the effort required to trek through dense forests in search of these endangered gorillas, the opportunity to see them in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, the chance to encounter these majestic animals makes the trek well worth it.

Where is Gorilla Trekking Done in Africa?

Gorilla trekking is available in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These countries host the only remaining populations of mountain gorillas. The national parks you can visit to see these magnificent creatures include:

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda
• Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
• Virunga National Park in Congo for mountain gorillas, and Kahuzi Biega National Park for lowland gorillas

To go gorilla trekking in any of these parks, you must secure a gorilla permit. Given the popularity of these treks, it’s essential to book your gorilla tour well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the peak season (June to September). We recommend booking at least 5 months in advance to secure your spot and permit.

Cost and Getting Gorilla Permits in Uganda

In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs:

• $800 per person for foreign non-residents
• $700 per person for residents
• $80 for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan)

This permit allows you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda has 17 habituated gorilla families, offering a total of 136 permits daily for trekking. If you want to spend more time with the gorillas, consider the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi, which offers 4 hours with the gorillas at a cost of $1500 per person.

You can book your gorilla permits directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or with a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Cost and Getting Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

In Rwanda, a gorilla permit costs:

• $1500 per person for foreign non-residents
• $500 per person for foreign residents
• $200 for East African citizens

This permit allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda has 12 gorilla families, providing a total of 96 permits daily. To secure your gorilla permit, you can book directly through the Rwanda Development Board or through a reliable tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Cost and Getting Gorilla Permits in DR Congo

Gorilla trekking in Congo takes place in Virunga National Park for mountain gorillas and Kahuzi Beiga National Park for lowland gorillas. The cost of gorilla permits in Virunga varies by season:

• $400 for the high season (mid-December to mid-March and June to October)
• $200 for the low season (mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December)

In Kahuzi Beiga National Park, the gorilla permit costs:

• $400 for foreign non-residents
• $200 for East African residents
• $20 for Congo nationals

You can book gorilla permits directly through Virunga National Park or with a trusted operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

What is the Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Africa?

The age limit for gorilla trekking typically ranges from 15 to 85 years, depending on your fitness level. If you’re traveling as an older person or have mobility challenges, don’t worry—Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda offers a solution with sedan chair carriers. These chairs are used to carry trekkers who feel unfit for the hike through the forest. Potters will carry you to and from the forest, ensuring you don’t miss the opportunity to experience gorilla trekking. The cost of hiring a sedan chair ranges from $400 to $500 and can be arranged in advance or on the day of your trek.

Gorilla Permit Cancellation Penalties and Policy in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo

When planning a Gorilla tour with a German-speaking guide, a gorilla permit is required for each participant, including the guide. This means you’ll need to pay for a permit for both yourself and your guide to trek the gorillas together. It’s important to understand the cancellation policy for gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo to avoid any confusion if your plans change.

The cancellation policy for gorilla permits in these countries is similar: if you cancel your trek between 0 to 8 days before your scheduled date, you will not receive a refund for the permit. This policy applies to all cancellations made close to the trekking date. However, due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, both Uganda and Rwanda have adjusted their cancellation policies. In Uganda, for example, travelers whose gorilla treks were affected by the pandemic were allowed to change their trek dates twice.

It’s always a good idea to book your trek with enough time to avoid cancellation penalties. If you need to change or cancel, make sure to do so in advance to minimize any potential losses.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking is an incredible adventure that can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time to go is during the drier months of January, February, and June through early September. During these months, the trails are less muddy, and the vegetation is not as dense, making it easier to spot the gorillas. This is the ideal time for trekking, as the conditions are more favorable for both traveling to the park and enjoying clear views of the gorillas.

What to Pack for Your Gorilla Tour with a German-Speaking Guide

When preparing for a gorilla trek, comfort and practicality are key. You’ll be hiking through rainforests with steep, muddy trails. Here’s a list of essential items to pack for your trek:

• Comfortable, durable walking boots (preferably waterproof)
• Long-sleeved cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers (to protect from undergrowth and insects)
• Insect repellent (for protection against bugs)
• Torch/flashlight with spare batteries (for early mornings or low-light conditions)
• Water bottle (stay hydrated on the trek)
• Camera (to capture unforgettable moments)
• Gardening gloves (for gripping tree branches and rough terrain)
• Rain jacket (the weather can change quickly)
• Sweater/fleece (for cooler mornings and evenings)
• Hat and sunscreen (to protect from the sun)
• Swimwear (if your tour includes a visit to hot springs or other water activities)
• Binoculars (for bird watching and enjoying the scenic views)

Why Book Your Gorilla Tour with a German-Speaking Guide with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we organize gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo with German-speaking guides. Our team is here to guide you through the entire booking process, ensuring everything goes smoothly. We offer a variety of gorilla trekking safari packages to suit every budget, from budget to luxury options, including the gorilla permits.

With our years of experience and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, we are confident that we can deliver a memorable Uganda safari holiday. Don’t just take our word for it—check out our TripAdvisor reviews to read about the amazing experiences of our past clients.

When you book with us, you can rest assured knowing that your gorilla tour will be organized by professionals who care about making your trip as enjoyable as possible. Our team of tour consultants is always available to answer any questions and ensure that your trip is perfectly tailored to your needs.

Contact us today to start planning your gorilla trek with a German-speaking guide and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!