Gorilla Tour with a French-Speaking Guide in Africa

Gorilla Tour with a French-Speaking Guide in Africa

Are you a French speaker planning a trip to Africa to see the majestic gorillas? A gorilla tour with a French-speaking guide can make your experience even more enriching. This guide will help you plan and book your gorilla trekking tour successfully, ensuring you have a memorable adventure.

Gorilla trekking is one of the most unique and life-changing experiences you can have in Africa. Despite its high cost and the physical challenge involved in hiking through thick forests and rugged terrain, the opportunity to watch gorillas in their natural habitat is something every traveler should experience. Whether you’re in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, encountering these endangered animals in the wild is an unforgettable moment.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we pride ourselves in organizing gorilla tours with French-speaking guides. From booking your permits to providing expert advice on what to expect, we ensure your trek is both seamless and enjoyable. Gorilla trekking is a physically demanding activity involving hiking through challenging terrain, thick vegetation, and sometimes even crossing rivers and swamps in search of the gorillas. To enjoy this adventure, you should be reasonably fit and prepared for the physical demands.

If you’re looking to spend more time with the gorillas, consider the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Forest, where you’ll have up to four hours with the gorillas instead of just one.

Where is Gorilla Trekking Done in Africa?

Gorilla trekking takes place in three African countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These countries are home to the only remaining mountain gorillas, and they offer access to four national parks:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda
• Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
• Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Beiga National Park in Congo

In Congo, you can also visit Kahuzi Beiga National Park to see the lowland gorillas. A gorilla permit is required to trek in any of these parks, and it’s essential to book early, especially during the peak seasons from June to September, as permits sell out quickly. We recommend booking your trip at least 5 months in advance to secure your permits.

Gorilla Permit Prices in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo

Uganda Gorilla Permits

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

The permits allow you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda has 17 habituated gorilla families—16 in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga—meaning 136 permits are available each day. For those wanting a longer encounter, Gorilla Habituation Experience permits cost $1,500 and offer 4 hours with the gorillas.

Rwanda Gorilla Permits

• $1,500 per person for foreign non-residents
• $500 for foreign residents
• $200 for East African citizens

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is home to 12 gorilla families, offering 96 permits each day. With these permits, you can spend one hour with the gorillas.

DR Congo Gorilla Permits

• Virunga National Park (Mountain Gorillas): $400 per person in the high season (mid-December to mid-March, June to October), and $200 during the low season (mid-March to mid-May, mid-October to mid-December).
• Kahuzi Beiga National Park (Lowland Gorillas): $400 for foreign non-residents, $200 for East African residents, and $20 for national residents.

What’s Not Included in the Gorilla Permit Price?

When booking your gorilla permit, it’s important to note that the price only covers the permit to trek the gorillas. Accommodation, flights, ground transport, meals, and other expenses are not included in the permit price. Be sure to check the full package details with your tour operator to understand what’s included.

Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years, and the maximum age is typically 85 years, depending on your fitness level. If you’re elderly or have mobility concerns, don’t worry! In Bwindi Forest, there’s an option to hire a sedan chair carrier. This service, which uses porters to carry you to and from the forest, is available for those who feel unfit for the hike. Sedan chair rentals cost between $400-$500, and it’s best to book in advance or on the day of your trek.

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

When booking a Gorilla Tour with a French-Speaking Guide, securing a gorilla permit is essential. If you plan to trek the gorillas with your guide, you will need to pay for both your own permit and your guide’s permit to ensure they can accompany you. Ideally, once you book a permit, it should be used on the scheduled date to avoid unnecessary issues.

However, it’s important to understand the cancellation policy for gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. If you need to cancel or change your trek within 0 to 8 days of your scheduled trekking date, unfortunately, there is no refund for the permits. The policy for cancellations remains quite strict, particularly during the last-minute period leading up to the trek.

In the past few years, cancellation policies have been relaxed somewhat due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, in Uganda, travelers whose treks were affected by the pandemic were allowed to reschedule their treks twice. However, for cancellations close to the date of the trek, it is still important to note that refunds will not be provided.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

A gorilla tour with a French-speaking guide can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time to trek the gorillas is during the drier months—from January to February and June to early September. During these months, the trails are more accessible, and the vegetation in the parks is less dense, offering a clearer view of the gorillas. This is the perfect time for easier trekking and better visibility while tracking the gorillas in their natural habitat.

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

When preparing for your gorilla trekking tour, it’s essential to pack appropriately for the journey. The forest conditions can be muddy and rugged, especially during the rainy season, so having the right gear is crucial. Here’s a list of recommended items to pack:

• Comfortable hiking boots (with good grip)
• Long-sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers (for protection against plants and insects)
• Gardening gloves (to help with gripping when navigating the terrain)
• Insect repellent (to ward off bugs)
• Torch/flashlight and spare batteries (for any nighttime activities)
• Water bottle (stay hydrated during the trek)
• Wet wipes (for freshening up)
• Camera (to capture the magical moments with your guide)
• Sunscreen and hat (for sun protection)
• Rain jacket (weather can be unpredictable)
• Sweater/fleece (for chilly mornings or evenings)
• Swimwear (if your trip includes a relaxing swim)
• Binoculars (for bird or game watching)

With the right gear, you’ll be well-prepared for a safe and comfortable trek!

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

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we organize gorilla tours with French-speaking guides in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. We offer a range of gorilla trekking safari packages, from budget to luxury, tailored to your preferences. We also handle your gorilla permits and provide expert advice on the booking process.

Don’t just take our word for it—check out our TripAdvisor reviews to see what our happy clients have to say about their experiences with us. Whether you’re traveling for the first time or you’re a seasoned adventurer, we guarantee a memorable and seamless experience on your gorilla trek. Our team is always here to answer your questions and ensure your tour is nothing short of extraordinary.

Contact Trek Africa Expeditions today to start planning your gorilla tour with a French-speaking guide and embark on an unforgettable adventure in Uganda, Rwanda, or DR Congo!