Gorilla Tour with a Portuguese-Speaking Guide

Gorilla Tour with a Portuguese-Speaking Guide

Are you a Portuguese speaker planning a trip to Africa to visit the gorillas? If so, booking a gorilla tour with a Portuguese-speaking guide can make your experience even more enjoyable and seamless. Our guide to gorilla trekking with a Portuguese-speaking guide will help you plan and book your adventure with ease.

Gorilla trekking in Africa is one of the most incredible wildlife experiences you can have. Despite the challenges—such as the high costs, long hikes, and sometimes difficult terrain—the chance to witness mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is well worth it. Whether you’re trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, a gorilla trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that attracts travelers from all over the world.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we organize and booking gorilla tours with Portuguese-speaking guides in Africa. We’ll handle all the details, ensuring a smooth and unforgettable trip.

Where is Gorilla Trekking Done in Africa?

Gorilla trekking takes place in three African countries that are home to the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. These countries are:

• Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park
• Congo: Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park (home to Lowland gorillas)

To trek gorillas in any of these national parks, you’ll need to secure a gorilla permit. As soon as you know your travel dates, it’s best to start booking your trip, especially if you plan to visit during the peak season (June to September), as permits can sell out quickly. We recommend booking at least 5 months in advance to ensure availability.

Gorilla Permits in Uganda

In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs:

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

These permits allow you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda is home to 17 habituated gorilla families, so there are 136 permits available per day.

For those looking to spend more time with the gorillas, you can opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This special experience allows you to spend 4 hours with semi-habituated gorillas under the guidance of expert trackers and researchers. The cost for the Gorilla Habituation Experience permit is $1500.

You can purchase your gorilla permit in Uganda directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

In Rwanda, a gorilla permit costs:

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

These permits allow you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, which is home to 12 habituated gorilla families. With only 96 permits available per day, it’s important to book your trek in advance.

You can secure your gorilla permit in Rwanda directly through the Rwanda Development Board or with the help of a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Gorilla Permits in DR Congo

In Congo, there are two parks where you can trek gorillas:

• Virunga National Park for Mountain gorillas
• Kahuzi Beiga National Park for Lowland gorillas

The cost of a gorilla permit in Virunga National Park varies by season:

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

For Kahuzi Beiga National Park, the gorilla permit costs:

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

You can book your gorilla permit in Congo directly through Virunga National Park or with the help of Trek Africa Expeditions, a trusted tour operator.

Additional Costs and Considerations

It’s important to note that gorilla permits do not cover the cost of accommodation, airfare, ground transport, meals, or other expenses. These are additional costs that will vary depending on the tour package you select. Be sure to check with your tour operator for a full breakdown of your trip’s costs.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we are dedicated to providing you with the best possible experience on your gorilla trekking tour. We offer a range of customized packages to suit your preferences, whether you’re looking for a budget, mid-range, or luxury safari.

What is the Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Africa?

When it comes to gorilla trekking in Africa, the minimum age requirement is 15 years, and the maximum age is generally 85 years, depending on individual fitness levels. While gorilla trekking is an exciting adventure, it’s also physically demanding, and trekkers need to be fit enough to handle the terrain.

For elderly travelers or those with mobility challenges, gorilla trekking is still possible, especially in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Thanks to the availability of sedan chair carriers, older visitors who may find it difficult to walk can be carried by potters to and from the trekking areas. These sedan chairs can be booked in advance or on the day of the trek, and the cost typically ranges from $400 to $500.

Gorilla Permit Cancellation Policies in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo

If you’re planning to trek with a Portuguese-speaking guide, you’ll need to secure a gorilla permit for both you and your guide. However, if you need to cancel or change the date of your gorilla trek, there are specific cancellation policies to be aware of.

The cancellation policies in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo are similar. If you need to cancel within 0 to 8 days before your trek, you will not receive a refund for the permit.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, cancellation policies have been relaxed to accommodate changes, particularly in Uganda. Travelers whose gorilla treks were affected by the pandemic can now reschedule their trek twice at no additional cost.

When is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Africa?

You can enjoy a gorilla tour with a Portuguese-speaking guide throughout the year, but the best time for trekking is during the drier months, which make the trek more enjoyable. The ideal months for gorilla trekking are:

• January
• February
• June to early September

During these months, the trails are less muddy, and the vegetation is not as dense, making it easier to spot the gorillas in their natural habitat.

What to Pack for a Gorilla Trek with a Portuguese-Speaking Guide

When preparing for your gorilla tour, packing the right gear is essential for comfort and safety. Here’s a list of recommended items to bring on your trek:

• Comfortable, sturdy walking boots – The terrain can be challenging, so it’s important to have good footwear.
• Insect repellent – To protect against mosquitoes and other insects.
• Torch/flashlight (and spare batteries) – Useful for early morning or evening treks.
• Wet wipes – Handy for freshening up during the hike.
• Water bottle – Staying hydrated is crucial during the trek.
• Camera and extra lenses – To capture the incredible moments with the gorillas.
• Gardening gloves – To help with gripping branches or climbing over obstacles.
• Rain jacket – The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to be prepared.
• Sunscreen and hat – To protect from the sun during breaks.
• Sweater or fleece – It can get chilly, especially in the mornings or evenings.
• Binoculars – For wildlife or bird watching along the way.
• Swimwear – If your tour includes any water-based activities.

Why Book Your Gorilla Tour with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we pride ourselves in organizing gorilla tours with Portuguese-speaking guides in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. We offer a range of safari packages, from budget to luxury, tailored to suit your needs and preferences.

Our team is here to help you through every step of the booking process, ensuring you have a smooth and unforgettable experience. We also have a wealth of positive reviews from satisfied clients on TripAdvisor, which you can check out to see how we’ve helped many travelers create amazing memories.

We’re committed to providing excellent service and customer satisfaction, with a team of expert tour consultants ready to answer any questions you might have. Whether you’re trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, you can trust us to deliver a memorable gorilla trekking experience.

Contact us today to book your gorilla tour with a Portuguese-speaking guide and let us take care of the details for you!