Gorilla Tour with an Arabic-Speaking Guide

Gorilla Tour with an Arabic-Speaking Guide

Are you an Arabic speaker planning to visit Africa to see the gorillas? If so, this guide will help you plan and book your gorilla trekking tour with an Arabic-speaking guide. Gorilla trekking is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences, and it attracts travelers from around the world. Despite its costs, physical challenges, and the journey through the dense African forests, watching gorillas in their natural habitat in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo is an unforgettable adventure every nature lover should experience.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we organize and booking gorilla tours with Arabic-speaking guides. Gorilla trekking involves hiking through forests, traversing difficult terrain, and crossing rivers and swamps in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. It’s an exhilarating activity that requires a good level of fitness, and it offers the opportunity to spend one hour observing the gorillas in their natural environment. For those who want to spend more time with the gorillas, you can opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which allows you to be with the gorillas for up to 4 hours.

Where is Gorilla Trekking Done in Africa?

Gorilla trekking takes place in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo, which are home to the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. The four key national parks to visit include:

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (Uganda)
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda)
• Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
• Virunga National Park (DR Congo)

In Congo, you also have the unique opportunity to trek for Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park.

To go gorilla trekking at any of these parks, you will need a gorilla permit. Once you’ve set your travel dates, it’s advisable to book your trek as early as possible, especially during the peak season (June to September) when permits sell out quickly. We recommend booking at least 5 months in advance. You can book your trek directly or through a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Gorilla Permits and Costs in Uganda

The cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda varies by category:

• $800 for Foreign Non-Residents
• $700 for Foreign Residents
• $80 for East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, South Sudan)

The 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, meaning 136 permits are available daily for trekking.

If you want a more immersive experience, you can opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Forest, where you’ll spend 4 hours with semi-habituated gorillas under the supervision of researchers and trackers. This experience costs $1,500 per person.

You can secure your gorilla permits either directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a reliable tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Gorilla Permits and Costs in Rwanda

In Rwanda, a gorilla trekking permit costs:

• $1,500 for Foreign Non-Residents
• $500 for Foreign Residents
• $200 for East African Citizens

This permit gives you access to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda has 12 gorilla families, offering 96 permits per day for gorilla trekking.

You can book your permits directly through the Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Gorilla Permits and Costs in DR Congo

Gorilla trekking in Congo takes place in Virunga National Park (for mountain gorillas) and Kahuzi Biega National Park (for lowland gorillas). The cost of a gorilla permit in Virunga National Park is:

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

For Kahuzi Biega National Park, the costs are:

• $400 for Foreign Non-Residents
• $200 for East African Residents
• $20 for Congo National Residents

Gorilla permits in Congo can be booked directly through Virunga National Park or via a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Important Notes on Gorilla Permit Booking

When booking your gorilla permit, it’s important to note that the permit cost covers only the trekking experience and does not include accommodation, meals, air tickets, or transport. Make sure to clarify all the details of your package with your tour operator, as additional costs may apply.

What is the Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Africa?

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking tour in Africa, it’s important to know the age restrictions for the experience. The minimum age to participate in a gorilla trek is 15 years, and the maximum age is 85 years, provided the individual is in good physical condition.

For elderly trekkers, Gorilla Trekking has become more accessible, especially in Bwindi Forest in Uganda. Here, sedan chairs are available to help those who might find the trek challenging. These chairs are carried by porters, allowing you to be transported to and from the forest. You can book a sedan chair in advance or on the day of the trek. The cost for hiring a sedan chair ranges from $400 to $500.

Gorilla Permit Cancellation Policies in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo

When booking a gorilla tour with an Arabic-speaking guide, a gorilla permit is required for both you and your guide. If you need to cancel or reschedule your trekking date, it’s essential to understand the cancellation policies in place for Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.

The cancellation policy for gorilla permits is generally strict. If you cancel within 0 to 8 days of the trek, you will not receive a refund for your permit. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, these policies have been more flexible. For example, in Uganda, if your gorilla trek was affected by the pandemic, you are allowed to reschedule your trek twice.

What is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Africa?

Gorilla trekking can be done throughout the year, but the best time to embark on this adventure is during the drier months of January, February, and June to early September. During this period, the weather is more favorable for trekking, as the trails are less muddy, and the vegetation is less dense, offering a clearer view of the gorillas.

What to Pack for a Gorilla Tour with an Arabic-Speaking Guide

When you go on a gorilla trek with an Arabic-speaking guide, it’s essential to pack the right items for comfort and convenience. The forest conditions can be challenging, especially if it rains, so make sure to bring the following:

• Comfortable hiking shoes or boots (sturdy and waterproof)
• Insect repellent
• Torch/flashlight with spare batteries
• Wet wipes
• Water bottle
• Camera (with extra lenses if desired)
• Gardening gloves (helpful for handling plants and branches)
• Lightweight, long-sleeved shirt and long trousers to protect against undergrowth
• Rain jacket (the weather can change quickly)
• Sweater or fleece for cooler weather
• Hat and sunscreen (to protect from the sun)
• Binoculars (for bird or game watching)
• Swimwear (if your trip includes other activities like swimming)

Why Book Your Gorilla Tour with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we pride ourselves in organizing unforgettable gorilla tours with Arabic-speaking guides in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. We offer a range of gorilla trekking packages, from budget-friendly to luxury options, and can handle all your booking needs, including securing your gorilla permits.

Our team of experienced tour consultants is always ready to help with any questions you may have. We are committed to providing excellent service, ensuring that your gorilla safari is an experience to remember.

Feel free to read our TripAdvisor reviews to see the experiences of our satisfied clients, and contact us today to start planning your gorilla tour with an Arabic-speaking guide!