Gorilla Tour with a Spanish-Speaking Guide

Gorilla Tour with a Spanish-Speaking Guide

Are you a Spanish speaker planning a gorilla trek in Africa? If so, we can help you book a gorilla tour with a Spanish-speaking guide to make your experience seamless and unforgettable. Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that brings travelers from around the world to the heart of Africa. Despite the challenges of booking and the physical demands of the trek, witnessing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is an experience that every wildlife enthusiast should have.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in organizing gorilla tours with Spanish-speaking guides, ensuring that you have a comfortable and well-informed trek. The trek involves hiking through dense forests, often crossing rivers and swamps, and navigating steep terrain in search of the elusive gorillas. It’s a physically demanding activity, so it’s essential to be in good physical condition. Once you reach the gorillas, you’ll have the opportunity to spend one hour observing them in the wild. For those who want a more immersive experience, you can opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which allows you to spend up to four hours with the gorillas.

Where is Gorilla Trekking Done in Africa?

Gorilla trekking is available in three African countries, each home to different species of gorillas:

• Uganda: The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the most popular trekking destinations.
• Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park is where you’ll find the famous mountain gorillas.
• Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Trekking is done in Virunga National Park for mountain gorillas, and Kahuzi-Biega National Park for lowland gorillas.

In order to trek in these parks, you’ll need a gorilla permit, which gives you access to the park and the chance to encounter these incredible creatures. It’s recommended to book your gorilla tour well in advance, especially during peak seasons (June to September), as permits sell out quickly. Booking 5 months ahead is ideal.

Cost and Booking Gorilla Permits in Uganda

In Uganda, the cost of a gorilla permit is as follows:

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

This permit allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda has 17 habituated gorilla families, with 136 permits available each day.

For those looking to spend more time with the gorillas, consider the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi, where you can spend up to four hours with the gorillas. A Gorilla Habituation Permit costs $1500 per person.

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

Cost and Booking Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

In Rwanda, a gorilla permit costs:

• $1500 per person for Foreign non-residents
• $500 per person for Foreign residents
• $200 per person for East African Citizens

This price grants you one hour with the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda has 12 habituated gorilla families, and only 96 permits are available each day.

You can book your Rwanda gorilla permit through the Rwanda Development Board or a reputable tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Cost and Booking Gorilla Permits in DR Congo

In Congo, gorilla trekking takes place in Virunga National Park (for mountain gorillas) and Kahuzi-Biega National Park (for lowland gorillas). The cost of permits is as follows:

• Virunga National Park:
  • $400 per person during the high season (mid-December to mid-March, June to October)
  • $200 per person during the low season (mid-March to mid-May, mid-October to mid-December)
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park:
  • $400 per person for Foreign non-residents
  • $200 per person for East African residents
  • $20 for national residents

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

Important Notes About Gorilla Permit Pricing

When booking your gorilla permits, please note that the price for the permit does not include accommodation, air tickets, ground transport, meals, or other expenses. For a full understanding of the costs and package details, it’s best to contact your tour operator.

What is the Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Africa?

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years, and the maximum age is generally 85 years, depending on your fitness level. Gorilla trekking can be a physically demanding activity, so it’s important to be in good health before embarking on this incredible adventure. For older travelers, gorilla trekking is still possible in places like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, thanks to the availability of sedan chair carriers. These special chairs allow those who may not be able to walk long distances to be carried by potters to and from the forest. The cost of hiring a sedan chair ranges from $400-$500 and can be arranged in advance or on the day of your trek.

Gorilla Permit Cancellation Policies in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo

To go on a gorilla trek with a Spanish-speaking guide, you’ll need to secure a gorilla permit. If you’re traveling with a guide, you’ll also need to book a permit for them, ensuring they can accompany you on your trek. It’s important to remember that once you’ve booked a gorilla permit, it’s best to use it on the specified date. The cancellation policies in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo are quite strict — if you cancel within 0 to 8 days of your scheduled trek, you will not be refunded for your permit.

However, there have been some changes to the cancellation policies in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Uganda has allowed flexibility for treks impacted by the pandemic, offering the option to reschedule your trek twice without penalty.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

While you can book a gorilla tour with a Spanish-speaking guide at any time of the year, the best periods for trekking are during the drier months of January, February, and from June to early September. These months offer better trail conditions, making it easier to move through the forest and giving you clearer views of the gorillas due to lower vegetation cover. This makes the experience more enjoyable and accessible.

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

When preparing for your gorilla trek, comfort and practicality are key. The forest can be muddy, especially when it rains, and the terrain can be steep and challenging. We recommend wearing sturdy, comfortable walking boots and long-sleeve cotton clothing to protect yourself from plants and insects. Here’s a list of items you should pack:

• Insect Repellent
• Torch/Flashlight (with spare batteries)
• Wet Wipes
• Water Bottle
• Camera & lenses (for capturing memories)
• Comfortable hiking boots & socks
• Gardening gloves (for gripping during tracking)
• Sandals or walking shoes (for after the trek)
• Hat & Sunscreen
• Rain Jacket
• Sweater/Fleece (for cooler mornings)
• Swimwear (for relaxation after the trek)
• Binoculars (for bird and wildlife watching)

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

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we organize unforgettable gorilla tours with Spanish-speaking guides in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a more luxury safari, we offer a range of packages that suit every traveler’s needs. We also handle the booking of your gorilla permits and can provide expert advice on planning your trek.

Our team is dedicated to ensuring you have an exceptional experience, from the moment you book until the end of your adventure. Don’t just take our word for it — check out our Trip Advisor reviews to see what past clients have said about their experiences.

With Trek Africa Expeditions, you can be confident you’ll have a memorable and stress-free gorilla trek. Contact us today to start planning your gorilla tour with a Spanish-speaking guide and discover the wonders of Uganda, Rwanda, or DR Congo with a local expert by your side.