How to Watch Gorillas with Gorilla Permit – Free Gorilla Trekking  – Gorilla Safaris

Its well stated that in the entire East Africa where your recommended to go gorilla trekking in Africa there are statutory bodies responsible for issuance of permissions to trek the gorillas within respective National Parks which are Mountain Gorilla conservation places but we do understand that there are chances for travelers to see gorillas without valid Gorilla permits like staying in a local lodge that is very cross to the park grants you a chance to spot the gorillas at free cost and save the 800$ for Uganda , 1500$ for Rwanda and 400$ for Congo.

Note : The purpose of this article is to help you save on your gorilla trekking but not to illegal access the gorilla trekking destination without a valid gorilla permit since its a crime punishable by the Authority.

Where to see the gorillas in Africa without a gorilla permit

Exploring gorillas and the wildebeest migration offers unforgettable and insights into their natural habitat. Observing gorillas is a rare and intimate experience, it can be a life changing experience offering a unique opportunity and transformative exposure broadening our perspective and fostering a deep connecting with the natural world. Conserving gorilla tourism contributes to conservation efforts and protects these majestic creature’s personal challenge. You can explore Gorillas from the six national parks in Africa that is Bwindi impenetrable, Mgahinga, Volcanoes, Kahuzi biega, Virunga and Odazala national park.

What makes gorilla watching an expensive activity is the combination of conservation efforts for mountain gorillas, the high cost of permits, transportation expenses, accommodation, and the duration of the trip. In this guide, we’ll break down each of these factors to share our tested tips of how you can see the mountain gorillas for free or in the cheapest way.

Gorillas can sometimes be seen at your hotel

Are you planning and interested in Staying in a Lodge usually visited by Gorillas, yes this is very possible, there are some lodges commonly visited by Gorillas and these are found around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Buhoma sector and Rushaga sector.

The mountain gorillas can be seen in the walk ways and compound gardens of these lodges. However, this does not happen all the time. Depending on the mood of these gentle giants, you can watch them for a long time before they move.  The lodges that are usually visited by the gorillas include Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge and Bweza Lodge.

Free Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with 4×4 Africa

The Dian Fossey Hike

If you want to maybe see gorillas and you can’t afford the gorilla permit, this hike is a great option. Just be sure to keep a lookout in the trees and listen to the sounds of the forest for branches snapping.

The hike starts outside the volcanoes national park. After moving for a short while, you will reach the park demarcation and stone walls that keep away the buffaloes and elephants from crossing to human gardens. You will follow the same trail used by visitors hiking mount Bisoke. If you are lucky, this trail offers you an opportunity to meet one of the gorilla families. Should you meet one of the gorilla groups, you will be given a very short time to see them from far away. However, you may not be allowed to take any pictures.

Hiking Mount Bisoke

Mount Bisoke is part of The Virunga Mountains, a chain of volcanoes in East and Central Africa stretching across the borders of Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda. The Virunga Mountain Range is home to several active and dormant volcanoes.

While the Mount Bisoke hike offers incredible natural beauty and diverse landscapes, it does not guarantee sightings of gorillas. Gorilla trekking is a separate activity that takes place in designated areas. Usually, the rangers purposely avoid passing through the tracks where the Gorillas currently are if you are not doing the Gorilla Trekking activity.

However, if you are lucky, during the Mount Bisoke hike, you may still have the opportunity to encounter them as they freely move around the area. If you spot the Mountain Gorillas, the rangers forbid you from photographing them. They’ll rush you to continue the trek and won’t allow you to spend time with them since you haven’t paid for the (much more expensive) Gorilla Trekking activity, where you can spend one hour with the Mountain Gorillas.

In conclusion

Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts or ‘cheapest ways’ at least as far as we are aware. The Gorilla trek is something that should be saved for and will need to be paid for in advance – months in advance due to the popularity. You will need to obtain a gorilla permit from Rwanda Development Board or Uganda Wildlife Authority.

5 Best Places to see gorillas in Africa

When planning for gorilla trekking , its important to select the best safe places to include on your self drive Safari in East Africa since 4wd Africa offers free bookings for primate permits for the unique Primate Safari tour.

The Safest Places for gorilla trekking in Africa include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park , Volcanoes National Park , Mgahinga National Park, Kahuzi Biega National Park only since Virunga National Park is closed due to war issues .

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi National Park is a home to over 400 mountain gorillas and one of the most popular destinations for Uganda gorilla trekking.  Bwindi national forest is the one of the biggest attractions in Uganda “the pearl of Africa” with the most endangered species commonly known as the mountain Gorillas not only these but also other wildlife, mammals, Primates , flora and fauna, vegetation and cultural experiences. The park is located is located in the south western part of Uganda at the age of the Albertine rift valley of the eastern region of African sharing a boarder with DRC.

Mgahinga gorilla national park

Uganda is located in southwestern Uganda in Kisoro district bordering volcanoes Rwanda to the south and a home for only three volcanoes that is mount gahinga, sabyinyo and others, its unique location make it a great habitat for a few mountain gorillas habituated, golden monkeys and flora and fauna montane forest.

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes national park is located in the republic of Rwanda in the eastern and central region of Africa district called Musanze bordered by Uganda in the north and DRC in the west. It is situated in the Virunga mountains arrange of volcanoes. The park is a home for endangered mountain gorillas and other unique wildlife, flora and fauna, forests, volcanic landscapes black and white colobus. If your going on Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, volcanoes is the only destination to explore on Africa that offers luxury gorilla watching since the gorilla permit costs USD 1500$

Kahuzi Biega National Park

Kahuzi biega national park in Eastern Congo within the southern Kivu which is only known for being the home for the Eastern lowland gorillas, this place is open for gorilla trekking as it also offers hiking and trekking trails, bird watching, chimpanzee, Eastern Lowland gorilla.  This park home for large population of lowland gorillas offering opportunity to see these animals up close.

Accommodation, Orchid’s Safari club hotel, Coco lodge bukavu.

Odzala National Park

Odzala national park in Republic of Congo with over 100 lowland gorillas Odzala and its the safe place for western lowland gorilla trekking within Africa.  The cost of the gorilla permit is cheaper but the cost of the trip to Congo.  If your looking for gorilla trekking in Africa consider this place as the last option or only when your interested in Western Lowland Gorillas in their true wilderness and tropical rainforest .

Best time to go Gorilla trekking & Wildebeest Migration

The driest months are the best seasons to visit these national parks in Africa because it gives the best opportunity to easily get the best view as the wildebeest travel in specific herd in such for water and food ever after the end of rainy season of May to June and mountain gorillas in the wilderness, where by some trails are hilly and ridged these months include June to august and December to late February.

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