Rwanda and Uganda are part of the green lungs of Africa. This is where the rolling eastern savannah meets the tropical West African rain forests. Population density is low; eco-tourism is top of the list and the local people are warm and welcoming. This is also the home of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas.
Mountain Gorilla Safaris and Tours in the Virungas
Discovery Initiatives was encouraged by mountain gorilla wildlife agencies to run gorilla conservation support tours to the Virungas. The heart of the trip lies in the mists of the Virunga Volcanoes, with visits to conservation projects and local communities in both Uganda and Rwanda.
Discovery Initiative is an eco-tourism setup that believes their gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda offers a more holistic approach to mountain gorilla tourism in each area. The visitor’s participation in this tour helps directly to fund local conservation projects through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International and offers the visitor not the usual one gorilla permit, but five potential opportunities to see these magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Volcanoes Safaris – Gorilla Safaris
Also operating in the mountains is Volcanoes Safaris. They offer an Eight Day Safari which starts and finishes in Kigali. This safari takes gorilla enthusiasts to three gorilla parks – PNV in Rwanda and Mgahinga and Bwindi in Uganda It offers an opportunity to track mountain gorillas four times, twice in PNV, once in Mgahinga/Nkuringo and once in Bwindi. On safari clients stay three nights at Volcanoes Virunga Lodge, two nights at Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge and two nights at Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge. Visitors report that the gorilla trekking is excellent. They also offer a range of tours.
Mountain Gorilla Tours, Chimp Walk and Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla Tours, located in Kampala, Uganda is a member of the Association of Ugandan Tour Operators. They offer a few different tours in Uganda and Rwanda, with plenty of eco tourism variables. Their website has good solid information for visitors. The rare Mountain Gorilla is found in the tropical rainforests of Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. It is one of the many kinds of primates tourists will encounter on these so called Gorilla Tours or Gorilla Safaris.
- Three day African Gorilla special (includes a full day of gorilla tracking) and stay at legendary Travelers Rest Hotel.
- Five day Gorillas and Chimps – including chimp walk, walk through Bigodi swamp, gorilla tracking stay at Travelers Rest Hotel.
- 16 day Uganda Total - this is a comprehensive package that starts with the Murchison Falls, Kibale forests, a chimp walk, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi, Gorilla tracking in Buhoma, Gorilla trekking in Nkuringo, or Gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Climbing Muhavura Volcano and many other options. All these tours are camping or simple accommodation.
Safari's to Gabon to see Lowland Mountain Gorillas
- Lowland Gorilla Safari in Gabon. 15 days from the UK Combining Loango, Ivindo and Lope National Parks, this lowland gorilla safari in Gabon visits the highlights of this remarkable country.
- Gabon Holiday. 17 day tour that offers the best of Gabon, combining Loango National Park, the Jewel of Africa’s western coast, with Ivindo National Park (Langoué Bai), famous for its gorillas. from Responsible Travel.com
Note: Although gorilla trekking is not heavy physical exercise it does demand that the traveler is in good health and is reasonable fit to be able to enjoy this Gorilla Safari. All these areas are close to the equator so it may be a lot warmer than many Westerners are used to. A good tip to remember for all eco vacations in this type of climate is to keep hydrated and use adequate sun and insect protection.
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