| Going on a gorilla safari must rank as one of the | | | | There are some simple rules that apply when |
| best wildlife experiences left in the natural world. | | | | visiting these great apes: Don't go if you are sick |
| Many people describe it as an overwhelming and | | | | because you might infect them and they are |
| awe-inspiring experience and worth every penny | | | | very susceptible to human diseases, no flash |
| they spent on making it happen. | | | | photography, maintain a seven metre distance, |
| But it doesn't necessarily have to cost the earth. | | | | don't eat or drink around them and each group |
| You can organise and plan your own trek far | | | | can stay for a maximum of one hour. |
| cheaper than it would cost if you used a safari | | | | Best Time to Go on a Gorilla Safari |
| company as they need to work through the | | | | Bwindi is a rainforest so you can expect |
| applicable wildlife authorities in each country to | | | | precipitation most of the year with the heaviest |
| obtain gorilla permits anyway and you can do the | | | | rains occurring in March - April and September - |
| same if you know how. | | | | November while other months are reasonably dry. |
| The trade-off is that it will be more inconvenient | | | | Annual precipitation is between 1130 mm and |
| for you because you will need to organise all the | | | | 2390 mm. |
| logistics yourself whereas with a gorilla safari | | | | The annual temperature ranges between 7-20 |
| company you just turn up and go along for the | | | | degrees c with the coldest period between June- |
| ride. | | | | July. |
| If you are a do-it-yourself traveller, here is what | | | | The climate in the Volcanoes National Park is |
| you need to know to make it possible and save | | | | changeable and you can generally expect both sun |
| yourself some money... | | | | and rainfall during the day. At 1,700m above sea |
| Where to Find the Gorillas | | | | level it is generally quite cold particularly in the |
| Mountain gorillas are highly endangered and there | | | | evening so warm clothing is advised. |
| are isolated pockets of them left in Uganda, | | | | The park receives a high amount of rainfall, over |
| Rwanda and the Congo. It's estimated that there | | | | 70 inches (1,800 mm) per year and daytime |
| are less than 650 mountain gorilla left in the world. | | | | temperatures average about 70°F |
| Travel to the Congo is considered risky because | | | | (21°C). The dry season occurs |
| of the political and military instabilities that exist | | | | mid-June-September and December-March. |
| there but Uganda and Rwanda are perfect for a | | | | Rain is an inconvenience on a gorilla safari but it's |
| gorilla safari. | | | | not an insurmountable obstacle. Just make sure |
| Your chances of seeing the gorillas are excellent in | | | | that you take a good pair of hiking boots with |
| both Uganda and Rwanda because they are | | | | you because it can become very muddy and |
| tracked each day by experienced trackers so | | | | some parts are pretty steep which can cause |
| their locations are known down to the last 24 | | | | you to slip. |
| hours. It's possible but quite rare for visitors not | | | | Travel and Accommodation |
| to see the gorillas. | | | | Bwindi in Uganda can be reached from QENP in |
| In Uganda the big apes live in the Bwindi National | | | | the north (2-3 hours), from Kabale to the south |
| Park and in Rwanda they can be found at the | | | | (1-2 hours), or from Kampala via Mbarara (6-8 |
| Volcanoes National Park. | | | | hours). The roads meet at Butogota, 17km from |
| There are three habituated gorilla groups in the | | | | the Buhoma entrance gate. |
| Bwindi forest and a total of eighteen permits are | | | | Two up-market tented camps, a lodge, |
| issued every day at six per group. | | | | community-run budget rooms and camping are |
| In Rwanda there are four habituated gorilla groups | | | | available near the Buhoma entrance gate for |
| and eight permits are issued per group bringing | | | | accommodation the night before the gorilla safari. |
| the total per day to thirty two. | | | | |