Find out if it is safe to Track Gorillas in Uganda – Rwanda – or the Cong.
Which country is safe for Mountain Gorilla Trekking?
Is it safe to track Gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo? Regarding gorilla trekking, safety and security are paramount in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Park rangers, police, and the military in all three countries prioritize the well-being and safety of tourists.
Gorilla tourism plays a significant role in the economies of Uganda and Rwanda, contributing to gorilla conservation efforts, park maintenance, and infrastructure development in surrounding communities. Tourists must obtain permits to track gorillas, with prices ranging from USD 400 in the DRC, USD 700 in Uganda, and USD 1500 in Rwanda. The revenue generated from these permits is crucial for protecting the gorillas and their habitats.
Stringent security measures are in place to ensure the safety of tourists. Most security actions are conducted behind the scenes, including deploying well-trained soldiers to patrol the parks in Uganda and Rwanda. Each country has secured its borders to prevent any guerrilla incursions.
However, it’s important to note that gorillas can still move between countries. For example, the Hirwa gorilla family has been known to
wander from Rwanda to Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla Park. Efforts are made to monitor the gorillas’ movements and ensure their safety.
Gorilla conservation is closely linked to gorilla tourism in all three countries. Tourists who embark on gorilla treks contribute significantly to gorilla conservation efforts. Ensuring their safety and security is a logical and essential aspect of the conservation strategy. Without adequate safety measures, tourists may not feel confident visiting these destinations.
However, challenges can arise in certain areas. For instance, though well-managed, Virunga Volcanoes National Park in the DRC has faced security threats from rebel groups. In January 2021, an ambush by a rebel group resulted in the tragic loss of six park rangers. As a result, gorilla tourism in Virunga National Park has temporarily ceased, and travel advisories have been issued by various countries, cautioning against travel to the eastern provinces of the DRC, including Virunga Volcanoes Park.
It’s essential to know that most standard travel insurance policies may not cover gorilla trekking in high-risk areas. Therefore, obtaining specialized, high-risk travel insurance is recommended if you plan to engage in gorilla trekking activities.
In summary, while safety and security are the primary focus for park authorities and governments in Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC, there are instances where security challenges may affect certain areas. It’s essential to stay informed about travel advisories and consult with travel experts and authorities to make informed decisions regarding gorilla trekking in these countries.
Find out if tracking Gorillas in Uganda – Rwanda – or the Congo is safe.
Which country is safe for Mountain Gorilla Trekking?
Is it safe to track Gorillas in Uganda?
Is it safe to track gorillas in Uganda? Absolutely! Uganda is renowned as a premier mountain gorilla trekking destination in Africa, offering both affordability and safety for gorilla trekkers.
Regarding gorilla trekking safety and security, Uganda has an impressive track record. Over the past 20 years, no security incidents have been reported during gorilla trekking experiences. The presence of armed rangers and the involvement of the military and tourism police ensure the safety of trekkers.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both in Uganda, is considered one of the safest activities in the country. The rangers in these parks are highly motivated, well-equipped, and extensively trained to keep gorilla trekking expeditions safe and secure.
Uganda’s commitment to security measures is one of the reasons why it has become a favored gorilla trekking destination. All stakeholders involved in gorilla tourism strictly adhere to the security standards set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
The local communities surrounding Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park also contribute to the safety and security of tourists. There is a strong police presence, including tourism police and military police, ensuring additional safety for visitors and the local community.
The gorilla parks themselves are closely monitored and patrolled daily. The borders, including the one with the Democratic Republic of Congo, are under the watchful eye of the Ugandan Army (UPDF).
The local communities understand the importance of gorilla tourism and actively participate in its protection. They, directly and indirectly, benefit from gorilla tourism and quickly report any suspicious activities to the authorities, ensuring the safety of both tourists and the gorillas.
Uganda is committed to maintaining a guerrilla-free environment and takes all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and gorilla trekkers. For a safe and secure gorilla tracking experience, look no further than Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
Is it safe to track Gorillas in Rwanda?
Is it safe to track gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park? Absolutely! Rwanda is widely regarded as one of the safest countries to visit in Africa, and the security measures ensure a safe and secure experience for gorilla trekkers.
Rwanda takes great pride in being a premier gorilla destination, focusing on providing top-notch safety and security for its guests. The country boasts exclusive hotels and lodges, and new ones are continuously being built to cater to tourists. Safety, well-being, and the satisfaction of tourists are given high priority.
No direct security incidents have been reported during gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. On the contrary, visitors, including celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, have expressed their delight in visiting Rwanda and experiencing the wonders of gorilla trekking.
Volcanoes National Park, the renowned gorilla park in Rwanda, has established itself as a safe and secure area for gorillas and
trekkers. To ensure the safety of tourists, every visitor entering the park is accompanied by a ranger escort. Armed security protection is also standard practice for those embarking on gorilla treks, golden monkey sightings, hiking, or climbing within the park.
The park shares borders with the stable, safe, and secure Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda and the less stable Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Rwanda, known for its practical-minded approach, has taken stringent security measures to protect tourists and its citizens. The government, including the military, police, and rangers, is committed to maintaining a safe and unified Rwanda.
While external forces like the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda) may threaten Rwanda’s peace, the Rwandan military has successfully repelled such threats. Rwanda remains a safe destination for tourism, including gorilla trekking.
Rest assured that trekking gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers a safe and secure experience. The country’s dedication to ensuring the well-being of tourists and its strong security measures provide peace of mind for visitors seeking to witness the incredible beauty of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Is it Safe to Trek Gorillas in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo?
Is it safe to trek gorillas in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo? Unfortunately, the answer remains a resounding no.
Safety and security conditions in Virunga National Park are significantly different compared to other gorilla trekking destinations. The park is plagued by guerrillas and criminals, making it a high-risk and no-go zone.
Various countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, strongly advise against visiting the area, including Virunga National Park. Most insurance companies, except those specializing in high-risk coverage, will not provide insurance for individuals while they are in the park.
We can only hope for peace to prevail in Virunga National Park shortly. Unfortunately, this hope has been expressed for many years, but new incidents continue disrupting the area and gorilla tracking activities.
In 2022, M-23 Rebel activity has been resurgent, a group that has received support from Rwanda in the past and has occupied the city of Goma. These circumstances further contribute to the volatile and unsafe environment in the park.
If you are considering visiting Virunga National Park, thoroughly researching and staying updated on the current security situation is crucial. Prioritizing your safety and making informed decisions before planning any travel to the area is essential.
In 2022, there is renewed M-23 Rebel activity taking place. The Rwandan-supported M-23 group occupied the city of Goma in the past.
Before visiting Virunga National Park, check out the Current Security Situation. nda – or the Congo??
Which country is safe for Mountain Gorilla Trekking?
Kabiza Wilderness Safaris creates No Worries, Gorilla TrekkingSafaris:
Introducing No Worries, Gorilla-Not Guerrilla Safaris by Kabiza Wilderness Safaris: We understand that recent incidents in Virunga National Park may have raised concerns among our clients about the safety of tracking gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda. To address these concerns, we have created this page to answer questions that gorilla trekkers may have regarding safety and security.
At Kabiza Wilderness Safaris, the safety and security of our clients are of utmost importance to us. Our driver-guides are fully dedicated to ensuring our clients have a worry-free gorilla safari experience, just like Hakuna Matata!
When it comes to gorilla trekking, the safety of our clients is our top priority. Rest assured that this year, there is no safer place to be in Uganda or Rwanda than on a gorilla trekking safari.
We often say that crossing the street in Kigali or Kampala can be more dangerous than trekking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla Park, or Volcanoes National Park.
Looking ahead, we assure you that Uganda will be “guerrilla-free.” The gorilla parks are safe and secure for trekkers, providing an environment where you can fully enjoy the incredible experience of encountering these magnificent creatures.
With our Hakuna Matata -No Worries, Gorilla-Not Guerrilla Safaris, we strive to provide our clients with complete peace of mind, knowing that their safety and security are well taken care of throughout their gorilla trekking adventure.
In 2022, Uganda will be guerrilla-free – the Gorilla Parks are safe and secure for Trekkers.
