My Gorilla

Category: Travel Planner

  • Brief Guide to Gorilla Trekking in 2025

    Brief Guide to Gorilla Trekking in 2025

    Are planning to track gorillas in 2025? Uganda, Congo and Rwanda are the most popular gorilla safari destinations in Africa for 2018. Though the world is full of diverse beautiful places,these three countries are second to none when it comes to outstanding gorilla safari experience. While planning your gorilla safari consider in mind the price of gorilla permits , accommodation and transport and the nature of trek you would like to have on your trip. All the three gorilla tracking countries offer same gorilla tracking experience with difference in gorilla permit prices and tourist visa.After looking at the gorilla tourism demand in Africa, Uganda, Congo and Rwanda are still priority gorilla tracking destinations for many travelers to Africa.

    Uganda

    Uganda has long been a favorite gorilla tracking spot of may travelers across the globe and remains the best budget destination in Africa for all kinds of travelers. In particular Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga National park are the known mountain gorilla homes and prime tourist attractions of the country. Gorilla permits in Uganda Cost US$600 for foreigners but tourists get discounts on permits when they visit the country in April, May and November for Gorilla safari tours.

    Other things to combine with gorilla tracking in Uganda are the wildlife tours and chimpanzee trekking trips to Kibale forest national park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park.

    Remember to secure your tourist visa to Uganda at only US$50  since all foreign tourist to Uganda must have Tourist Visas to enter the country. The other essential is the yellow fever certificate a required document for all travelers to Africa.

    Congo (DR Congo)

    Though the political situation for Congo was not good in the past, today its one of the safest countries in Africa full of diverse attractions to be explored by tourists. From low land gorillas in Kahuzi Biega national park to Mountain gorillas & Nyiragongo volcanoes in Virunga national park, Democratic Republic of Congo has never run short of exciting destinations to discover. Among the favorite holidays in Congo are the gorilla safari tours in Virunga and Kahuzi Biega national park and travelers also like explore the most most active volcano of Nyiragongo during their Congo gorilla trekking tours. If you are looking for a rewarding hiking experience combined with gorilla tracking, Congo is your right place to be in 2018.Congo gorilla permits cost US$400 for foreigners but cost only US$200 in low season months. The Congo tourist Visa is only US$100 and its valid for a period of 90 days for all foreign tourists to the country. However, you can also track chimpanzees, view banobos and also enjoy wildlife if you have enough time and money to explore the lovely nation.

    Rwanda

    Gorilla safari holidays in Rwanda are ever the best despite the increase of Rwanda gorilla permits from US$750-US$1500. Even Rwanda culture and surrounding is another wonderful bonus to all visitors to the country. Though it’s the mountain gorillas in volcanoes National Park that attract  more visitors to Rwanda, the tourist arrival in the country is still high even after the increase of Gorilla permits to US$1500.If you looking for exceptional luxury gorilla safaris in Africa, I would definitely recommend Rwanda among all other gorilla destinations in the region. The drives are short , treks manageable and the gorilla viewing platform is awesome. Besides, excellent luxury gorilla safari lodges  are also found in Rwanda making it perfect for all luxury travelers to Africa.

    If you fancy being at the beach, don’t miss to explore the countries beautiful beach “Lake Kivu”, Nyungwe forest for chimpanzees, Akagera National Park for Wildlife and Kigali city to get close to the life style of Rwanda people. Remember one needs a tourist visa to enter Rwanda that costs US$30 plus a yellow fever certificate. Explore the beautiful gorilla tracking destinations and also enjoy every moment of your stay.

  • 5 Reasons Why Visit Uganda for Gorilla Trekking in 2025

    5 Reasons Why Visit Uganda for Gorilla Trekking in 2025

    Gorilla tracking might be high on your bucket list  but still wondering  the best country to make your dream come true. However, when you see the reason as to why everyone is going to Uganda for gorilla trekking safaris you will definitely make a step and go gorilla trekking to either Bwindi Forest National Park or Mgahinga national park. Whether you are interested in backpacking, extreme budget gorilla trek or luxury gorilla tour , Uganda is definitely a place you should visit.

    1.99% Chances of Seeing Gorillas

    When in Uganda for gorilla tracking, you cannot miss seeing the gorillas which is why a visit to Uganda for gorilla tracking is a must. The park offers various gorilla trekking adventures in the four park sectors –Buhoma, Ruhija Rushaga and Nkuringo but seeing gorillas in a must for every day trekking visitor. Unless if you want to meet them twice on a double trekking tour, then you go back in the forest for the second gorilla trek a day after the first one since gorilla trekking is conducted once in both parks –Mgahinga and Bwindi.

    2. Gorilla Permit Availability

    When visiting Uganda it would be very difficult for you to miss getting a gorilla trekking permit in any of the two gorilla trekking national parks if you book quite early since the country has fourteen habituated gorilla families ready for tourists every day and one for research. However, if you don’t  find gorilla permit availabity for the dates of your interest, it’s worth to look at other tour packages that allow you combine other attractions of the country with gorilla  tracking and start with a visit to other places and trek gorillas last on a date with gorilla permit availabity.

    3. Discounted Gorilla Permit Offers

    One would say Uganda is a budget gorilla safari destination for the month of April, May and November every when country gives hug discounts to travelers on gorilla tracking safaris. Discounted gorilla permits cost $450 per a trek a good price compared to other gorilla trekking destinations in East Africa. Many travelers have managed to track gorillas on budget during April, May and November the same time I would highly recommend to anyone planning for a budget gorilla tracking safari in Africa.

    4. Valued Accommodations

    Uganda gorilla trekking parks offers variety of accommodation facilities  and food for different budget and at least every gorilla travelers finds valued accommodation for his or her gorilla safari tour a reason for you to track gorillas in Uganda. All the parks have different accommodations for different gorilla families that should only be booked and paid after reserving your trekking gorilla permit. This is because one must sleep close to the park heading quarters and catch up with the early morning briefing.

    5. Uganda Transport

    In Uganda, you can afford to travel around even to the gorilla trekking park at a budget friendly cost hence being a n incredible gorilla safari destination for luxury and budget travelers .However, if you like to treat yourself with some luxury, book a tailor made gorilla safari tour with everything inclusive and travel in private safari vehicle.

  • 10 Ways to Have a Perfect Gorilla Safari

    10 Ways to Have a Perfect Gorilla Safari

    Mountain gorillas as the main tourist attraction in Uganda. Travelers who want to see them must organize a gorilla trekking safari which takes place in Africa’s forests; Virunga Region in Rwanda and Bwindi Forest National Park in Uganda. When you’re planning to visit Uganda to see gorillas, you need to book a gorilla safari in advance because it’s almost impossible to arrange it upon arrival. As it needs care full planning and time to arrange a gorilla safari, most people think gorilla trekking is expensive. No, it is not. And here are the 10 ways to have a perfect gorilla safari on budget.

    Discounted Gorilla Permits

    A gorilla is a must have for any traveler going for gorilla trekking. Uganda gorilla permit price usually is at $800 during peak season (December to February and June to September) and that has proven expensive to most travelers. But you can get away from that price and plan to trek gorillas in low season with a permit at $450 during the months of April to May and October to November which makes a gorilla safari affordable. As rain fall tend to be frequent, few visitors manage to go for gorilla trekking thinking weather is miserable. Due to low demand, Uganda wildlife authority puts permits on discount which attract more visitors. This means gorilla permit availability is higher and easy to book one even at last minute.

    Stay in low range or moderate accommodation and lodgings

    Even when it’s a high season for gorilla trekking, visitors probably will be able to get a room with full board, enough space and good amenities at low cost. There are a variety of accommodations around Bwindi and in Mgahinga ranging from low range, mid range and up market. Among those owned by the local community do not charge much and your reason to stay is to support the locals as well experience local culture. Take time choose your favorite lodge and bargain though it can take time, you will reduce the costs on accommodation and ensure you have a budget gorilla safari. Note that the basic recommendation is that you should stay near the gorilla family you will be trekking. You need to wake up early for briefing about gorilla rules which is a must attend. However, we have had travelers who stay in a lodge that is 14 km away from the briefing center and still manage to drive early and catch up with their treks.

    Low season gorilla trekking

    Trekking gorillas in low/rainy season with heavy rains in March, April to May and short rains in October/November will definitely make a gorilla safari cheaper in many ways. Due to wet weather, visitors on a gorilla safari are very few and there’s always low occupancy rate in most of the accommodations. To attract more customers, luxury lodges also reduce their room rates to almost half the price they would charge during peak season. You can afford a room at low cost while getting high quality services including nice beds and food. With discounted gorilla permits, low cost accommodation, it’s possible to have a budget gorilla safari which can rather be difficult during the peak season. In addition to that, you gorilla trek in low season gives more solitude encounter with gorillas because the number of trekkers allocated to a gorilla family may even be lower than 8 people.

    Use public transport to get to south western Uganda

    The cost of traveling by bus/coaster from Kampala southwestern Uganda is very cheaper compared to using a tour operator or hiring a car for self drive tour.  Mgahinga and the trekking centers in Bwindi which include Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo are accessible by bus. From Kampala buses usually stop in major towns like Kisoro and Kabale which are very close to Nkuringo and Rushaga. You’ll need to drive further using a boda boda or taxi to your lodge. Visitors going to Buhoma by bus will have to stop in a trading center called Butogota about 15 km from the visitor center.

    Travel as a group      

    Traveling as a group, mainly you want to share the costs of transportation on your trip to south western Uganda. The entry fees to Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla Park do not change but transport costs do. If you are alone or a couple, you’re advised to look for look for other visitors who will be traveling to Bwindi on the same itinerary. Depending on the number of people, you can agree to hire one vehicle through your operator with all costs including fuel, guide or driver services.

    Book a Gorilla Safari in advance

    If you book your Uganda gorilla safari in advance of 3-5 months, you get a chance to compare prices of accommodation and transportation from different tour operators. Thereby get good offers. Early booking can save you from higher prices that come with peak season gorilla trekking. You just have to be keen with the operator you choose because if one charges offers low prices it may affect the quality of services and ruin your gorilla trekking experience.

    Use self-drive tour

    The cost of hiring a car for self drive tour is not expensive with many tour operators and car rental services in Kampala. The costs will depend on the type of car you want but it must be a four wheel drive. However, before you pay, be sure to have checked the vehicle for any breakage to avoid getting stuck along the way. But genuine car rental services will provide necessary services such as spare tires to ensure a smooth drive to southwestern Uganda.

  • Gorilla Trekking on Budget

    Have less money but you would like to go on a gorilla trekking safari in Africa? Here is a guide to planning a budget gorilla trek in Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo.

    Full of amazing life lasting memories and natural attractiveness, gorilla trekking in Africa is ultimate adventure but isn’t always easy to arrange on budget. The adventure is also taken as one of the most expensive in the world but if you make a right choices of the trek, travel in right times and use right accommodations, it won’t be. If you dream of someday visiting Africa on a budget gorilla trekking tour, you don’t have to be a millionaire but just work it out right with smart gorilla trip planners and experts and your dream will come true.

    Gorilla Permits

    The Gorilla permit is always the main core of the trek. The cheapest gorilla permits are for Bwindi forest and Mgahinga national park in Uganda and Virunga National Park for Congo that range from US$450 to US$800. However, it’s very easy to get a quick bus ticket to the gorilla park in Uganda and also arrange multiple rides to other attractions you will be interested in  if backpacking unlike in other. Depending on how many destinations you want to visit, a self drive car hire can work best than a private tailor made tour. But the other side is that Rwanda gorilla permits look pricy has the most short gorilla treks ever. Being short makes it cheap and affordable for those interested in Budget gorilla trekking tours.

    Where to Stay

    For Budget accommodations and hostels look no further than Uganda and Rwanda as long as you time your trip. Hotel rates vary but range between US$5 – US$15  per night a budget that can’t break your bank. One of the benefits of using hostels and budget accommodation is that you save as you enjoy because most them offer great services beyond price.

    The list of good hostels in Rwanda and Uganda include, Kampala backpackers hostel, Bwindi backpackers lodge, fat cats hostel, Golden monkey hostel, Buhoma Rest Camp, Bwindi view bandas, gorilla friendly campsite, Youth hostel Rwanda, Kinigi guest house etc.

    What Trips to Take

    The most done budget gorilla treks are the

    • 3 days gorilla trekking tour
    • 2 days gorilla trekking tour Rwanda
    • 1 day gorilla trek Rwanda, and a
    • 5 day gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda & Uganda

    Choosing one of the above trips is an assurance that you will spend less and experience more. Consider in mind that each trip is cheap but the experience is same of meeting gorillas in their home. Many gorillas’ families have been habituated and available for tourists daily provided one has a gorilla gate pass to see them.

    Mornings for the trek are too exciting and ready for since it’s a dream come true in life on a life changing Africa holiday. Treks are manageable in both seasons despite the few rains that usually fall in months of April, May and November. But this can’t stop you from booking a gorilla trekking tour in  April, May or November because there are chances of tracking  at only $450 USD since Uganda  uses these months to promote gorilla travel. However, Uganda gorilla tours are the most cheapest since permits cost less than the usual price.

    Food & Drinks

    If you love eats, cheap ones are everywhere and you have variety to taste including local dishes but make sure you eat and clean restaurants to prevent health hygiene problems. Drinks and eats in restaurants cost between $5-$10 dollars and some run promotions on weekends especially Saturday and Sunday. Soft drinks like sodas, wines, beers make a perfect cool off especially on a hot day. However, every gorilla tour  include many of the safari highlights ,such as the Uganda Equator, Batwa people, Golden monkey trek, Ibywachu cultural village, Dian Fossey tomb, Kigali city, Kampala city, and many more.

  • Honeymoon Safari with the Gorillas in Africa

    There is nothing more exciting than taking a gorilla trek during your honeymoon or anniversary. Many people always look out for something new to do during their holiday. After consulting our Africa safari expert, we were recommended to take a safari through Eastern Africa. We later found out that tracking the endangered mountain gorillas on our honey moon was the most exciting adventure.

    Planning a Honeymoon Trip

    Many people who have just married get confused when deciding on where to spend their honey moon! From choosing the right destination to choosing which adventure activity to be included in your holiday is quite confusing. It’s very important to spend your honey in a place you’ve never been. It is also advisable to plan your honeymoon together with your partner well in advance! If you are like me and would like to spend this time in Africa, you also need to work out your travel plans well in advance with a reliable tour operator or safari expert. You must know that your honey moon is such a special moment in life very difficult to forget, so we are all much concerned to plan it in a special way and enjoyable.

    With our travel planner, we were given various options to choose from. We were give a choice to include gorilla trekking in Uganda on a 12 Days Safari that included Kenya & Rwanda. Though most people think leisurely activities like game viewing are as absolutely the best things to do, we looked at having a more active holiday! That’s why we included gorilla trekking, a more active adventure so that we can have what we regarded as the best honey moon safari! Indeed East Africa as a destination offers one the best safaris in Africa with very many incredible attractions that can be included in an itinerary.

    Gorilla Trekking

    Spending your honey moon with the gorillas in the Bwindi Forest National Park in the south western part of Uganda and or Volcanoes national park in Rwanda (north western part of Rwanda) is a memorable lifetime experience! It is the best thing to do on such a great day in your life. These two nations are a home to the endangered mountain gorillas – only 900 mountain gorillas are left in the world! These great apes are found in only Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

    Spending some time with these gorilla species deep in the forest is truly rewarding. We used a tour operator to organize everything – booking gorilla permits, organizing transport and also the accommodation part of your safari. There are many other adventures in Uganda or Rwanda! You can include other adventures to make sure that something special is organized for you! It is also advisable to check out the given lodges for your overnight stay that have been included in your holiday. This is always a surprise to spice up your stay in Uganda or Rwanda.

    Gorillas are fabulous fan to watch in their natural habitat as tracking involves moving deep into the forest with a ranger guide in a group of other eight members who are allowed to track these giants in each gorilla group, trekking also involves having an encounter with other forest dwellers like primates species, birds of different species, plant and butterfly species, all these makes the trek very interesting and the ranger guide will be there to give you all the necessary information on any forest species you meet on the way during the search, and ounce these apes are met you are strictly allowed one hour while with these giants.

    On your honey still you can mix the love of gorillas with other wildlife as from Bwindi impenetrable national park to queen Elizabeth national is just about 3-4 hours’ drive as you will be fortunate to meet the rare tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of the park, this is amazing and it will make your honey moon safari more amazing, other animals that you will come across include elephant, buffaloes, antelope species among others. However much, trekking with the gorillas of Uganda or Rwanda the gorilla tracking experience on such a great day in life remains the same. For any honeymoon safari including gorillas, we take the lead. Book with us any gorilla safari we shall give you the best.

  • Budget Alternatives to Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

    Rwanda a former budget and luxury gorilla safari destination in Africa changed its gorilla safari market to only Luxury after the increase of gorilla permits from US$750-US$1500 but still the country is incredible for all kinds of travelers. The increment in price of the Rwanda gorilla permits is aimed at more conservation effort of wildlife and primate as well as developing the local communities around Volcanoes national Park was not pleasing to many budget travelers who had hope in tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda but it created opportunities for travelers to discover two different great gorilla destinations at ago that is Rwanda and Uganda.

    Fly to Rwanda & Track Gorillas in Uganda

    Travelers who fly to Rwanda and Track gorillas in Uganda enjoy the beautiful attractions of both countries hence carrying home a bunch of memories and stories to tell. Rwanda Uganda gorilla safari tours are very flexible and amazing because it involves driving less and exploring more. This is a new travel trend for travelers who want to explore Rwanda and Uganda on gorilla and wildlife safari tours.Usaually tourists are picked up from Kigali international airport by their trip organizer nd explore Kigali city before crossing the boarder to Bwindi forest for gorilla tracking, wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth, before returning back to Rwanda for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe and also spend some time in leisure at Lake Kivu.

    During the safari you will find that all the destinations are awesome  and if money and time  permits , it would be good to go on safari to Uganda and Rwanda.Looking at the endless views in the land of thousand hills –Rwanda make all the drives in the country scenic, the city organization and rich Rwanda culture  take you close to the local life of Rwanda people and same applies when you cross the border of Gatuna to Uganda for gorilla trekking in Bwindi  impenetrable national park. After the trek, an afternoon with the Batwa people of the forest who still behave and live in the ancient world is another bonus for tracking gorillas in Uganda.

    Above all, travelers on different safari to Uganda and Rwanda believe that Rwanda gorilla permit increase  was another way of telling them to explore more other destinations unlike Rwanda alone.”We wouldn’t have known how it feels to track gorillas in Uganda and also to explore other beautiful tourism attractions like Lake Bunyonyi, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale forest  and Murchison falls  because our center of interest was just Rwanda before” says Keen Myles one of the traveled enjoying his 15 day trip in Uganda and Rwanda. Surely Uganda and Rwanda has a lot to offer for those ready to experience the extra ordinary any time soon.

  • Discounted Gorilla Permits for Low season 2017

    Discounted Gorilla Permits for Low season 2017

    Its only in Uganda where discounted gorilla permit offers run twice a year both at the beginning and in the end giving a  chance to those who travel in the beginning of year and in the end. This offer excites gorilla tracking tourists to Africa because none of them misses. In fact Uganda is home to the highest population of mountain gorillas in the world plus abundant wildlife and other primate species that can entertain travelers on different tour schedules. The country is also a home to mountain Rwenzori one of the tallest mountain ranges in Africa and a great place for those interested in mountaineering and gorilla tracking safaris. Here are some of the ways how discounted gorilla permits in Uganda make travelers excited.

    Affordable Gorilla Tours

    With discounted gorilla permits in Uganda, all gorilla safari tours for the month of April, May and November are affordable and pocket friendly a thing that excite travelers. Imagine tracking gorillas at only $800 all inclusive, transport accommodation and Gorilla permit. This also makes Uganda a top budget gorilla safari destination year round for all kinds of travelers since all tour essentials are discounted in the promotional months. If you are planning to track gorillas on budget, make sure you book your gorilla safari tour in the discounted months of the year.

    Best Choice destination for every one

    Uganda has always been a great travel destination for many in Africa and discounted gorilla permits make it a choice for more travelers to Africa either for budget or Luxury safaris. Discounted gorilla permits are for every one so benefits are enjoyed by whoever chooses to visit Uganda in the month of April, May and November. Choosing to track gorillas in Uganda is another way fo saving big on your holiday expenditures which enable travelers take on other tour adventures that they had postponed due to limited funds. Can’t this excite you to save for your dream upcoming holiday by tracking gorillas in Uganda on discount?.

    Group Gorilla Tour

    During April, Maya nd November, there are many group gorilla tours organized by different tour operators  with interest of bring travelers of the same interest together. Meet new friends both on safari and in the jungle forest a home for primates and other forest habitants. Group gorilla tours are cheap and are arranged at the beginning of year and in the end to enable every primate lover to fulfill their travel dream of seeing mountain gorillas in their natural home. Gorillas are great beautiful forest creatures that have a rare impressive attractive look that looking in the eyes of the silverback as it monitors its family members and watching the juvenile play around tree branches in front of their mothers, father and other family members is an incredible experience that thousands yarn to experience in Africa. When Uganda opened doors for discounted gorilla permits until 2018, this excited many adventurers and gave them hope to fulfill their life travel dream.

  • Top Gorilla Safaris in Africa

    Top Gorilla Safaris in Africa

    It’s known that perfect gorilla safari holidays are found in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo but the demand depends on the travelers’ interest and budget. However, every gorilla safari experience make Africa a top destination but here is a list of the most loved gorilla treks that you may find pleasing  to take on or advise a friend heading to Africa for gorilla trekking.

    2-3 Days Gorilla Treks

    The 2-3 day tours are most done in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo especially for travelers with limited time. Its has always been the best option to explore the secret jungle wild forests of gorillas on short notice, Tourist find it fine to start a 2 day gorilla trek in Kigali and track gorillas in Uganda or do a three day Rwanda gorilla tour or 3 day Uganda gorilla safari tour or 3 day Congo gorilla tour to Virunga national park. All the above gorilla tours are good for budget and luxury travelers who struggle to fix time and experience the other side of the beautiful countries in Africa. Don’t miss to experience the life in the wild with gorillas for 2-3 days and search for the unique forest creatures.

    Gorillas & Wildlife Safaris

    Do you want to see gorilla and wildlife; this is a perfect gorilla safari tour that takes you to see gorillas, chimpanzees, wildlife, birds, hippos and crocodiles but organized in Uganda to Queen Elizabeth national Park and Bwindi forest National Park. See all the above in just 4 days and 3 nights. These two parks are well stocked with everything that including amazing views and tree climbing lions. The two Uganda national parks are also known for fabulous tour adventures as well as the most visited in the country. However, those with enough time can spend more 2 days in the same destination since they really have a lot in stock to offer and in that case a 5-6 day gorilla and wildlife safari Uganda can do.

    Gorillas and Nyiragongo Hike

    This tour will start and end in Kigali, hiking Nyiragongo active Volcano in Democratic republic of Congo with overnight at the top and then tracking the mountain gorillas in either Virunga national park or Volcanoes National park-Rwanda. It’s wonderful for choice for the fit and adventurers and the reward is lifetime memories that never fade. However, one should be looking at exploring Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa. 4-5 days are enough for this trip and its affordable for both budget and luxury travelers.

    Lowland & mountain Gorilla Trekking Tours

    Tracking gorillas has always been the top wildlife encounter in Africa but tracking both low land and mountain gorillas is a great encounter that takes you to two different jungle forests of Virunga and Kahuzi Biega. Both treks look similar but the experience is totally different worth exploring. No need to embark on long road drives from Virunga national park to Kahuzi Biega national park yet the easy route by boat waits.

    However, if you just want to track gorillas twice in the same jungle forest  of your choice is something that tour agents organize occasionally hence offering the best double trekking gorilla safari experiences in Africa.

  • Expedition to the Walikale Jungle

    At the request of Turner Prize-winning artist Steve McQueen, in September 2006 gorilla guide. Greg Cummings led an expedition into the forests of the Walikale Region of DR Congo, as part of a film McQueen was making.  The expedition party – which included the film crew, 20 local porters, a chef, and a priest – set out from Walikale Town in the back of a pick-up, but after some 12 kilometers the road ceased to exist, whereupon they proceeded on foot. It took them three days, walking an average of 10 kilometers a day to reach the mining village in the middle of the jungle, where the crew shot just 20 minutes of 35 mm footage. They returned via chartered plane, through Goma, and the expedition was deemed a complete success.

    You can take the same expedition on Google Earth by downloading the place mark here. Launch your software, then click the play button on your ‘Places’ panel to run the expedition.

    Who is Greg Cummings?

    He is the Expert Gorilla Guide. Greg Cummings is an award-winning conservationist, author, and one of the most experienced gorilla safari hands in Africa. He has been leading tours to meet your hairy mountain cousins for nearly two decades now, and knows his way around most of their habitats, including Virunga, Bwindi, Kahuzi Biega, Walikale, Mt. Tshiaberimu, Cross River and Moukalaba Doudou.

    Since he learned to walk, Greg Cummings has been stomping the Rift Valley: first as a UN brat, then variously as a free-lance journalist, relief worker, wildlife conservationists, safari guide, UN consultant, bar manager, and last but not least, published author. He is endlessly entertained by the people, culture and stories from the region of the Rift, and wonders if there’s any subject about which he hasn’t formed some opinion.