Gorilla Trekking Tips for Beginners
The 1988 hit “Gorillas in the Mist” chronicles the tragic situation of mountain gorillas in the African rainforests of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The film’s poignant tale is sure to stick with audiences.
This narrative brought attention to the predicament of these mild-mannered giants, and it was based on the book of the same name by the famous primatologist, environmentalist, and writer Dian Fossey. Poaching, habitat destruction, and deaths in the crossfire of human combat were all factors that Fossey recognized at the time as putting these apes in serious risk of extinction.
Only 604 mountain gorillas remain in the wild, says the World Wildlife Fund. Nevertheless, there are encouraging indicators that their populations are on the rise, according to conservationists. As a result, going gorilla trekking is, without a doubt, the safari experience that every traveler dreams of having.
If you want to see these incredible primates up close, you might choose a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda or Uganda. Here are seven things to keep in mind:
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda: epic & moving adventure!
Gorilla Trekking Tips
1. Remember to get a permit before you arrive on your Gorilla Trekking Safari
To observe gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda, you must first obtain a permit, which is a crucial consideration for any gorilla trekking safari:
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda: US $1500
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda: US $800
Due to park capacity restrictions, these gorilla trekking permits are notoriously hard to come by. The cost of your gorilla trekking trip with Kabira Safaris & Tours Africa includes the acquisition of these licenses. Preparation is key for a successful gorilla trekking adventure.
2. Be prepared for any weather on your Gorilla Trekking Safari
On your gorilla trekking safari, you should be ready for a wide range of weather conditions, since it is not uncommon for the weather to be hot and humid one day and mildly cool and rainy the next.
Skilled safari goers know to dress in layers so they can adapt to the weather. Before you go gorilla trekking, make sure you have a waterproof clothing or jacket just in case it starts to rain.
Since you will be traveling through different highland terrain, it is vital that you carry a pair of high-quality hiking shoes. Because blister bushes and stinging nettles are so common in some regions, it’s best to cover up as much skin as you can.
3. Take food and water with you
Even though some tour operators offer packed lunches, it’s still a good idea to bring snacks and water to keep you going for the eight hours or more of hiking you might put in to find the mountain gorillas. The national parks don’t have any stores, so be prepared. Be sure to bring plenty of water and some energy snacks like dried fruit, nuts, or trail mix.
4. Waterproofing for your camera and absolutely no flash
Be sure to bring a waterproof case for your camera on your gorilla trekking expedition in case of unpredictable weather. If you want to keep your equipment safe, you need a water housing or casing.
Remember to turn off your flash if you plan on taking any photos when trekking with gorillas or anywhere else around them.
5. Train before you leave and know your fitness levels
The steep elevation of Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest makes gorilla trekking challenging even for seasoned hikers.
Before you set out, assess your current fitness level. If you’re not a regular hiker, it’s a good idea to get in shape by going to the gym or exploring nearby trails and hikes. After two hours of searching through the dense bush, you may encounter some mountain gorillas; nevertheless, it may take as long as ten hours.
6. Go Gorilla Trekking during the dry season
You can visit at any time of year to go mountain gorilla tracking. Since there is less rain and dirt in the drier months, everything is a bit more accessible, so the belief goes, you will simply have a better time.
Dirt roads are inevitable, but they’re lot more manageable and pleasant when the weather is dry. During the months of mid-December through early February, it is dry, and between June and September, it is long dry.
7. Respect the Gorillas’ space on your Gorilla Trekking Safari
Even though mountain gorillas are tame and kind, they are still considered wild animals.
On a gorilla trekking safari, everyone stays safe by giving the primates plenty of space. On your gorilla trekking adventure, you’ll have the company of knowledgeable guides. The preservation of mountain gorillas is their life’s work, and these guides have extensive training in this area.
Keep a distance of five meters. Here is only one of many resources on proper gorilla behavior that are available online.
Seeing the magnificent mountain gorillas in their own habitat is a once in a lifetime chance. Please get in touch with us if you would like any further information about our gorilla trekking adventures.