Gorilla Trekking Safari and what you must know is a unique and unforgettable experience, as explained by some of the tourists, providing the opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. If you considering a gorilla trekking safari, there is some important information you must know.
Gorilla Habituation
All gorilla families to be trekked must have gone through gorilla habituation process. Gorilla habituation is a process of training gorillas to get used to the presence of humans. That means that your presence will not make them feel threatened nor change their behaviors. This process can last for up to two years. You can also book a permit to participate in this process. The habituation permit costs more than a trekking permit.
Location of the mountain gorillas
Mountain gorillas are located in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and the Virunga volcanic mountains shared by Uganda (Mgahinga), Rwanda 9Volcanoes) and Congo (Virunga). Bwindi is a home to more than 53% of the world’s total population. There are mainly four national parks to trek gorillas and each location offers a different experience. Your choice may depend on your physical strength, preferences, budget, and travel restrictions.
Required Physical fitness
Gorilla trekking involves hiking through dense vegetation and steep and challenging terrains of the forests. Therefore, even though the steepness varies, a reasonable level of fitness is required. In ase of any health issues, you can inform your ranger guides so that you get a chance to trek the less demanding gorilla families.
Trekking permits and guides are required
Gorilla trekking requires a permit; therefore, you are required to book for one on time to avid missing out on the limited permits. In Rwanda and Uganda, permits are usually issued by the respective national park authorities and it is done on a first come first served basis. Permits are limited because each gorilla family is tracked by a maximum of 8 people per day.
You will be helped by ranger guides to locate these families in their natural habitats. These guides are knowledgeable about gorillas’ behavior, the environment, and safety of the visitors. Before the trek, you will be briefed and you make sure that you follow their instructions closely for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Gorilla Trekking duration
Gorilla trekking lasts for only one hour once you located their family. Depending on the location, you can walk for long distance or short trek as their feeding locations can change. Trekking is restricted so as to avoid the risks of stressing the primates or causing them to change their behaviors. With all factors in considerations, the process of locating and spending tie in their presence can take even up to 5 hours. Some families in Bwindi in Uganda can even take the whole day to trek.
Clothing and gears for Gorilla
You will need protective gears and at the same time comfortable, and breathable clothing suitable for hiking. Recommended to carry waterproof clothing and good walking boots for your trekking safari. You can carry along a hat to protect you from the sun, sunglasses, and sunscreen or insect repellant. You should also carry a small backpack to carry essentials like water, snacks, and a camera which should have no flash and in silence
Precautions while trekking gorillas
Whereas you will be briefed before the exercise, there are precautions that you must know before meeting these primates
DO not come too close to the gorillas, keep at least 7 meters away from them.
Do not try to touch or feed the gorillas and don’t eat in their presence.
Avoid sudden moves and your voices should be very low in their presence, not even flash photography.
Since gorillas are susceptible to human diseases, if you are feeling unwell, do not to participate in the trek.
Finally, gorilla trekking take place in rainforests, so be prepared for rain, a reason to carry waterproof jacket and rain cover.
