12 Tips for planning a perfect Gorilla Trek Safari in Africa
We bring you the best tips for planning a perfect gorilla trek safari in Africa, either in Rwanda ,Uganda or Democratic Republic of Congo to ensure that you have a safe, joyful, and memorable gorilla trekking experience in the mountain gorilla natural habitats.
Tips for Planning a Perfect Gorilla Trek in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo
Choose the Right Destination;
According to your personal interest and travel needs, you can either decide to go for a gorilla trek in Uganda or Rwanda. Popular and only gorilla destinations in Uganda include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
These two gorilla destinations differ in permit costs and experience therefore caution must be taken when planning your safari.
Secure gorilla trekking permits in Advance:
Gorilla trekking permits are gate passes that allow you access to the gorilla habitats. They are limited in supply and high demand with Uganda Wildlife Authority issuing 160 gorilla permits per day that’s 152 permits for Bwindi Impenetrable national park and 8 permits for Mgahinga gorilla national park. Rwanda Development Board issues only 96 gorilla trekking permits per day for its Volcanoes National Park.
Therefore, with that limited supply, travelers are advised to book their gorilla trekking permits at least 6 months in advance in order not to miss out on this one-time life experience.
Physical fitness preparations
Mountain gorillas prefer inhabiting areas of high altitudes at elevations between 8,000 to 13,000 feet involving hiking through dense forests for a couple of hours hence demanding a reasonable level of fitness to encounter them.
Therefore, if you aren’t an enthusiastic hiker, it is important that you hit the gym or engage in regular exercises to improve your fitness levels to enhance the best gorilla trekking experience.
Pack Appropriately:
pack appropriate gear which includes light, neutral-colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants, sturdy waterproof and ankle-touching hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, light gardening gloves, a sun hat, and a portable day-pack to carry your essential items such as snacks and water.
Be prepared for a Variable trek duration:
Gorilla trekking takes a couple of hours with a standard trek lasting between 2 to 4 hours. However, it can take more than 4 hours approximately to a full day depending on the location of the assigned gorilla group therefore you need to be mentally prepared for a long day in a dense forest for the best experience.
Medications:
Ensure that you have packed all the necessary medications inclusive of anti-malarial, bacterial, allergy, and any personal medications with prescriptions clearly outlined.
It is also important to have all the necessary vaccinations such as yellow fever as some are among the requirements that you will be required to present to allow access to the gorilla habitats.
Gorilla trek during the dry seasons:
Gorilla trekking is open all year round, not limited to any season but dry months ranging from June to August and December to February offer a more immersive and enjoyable experience compared to wet months which come with flooded, muddy slippery trails making trekking very challenging.
Follow Your Guide’s Instructions: park guides are more experienced and know how to deal with different situations around the gorilla habitats to ensure your safety and the well-being of these giant primates.
Therefore, during a trek, ensure that you listen to their advice and abide by the park rules and regulations regarding gorilla trekking offered by the wildlife authorities.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished:
Carry sufficient water and snacks as you will spend a couple of hours in the forest where there are no shops and you may need to take something to boost your energy levels.
It is advised that you first have a healthy breakfast, then carry a packed lunch or energetic snacks and enough fresh drinking water for the best experience.
Be prepared for any weather;
Weather in the tropical rainforest is very unpredictable as it can rain at any time.
Mornings are always very cold because of the high altitudes and very hot later in the day. Therefore, it is advised that you dress in layers and adjust according to the different weather conditions.
Waterproofed hiking boots, light rain jackets, and bags most especially for the cameras and important documents are recommended.
Consider hiring porters to help you carry the trekking gear. It will make your trekking easier and more enjoyable. Besides that, it is another way of supporting the local communities living around the gorilla habitats.
Optionally, you may also consider tipping your guides and porters who have been with you during the course of the gorilla adventurous activity.
Respect the gorillas and their habitats:
Don’t use flash photography as it can startle them, do not eat or drink in their presence for minimal disease transmissions, speak softly and limit your movements so that you don’t interfere with their behavior and lastly, do not litter, carry all your trash back with you.