25 Popular Gorilla Trekking FAQs- Questions and Answers
These gorilla trekking FAQs cover the essential aspects that wildlife enthusiasts often ask about gorilla trekking adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gorilla Trekking:
What is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is a wildlife adventurous activity involving people hiking through dense forests to encounter with wild gorillas in their natural habitats.
Where can I go gorilla trekking?
There are four gorilla destinations in the all world namely Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National park in Uganda, Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo and Volcanoes National park in Rwanda.
How do I obtain a gorilla trekking permit?
A gorilla trekking permit is only issued by a Government Wildlife Authority at a standard cost therefore a tourist can purchase it directly from the Authority’s Office or get it through a licensed tour operator.
When is the best time to go gorilla trekking?
The best time for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons when there’s very low or no rainfall at all ranging from December to February and between June to September. Dry months come with convenient trekking as the gorilla trails are easily accessed and the mountain gorillas are very active in their habitats offering a tourist the best experience.
How long does a gorilla trekking experience last?
A gorilla trek usually lasts between 1-6 hours depending on how fast you have encountered your assigned gorilla family . The 1-6hours include the standard time of 1hour offered to observe the gorillas in their habitats .
How fit do I need to be for gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is a physically demanding adventurous activity requiring an individual to at least have a moderate level of fitness to track near by groups and enough stamina and strength to track distant gorilla families found very deep in the dense forests on the steep slopes of the mountains.
What is the age limit for gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is restricted to individuals of 15 years mainly because of the challenging terrains and the long distances covered during the trekking experience that cannot be taken by the juniors. Children below 15yearsare also not given access in gorilla habitats because they are vulnerable to communicable diseases like chicken pox and flu which they easily pass on to the endangered mountain gorillas.
What should I pack for gorilla trekking?
A packing list for gorilla trekking should at least have the following items;
A decent light waterproof jacket
A pair of trousers, a long-sleeved shirt (t-shirt), and longer socks
A pair of hiking gloves
A lightweight pair of waterproof ankle touching hiking boots
insect repellent
Food/snacks and water
Biodegradable tissue or toilet paper
Waterproof backpack
Trekking poles or hiking staff
Refillable drinking water bottle
Can I take photos during gorilla trekking?
Yes. Taking photos is allowed during gorilla trekking but you are advised to follow instructions from your park guide. you are advised not to use flash lights when taking photos. Remember to limit your movements during the process, avoiding prolonged direct eye contact , keep a distance of 7metres, and do not stand taller than the gorillas in case they come closer to you.
Are gorilla treks safe?
Gorilla treks are considered to be very safe as the trackers are accompanied by an experienced park guide and an armed park ranger to ensure their safety while in the gorilla habitat.
How close can I get to the gorillas?
Gorilla trackers are advised to keep a distance of at least 15feet from the endangered gorillas to reduce the risk of transmitting human communicable diseases such as flu, cough and chicken pox.
What happens if I get sick before my gorilla trek?
If you fall sick days before your gorilla trek, you are advised to post pond your trek and embark on another gorilla trek session when you feel fine or get a full refund.
Are gorilla treks environmentally friendly?
Gorilla treks are environmental friendly most especially why they are conducted with strictly sticking to conservation guidelines and sustainable tourism practices.
What happens if I don’t see gorillas during my trek?
Usually , there is 99% success rate of viewing gorillas when on the track but what if you don’t see them, maybe when they have moved to very distant places, another session can be arranged for you the following day or on any other day of your preference so that you achieve your objective.
How can I contribute to gorilla conservation ?
There are several ways you can contribute to gorilla conservation and some of these include;
Donating to conservation organizations
Adopting a gorilla
Buy a gorilla trekking permit
Volunteering in gorilla conservation projects
Raising awareness by teaching others about the importance of gorilla conservation
Supporting sustainable products
Advocate for conservation policies
Support reforestation project.
Can I combine gorilla trekking with other activities ?
Gorilla destinations are featured with other adventurous activities such as birding, game drives, and nature walks that you can do before or after your gorilla trekking experience.
Are gorilla trekking permits refundable?
A Rwanda gorilla permit that has been booked and paid for is not refunded unless if the visitor is found out to be very ill and is a threat to the endangered gorillas then the park rangers must stop him/her from getting close to the gorilla habitats, that way, the Rwanda Development board will refund 50% of hi/her gorilla trekking permit.
In Uganda, gorilla trekking permits can be refunded following guides; In Uganda,if you refund within 8days after paying for your gorilla trekking permit you get no refund, 9 to 45 days, you get 25% refund of your gorilla permit costs, 46-90days equals to 50% refund and 91 days+ you get 75% refund of the permit cost.
What should I expect during the gorilla trek ?
During a gorilla trek, expect hiking for a couple of hours, on rugged terrains, through narrow gorilla trails and dense forests.
Are there different types of gorilla treks ?
A gorilla trek distance will mostly depend on how long trackers take to encounter with the mountain gorillas. There are some gorilla groups who prefer keeping at high altitudes taking you a couple of hours to reach them.
How are gorilla families habituated ?
During a gorilla habituation process, humans are introduced to gorilla habitats. A group of eight people is assigned to a particular gorilla family to be habituated. The people will watch the gorillas as they go on with their routines without minding them for at least 4 hours. A gorilla habituation is done for 2years, to help gorillas get wildlife familiarity in the presence of humans.
Are there any health requirements for gorilla trekking ?
Tourists planning to embark on a gorilla trek should posses a vaccination card for yellow fever, they should be free from any kind of disease that could be transmitted to gorillas. Diseases often include communicable diseases such as flu and chicken pox.
What should I wear for gorilla trekking ?
Gorilla trackers are advised to wear lightly.long sleeved shirts and long trousers are okay. Avoid very dark colors as they attract harmful wild insects like tsetse flies, avoid very bright colors as they will affect the behavioral ways of the gorillas in their habitats. Put on a pair of light ankle touching hiking boots.
Is it possible to track gorillas in the rain ?
Gorillas can be tracked during the rainy seasons. To track in rain, you should first make sure that you are equipped with the rain gadgets, on your list, include a waterproof bag and a jacket, waterproof hiking boots and a pair of trekking poles to help you balance on the steep slopes.
Can I bring children on a gorilla trek ?
Gorilla trekking is restricted to children of 15years and above because it is believed that a healthy child of 15years has got the required energy, stamina and ability to trek a certain distance featured with different terrains.
What cultural experiences can I combine with gorilla trekking ?
Gorilla trekking of Uganda in Bwindi impenetrable national park can be combined with the Batwa cultural experience and gorilla trekking of Rwanda can be combined with a visit to iby’iwacu cultural village for an exclusive cultural experience.