Gorilla Trekking Experience & Best 8 tips for a perfect Trek
Gorilla Trekking Experience is a once-in-a-lifetime unique adventure that provides an exceptional opportunity to witness the endangered majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat up close.
This extraordinary experience is offered in the dense rainforests of Uganda, specifically in the Bwindi and Mgahinga forests, as well as in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park forest and the Virunga forests of Congo.
What is Gorilla Trekking Experience like?
The gorilla adventure long begins before you even set on foot on the gorilla trails. Since Preparation is a key to a successful and enjoyable adventure, trackers planning to embark on this adventure are required to obtain an individual gorilla trekking permit which must be booked months in advance due to the limited supplies featured with high demands.
When your trekking dates come, you are advised to transfer to the region you are planning to embark on the adventure a day before your trekking date. Gorilla trekking destinations are featured with a wide range of accommodations ranging from Budget to luxury catering for all travelers’ needs located within and outside the parks.
These accommodations offer visitors the essential amenities and easy access to the park gorilla tracking activities which start as early as 8: 00 am.
On the of the trek after a warm breakfast which is essential for the physically demanding adventure ahead, you head to the park headquarters where you will meet with other fellow trekkers and a park guide for a simple briefing.
During the pre-trek briefing which is offered by an experienced and knowledgeable park guide, you are availed of vital info mainly about rules and guidelines to adhere to during the adventure. These include health and safety guidelines, behavioral guidelines, and emergency procedures.
After the briefing, you submit your gorilla permits for verification and other requested documents. This will either allow or deny you access to the gorilla permits.
After the verification, trekkers are divided into manageable groups of 8 individuals to ensure a more intimate experience and minimal disturbance to the gorilla behavior and their natural habitats.
Each group is assigned a knowledgeable guide and experienced guide who is well versed with the gorilla trails and location of that specific gorilla family to trek. Each group is accompanied by an armed ranger to ensure its safety and a porter if required to help with carrying the tracking gear.
Before heading out to the trek, a gear check is often conducted to ensure that you are properly equipped with the essential trekking gear for a successful and enjoyable experience.
The essential gorilla trek gear includes light sturdy hiking boots to handle the challenging terrains, long-sleeved shirts, and long trousers for minimal exposure of our body to insect bites and damage from vegetation.
Rain gear such as a rain jacket as weather in the gorilla habitats is unpredictable, garden gloves to protect hands from damage while gripping on the vegetation for support, insect repellants to guard against insect bites, and a camera to capture moments though optional.
Now that you are done with both the briefing and gear heck, you will be transferred to to your starting point of the trek also known as trailhead depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family.
A gorilla trek ranges from a few hours to a full day depending on the location of the gorillas. It involves navigating through different challenging terrains, taking you from muddy, slippery trails most especially during the rainy seasons to hiking the dense forests and steep slopes.
It is a physically demanding and challenging adventure that is motivated by the strong anticipations of encountering the fascinating gentle giants of the wild.
Along the trail, you will encounter different plants and animal species, with our guide helping you to spot many of them as he is also sharing insights, adding to the richness of your experience.
As you approach the gorillas, you will notice a change in the sounds of the forest. You will hear rustling leaves, distant calls, and grunts. Your excitement will build, and you will feel inner relaxation from the long trek.
Once you finally catch sight of these fascinating creatures, the experience is heartwarming. You will be given a standard time of one hour to watch and photograph them while adhering to the safety rules and guidelines.
Gorilla families are typically led by a dominant silverback therefore expect to catch a glimpse of him and his family which may include many females, juveniles, infants, and black-backs. You will watch them exhibit their fascinating behaviors as they interact, groom, play, feed, going about their daily lives.
After completing the standard observation time, you will begin your journey back to the park headquarters. The return journey is also challenging, but the satisfaction of having watched the gorillas makes it less arduous.
Tips to Prepare for a perfect Gorilla Trekking Experience
Planning for a gorilla adventure involves some vital steps to ensure a seamless, safe, enjoyable, and immersive experience. Below are some of the essential tips to put into consideration while planning to embark on this thrilling adventure;
Secure your gorilla permit early:
Generally, gorilla permits are featured with a high demand and a limited supply therefore travelers are required to book them in advance at least 3 months before their travel dates.
You can get it through a licensed tour operator or from the wildlife authority offices. You also Ensure that it is confirmed to guarantee your access to the gorilla habitats.
Get the Right Gear:
Light sturdy ankle touching and waterproofed hiking boots are recommended as the gorilla trails tend to be very challenging to maneuver through hence demanding the right and reliable footwear.
Wear light long-sleeved shirts and trousers for minimal exposure of your skin to wild insect bites and damage from the vegetation
Carry rain gear which may include a light rain jacket, and a waterproof bag to protect your delicate gear like the camera and phone as the weather in the gorilla habitat is unpredictable.
Light garden gloves are also recommended to protect your hands from damage by thorns and insects as you are gripping vegetation.
Prepare for physical activity
Gorilla trekking is a physically demanding activity that requires navigating through challenging terrains for several hours, ranging from 3 hours to a full day. Therefore, trekkers need to stay physically fit by engaging in regular exercise to build stamina and strength for the best and most enjoyable gorilla trekking experience.
Pack essential items
These may include insect repellants to protect you from wild insect bites, sunscreen oils to protect the exposed skin from sunburns, water, and energetic snacks to keep you hydrated and energized, a camera with a zoom lens to capture captivating moments, gaiters to shield you from moisture, a sunhat and sunglasses to shield your eyes from violent ultra-rays.
Health and Safety Precautions
Check and take the vaccinations required to be allowed access to the gorilla habitats such as the yellow fever vaccinations. Make sure that you are in good health, and carry your medications if necessary to the gorilla treks.
Be free from communicable diseases such as respiratory infections like flu and cough as trekkers with them are refrained from accessing the gorilla habitats. You may also obtain travel insurance covering for your trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and evacuations just in case.
Understand the Gorilla Trek Guidelines
Endeavor to attend the pre-trek briefing as they provide you with the safety measures, rules, and behavioral guidelines to adhere to while in the gorilla habitats to ensure your safety and the well-being of the endangered mountain gorillas.
Prepare for the weather
Trekkers are advised to dress in layers such that they can alternate depending on the weather conditions. Gorilla habitats are often very cold in the mornings as they are found in high altitudes and rain can rain any time of the day unexpectedly therefore you need to be ready for the unpredictable climate.
Metal preparation:
Put it in your mind that gorilla trekking involves navigating through different challenging terrains for a good number of hours hence requiring maximum patience and well-preparedness for the best experience.
Be aware that encountering mountain gorillas is not a guarantee as they might have wandered very deep into their habitats.
Keep positive and prepared for any outcomes and changes on your itinerary caused by different factors such as weather or failure to encounter the majestic gorillas. Having all this set in your mind will help enhance your overall experience.
The Essential Gorilla Trekking Gear to Enhance your Gorilla Trekking Experience
When planning a gorilla trekking adventure, having the right gear is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Here’s a detailed outline of the perfect gear for your trek:
Clothing; Consider carrying a lightweight Long-Sleeved Shirt with moisture-wicking fabric to protect against sun and insects, durable and breathable long Trekking Pants to minimize exposure of your skin to scratches and insect bites, a waterproof lightweight jacket, a sweater for cold mornings and evenings, and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.
Footwear; You will need to park a pair of ankle-supporting, waterproofed, sturdy hiking boots and thick comfortable, moisture-wicking socks to prevent blisters.
Accessories; You will need a small, lightweight daypack to carry essentials, reusable water bottle to keep you hydrated and high-energy snacks like nuts, granola bars, or dried fruit to keep you going.
Safety Gear; it is essential to carry a portable First Aid Kit with basic requirements such as the band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications. You will as well need to carry an effective repellent with DEET or natural alternatives to ward off bugs. A high-SPF sunscreen to protect against UV rays is also very important.
Trekking Equipment; You will need Trekking Poles to help you with stability and support on uneven terrain. Gaiters are also important to Protect your legs from mud, water, and debris.
Camera Gear; A pair of Binoculars is important for distant wildlife viewing, a Lightweight camera or smartphone with a good zoom lens for wildlife photography and extra Batteries and Memory Cards to ensure you capture all your moments.
Personal Items you need to move along with include identification documents such as a Passport and necessary permits for trekking, Local currency for tips and small purchases and wet wipes or hand sanitizers to help you keep a good hygiene.
Optional Gear for a more immersive experience include Knee Pads to help you when navigating steep or rough areas, Lightweight Poncho for unexpected rain showers and travel pillow for comfort during your long journeys to the trekking site.