Its obvious that any travelers booking a gorilla safari to Uganda, Rwanda and Congo will have expectations on how the whole gorilla trekking experience will be like. Many people have done gorilla trekking before confirming this encounter as trilling, memorable, magical, remarkable and the best wildlife experience in the world. Despite the high costs of gorilla tracking, the experience is surely worth it. Yes,you ought to do it feel it yourself. Mountain gorillas are endangered species, which were one on the verge of extinction. This makes gorilla trekking the best wildlife experience that no traveler should miss on his/ her safari to Africa. What to expect on a gorilla safari is one of the frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking. Since the time of Dian Fossey, traveling to see mountain gorillas gave become a top bucket list for mots travelers to Africa. The remarkable gorilla trekking reviews as thrilling, magical, life-changing and once in lifetime experience keeps potential travelers wondering how exactly the day of seeing these gorillas be. African Apes Tours gives you basics on what to expect on your gorilla safari.
1. Transfer to the park headquarters
Wake up very early, have breakfast at your respective lodge/hotels and with your pa ked lunch transfer to the park headquarters. The driving time depending on how far or near your lodge/hotel is located from the park headquarters. Therefore make sure you book a lodge close to the park to avoid driving for long hours in the morning. If you are trekking gorillas in Bwindi Forest Park, you will transfer to the headquarters of any of the four sectors that make up Bwindi Forest. These are the Buhoma sector in the North, Ruhija in the east, Nkuringo and Rushaga in the south depending on the gorilla family you are visiting. If you ate doing a 1 Day Uganda gorilla tour from Kigali Rwanda. Your pick up time will be 3:00 am to cover up a 4 hours drive and catch-up with the briefing. All travelers are expected to be at the National park headquarters at 7:00 am regardless of where they slept the previous night. In Rwanda, you gather at Kinigi Park headquarters, in Mgahinga at Ntebeko park headquarters.
2. Registration and pre gorilla trekking briefing
Arrive at the park headquarters and first register with the park wardens for record purposes. Assemble for a simple pre gorilla trekking briefing about the rule and regulations of gorilla trekking. The do’s and don’t of gorilla trekking include among others, do not trek when sick, keep a distance of seven meters, avoid direct eye contact with gorillas, do not use a flashlight camera, do not litter in the park, Speak at a low tone and keep within your group. Also, you will be asked to present your gorilla permits and hand them over to the park wardens. NOTE: A gorilla permit is a property of Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda, Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda and ICCN in Congo. No traveler takes ownership of the gorilla permit even after making full payment.
3. Gorilla Family Allocations
Still, at the park headquarters, you will be divided into groups of eight and allocated different gorilla groups. The allocation of gorilla families’ depends on the traveler’s age, physical fitness, and hiking abilities. The aged, pregnant women and physically unfit are given easy to trek gorilla families while the young and energetic are given hard to trek gorilla families. REMINDER: Endeavor to disclose your actual age or hiking abilities or any physical challenges to tour guide and park ranger so you can get a suitable gorilla family.
4. Hike to Search for the gorillas
At 8:00 am, start off the hike to search for the endangered mountain gorillas. You will take different directions depending on the location of your allocated gorilla family. Gorilla trekking time ranges between 30 minutes to over 7 hours depending on the location of your gorilla family and the gorilla’s speed of movement. The actual time to spend in the jungle is uncertain and that’s the reason for the packed lunch. Also, be mentally ready to hike up and downhill through thick forests with thorny bushes and underground growth. The trek to see mountain gorillas is undeniably difficult and strenuous but the magical feeling of looking into the eyes of a silverback gorilla is worth the effort.
5. An encounter with the gorillas
Wow, you finally meet the gentle giants in their natural habitats. At this time, all your fears and fatigue will disappear the moment you set your eyes on the long-awaited gorillas. Take a deep breath, keep a distance, hold your camera tight and enjoy this magical interaction. The human-like characters of gorillas where the silverback gorilla guards the family, adult females breastfeed and nurse babes while juveniles play and jump over keeping the whole family lively makes an encounter with gorillas a life-changing experience indeed. An hour of interacting with gorillas is counted from the moment you meet the gorillas. For first time travelers, it normally seems too short but its enough to enjoy, learn ad have fun if you are keen. Remember to keep a 7-meter distance away and your cameras MUST not have flashlights.
6. Hike back to meet your driver-guide
After an hour with gorillas, y will trek back to meet your driver waiting for you at the starting point. Descending is normally fun full of magical memories having seen the endangered gorillas. Meet your driver-guide, transfer to the park headquarters, receive your gorilla trekking certificate and drive to your lodge or the nest destination.
THIS MARKS THE END OF OUR GORILLA TREKKING DAY
Tips for a successful gorilla trekking Safari
The fact that we want only the best for you, we bring you tips on how you can ensure a successful gorilla trekking experience with less or no difficulty.
• Hire a porter
Although it’s not mandatory, porters are very helpful and worth hiring. A porter will carry your bag, hold your hand and support you through this jungle forest. The cost of hiring a porter in Uganda, Rwanda ad Congo ranges between $15 to $20 but they are of help. Also, hiring a porter is an indirect way of supporting local livelihood. Porters are local people, some of who are former poachers who currently earn a living to support their families and improve their standards of living through pottering.
• Carry enough drinking water and energy-giving snacks
Endeavor to carry enough drinking water (roughly 3 liters) and energy-giving snacks to keep you strong throughout. A gorilla trekking packing list is a must-have. Gorilla trekking involves the use of energy, you will sweat and pant hence needs to refresh with cold drinking or snacks to regain the lost energy.
• Dress right for the jungle
You must dress right for the jungle if you want to have stress free gorilla trekking experience. The right attire to trek gorillas includes hiking boots/shoes, gardening gloves, sunglasses, hat, long-sleeved shirts/blouses/Long pants, rain jackets, scarf, and sweater. Avoid wearing short pants and open shoes, which will wear out even before meeting the gorillas. Armless tops expose your arms to thorny bushes and stinging nestles.
You now know what to expect on your gorilla safari to Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Right? Get ready now, travel to Africa, visit the gorillas in the jungle and enjoy this wonderful memorable thrilling experience.
