Gorilla trekking tips: what you should know before you go
Gorilla trekking tips: what you should know before you go
These important gorilla trekking tips help you to get the best out of this extraordinary animal experience
nowhere else in the wild on Earth and once threatened with extinction, the mountain gorilla - a subspecies of the eastern gorillas - has experienced a spectacular revival. A number of nature conservation measures in which local communities are involved has led to one of the greatest success stories in Africa's nature conservation. Although they are still classified as endangered, more than 1,000 mountain gorillas today roam the jungle of Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo, compared to around 480 in 2010.
a little more than half lives in the Virunga mountains, the chain of eight expired volcanoes, which extend across the borders of Süduganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. The rest is in Uganda's epic Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a veil made of confused green, which covers the country's southwestern mountains.
Here at Atlas & Boots, some of our best memories were forged when watching wild animals. Gorillas - one of the closest relatives of mankind - stay at the top of our wish list. For this reason, we asked the leading Gorilla trekking leaders African Jungle Adventures for their expert tips how to spend time with these gentle giants.
gorilla trekking tips
With over 20 years of experience in leading Gorilla Safaris in the region, African Jungle Adventures has a rich wealth of knowledge when it comes to spending time with these great creatures. Together we have put together the following gorilla trekking tips.
1. The gorillas come first
human interactions with wild animals can have negative effects and change natural behavior. Therefore, the well -being of the gorillas should be the priority of every trekker. It is important to understand how important it is not to damage or change habitats and let the gorillas of your work go, especially with breeding.
In the following you will find some best practices that you should follow in Gorillas.
- Always remain at least 7 m (21 feet) from the gorillas
- If you approach, slowly and calmly retire
- gorillas share 98 % of the human DNA and are therefore extremely susceptible to infections. So don't go when you are sick and turn off and cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing
- stay in a narrow group to avoid, surround gorillas or intimidate
- Avoid eye contact with the gorillas, as they can be intimidated and aggressive
- don't speak so loudly
- don't stay with a group of gorillas
- Follow the guidance of your tour guide and always do what he says - he is the expert in the group
- adhere to the basic principles of the Code of Conduct "Leave No Trace".
2. Organize permits in good time
If you plan a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda and Uganda, you have to obtain a permit to see the gorillas in one of the national parks.
A permit costs $ 600 in Uganda and $ 1,500 in Rwanda. A Ugandian approval can only be used once a day for gorilla trekking by two national parks: Bwindi IMPELETRABLE and MGAHINGA GORILLA. The permits must be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. In Rwanda you can be bought online via the Irembogov website. In both cases, it is strongly recommended to book in advance.
The far easiest way to organize their permits is to book at a tour operator who is accredited by the Association of Uganda Tour operators such as African Jungle Adventures. All of your Gorilla Treks, Safaris and Tours in Uganda and Rwanda contain the necessary permits.
3. Visit to the dry season
Although Gorilla trekking is a year-round activity, it is best to visit it during the dry season. The conditions for hiking are more pleasant and generally make it easier to observe wild animals across the country. It also means that jungle areas are better accessible, streets are less susceptible to floods and paths and paths are better accessible.
Uganda has two dry times when the conditions are best: December to February and June to August. Likewise, the best travel time for Gorilla-Trekking in Rwanda is the dry season from June to September.
4. But prepare for every weather
Regardless of when you visit us, Trekker must be prepared for changeable conditions. Expect a climate that can be both hot and moist and cold and wet over the course of a day.
Wear a firm pair of hiking shoes with ankle support that have previously been run -in, as well as thick socks. Mountain paths can be notoriously uneven, mushy and slippery so that bubbles can be a problem. It is called Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for good reason.
It is also advisable to keep as much skin as possible in the jungle to avoid stinging plants and insect bites. Light, fast drying hiking pants are ideal. You also need a waterproof jacket and clothing that can be worn in several layers, as it can be cool at night and after rain.5. Make your camera waterproof
Although technically from a technically point of view, the jungle of Uganda and Rwanda are tropical and therefore see considerable rainfall all year round. It is therefore worth investing in a waterproof housing or a cover for your camera to protect you during the hike. We also recommend packing replacement batteries and memory cards and buying or renting a telephoto lens for the trip.
6. Be patient
As with all animal observations, patience is essential. Sightings are never guaranteed and wild animals have the habit of doing exactly what they want. Unfortunately, you cannot ask a gorilla to wait in a clearing, look into the camera or put yourself in better light.
Sometimes it takes longer than expected to find the gorillas, or you can't stay in your society as long as you want. This could be your or your advantage. The only way is to be in the right place at the right time. Sometimes it can take longer, but it will always be well invested.
7. Become fit
While most gorilla trekking can be completed by everyone with a basic fitness, a little preparation will never hurt you. If you have no hiking experience, it is worth getting some practice.
make it comfortable when hiking. Spend some time outdoors and climb up and down with a daily backpack on a steep, uneven hanging. If you want to go the extra parts, every cardio preparation such as running and swimming is practical on the trail for long days.
8. There is more to see than just gorillas
whether they see gorillas or not, Uganda and Rwanda are both worthwhile travel destinations for themselves and probably combine the best of the continent in two small but breathtaking countries.
Uganda is home to Africa's highest mountain range, the Ruwenzoris, known as the "mountains of the moon". The upper slopes, which are permanently covered and shredded, are their homeland of demanding, but deeply worthwhile trekkings. The mountains are the source of the Nile, which in turn is home to some of the most exciting game water rafting tours in the world. Other sights are Lake Bunyonyi and Murchison Falls, one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world, and a variety of national parks in which it is teeming with exciting wildlife, including the five large wild animals of Africa, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffalo.
The little Rwanda, which is also known as the “Land of the Thousand Hill” thanks to its endless mountains, has it all. Beyond the Virungas there are some of the most beautiful inland beaches in Africa on the banks of Lake Kivu, while Nyungwe Forest National Park with its incredible biodiversity offers the opportunity to track down chimpanzees.
Further information on activities in Uganda and Rwanda can be found under African Jungle Adventures.
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