Seven Travel Tips for Gorilla Trekking Safari
Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is one of the most incredible wildlife experience on the globe. Gorillas are so rare that to see them you have to hike through the emerald forests to see them, and the trackers are able to give them individual names and identify their faces and personalities easily.
Africa’s great apes survive only in the natural habitat, the rainforests of Central-Africa. Spending time with the gorillas in the wild is by far the most transformative and up-close wildlife experience in Africa.
In this blog we bring to you the seven travel tips for planning a gorilla trekking safari through either Rwanda or Uganda for an intimate encounter with these magnificent jungle animals.
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Remember to get a permit before you arrive on your Gorilla Trekking Safari
A gorilla permit is one of the most important aspects to remember as you are planning a gorilla trekking safari, to see the gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda you need to obtain a permit.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda: US$ 1500
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: US$ 800
Gorilla trekking permits are difficult to obtain as the number of permits issued per day are less than the demand. The only way to obtain a gorilla permit is through a local tour operator registered with Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda, in Rwanda you can purchase your permit through Rwanda Development Board online portal.
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Be prepared for any weather on your Gorilla Trekking Safari
Chances are the weather in gorilla trekking destinations will be both hot and humid as well as slightly chilly and rain on the same day. Because of this you need to be prepared for varying weather conditions on your gorilla trekking safari.
We recommend wearing layered clothing that can be adjusted according to the temperature. Make allowances for rain by packing a waterproof jacket or coat for your gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.
Also, it is essential that you bring a pair of good quality hiking shoes as you will be trekking through varied montane terrain. It is also advised to keep as much skin covered as possible as certain areas are notorious for blister bushes and stinging nettles.
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Take food and water with you
In the gorillas parks in Uganda, Rwanda and the DR.Congo, there are no shops. Although some tour operators will have options for packed lunch, it is strongly advised that you pack items that will help your energy levels up as you may be hiking for a maximum of eight hours while you locate the mountain gorilla.
Pack some dried fruits, nuts or trail mix for some extra energy and plenty of water.
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Waterproofing for your Camera and absolutely no flash
Temperature weather conditions in the gorilla national parks in Uganda and Rwanda require you to safely waterproof your camera while on your gorilla trekking safari. Water proof housing or casing is essential in protecting your gadgets.
Note: Flash photography is not permitted while gorilla trekking or anywhere near the gorillas so make sure your flash setting is turned off.
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Train before you leave and know your fitness levels
Both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda are high in altitude which will make gorilla trekking much harder, even for experienced hikers.
Before leaving for gorilla trekking, make sure you know your fitness level. If you aren’t tan avid hiker it is advised to hit the gym or some local trails and hikes in your area before you leave to get to your optimal fitness level.
You might see mountain gorillas after two hours or it could take up to 10 to find them in the thick jungle.
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Go Gorilla Trekking during the dry season
Tracking down mountain gorillas isn’t limit to one seasons and you can visit any time of the year. It is believed that you will just have a more enjoyable experience in the drier months as everything is a little more accessible due to there being less rain and less mud.
Dirt roads will be part of the experience and these will be easier to tackle and much more comfortable in drier weather. The dry season is from mid-December to early February and the long dry season is from June to September.
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Respect the Gorilla’s space on your Gorilla Trekking Safari
While all the mountain gorillas visited on gorilla trekking adventure are habituated, the gorillas are non-aggressive and shy, they are non-aggressive and shy, and still wild animals. Respecting their space ensures that no one gets hurts on their gorilla trekking safari.
Accompanying you on your Gorilla Trekking Journey will be experienced guides, who are highly trained and dedicate their lives to the conservation of the mountain gorillas.
Respect the fiver-metre proximity rule. There are many available resources on gorilla etiquette, and so much resource can be found here.
An opportunity to enjoy the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural environment is an experience of a lifetime. We can advise you on your gorilla adventure.
Get in touch with our Consultants for more information.