What to expect on a gorilla trekking safari.
Gorilla trekking is an interesting wildlife activity that involves hiking into dense forests in search of wild gorillas. Before finally encountering a gorilla family, the exercise entails crossing steep hills, deep forests, rivers, and water streams. The world’s remaining mountain gorillas are found in three East African countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mountain gorilla tracking in Uganda is done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, whereas in Rwanda, it is the Volcanoes National Park, and in Congo, it’s Virunga National Park. apart from Bwindi, the other three parks are found in the Virunga ranges which are composed of eight volcanoes namely; Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Mikeno, Mount Nyiragongo, and Mount Nyamuragira. All the gorilla tracking destinations offer an unequalled opportunity to observe these amazing creatures in their natural habitat.
How to plan and prepare for gorilla tracking.
For one to have the best and enjoyable gorilla trekking experience, they should have proper plans and preparations, which involve the following,
Travelers must know that for one to be allowed to participate in the gorilla tracking excursion, they must have a gorilla tracking permit and are therefore advised to secure permits in advance because they quickly run out especially in the peak season.
Since gorilla tracking involves hiking through different altitudes, trekkers should be physically fit and healthy. They should engage in regular exercises like walking long distances, running and climbing simple hills. Visiting medical attendants for body health check-ups is also desirable.
As you plan your gorilla tracking safari, make sure you choose the right time of the year. Treks are more convenient in the dry seasons, that in December to February and June to September. This is because the tracking trails are dry and passable. However, it’s not a guarantee that there is no rainfall in this season because all the gorilla parks are found in equatorial forests where rainfall is expected at any time of the day. Gorilla tracking is also possible throughout the year, depending on your budget and preferences.
Remember to pack the right trekking gear, including sturdy hiking boots, long pants, waterproof clothing, warm jackets and sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, insect repellents, sunscreen, a hat, hair bands, garden gloves and a small backpack for your snacks and water. The snacks will help to keep you energetic, and water keeps your body hydrated. This will help you complete the trek successfully without getting so exhausted.
Attend the briefing offered at the park center before the trek starts and adhere to the park rules and regulations. These rules were set by the park authorities within the three gorilla tracking territories, and some of them include presenting the necessary tracking documents like the gorilla permit and personal identification documents, being 15 years and above, maintaining a reasonable distance(7meters) from the gorillas, avoid making sudden movements and noise and always listen to the game guides’ instructions all the time.
The gorilla tracking experience
Your tracking day starts with a drive from your hotel to the park headquarters for registration and verification of your documents. At the park center, you will be taken through the dos and don’ts of the tracking exercise. After the briefing, you will be put in groups of eight and allocated to a gorilla family. porters are always available for hire at the park center, and you will also be provided with a walking stick. With the leadership of armed park ranger guides, you will head into the park jungles to search for the great apes. Whereas some treks start from the park headquarters, others begin at a distance away from the park center, so you will have to drive for 15 – 20 minutes to the starting point. Your ranger guide will use their machetes to clear some of the vegetation to create a path where necessary. The hiking time to meet the gorillas is unpredictable, you may take less time or more hours depending on the location of the gorillas. The park rangers will help you follow the directions of the trackers who go to the park earlier to trace the gorillas. In all gorilla parks, you will hike through lush forests, marshes, and uneven paths, this makes your journey challenging but so exciting and rewarding as you get exposed to various forms of wildlife.
Encounter with the mountain gorillas.
Finally, you will get close to the gorilla family. Being a few meters away from human cousins who are always led by the dominating silverback creates a magnificent experience and mood. You will be allowed to spend an hour in their company, enjoying the silverback guard the family, the females care for the young ones, and the juveniles play all the time. Its a truly exhilarating adventure that will not leave you the same.
During that one hour, take photos and videos for the memory of your adventure. And to share with your family and friends.
Trekking back
After spending the incredible hour with the mountain gorillas, you will hike back to the starting point to meet your driver guide. Hiking back is not so strenuous and within no time you will be back. Pick your tracking certificate at the park headquarters and return to your accommodation or the next destination as per your schedule.
Impact of gorilla tracking on the conservation efforts and the community
Gorilla tracking and conservation efforts have greatly benefited the booth the government and the neighboring communities. The funds collected from gorilla tourism are used to pay park rangers, guides, and researchers to conduct study and come up with ways to improve the gorillas’ living conditions.
The governments employ more rangers and guides to help monitor and protect the primates from poachers and rebels and prevent forest encroachment. The rangers and patrol teams help monitor the movement of the gorillas in the jungles, which makes tracking easier.
Mountain gorilla tracking has led to the development and renovation of roads that connect from different towns and cities to the gorilla parks. This has then led to the development of other tourism activities like golden monkey and chimpanzee tracking.
At least 10% of the funds collected from gorilla permits are remitted back to the community to support different community projects like building schools, health centers and other local initiatives which has helped to improve the livelihoods of the nearby communities.
Visitors to the gorilla parks always combine their treks with cultural visits to the neighboring communities like the Batwa in Bwindi National Park and the Twain Ib’yiwachu cultural center in Volcanoes National Park. Visitors enjoy their cultural and traditional presentations such as drumming, singing, dancing, food, and crafts. At the end, buy some of their products like mats, hats, stools, and wood carvings as souvenirs, which helps to improve the quality of their lives.
Many nationals have got employment opportunities from the different hotel and lodges close to the gorilla parks which has led to rise of local entrepreneurs. Many locals are working at the parks as porters to help carry the trekkers’ luggage for a livelihood.
From the first trek through the dense jungle to the moment you encounter the majestic gorillas, a gorilla trekking tour is an experience that will leave you with lifelong memories. The chance to see these amazing animals in their natural habitat, along with a dedication to conservation, makes gorilla trekking an enriching and transformative experience for every traveler.