One of the great things about going gorilla trekking is that you know the trackers and guides who escort you to the gorillas deep in the rain forests, have been there, done that and knows the gorilla behavior from personal hands on experience. It’s especially so with ranger conservation efforts geared at protecting and saving more than 1060 mountain gorillas. These primates are the largest in the world, and inhabit the pristine, dense tropical and bamboo forested ragged mountains of Virunga and Bwindi impenetrable forest.
Travelers, who decide to venture, their unique gorilla safari into the remote forests, will truly come face to face with wild mountains gorillas. There are four national parks where to see, photography and trek gorillas. These include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda, Volcanoes national park, Rwanda and Virunga national park in Eastern DRC. The secret is knowing where and when to go for your safari.
Before we go any further, I must tell you that gorilla habitats are fragile ecosystems. Treks are conducted in an eco-friendly manner with much emphasis on the gorilla rules and regulations. Researchers, trackers and rangers, carry out daily monitoring and protection of gorillas. Their habitats are safe guarded from encroachment and other illegal activities which also ensure safety for trekkers.
Visiting gorillas occurs at the parks’ offices, once you get there, you’re in the best place to see and photograph gorillas. Trackers and guides help you to trek your favorite gorilla family, be it the easier, medium or difficult to track. Gorillas move freely deep into the forests or stay high up the mountains while feeding on vegetation.
In the cold mountains of Rwanda, Uganda and DRC, several gorilla families have been habituated for daily short treks. As a matter of ethical disclosure, gorillas need less human interaction. And before you book your gorilla safari, you should not be sick and tourists won’t be allowed. Few who get the chance, are prepared and guaranteed to visit the visit the gorillas as much as you’re physically and mentally prepared. Trekking gorillas therefore means improving their lives. A gorilla safari is one of the powerful and successful conservation stories for responsible travelers.
Gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans and tourist visits put their lives at risk of diseases. So physical contact with gorillas is not allowed and even minor infections like cough, fever would easily kill a gorilla. Tourists, who get lucky to be touched by gorillas, did not do it on their own. But the moment you’re very close, gorillas will even touch and brush passed you. A couple of videos are out on the web will hold this claim. And it has raised awareness as much as it gives more exciting to visitors.
Visitors are given only one hour to spend with gorillas for daily trek and up to four hours during habitation experience. And guides will tell you never try to do something new that gorillas have never been exposed too. Gorillas are peaceful wild animals and trackers understand they can charge if they feel threatened. So the rule is to maintain a distance of 7 meters, keep in tight in group with guides, trackers and rangers.
Given the mountainous terrain and tropical weather trekkers are advised to reveal their trekking capacity. You should therefore ask your operator on the day of the gorilla trek. Guides can make a choice early to morning you’ll be put into a group of other trekkers with low trekking capacity. The guides always predict the length of treks and advise you to hire a porter and everything you need to include in your day’s pack.
When you’re in the forest, you’re reminded that depending on social structure and composition, some gorilla families are known to be friendly and sociable while others may not be so. And just like humans each gorilla trek will never be the same. Even those who double trekked mountain gorillas, for the best place to see and photo safaris is Rwanda while Uganda is not just about the gorillas and best for visitors who with interest in other wildlife such as birds, waterfalls, primates and local culture which is included in your gorilla safari. Indeed seeing gorillas is a life changing wildlife experience.
Treks are so adventurous, visitors hike deep into the thick jungles with no clear trails. Often created by trackers with a machete cutting through the thick bushes, therefore, having the right clothing and equipment is very important. Trekkers need to be fit because the terrain and wet weather can be challenging. This is especially so during the months of April to May and October to November, when rains fall is heavy and frequent.
Trekkers should wear hiking boots, long pants in to prevent safari ants and leeches. Carry packed food and drinking water and items such as mosquito repellant and rain jackets. After all most, your lodge may offer free laundry services, no worries if you return your muddy boots and wet dirty pants.
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