5 common gorilla trekking mistakes
5 common gorilla trekking mistakes : Gorilla trekking is an incredible safari adventure, allowing tourists to see mountain gorillas for one hour in their natural habitat.
Mountain gorillas are rare species of gorillas and subspecies of the eastern gorillas, mountain gorillas are only found in the Eastern and Central forests and they can only be tracked in the forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DR. Congo.
Just like any other adventure in the world, there are a few mistakes normally made by trekkers when gorilla trekking.
To save you from doing something that can potentially disrupt your experience, here are five common pitfalls to avoid when setting out on your gorilla trekking safari
Whether you are heading to Rwanda or Uganda for gorilla trekking, you must avoid these mistakes as they can completely derail the enjoyment of your gorilla trekking experience.
- Arriving on the wrong day
The most common mistake that visitors do when visiting Africa to see mountain gorillas is arriving on the wrong day, gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda as well as DR. Congo are issued for specific dates are not transferrable. This is because gorilla permits sell out on specific dates and the groups fill up far in advance.
When you arrive at the gorilla destination on the wrong day, there are no refunds for the gorilla permits.
- Not booking permits in advance
Gorilla trekking permits are limited to eight people per group of gorillas per day, Uganda has many habituated gorilla groups open for gorilla trekking and trekking to see these gorilla family has become very popular activity and the permits can become very limited.
You need to book your gorilla permit often months in advance and if you show up on the day of the trek hoping to secure the permit, you are likely to be disappointed.
- Not bringing your passport on the trek
All visitors intending to take part in gorilla trekking must bring their passports on the day of the gorilla trek, these are checked by the park officials against the permits to ensure only rightful permit holders are admitted to the park.
It is possible that you will be requested to go back to your accommodation to fetch it but if you do have it, you will miss the trek.
- Not wearing hiking boots
Many people underestimate how challenging hiking through the alpine forests of Central Africa can be, this is not something that should b attempted in new sneakers. It is important to wear sturdy hiking boots and are well fitting for a comfortable trek and avoid blisters, this will help you remain sure footed over the slippery jungle trails.
- Not packing the right clothing
Only gorilla trekking adventure, you need to be well dressed for the adventure to avoid getting cold, wet, scratched, bitten by insects or sunburnt. The main items to pack are a long-sleeved top, warm jacket, long pants, long socks, waterproof jacket, hardy gloves and sunhat. Also, don’t forget sunscreen for our face and insect repellents to save you from insect bites.
You will need to bring a backpack and sufficient water and snacks to sustain you throughout the hike, a porter can be hired to carry this for you
Where to see mountain gorillas
In the whole world, mountain gorillas can be seen three countries that is Uganda, Rwanda and DR. Congo. There are four national parks that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DR. Congo.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most popular gorilla trekking destination found in the southwestern corner of Uganda, the misty forests are home to the half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into 4 gorilla trekking heads/sectors name Buhoma Sector, Nkuringo Sector, Ruhija Sector and Rushaga. Each of these gorilla sectors hosts its habituated gorilla family, in total Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to 19 habituated gorilla families open for gorilla trekking.
A gorilla trekking experience is regulated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and a gorilla permit costs US $800.
For visitors who wish to spend more hours with mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offer Gorilla Habituation Experience on which visitors get a chance to spend 4 hours with a semi- habituated gorillas taking part in the gorilla habituation process together with researchers and scientists.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahiga Gorilla National Park is the second gorilla trekking destination in Uganda also located in the southwestern region of the country, the park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area which stretches along the Virunga Mountain range.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park covering an area of 33.9 square kilometers is home to one habituated gorilla family – Nyakagezi which is open to gorilla trekking. This means that only 8 people can do gorilla trekking in Mgahinga each day.
Just like Bwindi, a gorilla permit in Volcanoes National Park costs US$ 800
Volcanoes National Park
Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda and spanning 160 square kilometers, Volcanoes National Park is best known for offering excellent gorilla trekking adventures. The park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area together with Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in DR. Congo.
Volcanoes National Park is home to 10 habituated gorilla families open for gorilla trekking, this means there are 80 permits for gorilla trekking available in Rwanda each day.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is regulated by the Rwanda Development Board and a gorilla permit costs US$ 1500.
Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is one of the most biologically diverse protected area in Africa, a home to 1/3 of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. The park is located on the eastern edge of the Congo Basin – the world’s second largest tropical rainforest.
Virunga National Park is home to 8 habituated gorilla families open for gorilla trekking.
