How to Make  Preparations for Indelible Gorilla Trekking Experiences

Safaris are not for a moment about flawlessness, yet that cannot leave visitors with room for justification when things get out of hand. In most cases, we become prisoners of our high expectations, especially when they are not met. Additionally, a number of aspects can’t be ignored, especially if they blemish the experiences that would have been worth memories that last a lifetime.

It is therefore our responsibility as silverback gorilla tour to ensure that our clients make the necessary emotional, physical and psychological preparations required for achieving indelible gorilla trekking experiences. All information needed, right from the time of choosing the best gorilla trekking destination to the time of undertaking the actual gorilla trekking adventure is provided to ease your planning process. After all, is said and done, how do travellers make preparations for indelible gorilla trekking experiences?

Choose the gorilla trekking destination

One of the key things to consider when making preparations for indelible gorilla trekking experiences is first choosing where you wish to achieve your dream. There are four amazing destinations to trek mountain gorillas on the African Continent. These places are Virunga National Park of Democratic Republic of Congo, Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National parks in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Each of these beautiful destinations rewards travellers with an indelible gorilla trekking experience. Of the four mentioned places, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four trekking sectors, each of which shelters outstanding gorilla groups while Virunga National Park offers the cheapest gorilla permits.

Check for gorilla permit availability and go ahead to make bookings

Having made a decision on what gorilla trekking destination you wish to achieve your dream, check for gorilla permit availability with trekking dates you are interested in and if it comes out positive, go ahead to make bookings. For Uganda, gorilla permits can be booked from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) with about 168 permits issued each day, Rwanda via Rwanda Development Board (RDB) with 96 permits issued per day and the Democratic Republic of Congo via Institut Congolais la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) with a total of 64 permits issued each day.

Try as much as possible to relax and clear yourself of high expectations

It is undoubted that every time travellers head to a foreign destination, there are high expectations, derived from reviews of previous travellers who either had a horrible or exciting safari experience, generally bad service or even political stories that happened in a decade ago hence assuming it’s the present state in the safari destination. Remember that reviews are supposed to influence your decision on where to undertake your gorilla safari as well as choose service providers, not raise your expectations. Therefore, just relax and be open to creating your own experience without influence from past travellers.

Put attention on things that are within your control

Gorilla treks are generally scheduled and therefore any alteration in your travel itinerary is likely to have an effect on your overall experience. Therefore cases like having a car breakdown, waking up late or having stomach upsets from food poisoning are likely to affect your safari. After all, is said and done, travellers are therefore advised to only worry about things that are within their control and ignore those beyond their power. For instance, the mentioned incidences can be avoided by retiring to bed early or setting a wakeup call, leaving out foods you are not used to or have never tasted before and properly checking the vehicle a day before.

Make sure that you are abreast with the recommended fitness levels

While basic to moderate fitness levels are recommended for indelible gorilla trekking experiences, it is still possible to undertake this life-changing adventure when you are disabled or elderly. Nonetheless, the majority of gorilla trekkers are physically fit persons and to achieve this, simple exercises are recommended before travelling into the planned gorilla trekking destination. You don’t have to hit the gym every day but rather walks, dogging and hiking hills will do wonders. Be aware that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the hilliest or has the most rugged terrain of all the Parks thus moderate fitness levels are recommended. However, some parts of this Park especially the Buhoma sector feature relatively gentle landscapes.

Packing early enough to avoid forgetting essential items

Several things are considered must-haves for indelible gorilla trekking experiences and therefore shouldn’t be left out or forgotten. These items include sturdy hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, waterproof backpacks, warm sweaters, basic first aid kit, gardening gloves, rain jacket, healthy snacks, long safari pants, energy-giving drinks, hat, toiletries, sunglasses and re-usable water bottle among others.

Visitors planning to undertake gorilla trekking adventures are also reminded to complete required vaccinations-tetanus shot, yellow fever vaccinations and now Covid-19 vaccination in addition to ensuring that they are healthy (free of flue and cough) on the actual trekking date.