How is Gorilla Trekking Conducted in Uganda
In case you planning a gorilla safari in Uganda, you will need to understand that it takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. There are no words that explain how it feels like being with the mountain gorillas, but the truth is it’s a great experience at the end of the trek. Just upon confirmation of your gorilla safari, the actual day of meeting the mountain gorillas comes for you to enjoy seeing them at a close range. Below are the main steps in conducting gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Briefing and allocation of gorilla families; at the start of the trek, the traveler’s transfer to the national park headquarters to join others for a briefing about trekking rules and regulations. The briefing is about safety precautions by the travelers that are aimed at keeping mountain gorillas healthy for sustainable tourism. This is done by 7:00 am to catch up with hiking before the sun sets in. the travelers are divided into groups of eight and are then allocated one gorilla family and then the hike begins.
Gorilla trekking Experience in Uganda
Hire porters and carry walking sticks; the hiking starts after briefing and porters are very vital in the hiking session. The porters help in carrying bags, provide guidance, they support the traveler’s hands in the slippery slopes, which makes trekking easy for the travelers. The terrain has hills, holes, thick vines, small creeks, and rock beds that make hiking hard hence a need for a porter. Getting a porter is a direct support to the local communities who formerly depended on the forest for their livelihood.
The authentic trekking and meeting the mountain gorillas; includes hiking up and down in search of the mountain gorillas and the length of trekking can be as short as 30 minutes to a full day. Hiking is very great and the travelers make it easier making sure that all the guests move at the same pace and speed. The rangers are so helpful and ensure trekking is done well.
How long to be with the mountain gorillas; Even though hiking might take several hours, a face-to-face meeting with mountain gorillas lasts for an hour. The travelers should, therefore, keep keen, calm, and steady at utilizing this one hour. This is the time to see the gorillas-like characters like silverbacks defending members while female adults nurse their young ones. Always remember to remove the flashlight from the camera and take as many photographs as possible for future reference. Enjoy the company of over 650-pound silverback escorting his family of wives and babies.
The best reminders are to carry your gorilla permits; the permit is expensive but unconditionally worth it to protect these brilliant animals and also support the local communities. All the travelers must have gorilla permits as a pass to see the giants in the jungle.
Follow the rules and regulations; this will help you ensure a successful and peaceful gorilla trekking experience, all the travelers are reminded to follow the rules and regulations that ate taught during the briefing. These include; keeping a distance of 7 meters away from the gorillas, keeping a low tone, keeping within their groups, and many more.
The best time to trek the mountain gorillas; is usually done throughout the year, but the best months are from June, July, August, September, October, December, January, and February. This is because the rains have reduced and the slopes are not so steep.
In conclusion, gorilla trekking is a mystical adventure you should not miss, book a gorilla safari now and get to enjoy a lifetime experience you will live to remember.