Important Things Everyone Should Know Before Undertaking A Gorilla Trek

Have you ever pictured yourself in the presence of mountain gorillas, watching them go about their daily routines? We are excited to say that you are in luck because gorilla trekking is possible in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The exceptional and endangered mountain gorillas occupy the higher altitude areas of south-western Uganda, Northwestern Rwanda, and the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo marked by a thick tropical rainforest thus making it adventurous and exciting to search for them in their natural habitat. The process of searching to meet these Giant Apes is just a portion of what makes the gorilla trekking adventure so thrilling and unforgettable.

The main factor that contributes to a smooth and successful gorilla trekking experience is properly understanding the fundamental procedures beforehand, to create the most unforgettable memories from the gorilla trekking adventure. With many years of organizing gorilla safaris in Uganda and Rwanda, we have put together the important things you should know before undertaking your dream gorilla trekking adventure;

Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei) silverback in Susa group, Rwanda

Pack right and light, Dress appropriately for the gorilla trekking adventure

Worrying about what to wear and pack is one of the things that first-time gorilla trekkers go through. However, this shouldn’t be the reason for being stressed because there are just a few items that shouldn’t miss on your packing list. Just make sure to pack long cotton socks which will be important for tucking in your long trouser. Also pack sturdy waterproof hiking boots with enough ankle support, breathable and comfortable safari pants, a long-sleeved shirt/s, a rain jacket for protection during rainy weather, gardening gloves, gaiters, a safari hat, a camera without flash, a waterproof backpack with enough space, a pair of binoculars, to mention but a few.

Ensure that you are in good health before undertaking your gorilla trekking adventure

Mountain gorillas are our close relatives, sharing 98.2% of their DNA with humans hence making them very susceptible to the same communicable diseases that affect us such as flu, cough, Tetanus, measles, and even COVID. For that reason, ensure that you are in good health before tracking them.

Try as much as possible to have rest breaks during your gorilla trekking adventure

The duration of gorilla trekking is usually unpredictable because no one can tell how the mountain gorillas will move on that particular day. Therefore, before physical fitness, take advantage of the different chances provided to rest, drink water and enjoy your energy-giving snacks. Every traveler in your group

will move at his/her own pace thus it is crucial to take breaks if you wish to and for this reason, always inform the Ranger guide. You don’t have to feel embarrassed about making your interests known because in most cases, there are many people in the same situation as you are. Also, don’t feel offended when another person wishes to stop more often than you.

Respect yourself, other visitors, and the mountain gorillas

Gorillas in Uganda

Respect towards your fellow gorilla trekkers (the 7 other people in the group), mountain gorillas, and the natural environment is fundamental to enjoying your gorilla trekking adventure. It doesn’t hurt to introduce yourself to everyone (other gorilla trekkers, and the Ranger guides) to become acquainted prior to beginning your unforgettable adventure.

It is important to respect other residents (birds, other primates, or reptiles) in the mountain gorilla’s natural habitat by not making noise, and not dumping rubbish in the Park. While with these Giant Apes, different individuals will be taking photos and moving around so much.

For this reason, avoid using flash cameras, maintain a distance of 8 meters away from the Giant Apes, not eating, smoking and drinking while in the presence of these remarkable creatures, allow other guests the opportunity to take photos, and lastly stick to the allocated one hour for watching and taking photos.

Enjoy double gorilla treks

Booking double gorilla treks is another important thing every traveler needs to know before undertaking a gorilla trek because in so doing, you will learn about different gorilla families- their composition, individual behavior, and how they were formed. Usually, one hour never feels adequate and by booking two gorilla treks, you will have enough time to learn more about our close relatives