What is Gorilla Trekking?

What is Gorilla Trekking?  Gorilla Trekking is a type of wildlife adventure that entails going through the jungle in pursuit of wild gorillas. The exercise entails going over high hills, deep forest, rivers, and streams before coming across a gorilla family. Park Rangers lead gorilla treks, and they frequently use machetes to cut temporary trails through the bush. Gorilla trekking is regarded as one of Africa’s most incredible wildlife experiences. It is comparable, if not superior, to game drives for seeing the Big Five (lions, buffaloes, rhinos, leopards and elephants).

Gorilla trekking safaris are more expensive and unique since it involves an encounter with a species that resembles or behaves similarly to humans. Aside from their resemblance to humans, gorillas are often endangered creatures, making a meeting with them even more intriguing to tourists.

You are only permitted one hour with the gorillas after tracking them. If there was no time constraint, you could spend the entire day admiring a bunch of gorillas. Their conduct and family structure appear to be quite similar. You’ll watch cheeky and obstinate adolescents climbing small trees, females nursing, adults grooming each other, and the dominating silverback constantly on the hunt for troublemakers.

 

Gorillas spend the most of their time eating and sleeping. The day concludes with each member of the group constructing a nest for the night, with the exception of the mothers, who sleep with their children. A silverback gorilla leads each gorilla family.

What is gorilla Trekking?

Gorillas guard their family against invaders such as leopards and wandering males. A silverback gorilla sets a good example and is charismatic. Any disobedient members of the organization are promptly brought to heel. When you read our gorilla mating page, you will discover that the silverback gorilla has exclusive access to all of the females in the group.

The Park Rangers will be available to guide you as you observe the primates. Don’t forget to bring your camera. When photographing gorillas, avoid using flash since it may startle them. Keep at least 7 metres away from the nearest gorilla and never eat anything near them. Remember that there will be no barrier between you and the primates. They may choose to walk extremely near to you, and you may be tempted to touch them. To avoid alerting mom and the gorillas, avoid touching them and staying away from new-borns.

What can you anticipate on a gorilla trek? 

The silverback may appear to be preoccupied, but it will be watching your every move. Because gorillas are usually calm creatures, they rarely charge. They charge in order to demonstrate their supremacy. Never run away if a gorilla charges at you. Simply be quiet and submissive till it passes.

As previously stated, gorilla numbers have declined by more than 50% in the last century. Their main threats include habitat loss, poaching, and human illnesses. Gorillas are still being hunted down by poachers for their flesh in Central Africa and sold to zoos or as pets. Organizations such as the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the Mountain Gorilla Fund work relentlessly to conserve primates.

Why you should go for Gorilla Trekking?

Zoos only house Western Lowland gorillas. The remaining three subspecies (Mountain Gorillas, Cross River Gorillas, and Eastern Lowland Gorillas) can only be found in the wild. Because gorillas are endangered, the pleasure of sighting one in the wild is thrilling. The fact that all gorilla species are endangered thus adding to the rarity of seeing them in the wild. Gorilla trekking is also significant since it contributes to gorilla conservation. The proceeds from gorilla permits are used to train Park Rangers, combat poaching, and provide infrastructure for people living near gorilla parks.

These communities are less inclined to damage gorillas when they perceive the benefits of tourism. Finally, gorillas are a close cousin of ours. Their DNA matches ours 98% of the time. Why go see elephants when you can ignore a species that acts and looks like us? Furthermore, following gorillas is even more enjoyable since it leads you deep into Africa’s rainforests, where you will see unspoiled wildness, birds, lesser primates, and other uncommon wildlife.

Where can visitors go for gorilla trekking?

Many African nations offer gorilla trekking. You must first determine the gorilla subspecies you are interested in. Western lowland gorillas are located in West/Central African marshes and rain forests. Only Cameroon and Nigeria are home to Cross River gorillas. Only the Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to Eastern Lowland Gorillas (the biggest gorilla subspecies) which you can find in Kahuzi Biega National Park. Mountain gorillas may be found in three countries: Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Virunga National Park, and Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park.

Why is Mountain Gorilla Trekking so popular among Tourists?

Because they reside in more accessible places with better developed infrastructure. Western lowland gorillas dwell in inaccessible, difficult-to-access woods. To get to them, one may have to travel for weeks through incredibly deep jungles. Mountain gorilla hiking is also more secure in general. Gorilla trekking is typically safe in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The two national parks are regarded as two of the greatest sites in the world to watch gorillas.

When compared to the instability in certain parts of West and Central Africa, it’s easy to see why visitors prefer to go gorilla trekking in these two nations. After seeing mountain gorillas, we highly recommend going gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park. You will encounter unspoiled landscapes and an African side that will take your breath away.

What is the best time to go for gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking is available all year. However, because the primates live in rain forests, it is advisable to see them during the dry seasons. Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo are located near the equator. This indicates they have two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. The first dry season usually begins in December and lasts until early March. The second rainy season begins in June and lasts until early October.

 Given that the primates live in rain forests, it is vital to understand that it might rain at any time of year. Climate change has also altered rain patterns in Africa. As a result, rain might fall even during the dry seasons.

The dry season is preferred by tourists since the jungle is less thick and the last encounter with the monkeys is unaffected by rain. The woodland pathways are also less muddy, which means there is less possibility of tripping.

What to pack for gorilla trekking?

Although gorilla trekking is suitable for everyone, you must be in decent physical condition to accomplish a walk. If you are an elderly person who is in poor health or incapacitated, you should read about gorilla trekking for the elderly. You must also be emotionally and physically prepared to accomplish the action despite of the obstacles that may arise.

Packing suitable hiking boots, double-layered socks, gaiters, rain coats, and insect repellents is part of the preparation. When going gorilla tracking, don’t forget to bring some water and a little lunch. Human illnesses can infect gorillas. No one with a cold, flu, or other infectious ailment will be let near the gorillas.

What are the chances of seeing gorillas during gorilla trekking?

Mountain gorillas may currently be seen in the wild 98% of the time. This is due to the fact that a crew of trackers is deployed ahead of the visitors. This advanced crew of trackers uses radio communications to guide the team escorting visitors to the gorilla group’s exact position. There is no assurance that you will spot the primates while tracking, but your odds are quite good.