A day doing gorilla trekking on an African safari is a longtime dream that most travelers wish to part of however sometimes all doesn’t go as you wish. At times the personal preparations may cause you not to have a successful gorilla tracking tour.
Pre gorilla trekking fitness may not be compulsory but for your muscle comfortability it is necessary. Mountain gorillas live in highland areas which requires you to hike to locate them. Despite there sheer bodies, they are quite mobile primates that that have to look for what to eat in the wild.
Following them throughout the gorilla trek or gorilla habituation experience requires you to have some level of fitness as you are not sure of where to locate them. No vehicle can be used to maneuver the ridges as the terrain in Bwindi Forest or Volcanoes national park is rough.
Depending on the conditions in the forest, gorillas may live at the bottom of the highlands or long the slopes. The severe wet seasons push them to the slopes while drier months may send the gorillas to the bottom. No matter where they are you need to locate them. Locating the gorillas on foot is part of the experiences that most tourists talk about after gorilla trekking.
We understand that not everyone is comfortable with fitness exercises because of some body challenges however simple exercises can give you some level muscle stretching. Do the jogging, walks, sit-ups, jumps, climb stair cases instead of using the lift.
You always do not have to hit the gym, taking a step by step walk around your compound, stair cases each day before gorilla trekking is one of the exercises you can use.
For regular gym goers, continue with this so that your body is kept in shape and muscles fit enough to carry on with the gorilla trekking adventure. When you hit the wilderness, no turning back until you complete the adventure as the forest is a thick and has a large area. You do not want to be the one delaying the entire crew while in the forest as this is straining.
Take a daily walk from work in order to exercise your muscles, you can increase the challenges as times goes on. Those living near hilly areas can do some hikes to stretch the muscles the more making your body more ready to overcome the straining forest walk a head.
Can A Physically Incapacitated Person Go Gorilla Trekking
Oh yes gorilla trekking is open to anyone as long as you are 15 and above years of age, you are allowed to go gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. Sedan chairs are available for you to book in advance but you need support from the porters.
When you book a stretcher in advance, you can be carried to the mountain gorillas by a group of able bodied men. Go through the forest watch the gorillas and take as many photos as you wish then you are returned to your lodge.
Based on your budget, selecting accommodation to use for gorilla trekking depends on your package. Luxury accommodation, Mid-range and Basic accommodations are readily available. You can also do a mix of either of the accommodations per night in case you are not afraid of packing and unpacking. We have a list of which gorilla trekking accommodations to select from.
What Is The Cost Of A Gorilla Trekking Permit
In Uganda, the gorilla permit costs $700 and in Rwanda the price of a gorilla tracking permits is $1500. Additional components of a gorilla trekking package are the determinants of the kind of package you choose that is to say Luxury, Midrange or Budget gorilla safari package.
The Bwindi Forest National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National park in Rwanda are conservation areas that are protected by the governments where it’s located. Each gorilla trekking trip is escorted by armed rangers and regular communication with headquarters is a must as you move.
You need to be self-conscience by giving a heads up to your guide in case you catch any infection. Covid-19 is still a worldwide epidemic which you must be very careful with so in case you catch any symptoms, report to the authorities in advance.
Gorillas are susceptible to human infections and Corona virus is not excluded. Save the mountain gorillas from catching any infections because it may lead to there massive death.
Follow the rest of the group so that you are not left behind. The guide follows the slowest trekker but try to keep abreast with the rest. Try not to slowdown the rest of the group so that you are not lost in the forest.
Pick the list of all the gorilla trekking gears you need and shop as required so that you are not catch off guard on the actual day. Tracking gears, toiletries, deodorants, long camouflaged sleeved shirt and trousers, garden gloves, READ MORE
Book flights that take you to Kigali Airport or Entebbe International Airport depending on where you have booked your gorilla permit.
Book travel insurance to cover you up during your stay on an African safari.
Check all your travel documents so that they are not close to expiring date during the gorilla trekking safari.
Immunize against covid-19 and all other required diseases like yellow fever before travelling so that you so that your immunity is boosted. Swallow some antimalarial as prescribed by your doctor because Bwindi impenetrable National Park or Volcanoes National Park are in a tropical area.
Carry any other medication that is necessary for you and a simple first aid box.
Go through your itinerary with the people you are travelling with for gorilla trekking so that you are all on the same page.
In case you have extra time an addition of Uganda safari for a game drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park or chimpanzee trekking in KIbale forest will give you extra fun. The wild in Africa has a lot to offer but your holiday time is what matters.
At Arch safaris And Tours, we are ready to make your dream Africa safari with the mountain gorillas memorable. Slap us with your preferred Itinerary and we do the ground work for you. Send Enquiry to info@archsafarisandtours.com or Call +256 752685997