What happens During Gorilla And chimpanzee trekking

On the actual day of gorilla trekking or chimpanzee tracking, what happens is that you have to rise up early in the morning and report to the ranger guide station for briefing. It is a must to attend the briefing as this is one of the capital rules of gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking. In case you are late for n briefing, you may not be allowed to see the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees as you are considered to have no knowledge of how behave while with the primates. Remember they are first habituated in order for them to learn how to stay in the presence of humans.

When you are not informed about what happens in the forest, you may default one rule of gorilla tracking or chimpanzee trekking and cause the gorillas or chimpanzees to get agitated or move into hiding.

When Does Gorilla Tracking Start

In a group of about 8 trekkers, move into the forest to start searching for the mobile mountain gorilla families. An armed ranger guide escorts you into the forest to start searching for the mountain gorillas. He is normally armed so that he can protect you in case there is anything that attacks while you move. The forest is safe enough for you as it is regularly supervised to ensure the safety of tourists.

While you trek, the ranger guide follows the pace of the slowest tourists however you are required to stay closer to the rest of the group so that you are not lost in the wilderness.

To keep in contact with the rangers at the station, the ranger guide has a radio call that is used in communication so that your movements are regularly checked and the tourists are safe.

What Time To find the mountain gorillas

Mountain gorillas move freely in the forest most of the time but finding them depends on the conditions in the forest like the proximity of food, in case of a fight in the forest with the wild gorillas, in case of death of one of the family members and so much more the mountain gorillas may move into the deeper ends of the forest. At at times you may take between three hours to three quarters of the day.

How difficult is gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking is not so much difficult although it is in a volcanic area where the ground is ragged with ridges. You have to follow the tails that were created by the regular tourists as these lead you closer to the location of the mountain gorilla families.

What else to see in the forest

Other primates like the bush babies, olive baboons, chimpanzees, black and white colobus, grey cheeked mangabey, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys and so much more. Although rarely seen other animals like forest elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs and so many others are residents of the forest. This virunga area is rich with numerous birds and the richest birding spot in Africa among which are about 23 of the 24 species of the Albertine endemics present.

What is the best time to book gorilla trekking safari

Gorilla trekking is best done at any time of your convenience because it is open throughout the year. Booking a gorilla permit at least Three months to your preferred date of travel assists you to make pre- arrangements for a successful African trip.

What to pack for gorilla tracking

Tracking boots will provide extra protection for your legs as you have to walk through the rough jungle.

Garden gloves will assist you grip when you fall.

A sound proof camera will help you to keep memories of your safari alive.

Long trousers are so good for a comfortable trek in the jungle.

A light water proof bag is also helpful as it may rain without warning.

A poncho or rain coat also keeps you free from getting wet as it rains without warning.

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 What is the Cost of Gorilla Tracking?

Gorilla tracking cost price varies according to your budget but packaged according to Luxury / up market gorilla tracking package, Mid-range gorilla tracking packages, Budget gorilla trekking. The universal gorilla trekking permit is costs $ 700 in Uganda and in Rwanda the cost of gorilla tracking permit is $1500 per person per trek. Other factors like the cost of accommodation, Driver guide, Fuel in case of road trip, additional activities and so much more that is includes in the tailored package give you the total cost of the gorilla trekking safari.

What activities to do after gorilla tracking

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest can be added to your itinerary.

Uganda Wildlife Safari to Murchison Falls national park, Queen Elizabeth National park, and Kidepo National park can be arranged and included after gorilla tracking

Fishing safari on the Nile is another activity that you can be part of.

You can also hike to Rwenzori snow topped mountain for over seven days after gorilla trekking

Sightseeing on lake Bunyonyi which is the deepest lake and most dramatic in Uganda

A visit to the Batwa pygmies is another activity you can embrace where you will learn about there culture before being evicted from the forest and where they have been displaced to.