Over View
Gorilla tracking is best enjoyed when you know that you are safe and healthy. Whether travelling with a group or on a solo gorilla tracking safari in Africa particularly Uganda and Rwanda your safety comes first. Thing like insurance coverage, property safety, medical care, financial safety to mention but a few are some of the key issues to look at.
Gorilla tracking in Africa and the entire world is done in Uganda Rwanda and D.R.Congo but the safest gorilla tracking is in Uganda and Rwanda. Because of the political instabilities in the Virunga National Park in Congo, it may not be that safe to trek gorillas in Congo.
Uganda and Rwanda have for a long time maintained stability and peace in there countries and so you can be sure of experiencing the best of your gorilla tracking Africa safari.
Money Safety during gorilla tracking
When travelling to do gorilla tracking, you are advised to carry some little funds that you will change into local currency. This is because credit cards are not commonly used in Uganda because of the lengthy procedures of getting funds from them.
You have to complete all the payments you need to make to your agent well before the start of your gorilla tracking safari so that you avoid carrying a lot of hard cash on you. Most tour operators do not want to start the safari before all balance is cleared.
Insurance Coverage During gorilla tracking
Personal travel insurance is very much key in your safety while you head for gorilla tracking. When you book a gorilla tracking safari in Africa, you need to ask your insurance company whether they are going to pay for your gorilla tracking permit. In Uganda, the gorilla permit is sold at $700 starting July 2020.
This also included the medical insurance in case you fall sick while travelling. It is best to move with a copy of your insurance documents just in case you are travelling solo. The company can easily tress who to contact for your treatment.
Most companies do not cover personal insurance for the clients while on safari.
Who you are travelling with for gorilla tracking
When joining group gorilla tracking safaris, you need to ask for the people you are travelling with so that you are aware about them. Some of the group safaris involve sharing room with someone you may not be familiar with. This is the reason why you need to be more careful and keen with your property.
What to eat while on gorilla tracking safari
It is best to have your meals in places that are known to your tour operator so that you do not get food poisoning while on tour. Eating from unfamiliar places exposes you to food dangers which may make you miss out on your dream come true experience with the mountain gorillas in Africa
Pack relevant gorilla tracking gears and light
When you travel with relevant gorilla tracking gears you feel safe and comfortable. You also need to pack light bags that you will ably monitor and carry. Check for a list of possible gorilla tracking gears you need to pack. Since time to do shopping in Uganda may not be favorable you need to buy some energy bites prior to starting your gorilla tracking safari.
Can one do Self Drive gorilla tracking safari in Uganda
Although some travelers wish to do self driving in Uganda, for one who is not familiar with the routes to Bwindi forest Park or Mgahinga forest National Park may get stuck on the road. The roads are quite bumpy and the Google map may not show you the best directions to take.
Several routes lead you to Bwindi forest and knowing the best and quickest route to take is quite a challenge unless you are used to it. Most of the first timers who go on self drive to gorilla tracking end up getting lost and require someone to lead them which is more expensive and time consuming.
Which is the safest gorilla tracking area
Gorilla tracking in Bwindi forest National Park in Uganda is safe and every area where your gorilla permit has been booked is just fine and safe. You just need to book accommodation in the area or closer to the area where your permit was booked. This is to protect you from driving very early to get to the briefing point
Uganda has several gorilla tracking areas including Buhoma gorilla tracking area, Ruhijah Gorilla tracking area, Rushaga gorilla tracking area and Nkuringo gorilla tracking area. Each area has gorilla families to which trekkers are sub divided into groups of 8 people each morning.
Do mountain gorillas bite
Mountain Gorillas are serene primates and shy. They are vegetarian so they have no reason to bite humans. Despite there huge size and fierce yet adorable look. Although calm, they get agitated when disturbed causing them to beat there chests, and go into hiding.
During briefing, you are given instructions to follow while trekking to find the gorillas and when in the presence of the gorillas.
Is Bwindi Forest Safe for one to move?
Bwindi forest has hosted several trekkers and most of them have come out successful and alive after gorilla tracking. You are escorted by an armed ranger guide and some hired porters. You need to catch up with the pace of the rest of the group and in case you have a locomotion problem, it is best to say it out before the start of the trek.
While in the forest you must try to keep up with the rest of the group so that you are not lost in the thick wilderness.
The ranger guides also move with radio calls to keep communicating with the main office.
The age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years as one at this age is thought to be more tolerant with hikes and also moves faster. The person can also with stand the first view of the mountain gorillas as it is adrenaline stimulating and exciting at the same time.