What you need to know about gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?
What you need to know about gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda? A gorilla permit must be obtained in order to trek gorillas in national parks in Rwanda and Uganda, where gorilla trekking is a popular pastime. A gorilla permit is a single use and cannot be exchanged if you fail to make it for the trek. There are a few permits that are printed per day because only 8 people trek with a gorilla family per day. The reason for the few gorilla permits printed per day is to protect the gorillas by minimizing human interaction and, at the same time, preserving the home of the gorillas.
The first step in trekking gorillas is a morning briefing where guests are informed of the rules and regulations pertaining to gorilla tracking. Additionally, visitors are split up into groups of eight, and following the briefing, you will be driven to the starting location for the trip. Trekking with gorillas can take one to six hours, depending on the circumstances of the trip route (i.e., whether it is muddy or slippery or dry and easy to use), the gorillas’ location on the day of the journey, the pace at which the gorillas are trekked, and the trekkers’ level of physical fitness. You will get the opportunity to witness several wildlife species throughout the walk, such as the Mgahinga golden monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, baboons, L’Hoest monkeys, blue monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys. Hundreds of bird species can be found in the national parks.
Despite their enormous size and frightening appearance, mountain gorillas are quiet, timid animals. Gorillas have a black coat of fur covering their entire body and prefer to dwell in high-altitude environments. As the head of the gorilla family, the silverback keeps the rest of the family safe. It is also in charge of hunting food for the gorilla family. Contact us for more information.
Are Mountain gorillas aggressive?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to gorilla trekking and the answer is both yes and no. Despite their reputation as peaceful creatures, mountain gorillas can become aggressive, particularly if they are injured or feel endangered in their natural habitat. This is one of the reasons that hikers are encouraged to abide by all the guidelines that are associated with hiking for mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda.
Trekking gorillas in Uganda
When gorillas get angry, they usually thump their chests while roaring and stand on their hind legs while walking around assessing the danger around them. They also walk into hiding if they sense anything suspicious.
What to pack/bring for the gorilla safari
One of the best ways to enjoy a gorilla safari in Rwanda and Uganda is to pack appropriately and bring the necessary supplies for a gorilla walk. You should familiarize yourself with the necessities for a gorilla walk. In order to prevent packing extraneous stuff and bringing extra luggage, we have compiled a list of what you can bring, which includes the following:
Clothes: clothes brought for a gorilla safari have to be in a neutral color that fits in with the surrounding jungle, and the colours advised include green, brown and any other neutral color. Colors that should be avoided during a trek include blue because it attracts tsetse flies, white, black and camouflage as it is associated with the army in Uganda. Depending on the number of days you are to spend on the safari, you can bring two pairs of long-sleeved shirts and trousers. Remember to pack underwear as well, as it is necessary for your safari.
Waterproof rain jackets are also essential, and these are to be used in both the dry and wet seasons because the weather in Uganda changes all the time; warm sweaters, ponchos and scarves to keep warm. Along with being necessary for warmth, thick socks also prevent insects from climbing up your legs when your pants are tucked in. Garden gloves and adjustable gaiters should also be on your list to prevent blisters on your hands. Gaiters are used to keep dust and mud off of pants.
Knee-length hike boots to use when trekking through the forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga. Although the shoes don’t need to be brand-new, make sure they fit properly, are cozy, strong, and water-resistant. After hiking, flip-flops and sneakers can be worn in the resort.
Gadgets: The gadgets that are essential during a gorilla safari are cameras and binoculars. In order to save all of your gorilla trekking moments, a camera is essential. It should also have spare batteries, lenses, and memory cards. While at the lodge, remember to bring the adapters so you can charge your camera. When photographing the gorillas in their natural habitat, keep in mind that you must switch off your camera’s flash. Using binoculars will enable you to observe all of the nearby wildlife, including distant species.
Other items: A first aid kit, toiletries, sunscreen, a flashlight and extra batteries, insect repellent, a waterproof backpack, snacks, a refillable water bottle, extra cash (smaller bills if possible), and any other items you might want to bring on your safari are also acceptable items to bring on your gorilla safari in Uganda.
