What to do and not to do during gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.
One of the conservation strategies used by national and international organizations in Rwanda and Uganda to preserve mountain gorillas is gorilla trekking. There were around 300 mountain gorillas in the globe in the 1980s, according to the census data conducted by the enthusiastic American primatologist Dian Fossey and her crew.
They listed mountain gorillas as one of the world’s most endangered animals. Trekking and gorilla habituation were two ideas for introducing people to mountain gorillas.
Additionally, they establish guidelines for gorilla trekking that apply to all nations that protect mountain gorillas, including Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
How to Trek with Gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda
Put on a sanitized mask.
One of the most rigorous rules, particularly in light of the global coronavirus pandemic, is to wear a clean mask of at least N95 type before encountering mountain gorillas. You must wear one to lessen the likelihood of transferring human-transmittable diseases to mountain gorillas, as they are extremely vulnerable to them.
Purchase a Permit for Gorilla Trekking
Prior to participating in this activity, each gorilla trekker has to buy a gorilla trekking permit. The Uganda Wildlife Authority sells all gorilla trekking licenses in Uganda. The Rwanda Development Board sells gorilla trekking licenses in Rwanda. Due to the enormous demand for these gorilla permits across the world, they sell out quickly. However, each family is only granted a maximum of eight gorilla permits each day.
Bring the appropriate equipment for gorilla hiking.
Since gorilla trekking is a safari conducted in the bush, you will need to buy certain supplies to help you navigate the frequently muddy and treacherous paths. In this region, rain can occasionally fall suddenly. Among the items you may bring are bug repellent, garden gloves, folding safari caps, and safari boots.
Before going on a gorilla trek, do some exercises.
It takes some climbing to reach the mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda since the viewing route is steep. To prepare your feet for this exciting experience, you might begin with easy strides that are different from your typical walks rather of spending your whole day at the gym.
When gorilla trekking, stay near the other members of the party.
In order to prevent the mountain gorillas from feeling ambushed by your presence, it is recommended that you remain near to the other trekkers after you have located them. They are vulnerable primates that become easily irritated if there are any intrusions in the area.
It is feasible to combine gorilla trekking with other safari activities in Uganda.
While gorilla trekking is one of the most popular safari activities in Rwanda and Uganda, you may also engage in game drives, birdwatching, launch trips, viewing the Nile River’s source, and other activities if you have time.
What Not to Do When Trekking with Gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda
Because it contaminates the plant that the mountain gorillas consume, it is not a good idea to spit on it. Generally speaking, bamboo, soft stems, leaves, fruits, and tubers are among the vegetation that mountain gorillas consume. Spitting on these kind giants might expose them to an unidentified virus. It has cost a lot of money and effort to conserve them.
If you have a contagious illness, such as cholera, the flu, cough, etc., avoid going into the forest. When you find the mountain gorillas, you may pass them to them. Their DNA is almost 96% that of humans.
When you find the mountain gorillas, stay around 8 meters away from them. This lessens the possibility of transferring any contagious diseases to the mountain gorillas.
Because mountain gorillas are afraid of new things in their surroundings, avoid using flash photography while taking pictures. To avoid appearing suspicious in front of the mountain gorillas, make sure the camera is soundproof.
Because mountain gorillas are extremely sensitive animals and may become irritated by your actions and hide, it is prohibited to provoke them.
Because mountain gorillas are wild creatures that shouldn’t be dependent on human food, you should avoid eating or smoking within 300 meters of them. In the bush, they have to find their own food.
To reduce the possibility of spreading this sickness to the mountain gorillas, if you must cough or sneeze, do it away from them.
To avoid changing the forest’s natural habitat, which is where the mountain gorillas eat, do not dump or leave garbage in the forest while you are strolling. Organic fertilizers, not non-biodegradable materials like plastic wrap, are what nature uses to flourish.
Due to the nature of the environment in which the mountain gorillas reside, no one younger than 15 is permitted to follow the primates. Patience is required since the exact moment to locate the mountain gorillas is still being decided. A kid under this age may not benefit even from the rough terrain of the mountain gorillas’ habitat.
Because mountain gorillas are extremely sensitive to strange noises, avoid making noise around them. But if you are unable to remain silent, speak quietly.
Once you find the mountain gorillas, you are only permitted to spend an hour with them. They are only accustomed to being around people during this period of time. By doing this, the mountain gorillas are given more time to engage in their regular behaviors, such as eating, nursing, grooming, and relaxing.
When gorilla hiking, avoid taking anything from the wild.
Without permission, you are not permitted to take anything from the jungle, especially animal material, as mementos of your gorilla trekking expedition. Due to global monitoring, the components of these endangered animals—including caucuses—cannot be removed from the park. If they track you down without your consent, you could have to pay a high price. After gorilla trekking, you should just leave your footprints in the jungle and take memories, not anything else.
How risky Are the Gorillas in the Mountains
Despite their intimidating appearance, mountain gorillas are calm primates in the wild. Their eyes are sunken and dark brown, and their bodies are clothed in thick fur.
According to reports, no one has ever been assaulted by a mountain gorilla in the history of gorilla trekking. To avoid leaving a mark on the jungle, you must, however, adhere to the gorilla trekking regulations.
Avoid looking directly into the eyes of the timid mountain gorillas as they can hide.
Because the ranger guide has the most expertise with these situations, heed their recommendations even when the mountain gorillas may attack one another right before you.
The mountain gorillas hoot, pull grass about themselves, and pound their chests when they are upset.
How Much Does a Safari Gorilla Trek Cost in Rwanda and Uganda?
The prices of gorilla safaris in Rwanda and Uganda are categorized as budget, mid-range, and luxury. However, the expense of gorilla permits is universal and affects all budgets. While Rwandan gorilla trekking licenses cost $1500 per person each trip, Ugandan gorilla permits cost $800 per person per trek.
The gorilla safari quote is composed of other elements, like as
The total number of participants on the safari for gorilla trekking
Because you may split expenses like driver guide fees, car rental, gas, and other expenses, the more paying individuals who accompany you on a gorilla trekking safari, the lower the cost per person. You are responsible for all safari expenses when you go gorilla trekking alone.
number of days spent on a gorilla trekking safari, with costs increasing with the length of the trip. The cost of a safari increases with the number of days spent on safari because most service providers charge by the day.
Booking your gorilla trekking safari during the busiest times of the year, which are June through September and December through January, will result in a higher price. However, service companies occasionally offer reduced rates for gorilla trekking packages during off-peak times.
The gross safari quotation may increase if gorilla trekking is combined with additional activities in Rwanda and Uganda. Chimpanzee hiking, birdwatching, wildlife drives, and boat excursions are a few of the activities.
Expect the overall safari estimate to increase if you undertake gorilla trekking more than once.
How Challenging Is It to Gorilla Trek in Rwanda and Uganda?
Due of the Virunga’s volcanic character, gorilla trekking is conducted in a rough terrain. You must look for the mountain gorillas on the hills, where they occasionally feed or relax. This is one of the reasons you need to be somewhat fit to avoid muscle strains in the outdoors.
The mountain gorillas’ erratic movements make it impossible to locate them. It is difficult to determine whether this is the most accessible area where a certain gorilla family is consistently present.
You need to wear shoes that are comfortable and resilient to the forest’s environment. You feel more at ease wearing colors that are appropriate for the woods since you won’t be afraid to get your clothes filthy.
In the event that you have to cut through tangled creepers to reach the area where the mountain gorillas could be resting or eating that day, the ranger guide also carries a machete.
How Secure Is It To Trek With Gorillas In Rwanda And Uganda?
Because ranger guides collaborate with other security agencies to maintain peace and order, gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda is secure. But you also need to be mindful of personal safety by avoiding wearing pricey jewelry, which might draw unwanted attention.
Avoiding going into the forest by yourself without a ranger guide to accompany you
consuming food from approved locations to avoid contracting food illness.
To be conscious of the wilderness, stay close to the individuals you are traveling with to see gorillas. The ranger guide, however, keeps up with the slowest hiker.
When going gorilla trekking with kids, make sure you are always aware of their whereabouts so they are familiar with the park or environment.
Things to Bring for Rwandan and Ugandan Gorilla Trekking
A camera to save the memories of your mountain gorilla experience. Later, when you are unable to travel, you can go back to them.
A pair of binoculars to see the forest’s far-ranging animals more clearly
If your battery goes low, you may swap it out for another complete battery.
excellent safari boots for navigating the dense forest and marshy terrain. Your feet must feel comfy wearing them.
During the hike, wear a foldable safari hat to protect your hair from rainfall dropping from tree branches.
Accommodations in this region typically rely on solar power for illumination, so bring a torch in case the lights go out.
Wearing long-sleeved clothing will shield you from stinging nettles in the bush.
Since this place is chilly in the early morning or late afternoon, you should wear some warmers or ponchos to protect your body from getting sick.
In the rainforest, use insect repellent to ward off stinging insects.
Because Rwanda and Uganda are tropical nations, you should apply sunscreen all over your body. Sunburns are a possibility.
In case you need to make any purchases on the ground, have some cash on hand to convert into local currency. Due to the lengthy process of recovering money from them, credit cards are difficult to use in Africa.
a raincoat to shield you from unexpected downpours that might happen at any time.
