What To Expect on a Gorilla Trekking Safari
What To Expect on a Gorilla Trekking Safari: A gorilla safari is among the most unique wildlife adventures in the world. Besides the usual game drives while on an African safari, a gorilla trekking experience takes you deep into the rainforests where tourists come face to face with the endangered mountain gorillas. For many tourists a gorilla trekking safari is the focus of the Uganda safari thus offering a memorable moment filled with emotions, adventure and beautiful scenery.
The endangered mountain gorillas are found in only a few places in the world that is; Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, Volcanoes national park.
The gorilla trekking destinations are among the major highlights of an African safari and attract many tourists searching for intimate wildlife encounters. Tourists planning their first gorilla safari, getting to know what to expect will make you prepare physically, mentally and emotionally for the once in a lifetime experience.
The Experience.
Many of the gorilla trekking safari adventures start very early in the morning before day break. While on a Uganda safari, you will wake up early and be transferred to the park headquarters for registration, briefing and a group allocation. This is so important because the endangered mountain gorillas start moving all over the forest after a sunrise in search of food.
During the briefing session, the skilled guides explain to tourists about the gorilla trekking rules, safety procedures, the mountain gorilla’s characters and how they communicate, conservation guidelines and trekking expectations. The briefing is an important part of each gorilla trekking safari because it gears up tourists for safe and respectful interactions with the endangered mountain gorillas.
The trekkers are then divided into small groups of 8 assigned to different habituated gorilla families depending on the trekking experience, level of fitness, age and the preferred trekking difficulty. This system makes sure that your Uganda gorilla trekking safari stays comfortable, safe and enjoyable to both the gorillas and tourists.
Trekking Into the Rainforests
What to expect importantly on a gorilla trekking safari is the hike into the rainforest. Gorilla trekking is more than a natural walk, it’s an adventure through the thick forest, rugged hills and the remote wilderness.
Depending on the location of the endangered mountain gorilla, the trek can last from 2 hours to more than 6 hours. This uncertainty is what makes the gorilla trekking safari an enjoyable and genuine African safari experience.
While trekking, the tourists are involved in hiking steep hills, walking through thick vegetation, moving through muddy trails and slippery forest paths. Within Bwindi impenetrable national park, the forest is popularly mountainous and dense thus creating an adventurous trekking experience while on a Uganda safari. Mgahinga and volcanoes national park have scenic volcanic slopes and bamboo forests which provide beautiful views while on the trek.
As you go deeper within the rainforest, you will encounter other amazing wildlife species which enhance your wildlife safari experience such as monkeys, butterflies, small antelopes, chameleons, forest birds and extraordinary rainforest plants and trees.
Finding The Gorillas
As the trekking goes deeper within the rainforest while on the gorilla trekking safari, excitement and anticipation continues to rise. The experienced ranger guides stay in touch with the trekkers who move ahead in search of the endangered gorilla family’s location.
Mountain gorillas tend to move daily in search of food thus making their location not to be constant. The closer you get to the mountain gorillas, the more emotional and exciting the experience becomes. Various tourists explain this stage of the trek as one of the most thrilling moments of the whole African safari. When the ranger senses that the gorillas are close, the atmosphere changes immediately. Cameras are prepared, hearts race with excitement and tourists start approaching quietly and carefully.
The Encounter
The very first encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas is portrayed frequently as a life changing experience. While on the encounter, standing a few meters away from the gorilla family forms a powerful and emotional connection unlike any other experience on a traditional African safari.
During the one-hour encounter, tourists encounter the silverbacks protecting the group, mothers taking care of the infants, young gorillas climbing trees and playing, gorillas feeding on leaves and vegetation as well as family grooming and communication. The interactions in the gorilla family feels incredibly human-like because the endangered mountain gorillas share approximately 98% of their DNA with humans. The gorilla’s facial expressions, eye contact, emotions and behaviors frequently create a deep sense of bonding.
Even when the mountain gorillas come closer, the guides always maintain a safe distance. After, tourists are allowed to take pictures without a flash as they observe the gentle giants respectfully and quietly.
After the encounter, you will leave the forest and return to the park headquarters where you will be awarded a certificate of participation and appreciation. Later, you will return to your lodge as you ponder on the experience.
The Best Time to Go for the Gorilla Trekking Experience
Gorilla trekking can be carried throughout the whole year but tourists are advised to plan their trekking safaris in the dry season in the months of June to September and mid-December to February. During this season the trails are dry and the vegetation is not so overgrown and photography opportunities are better. Whereas the wet season in months of March, April, May, October and early December are not advisable. This is so because the trails are muddy and slippery, hiking conditions are challenging and the rains are heavy.
However, planning a safari during the wet season has its advantage such as easy access to the gorillas as they do not move all the time in search of food since its fully available, there is no congestion in the park as it’s a low season and tourists are few, the permits are easily got and the lodges are booked at a cheaper price. Therefore, tourists can still enjoy the trekking experience besides the heavy rains and the muddy trails.
Therefore, the best time for gorilla trekking depends on what you want and your budget. However, the best time to trek the gorillas is in the dry season.
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