How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking
How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking: Gorilla trekking is popularly known as the most unique experience that one can do on an African safari. The experience offers a chance to go deep into the untouched rainforests and come face to face with the endangered mountain gorillas.
Many tourists that are planning a Uganda safari often wonder how hard gorilla trekking can be. Gorilla trekking activities are mostly done in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo. This activity takes tourists deep into the thick forests of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and bamboo forest of Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Kahuzi Biega national park for Lowland gorillas in DR Congo, to track the rare primates within their natural habitat. This means tourists will go into the dense forests allowing them to meet with endangered mountain gorillas. However, gorilla trekking requires a proper level of fitness and trekkers should be up for the challenge.
Factors That Determine the Difficulty of Gorilla Trekking
Terrain and vegetation
One of the major factors that determine how difficult gorilla trekking safari can be is the vegetation and terrain of the national park. Therefore, in Bwindi impenetrable national park, the park is rugged, dense and steep. Trekkers move through the paved trails, navigating through the thick vegetation making the trek more adventurous and physically challenging while on a Uganda gorilla trekking safari.
Therefore, trekkers are advised to plan their gorilla safaris during the dry seasons of June to September and December to February because the ground is dry besides the wet season when the ground is muddy.
However, during the wet season, the rain takes away the dust and makes photographers have better pictures.
Altitude and Elevation
The endangered mountain gorillas stay in places with a high altitude between 2,200 and 4,300 meters above the sea level. Therefore, with these elevations, trekking can sometimes make breathing difficult especially for tourists that are not used to the high altitude.
Trekkers may get some challenges while on a gorilla trekking safari such as hasty fatigue, reduced stamina and shortage of breath. These challenges are experienced in notable national parks like Mgahinga gorilla national park where the volcanic slopes add to the difficulty of gorilla trekking.
Uncertainty And Duration
Uncertainty while on a gorilla trek is the most unexpected aspect of trekking. Gorilla families can move on a daily basis looking for more food, thus there is no specific location for the sightings. Therefore, the time spent on trekking can’t be estimated and it can take 2 hours to about 8 hours to meet these mountain gorillas depending on the location of the habituated group.
Physical Fitness Level
The fitness level highly influences how difficult the trekking may be. Trekkers don’t need to be athletes, but a bare level of walking fitness and mental stamina are really important. For travelers to enjoy the gorilla trek, one should be able to walk for so long, climb moderate slopes and handle wet conditions. Therefore, tourists on a gorilla trekking vacation safari tend to find the trek more manageable with a reasonable fitness level. However, first time trekkers can as well take part in the gorilla trekking safari. Park rangers allocate trekking groups depending on their fitness levels making sure that each and everyone has a fair and enjoyable experience.
Weather Conditions
Weather has an important role in determining the difficulty of the trek. Most gorilla trekking safari destinations are rainforests and they are renowned for unexpected rains and frequent rainfall even during the dry seasons. The wet season tends to make the trails slippery and muddy, increasing the risk of sliding and a slowing down movement. Therefore, tourists need to have proper preparation and plan for which weather to travel so as to have a memorable gorilla trekking safari.
How To Make the Gorilla Trekking Experience Easier
Hire a Porter
Hiring a porter while on a gorilla trekking safari is one of the best decisions one can make. Porters not only carry your backpack but they help you maintain balance on steep or slippery terrain, offering a hand when moving on muddy or uneven sections. Within the dense forests such as Bwindi impenetrable national park, the landscape is a bit challenging and having support makes a difference.
Wear Appropriate Gears
The perfect gear can change a challenging trek into a manageable and enjoyable safari. The forests are frequently wet, muddy and covered in thick vegetation, so proper preparation is important for a successful gorilla trekking safari. Some of the protective gears to wear during your trek include; the hiking boots which offer grip and ankle support, gloves, long sleeved clothing, hat, insect repellent, and waterproof jackets among others.
This is so because the weather conditions in the rainforests can change abruptly. It can rain yet it was too dry. Therefore, having the right gears enhances safety all throughout your gorilla trekking safari.
Stay Hydrated and Energized
Trekking can be physically challenging most especially in the wet rainforests. Therefore, remaining hydrated is important to keeping the energy levels and avoiding fatigue while on your gorilla adventure. Trekkers can carry at least 2 liters of water, pack energy snacks such as nuts, energy chocolate bars and dried fruits. Long treks within the mountainous areas can drain your energy so quickly.
Prepare Before the Safari
Physical preparation before the safari can make a big difference on how you experience the gorilla trekking safari. You don’t need much training but improving your energy will help you handle the trek more easily. Simple preparations include regular walking or hiking, light cardio exercise such as jogging, cycling and strengthening your legs with basic workouts. Even every day walks can increase your patience and confidence for your gorilla trekking safari adventure.
Move At Your Pace
Tourists should remember that gorilla trekking is not a race. Many tourists tend to start too fast and get tired so easily. The ranger guides understand the landscape and will set a more comfortable walking pace, allow regular breaks and adjust the speed depending on the group’s ability. Taking more time allows tourists to enjoy the trekking experience, observe the forest environment and appreciate the wildlife safari experience.
Therefore, gorilla trekking can be moderately to highly challenging but it can be achievable and rewarding. With the proper preparation, mindset and support, tourists can have a memorable gorilla trekking safari
Leave a Reply