Through our experience of organizing gorilla-tracking safaris in Africa, we have managed to put together some tips to help you in planning your gorilla tour and wildlife safari to East Africa. Gorilla tracking is at the top of the list and the highlight among the trips to Rwanda and Uganda.
Mountain gorilla tracking is described as a lifetime experience, a thrilling experience where an impenetrable forest ranger leads you through the mountain gorillas’ home, as you enjoy all the wonderful aspects that make the ecosystem that is best for mountain gorillas.
The estimated time of gorilla tracking can last between 45 minutes to about 6 hours, however, at some point, it depends on the movement of the gorilla family and how far it is since it was last seen the previous day, no matter how long it takes, gorilla tracking experience of meeting face-to-face with these great apes is an unbelievable experience.
Through our experience of 15 years of organizing trips to East Africa we have put tougher some tips for gorilla tracking safari to make sure your tracking adventure happens smoothly, below are some of the tips and insights that might be useful in your preparations for the gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda.
17 Recommendations and Guidelines for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Anyone planning a trip to see mountain gorillas must prepare physically- have the good fitness level
Keep a minimum of 7 matters distance away from gorillas-respect gorillas’ space while on track
Gorilla tracking is limited to a maximum of 8 people per gorilla family
Secure your gorilla tracking permit in advance between 6 months to a year in advance.
Keep your hands clean to minimize the risk of exposure to human-borne diseases gorillas.
Keep all the rubbish in the forest-whatever you take you must bring back.
Gorilla tracking is done in the rainforest so it can rain at any time of the day-prepare for any weather while tracking
Gorilla tracking is unpredictable-taking packed lunch and enough drinking water.
The best time to go for gorilla tracking is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, October, December, January and February-its much easier to walk in the forest when it’s dry.
Gorilla tracking starts at 7:30 am with a briefing from park ranger/guides at park headquarters than the actual tracking starts (enter the forest) at 8:00 am
. A Ranger guide will take you where left off the previous day, From there you will follow the trail they took to find them.
As you are getting closer to them, park rangers/guides will inform you to prepare your cameras ready for photographs and videos for your memories.
7 Other rules to follow while you are with the gorillas
You must maintain a minimum of 7 to 10 meters away from gorillas
While you are with gorillas always keep your voice low as you ask different Questions your ranger/guide
While you are with gorillas do not eat or drink.
In case silverback charges at you always flow the ranger/guide tells you to do.
When taking photos and videos of the gorillas keep your camera flash off.
Tourists and other visitors are not allowed to touch gorillas while on track,
While on Standard gorilla tracking, you are allowed to spend a maximum of one hour once you find them while those who are on habituation experience are allowed a maximum of 4 hours, once they find them
In case you need more details on tips for gorilla tracking safari, you can reach us at info@kisorotoursuganda.com or call us at +256785790925 also on WhatsApp for free information or a free quote