What to expect on the actual day of gorilla trekking
After you’ve finished reserving with your tour operator, it’s time to get your rucksack and board for your gorilla trekking safari in Africa. You will pack all of your safari gear and go directly to Uganda or Rwanda for your gorilla trekking expedition. Many tourists question what happens on the actual day of gorilla trekking.
When arranging a safari, it is critical to obtain the appropriate documentation, immunizations, and payments to minimize disruptions throughout your journey. We urge that you schedule your trip as early as possible so that we or your tour operator can plan accordingly.
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Upon arrival in Uganda or Rwanda, depending on your package, you will be greeted and transferred to your pre-arranged accommodation for check-in. Although it is feasible to fly into Rwanda at night and then trek with gorillas in the morning, we recommend that you stay the day before trekking.
What is done on the actual trekking day?
After breakfast at your lodge, your driver guide will transport you to the park headquarters, where you will bring your passport and receive a briefing from park officials. While at the headquarters, your gorilla permits and passports will be cross-checked to ensure that you are the rightful owner of the permission. We recommend that you book your permit with a reputable tour operator or through a respectable body such as the Uganda Wildlife Authority for Uganda and the Rwanda Development Board for Rwanda Permits.
The briefing is aimed at providing the necessary information about gorillas especially their behaviours and how to behave in their presence and also provided the trekking rules and procedures.
You will be allocated to a trekking group, which normally consists of eight people. Each group is led by an experienced guide who will be with you throughout the walk. The age and physical level of the guests are among the parameters that will determine which gorilla group you will be assigned to. For example, adults over the age of 45 are assigned to “easy to find” gorilla families, which rarely venture far from the trailheads. Travellers with a special interest in specific gorilla families can notify their guides during the allocation process so that they can negotiate with the rangers before the groups are allotted.
You will then follow your trained ranger guides deep into the bush to track these elusive species. You will journey through the dense jungles of tropical rainforests, which are covered in lush flora. Your ranger guide will lead the path, removing tiny stems to make room for you. When you arrive near the gorillas, your ranger guide will advise you on how to approach the family.
How long does it take to find gorillas in the wild?
Gorillas are wild animals that travel around the jungle. If you want to travel, it is crucial to remember that although gorillas may be considered easy to find, they may not necessarily be, as the gorillas may wander far as they look for food. If you want to hike, keep in mind that, while gorillas may appear to be simple to find, they may not always be, as gorillas can travel long distances in search of food. The time it will take to view gorillas is not certain, although the walk can range anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours.
Every group of trekkers is led by a chief guide and two scouts armed with AK-47 rifles, one in advance and the other behind. This is mostly done to secure your safety throughout the walk. The armed scouts are there to protect the woodland in case wild creatures pose a threat. The scouts are instructed to fire bullets into the air first to scare away the animals in case they represent a threat to the visitor, although this rarely happens and there are no recorded incidents of it.
Trackers
Each trekking group will be accompanied by a pair of trackers who were dispatched in the early morning (before you arrive in the park) to locate your gorilla family and determine where they may be headed. These provide the guide with information about the gorilla’s movements and location, allowing him to plan the best approach to meeting the gorilla family.
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You must be prepared to hike through lush and humid forests because there are no identified trekking paths and routes. As you travel through the forest, we urge that you follow the guide’s advice on the best course of action and shape. Inform your guide when you need a break. We recommend carrying some energy-boosting meals as well as bottled mineral water to keep you hydrated and energized.
The actual meeting with gorillas (what happens after spotting a gorilla family during Gorilla Trekking Safari)
After a long trip through the lush and humid tropical rainforest, you will find your gorilla family, and it is time for the actual adventure. Even though the clock is ticking, enthusiasm grows. Your guide will instruct you on how to behave around the gorillas and how to approach the family. You will approach these primates in their natural habitat, where you will most likely find them foraging on the ground, resting, moving around, or playing in the treetops. One of the most important considerations here is your safety and experience with gorillas.
Although you may want to stare a gorilla in the eye, it is crucial to remember that if he charges at you, you should keep your cool and avert your gaze to show that you are submissive and do not want to fight. Set up your cameras and prepare to record as many memories as possible; remember to turn off flashlights and sounds when taking shots.
Locating gorillas
After locating the gorillas, it is time to enjoy the experience, and we recommend that you try to gain the greatest view for images and learn about their habits at this time. When gorillas start moving, you should follow them at a respectable distance of no less than 7 meters. It is recommended that you keep close to your guide and constantly follow his recommendations.
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Scouts and guides will always help you remove the undergrowth with a machete so you can have a better and closer glimpse at the gorillas. These gigantic creatures will undoubtedly astound you; despite their massive size, they are tranquil and graceful. If you’re lucky enough to see mature male silverbacks jump up and demonstrate their authority over the region, you’ll be in awe.
After your trip, you will return to the visitors centre to obtain your certificate of participation. From there, your driver’s guide will take you to your next location.
Why book your gorilla trekking safari to Uganda and Rwanda with Kisoro Tours Uganda?
Kisoro Tours Uganda offers the greatest gorilla trekking safari experience in Africa. We also provide various activities like wildlife safaris, bird viewing safaris, and chimp trekking, among others. For more information, you can reach us via our email at: info@kisorotoursuganda.com or call us at +256 785 790925 also on WhatsApp.
