WHAT MUST YOU HAVE FOR A GORILLA TREK

Are you planning to take a safari to Uganda, Rwanda or Democratic Republic of Congo for gorilla trekking experiences? Are you interested in seeing mountain gorillas or eastern lowland gorillas in Africa? Africa's gorillas are the most thought after wild creatures across the world, and undoubtedly gorilla trekking in Africa is the most unforgettable and non regrettable travel experience that comes once in a life time. Gorillas are all over the world but what kind of gorillas are you interested to see? Mountain gorillas are the world’s critically endangered species that are only found in three African countries in the whole world: Uganda, Rwanda and DRC.

Tracking mountain gorillas only occurs in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DRC. Whereas the Eastern Lowland gorillas are only found in DRC and they can be tracked in Kahuzi Biega National Park and Maiko National Park. Gorilla tracking varies based on respective countries, for Uganda the permits are obtainable at $600 per visitor and this applies for foreign non residents, $500 for foreign residents and shs.250000 for East African residents. These prices apply for the peak season in Uganda and in the low season, they drop to $450, $400 and shs.150000 especially in the month of April, May and November. It is a must that you have a gorilla permit to allow you track a gorilla family in a given destination of your choice.

For visitors who are interested in extending their stay with Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, they can obtain permits at $ 1500 per visitor for foreign non residents, $1000 for foreign residents and shs.750000 for East African residents. Unlike gorilla trekking where visitors have only an hour of face to face interaction with gorillas, habituation experience offers visitors all the four hours and it is an all day gorilla experience which is only done in Uganda.

MOUNTAIN GORILLA TREKKING IN AFRICA

There are things that you can not do without and this means you must have them if you are interested in gorilla trekking in Africa. A gorilla trek in Africa isn’t a mere walk around the park but hiking through the dense jungles of Africa’s tropical rain forests to spend that only one hour with these spectacular creatures in their natural habitats. Some of them may sound obvious but once you are there you certainly appreciate the help that these items will offer to you thereafter.

The following are some of the things that you must not forget for a gorilla trek.

A walking stick:

You might wonder why you must have a walking stick on gorilla trek but hiking through the jungles of African forests demands you to have one. Gorilla tracking isn’t just a walk that you always take on flat landscape but challenging yourself through the steep slopes and terrains to see these incredible primates. A walking stick will relieve you off from the stressful and tiring terrains on gorilla home as it offers you a balance and grip. They are obtainable at the park visitor centers in any of three countries where gorilla trekking takes place. You can purchase one at any souvenirs around the park or get one at the lodge where you will spend your a night; other lodges can even give it to you at a free cost! This walking stick is plain and mostly goes up to five feet in height with more ornamental and carved in nature. Having one will offer you steadiness while in your trek, don’t risk tracking gorillas without a walking stick!

WALKING STICKS FOR YOUR TREK

A porter:

Gorilla tracking is unpredictable at times and given the fact that you have heavy property to carry, you will need a person to help you. By delegating the heavy load to a porter can relieve you from the tiring hike and you will have much time to concentrate on the trek. Offering responsibility on porters isn’t bad since this is one way through which they can also have something to eat, pay their fees, rent and solve many issues pertaining themselves. Porters can be hired between $20 and $24 and this will grant you a wide array of relaxation as you freely enjoy the trek experiences. It is not easy hiking through the dense vegetation to see the gorillas with a heavy load on your back. A porter will always be there with you through out the tracking process including the difficulty or trickier areas of the trails. Whether you are still young and feeling energetic it is better to have a porter as the only way of investing in the lives and the future of these Africans.

In conclusion, gorilla trekking is the most hectic adventure experience that needs trekkers and trackers to be physically fit to hike through the steep slopes where these incredible creatures live. You should also not forget to have your permit at hand as you go for the trek, waterproof hiking shoes, long sleeved shirts or T-shirt, shocks, rain jackets and many other things that are necessary for you to pack. Enjoy your trek without stress!