Gorilla trekking is among the once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The activity involves walking in the thick jungles in search of the amazing gentle giants. Positive experiences from Gorilla trekking include gaining physical fitness, enjoying a new environment, looking into the eyes of Gorillas, and encountering other attractions on the way among others.
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In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is the bedrock of their safaris and the same applies to other gorilla trekking destinations such as Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Here are the leading gorilla trekking destinations in Africa:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Uganda
- Mgahinga National Park – Uganda
- Volcanoes National park – Rwanda
- Virunga National Park – DRC
- Kahuzi – Biega National Park -Democratic Republic of Congo and so on.
The gorilla trekking experience tends to vary from one country to another. But the things that cause the negative gorilla trekking experience are often the same. Here are some of the things that might affect your gorilla safari and how to avoid them.
Irritation From Mosquito Bites
Mosquitoes do not only irritate with their bites. In order to ensure that you have some negative experiences related to mosquitoes during your gorilla safari, ensure that you carry mosquito repellants that you will use before your trek.
It is also important to note that you cannot use spray repellants in the forest, you will have to apply them before you enter the forest. In case you need a repellant you can apply during your trek, you must look out for gel repellants.
Malaria
Malaria is the leading killer disease in most tropical African countries such as Uganda. The best way to ensure that you complete your gorilla safari without a malaria infection, anti-malaria pills are recommended before you embark on your gorilla safari.
Skin Scratches
Gorilla trekking involves taking treks on already established trails as well as getting off the known trails to pursue the gorillas wherever they are. In the process of pursuing the gorillas on the off-trail paths, there is a likelihood of getting scratches on either your legs, neck, or hands.
It is therefore recommended that you wear garments that cover your hands and legs. It is always recommended to dress in a way that makes you more comfortable but to avoid or reduce the chances of these negative experiences, wear long-sleeved garments and trousers.
Failure to Fit in the gorilla Trekking group
The people you trek the gorillas with have a lot to do with either the negative or positive experience during your gorilla trek. For instance, many solo travelers enjoy traveling alone. When you join a group of 7 other people or 12 people including the rangers, you might find the gorilla trekking experience negative.
In order to avoid the negative experience of failing to fit into a gorilla trekking group, always consider traveling in the low season. In countries like Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, there is a chance for you to trek the whole gorilla family alone. This is never guaranteed but you have the chance on a lucky day to trek a gorilla family by yourself during the low season.
Gorilla Safaris Are Trekking Safaris
Some clients interested in gorilla trekking have had the shock of their life when they reach the park only to realize that it is a hiking safari, not a game drive safari. Therefore before you get excited about gorilla trekking, make sure in are fit enough to hike for at least four hours.
Failure To Trek Due To Illness
According to the new gorilla trekking guidelines, you might not be allowed to go gorilla trekking in case you have flu or cough. This is one of the most disappointing experiences since you will not have all your money refunded.
However to mitigate this matter you can get in touch with your tour operator to reschedule the permit to a future date to create a possibility of reselling to another tour operator at a discounted rate.