Probably
the most frequent query we get from visitors who want to go gorilla trekking is
this one. It is also among the things that travelers seek for when looking for
reviews on gorilla trekking on the internet. The cost of gorilla trekking is
high, and visitors’ chances of sighting the primates are a constant worry. When
you take into account the cost of a gorilla permit, plane tickets, lodging,
visas, transportation, and equipment purchased for the activity, you have a lot
to lose.
The
gorillas are highly valued by the governments of Uganda, Rwanda, and the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, not only due to their endangered status but
also because they generate foreign exchange and increase the likelihood of
visiting gorilla country. There is a very good probability of sighting the
gorillas. If it would not be as well liked as, it is if that were not the case.
There is a 95% likelihood of sighting gorillas based on our expertise arranging
gorilla trips in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The
number is merely meant to lower anticipations. However, 100%, I would say with
confidence. All year long, gorilla trekking is conducted (including on
significant national holidays). The kind of activity we have witnessed in the
Democratic Republic of the Congo could only be put an end by a big event, like
as a war or unrest in the park. Even during periods of intense rain in the
bush, gorilla trekking is still conducted.
We
have heard of only one case in the past where two tourists could not manage to
see the gorillas. They were going two and along the way, the husband grew weary
and unwell. The wife was unable to watch the gorillas without her husband, thus
she was unable to stay with the group. This is a rare event, as we shall see in
the next chapters.
How are groups of gorillas
assigned?
Each
person’s fitness level is taken into account while allocating gorilla families.
While elderly visitors are typically given to gorilla groups nearby, younger
and more physically fitter visitors are typically assigned to gorilla families
located further away from the park offices.
This
guarantees that every person finishes the hike. Allowing for the possibility of
encountering mountain gorillas is crucial. Any physical limitations you may
have are known to park administrators and rangers being young does not equate
to physical fitness or you are in good health. It is also crucial to remember
that if you have diarrhea, the illness, or a cough, you cannot track gorillas.
These illnesses are communicable and may infect primates. The immunity of
mountain gorillas to human diseases is weakened.
We
urge you to let your tour operator know in advance if you don’t think you’re
fit enough to track the gorillas for longer than two hours so that a simpler
trip can be arranged for you. A gorilla family that is closer to the beginning
location is what we mean by an easier walk. Hiring some porters to carry you to
the tracking site would be another way to address unfitness, particularly for
elderly people. Chairs for sedans. You can read our essay about senior gorilla
trekking. At this point, are you starting to doubt your abilities to finish the
hike? Be at ease! All you need to do before your vacation is practice walking
and mental preparation. Remember to bring the goods on the gorilla trekking
packing list, such as thick jackets, hiking boots, long shirts or pants, and
hand gloves. These supplies will help you get ready for the sun, muck,
mosquitoes, and dense African jungle.
Can I witness the gorillas?
Returning
to the causes of the increased probability of gorilla sightings. The advance
squad of trackers are the unsung champions of everything positive about gorilla
trekking. These men get up early in order to go and find the gorilla groups
before to escorting visitors into the bush. Using satellite phones, radios, or
GPS gadgets, they pinpoint the gorilla family’s exact location and notify the
rangers about it. The Rangers are also informed by the trackers on the best
path to take in order to reach the gorilla group.
It
would be challenging to locate the gorillas without this group of skilled
trackers. Without them, tourists and Rangers would be moving about aimlessly in
the forest. Make your gorilla tour reservations at least five months in advance
to maximize your already excellent chances of seeing the gorillas. This will
give your tour operator from Naleyo
tours and travels more time to carefully arrange your travel, including
securing a gorilla hike or tracking section that is more convenient for you.
Arranging a travel being early is especially crucial in June, July, and August,
when most tourists are visiting Africa.
It
is difficult to ensure that you will receive a permit if you schedule your
excursion after the deadline. If you are not, sure how fit you are, reserve
your trip in advance and request that you be put on a gentler walk in the
appropriate area of the park. Some people think that there is a greater
likelihood of seeing mountain gorillas in Rwanda, but that is a discussion for
another day.
Last
but not least, visitors are brought to witness habituated gorilla families because
habituated gorilla families are accustomed to having humans around, they will
not flee from you when you approach them.
You
may be interested in learning about the Bwindi gorilla habituation experience
if you would like to spend more time with the gorillas. Unlike traditional
gorilla trekking, this excursion entails spending four hours with the gorillas
after locating them because you would be going into the jungle with researchers
and very skilled trackers, it is a more engaging and educational experience.
Participation in the gorilla habituation experience is limited to four
tourists.
You
may spend more time with the primates and discover a great deal about the
efforts being made by scientists, primatologists, and environmentalists to
safeguard them if you can afford the $1500 permission fee.
Finally,
we may state that the likelihood of the likelihood of sighting gorillas is
great. Although there is no assurance that you will see the gorillas, it is
hard to see how a physically strong traveler could miss out on such an amazing
experience. It is your responsibility to keep following the Rangers until you
reach the primates’ location, as they always know where they are before the
expedition begins.
What is the duration required
to locate the gorillas?
That
is, of course, unpredictable. Unpredictable since it relies on the gorilla
group you have been placed with and where they are that particular day. Gorilla
hiking typically lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours. One great thing
about mountain gorillas is that they rarely move for more than two hours.
They
do not move as much as Gorillas in the wild. Only when the dominant silverback
detects a threat, such as from another silverback, do mountain gorillas
relocate very far away. They typically lead abundant lives requiring little
mobility.
If
you still have questions after reading this material, send us an email at
info@naleyotoursandtravels.com. Thank you for reading.