Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.Is gorilla trekking safe?
We frequently have inquiries about security and safety during gorilla trekking because of the recent Ebola threat in the Congo and the size of a mature silverback. Significant cash is generated for Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo from the sales of gorilla trekking permits. In Rwanda, a gorilla permit costs $1500, in Uganda $700, and in the Congo $450. In these countries, almost 200 individuals track mountain gorillas every day.
Considerably more money was raised overall than what developing nations typically gather.In order to protect this important source of foreign exchange, the countries are willing to go to great length to protect the primates and tourists that come to see them. In order to preserve the gorillas, gorilla conservation initiatives have been started a portion of the cash received from visitors. To keep an eye out for poachers, the majority of national parks employ armed rangers.
In order to eliminate any rebel groups that may be hiding in the parks, the government also uses the armed forces. The army’s border patrols assist in keeping an eye out for any security incidents that can endanger travelers’ safety. Considering their height and power, mountain gorillas are incredibly tranquil and serene animals. “The gentle giants of the forest” is how people frequently refer to them. Visits with habituated gorilla families will be included. It takes two years for gorilla populations to become habituated, or accustomed to having humans around them. Gorilla excursions do require some caution and adherence to rules, just like any other experience with a wild animal.
Hiking Without risk?
We would like to start by mentioning that the people of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are incredibly kind, polite, and welcoming to foreign visitors when it comes to security and safety in the gorilla tracking countries. Although Rwanda and Uganda are safe and peaceful nations overall, travelers should use caution when visiting big cities just like they should in any other nation. In the big cities, pickpockets pose a serious menace. The Kony war in northern Uganda roughly ten years ago had a detrimental impact on the country’s tourism sector, but peace has since been entirely restored and the insurgents have long since been driven out. View this page regarding women who are alone and safe.
Is tracking gorillas in the Virunga safe? Congo National Park?
Certain areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remain unstable. The good news is that the vast majority of the country is in question. Major political storms in the capital and turmoil in certain distant locations do not inevitably extend to all sections of the country. Open to visitors, the Virunga National Park is safe. Safety precautions for gorilla trekking One of Africa’s best-managed parks is Virunga. It is home to one of East and Central Africa’s greatest lodges. Stakeholders include local and foreign employees as well as conservationists.
The administration of Virunga National Park takes seriously the safety of tourists on a safari in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and will take all necessary precautions to guarantee that park visitors are safeguarded, including closing the park. If required.
Armed wardens and guards always accompany visitors to Virunga, keeping an eye out for armed gangs and poachers. When visiting Virunga National Park, visitors must acclimate to seeing more armed individuals and firearms than usual. You will be astonished to learn that there is a sizable diplomatic population in the vicinity. The park also benefits from the presence of a sizable number of UN soldiers in the neighboring town of Goma.
How safe is it to trek with gorillas in Uganda?
In Africa, Uganda is home to the greatest population of mountain gorillas. Two national parks, Mgahinga and Bwindi, are home to them. Additionally, Uganda is a gorilla-tracking destination that is comparatively less expensive than Safety and gorilla trekking Rwanda.
Now, for more than 20 years, No security incidents have occurred at Mgahinga Gorilla Park or Bwindi. Within the parks, the government maintains a backup military post that collaborates with tourism police and armed rangers.
These armed staff members are all highly motivated, well trained, and equipped to ensure the safety of visitors and the park. The Uganda Peoples Defense Forces surreptitiously patrol the borders with neighboring countries to make sure that no rebel groups hide in the jungles. All security measures involve the communities that surround the park. They will report any questionable activity that could endanger passengers since they gain from tourism.
Safety and security when trekking with gorillas in Rwanda
Rwanda is among the safest countries in the world Nations across the globe. It is possible that Rwanda offers less opportunities for theft or mugging than your home nation. In Rwanda, there is strict security and cops are present practically everywhere.
There are nearly no instances of poaching in Rwanda these days, and security in the national parks is also strict. With the strong military and police presence in the Volcanoes National Park, rebel elements from neighboring nations have little chance of success. What say you tourists? While monitoring the gorillas, armed rangers accompany every tourist.
Advice on safety when walking with gorillas
Hire a reputable trip operator: Make sure your tour company is legitimate before reserving your gorilla tour. The tour operator needs to be authorized and ought to have served other customers. previously.Examine TripAdvisor gorilla trekking reviews to learn what other visitors are saying about your tour operator. Before sending any money, ask if they have a corporate bank account or an internet payment gateway that is exclusive to legitimate businesses. Do not ever transfer funds to personal accounts.
Appoint a reputable hotel:
It is crucial to choose a good hotel which has not only comfortable accommodations but with strict security measures in place. You can choose the best hotels with the best security measures in place with the assistance of your trip organizer.
Avoid making reservations at hotels with bad ratings or that are not well known to other tourists. Typically, extremely low-cost hotels have crowds and are vulnerable to illegal intrusion. You do not want to wake up to discover that someone has broken into your room and taken your things. If you can, stay in a luxury or mid-range hotel.
Observe these gorilla trekking guidelines:
Until they feel threatened, mountain gorillas are quite serene and tranquil. Even when they go close to you, maintain a gap of roughly 7 meters to prevent upsetting them. If park rangers or guides are leading your party, always stay with them.
You could be in danger if you leave the group without a Ranger. You might come into contact with wild animals and be exposed to a strange environment if you decide to leave the group. By firing into the air, the armed Rangers are skilled at frightening off any untamed animal.
To avoid appearing menacing, avoid staring mountain gorillas in the eyes. Since mountain gorillas are shy animals, staring them in the eye for an extended period could be interpreted as a challenge. Speak in low tones and keep cool even when a gorilla charges at you.
Just keep your head down and be obedient. Loud noises and screaming can frighten the primates away or make them perceive you as a danger. When among the gorilla group, avoid encircling them. Give them room to maneuver. Even though it may seem tempting, never touch a baby gorilla. The silverback may pursue you if it believes you intend to hurt his young.
Wear appropriate clothing to reduce risk of injury:
In contrast, gorilla trekking while following the guidelines is crucial; you also need to consider what to dress when tracking gorillas in the African bush. Bring strong hiking boots so you can handle the slick and unexpected terrain.
You can avoid insects and jagged tree branches by wearing long sleeves and long pants. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are great sun protection accessories. Remember to bring raincoats and a warm sweater in case of rain.
Requesting a less strenuous hike:
It is advised that you inform your tour operator before scheduling your gorilla excursion if you are elderly or have concerns about your physical condition. The Rangers will assign gorilla families on the day of the briefing, taking into account many aspects like fitness. If you are elderly or unfit, to prevent having to trek lengthy distances, insist on tracking a gorilla troop that is closer to the beginning site. You should choose the medium or more tough hike if you believe you are physically capable of handling it. Our post on gorilla trekking for seniors is recommended reading for those who are physically impaired or elderly.