Frequently Asked Gorilla Hiking Questions
Frequently Asked Gorilla Hiking Questions: In five African destinations, gorilla trekking is the most popular primate activity. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the Kisoro District in southwestern Uganda, Virunga, Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda, and Kahuzi Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are among them. Those who want to see gorilla habitats frequently inquire about gorilla trekking. Some of the most frequently asked questions are answered by Explore Rwanda Tours.
Frequently Asked Gorilla Hiking Questions
What exactly is gorilla trekking?: Hiking in search of endangered gorillas in their native habitat for an hour with a gorilla family is a fun experience for hikers aged 15 and older.
Where do mountain gorillas live? Mountain gorillas are critically endangered primates that live in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They can be observed at Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda’s Volcano National Park, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Virunga National Park.
What are the best places to see eastern lowland gorillas?: Eastern lowland gorillas are larger than mountain gorillas and reside in less densely forested areas. They are only found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kahuzibiega National Park.
How much does it cost to receive a gorilla viewing permit?: The cost of a gorilla permit, which varies depending on the destination, is one of the most frequently asked questions about gorilla hiking. A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $700 for non-resident foreigners, $600 for resident foreigners, and UGX 250,000 for East African natives. A gorilla permit costs UGX 1,500 for all people in Rwanda and UGX 400 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
When will I be able to order a gorilla permit?: Gorilla trekking permits for Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes, and Virunga National Parks are highly competitive and can sell out quickly, especially during peak season. Therefore, they should be reserved 3-6 months in advance.
How can I obtain a gorilla permit?:Gorilla permits in Uganda can be obtained directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kampala; Rwandan gorilla permits from the Rwanda Development Agency; and Democratic Republic of Congo gorilla permits from the Virunga Tourism Office at the Goma border. Contact a reputable tour firm, such as Africa Adventure Vacations, and indicate the date, month, and year you want to go gorilla trekking, and they will assist you in obtaining a permit.
How many individuals can go on a gorilla trek?:Only eight individuals per African gorilla family can hike in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcano National Park, Virunga National Park, and Kahuzi-Biega National Park. This allows for a better understanding of the gorillas by lessening their behavioral anxiety, allowing for more images to be shot and more questions to be asked about the gorillas.
How long can I tolerate gorillas? At all gorilla areas, the maximum amount of time you can spend with gorillas is one hour. By asking your guide questions, witnessing their lives and habits, capturing images without flash, and documenting the moment, you will gain a deeper understanding of the gorillas.
When can I start gorilla trekking? Tourists aged 15 and up can go gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park, and Kahuzi Biega National Park.
How long does the hike to the gorillas take? : The gorilla trek takes two to seven hours in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park, and Kahuzi-Biega National Park, depending on the location of the gorillas.
How close to mountain gorillas can you get? You should stay roughly seven meters away from gorillas to avoid distracting or scaring them. Although gorillas can approach you, you are not permitted to touch them since they are vulnerable to disease.
Are gorillas a threat? Gorillas are not dangerous animals, but if they perceive danger, they will warn you with a punch to the chest, a growl, or a roar before attacking. If you observe such warnings, proceed with caution and slowly step back.
When is the ideal time to go gorilla trekking? Hiking with gorillas is feasible all year in all places, although the best time is during the dry season, which runs from June to August and December to February. Because there is less rain during these months, the roads to the national parks are passable, and the gorilla hiking paths are dry, making hikes more successful than during the wet season, when they can be muddy and dangerous. The height is higher during the dry season.
Can people with disabilities go on gorilla treks? Yes. People with impairments can hike to the gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks. On a stretcher, bearers transport the gorillas to their habitat.
Where should you stay during a gorilla trekking safari? One of the most frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking safaris is concerning accommodation. There are hotels for every price near Africa’s gorilla trekking areas, including luxury, mid-range, and economical options. The lodges have spacious accommodations, laundry service, room service, free Wi-Fi, pools, bars with a broad range of drinks, traditional and international cuisine, and quiet gardens.
What should I bring on a gorilla trekking safari? Hiking boots Because gorillas dwell in rainy jungles, trekking requires comfortable hiking shoes that are easy to move around in.
Gardening gloves will protect your hands from bacteria and thorns while you are burning forest plants and trees for support.
Camera It can be used to capture images and moments to share with family and friends, as well as to shoot photographs.
Binoculars Because gorillas hide in the bush and all gorilla habitats are bird habitats, you’ll need binoculars to see birds from a distance.
In a backpack, carry all supplies, including insect repellant, energy rations, and a camera.
A waterproof rain jacket to keep you dry if it rains while you’re hiking through the woods.
What are the rules and precautions for going on a gorilla trek?
Leave no garbage in the woods and bring all of your possessions with you.
Keep your voice down and stick close to the group while traveling to avoid getting lost in the undergrowth.
Do not smoke, eat, or drink.
Long-sleeved shirts and leggings will keep you warm in the woods while also protecting you from thorny plants and trees.
Insect repellent: Because the woods are home to a variety of insects, including mosquitoes and tsetse flies, insect repellent can help protect you from insect bites.
Snacks for Energy Because gorilla treks are unpredictable and can last anywhere from two to six hours or longer depending on the gorillas, it is essential that you plan ahead of time.
Do not smoke, eat, or drink in the presence of gorillas. Food waste can fall to the ground, potentially causing disease transmission.
Because gorillas are wild animals, they do not start fires.
When photographing, use a camera with a dim flash.
If a gorilla lunges at you, do not make eye contact, do not try to run away, bite it softly, and leave the area.
Keep 7 meters apart from the gorilla to keep it from catching human infections.
Because gorillas are susceptible to human viruses, if you become ill, stay at home and request a refund.
If you need to use the restroom in the woods, your guide will dig a 30-centimeter-deep hole and cover it up.
Other activities besides gorilla trekking include: mountaineering, bird watching, nature walks, the Batwa route, Musanze cave exploration in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, golden monkey in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Golden Monkey Hike, Ibivak Cultural Village, Musanze Cave Exploration in Volcanoes National Park, Ibivak Cultural Village, Musanze Cave Exploration in Volcanoes National Park, Ibivak Cultural VillageIn the Democratic Republic of the Congo: chimp hiking, nature walks, landscape walks, trekking in Nyiragongo, nature walks, bird watching in Virunga National Park, nature walks, climbing, bird watching in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Conclusion For further information on gorilla trekking, please contact Africa adventure vacations by email, phone, or for the best and wonderful service.
