How fit do I need to be to go on a gorilla trek?
You will need to navigate through thick foliage in hot and humid conditions whilst also walking both up and downhill. There will be times where the ground beneath you can be unstable and slippery. It will help to engage in physical activity leading up to your gorilla trek to help improve on stamina and endurance. Cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and leg workouts will all be useful preparation for your trip. If you have any underlying health conditions be sure to consult with your doctor before embarking on the trek and pack any necessary medications.
If you have any concerns about booking a trip to view gorillas then just get in touch and we'll be able to help you make the right decision.
What specific measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both gorillas and humans during gorilla trekking experiences?
Safety is always of the utmost importance for any of our trips. Gorilla trekking is no exception, and this is for both the health and safety of both those tracking the gorillas and the gorillas themselves. Gorillas have an exceedingly close DNA to those of ourselves (humans) and therefore it is important for no one to go gorilla trekking if they have any colds, flus or similar as this can easily transmit to the gorillas themselves resulting in serious issues for their immune system.
All gorilla tracking groups are accompanied by a local guide and often armed guards - this is to ensure if you do come across any other dangerous wildlife in the forest such as forest elephant or buffalo, then evasive action can be taken.
Are there any restrictions or regulations regarding the number of visitors allowed to participate in a gorilla trek?
Gorilla trekking group sizes are limited to only 8 clients at any one time. The reason for this small group is to limit impact and disturbance on both the gorilla group and also the surrounding environment. Gorillas are naturally curious individuals and therefore small group sizes ensure that it is a truly intimate encounter as you sit and admire these gentle giants in their natural environment.
Is there a chance I won't encounter any gorillas on my trek?
Whilst we can never guarantee you will see gorillas on your trek, we can comfortably say that it is highly unlikely not to encounter a family. This is because our teams on the ground are in constant communication as to where the various gorilla families are on a given day so beginning your trek you guide should already have a great idea on the direction to head in.
What is the cost of gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda and Why?
The cost of gorilla permits varies substantially in Uganda and Rwanda. Uganda these days costs USD$700 per person per permit per day for one hour. The equivalent in Rwanda costs USD$1,500. Gorilla tracking is fantastic in both destinations but there are advantages and disadvantages to both.
Uganda
Gorilla tracking in Uganda is a fantastic experience with tracking possible at both Bwindi, Nkuringo and also Mgahinga. Gorilla tracking, whilst equally rewarding, is slightly harder work in Uganda with steeper terrain and thicker vegetation. The advantage of Uganda however is that it combines well with the other highlights of Uganda, including tracking the chimpanzees of Kibale Forest and the savannah game of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Rwanda
Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is one of our highlights. With only a short drive from the capital city of Kigali, Volcanoes National Park affords one of the best wildlife experiences possible on the planet today, spending 1hr on foot with the endangered mountain gorillas. Gorilla tracking in Rwanda can be slightly easier with slightly less dense vegetation and, subject to which gorilla group you track, slightly less steep terrain. Gorilla tracking in Rwanda combines perfectly with the savannah game of Akagera National Park where African Parks Conservation have made considerable progress in bringing a ‘park on the edge’ back to its previous strength. Nyungwe Forest is also a must with stunning gallery forest, evasive chimps and tea plantations to wander through in the afternoon sun.
How to local communities benefit from gorilla tourism?
There is no question that without ecotourism there would not be mountain gorillas in the world today. Ecotourism has single-handedly saved the mountain gorilla; however this would not have been possible without the belief and support of the local communities that surround the gorilla parks.
Rwanda for example is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa with one of the most successful and fasting growing economies. The habitat of the gorillas therefore needs to benefit everyone, not just the communities' immediately surrounding the national park. Aside from jobs that are created via tourism within and around the National Park, funds from the gorilla permits (USD$1,500 in Rwanda per person per hr, and USD$700 in Uganda) feedback directly into the wider economy ensuring that a positive impact is felt throughout Rwanda as a whole.