Gorilla trekking: Where to see gorillas in Africa, uganda, Rwanda & Congo
Gorilla Trekking is an adventure that entails trekking thick forest in search of wilderness gorillas. The exercise entails hiking steep slopes, deep forest habitat, rivers, and waterways before eventually seeing a family of gorillas. Gorilla Trekking is guided by park Rangers who frequently employ machetes to establish temporary trails through the dense vegetation. Gorilla trekking is often regarded as one of the most breathtaking wildlife adventures in Africa. It is comparable, or even superior, than game drives in terms of observing the big 5 animals (lions, buffaloes, rhinos, leopards, and elephants).
Gorilla trekking is a costly and unique experience as it allows you to come face-to-face with a creature that exhibits similarities and behaviors akin to our own species. In addition to their human-like appearance, gorillas are typically endangered primates, which increases their attractiveness to tourists seeking an experience with them.
Upon finding the gorillas, you will be granted a limited duration of one hour to spend in their presence. In the absence of a time constraint, one could dedicate an entire day to admiring a collective of gorillas. Their conduct and family structure appear quite familiar. Observing the primates, one can witness playful and persistent young individuals scaling low-lying branches, mothers nourishing their offspring, mature individuals engaging in mutual grooming, and the dominating male, known as the silverback, ever vigilant for any potential disruptors. Gorillas dedicate a significant portion of their day to both feeding and resting. At the conclusion of the day, every member of the group constructs a nest for the purpose of resting, with the exception of the mothers who sleep beside their young. A silverback gorilla leads each group of gorillas. Silverback gorillas provide protection for their family from various intruders, such as leopards and unrelated male gorillas. A silverback gorilla exhibits leadership by its exemplary behavior and charismatic presence. Any dissenting members of the gang are promptly brought under control. By reading our article about gorilla mating, you will discover that the dominant male gorilla, known as the silverback, possesses exclusive privileges to mate with all the females within the group.
The Park Rangers will provide guidance as you observe the primates. Ensure that you remember to bring your camera. Avoid employing flash while capturing images of gorillas since it may potentially arouse their attention. Maintain a minimum distance of 7 meters from the closest gorilla and refrain from consuming food in their vicinity. Please be aware that there will not be a physical barrier separating you from the primates. They have the option to approach you closely, and you may feel inclined to make physical contact. To prevent arousing the mother gorilla and, more importantly, the dominant male silverback, it is imperative that you refrain from making any physical contact with the gorilla and maintain a safe distance from their offspring. The silverback appears occupied but remains vigilant, observing your every action. Gorilla charges are highly uncommon because to the generally peaceful nature of these primates. They may engage in pretend charging as a means of reaffirming their dominance. If a gorilla advances towards you, it is important not to flee. Adopt a passive and subservient demeanor until the situation resolves itself.
As previously mentioned, the numbers of Gorillas have decreased by more than 50% in the past century. The primary dangers they face include habitat loss, poaching, and human infections. Gorillas in Central Africa are still targeted for hunting because to their flesh, which is subsequently traded to zoos or individuals as pets. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and Mountain Gorilla Fund are dedicatedly working to safeguard the primates.
Why go for gorilla for gorilla trekking in africa
Exclusively, Western Lowland gorillas are viewable in zoo parks. The remaining three subspecies (Mountain gorillas, Cross River Gorillas, and Eastern Lowland gorillas) are exclusively observable in their natural habitats. Gorillas are What does gorilla tracking entail? Although encountering them in their natural habitat is infrequent, the excitement of watching them is captivating. Every species of gorilla is classified as endangered, which in itself makes the act of observing them in their natural habitat very remarkable. Gorilla trekking is significant since it serves as a means of supporting gorilla conservation efforts. The funds generated from gorilla permits are allocated towards the training of Park Rangers, combating poaching activities, and developing essential infrastructure for the local community residing near the gorilla habitats. When these populations perceive the advantages of tourism, they are less inclined to cause harm to gorillas. Gorillas are considered to be one of our closest cousins. Their genetic code shares a 98% similarity with ours. Why would one choose to observe elephants while disregarding a creature that exhibits similar behavior and physical characteristics to humans? Furthermore, the activity of tracking gorillas is highly enjoyable as it allows individuals to venture into the depths of Africa’s jungles in order to explore untouched natural environments, observe many species of birds, smaller primates, and other elusive creatures. You may find an article about the expenses associated with Gorilla trekking tour intriguing.
Where to go for gorilla trekking in Africa
Gorilla trekking is organized in many African countries. You must make a decision regarding the specific subspecies of gorillas that you are interested in. Western Lowland gorillas inhabit the wetlands and tropical forests of West/Central Africa. Cross River gorillas exclusively inhabit the countries of Cameroon and Nigeria. The Eastern Lowland Gorillas, who are the largest subspecies of gorillas, only inhabit the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain gorillas are observable in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda.
Gorilla tracking refers to the activity of locating and observing gorillas in their natural habitat.Tourists predominantly favor mountain gorilla trekking. For what reason? Due to their residence in easily accessible places with well-developed infrastructure. Western lowland gorillas inhabit extremely secluded woodlands that are challenging to access. In order to reach them, individuals may need to endure several weeks of traversing very compacted woodland areas.
Mountain gorilla hiking is typically more secure. Gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is typically considered to be a safe activity. The two national parks are often regarded as premier destinations for observing gorillas. By contrasting the insecurity prevalent in specific regions of West and Central Africa, it becomes evident why tourists feel more at ease engaging in gorilla trekking activities in these two countries. We strongly advise engaging in gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo after sighting mountain gorillas. Prepare to encounter unspoiled natural landscapes and experience a wonderful aspect of Africa that will leave you breathless. Moreover, you will get the opportunity to come across the largest species of gorilla in history. An article on how to organize a cost-effective gorilla trekking expedition is available for reading.
What's the best time to for gorilla trekking in Africa - Uganda, Rwanda & Congo
Gorilla trekking is available throughout the year. However, given that the primates inhabit tropical jungles, the best time to see them is during the less rainy seasons. Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo are all in very close proximity to the equator. This Gorilla trekking involves encountering two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. The initial dry season typically commences in December and concludes in early March. The second rainy season commences in June and concludes in early October. It is crucial to acknowledge that drizzling can occur throughout the year due to the presence of primates in rain forest areas. The rain patterns in Africa have been altered as a result of global warming. Therefore, rain can occur even in the midst of dry seasons. Tourists like the dry season due to the reduced density of the forest, which ensures that the ultimate contact with the monkeys remains unaffected by rainfall. The forest trails are also less muddy, reducing the likelihood of tripping.Optimal period for gorilla trekking
Gorilla Trekking Packing List
Though gorilla trekking is accessible to all individuals, it is necessary for you to have a reasonable level of physical fitness in order to successfully complete the trek. If you are an elderly individual, physically unfit, or crippled, it is advisable for you to familiarize yourself with information regarding gorilla trekking specifically tailored for those in your demographic. It is essential to have both mental and physical readiness to successfully accomplish the action, regardless of the obstacles that may arise. Preparation entails bringing appropriate hiking boots, two layers of socks, gaiters, rain jackets, and bug repellents. Remember to bring water and a light food while going out to track gorillas. Gorillas are vulnerable to human diseases. Individuals suffering from a cold, flu, or other infectious illnesses will be strictly prohibited from approaching the gorillas
What are possible chances of seeing gorillas during gorilla trekking tour in Africa
The probability of encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitat today exceeds 98%. This is due to the deployment of a team of trackers who are dispatched in advance of the tourists. This advanced squad of trackers assists in locating the precise whereabouts of the gorilla troop and directs the team leading tourists through the use of radio communication. While there is no absolute assurance of sighting primates during tracking, the probability of encountering them is exceedingly high.