Gorilla tracking safety in Uganda and Rwanda
What is the gorilla tracking safety in Uganda and Rwanda? Most tourists are always wondering about how safe it is to trek with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. If you are planning to visit mountain gorillas in their natural habitats, do not worry about gorilla tracking safety in Uganda and Rwanda. Because the safety of mountain gorilla tracking in these two destinations is 100%. Therefore, continue with your plan of visiting mountain gorillas in either Rwanda or Uganda and make your dream true.
The governments of Uganda and Rwanda have introduced gorilla tourism for tourists who are interested in seeing mountain gorillas. A gorilla permit for Uganda costs $700, while the one for Rwanda goes for $1500. All this is done to keep gorilla visitors safe and secure in the jungles of Africa. This is among the reasons why a gorilla permit was increased from $600 to $700 per person per trek.
Each destination has workers who are responsible for the safety of guests, like the military police or park rangers you walk with into the forests searching for mountain gorillas. In Uganda, there is also a tourism police department. The park rangers in Volcanoes national park, Mgahinga national park, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park are all extremely motivated to keep gorilla trekking safe and secure.
Gorilla trekking is the key attraction that attracts most tourists in Africa. This has forced authorities to improve safety and security for travelers who are interested in visiting the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park, Mgahinga national park in Uganda, and Volcanoes national park in Rwanda. Gorilla trekkers in Bwindi Forest are accompanied by Uganda Tourism police plus the armed rangers to ensure the safety and security of visitors while trekking and enjoying their natural habitat.
Apart from the security in the forest, gorilla trekking itself is also safe. Since tourists are assigned to only habituated mountain gorillas which are open for tourism. The habituation process takes 2-3 years while following a gorilla group by trackers and researchers to understand their behaviors before it opens for trekking. You also need to understand and follow the instructions of the rangers/guides to avoid problems.
In all-natural habitats for mountain gorillas, there are also other wildlife animals which include unhabituated mountain gorillas, unhabituated chimpanzees, buffaloes, forest elephants, various monkey species, and others. Of these, mountain gorilla trekking is carried out on foot, and the chances of meeting such animals are 100%. This is one of the reasons why the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwandan Tourism Board have introduced armed rangers and tourism police in the parks so that the wild animals trying to be hostile are scared away although shooting in the air.
The best time for gorilla trekking in the natural habitats of Uganda and Rwanda is unpredictable and these destinations can be visited all year round. But the fact is, a gorilla tracking tour in Uganda and Rwanda is very good during the two dry season months, which are between June and August and December-February. When the circumstances are mainly good for trekking to sight the chimpanzees and gorillas.
What to pack for gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking needs a certain level of physical and mental preparedness to face the challenges that happen when searching for endangered gorillas. These are items one should consider on the packing list while trekking gorillas, as discussed briefly below. – formalized paraphrase
Long-Sleeved Shirts: It is important to wear clothes that cover the whole body to protect yourself from flies and tropical insects that can affect your body.
Rain Jacket, Rwanda, and Uganda are found in the rainforest, so at any time we expect rain. Therefore, in your packing list, do not forget to carry a rain jacket just in case it rains because these areas are unpredictable.
You’re advised to carry sunglasses and a hat, especially in the dry seasons.
Insect repellents help you to avoid tropical insects that may affect your body, like mosquitos. You can also carry perfumes, shavers, hand sanitizers, and deodorants so that you smell and look nice for your gorilla trip.
Gorilla trekking begins very early in the morning for about 2-6 hours, depending on the speed and assigned gorilla family. You may get hungry and thirsty and you need a packed lunch, drinking water, and energy drinks. Your lodge can help you pack lunch and drinking water, or you can get them from the nearby towns in a supermarket.
To enjoy gorilla trekking, one needs to have both physical and mental memories that they can show their family or friends. A camera is used to capture these unique primates, beautiful volcanoes, and forest creatures. Never use flash cameras in the presence of gorillas.
Binoculars: Gorilla National Park is also home to other wildlife, including birds, small primates, butterflies, moths, antelopes, forest hogs, and much more. A binocular will help you spot all these creatures as you search for the gorillas.
You will be provided a walking stick free of charge at the starting point. to support you on the muddy and slippery trails as well as while hiking.
For porter fees, you can hire an experienced porter who will help you hike long distances. The cost of a porter is 15 USD.
Other things to have are a guidebook, an itinerary from your tour company, travel maps, and cash for buying remembrances. Also, a first-aid kit and medications for any lifestyle diseases are useful.
In conclusion, gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda safety is very good and it is a unique arrangement. There is an advanced team of rangers who go very early in the morning into the forest to track them before the actual activity starts. Therefore, the guarantee of seeing mountain gorillas is high because you will get an opportunity to see these endangered mountain gorillas in the wild.
Reasons for booking with Africa Adventure Vacations.
Traveling to a new place is so exciting and it is one of the greatest experiences one can ever encounter. You get a chance to encounter the food, culture, and natural resources of the area. Africa Adventure Vacations is the best tour operator that can help you experience all the amazing cultures in Africa plus the authentic wildlife. Africa Adventure Vacations can help you to save money and restless nights trying to look for where to go. We are experienced, well-informed, and passionate about what we do. Africa Adventure Vacations is locally raised and has got a business license. We are quick to respond to any kind of question from our clients. We have got the best tour packages and pricing. Our company can afford the group size that you would like to come along with.