Gorilla Trekking is the main highlight of every visit to the Virunga Region. This popular adventure attracts lots of tourists. Here are the ten common questions about this adventure.
How strenuous is gorilla tracking?
Each gorilla trek is different as some of the gorilla families live in close proximity to the park’s entrances, while others live deep in the forest. You can anticipate between one and seven hours of hiking depending on which family you visit. Bwindi Park in Uganda has some steeper terrain than Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. You inform us of your physical fitness and desires, and then we can help you select the right viewing experience.
What is the difference between Lowland and Mountain Gorillas?
Gorillas as a species are never boring to see their conducts both in detention and also in the wild. Nevertheless, the species and subspecies might at times cause some mix-up, mainly as far as their scientific names are concerned. There are two classes of these great primates, Eastern and Western gorillas. Mountain gorillas constitute one of the two subspecies of Eastern gorilla species. Furthermore, there are twofold lowland subspecies encompassed in the two core species well-known as Eastern lowland gorilla and Western lowland gorilla.
Which country should i visit for gorilla tracking?
Bwindi’s gorillas in Uganda live in a high altitude rain forest, while the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda live in a bamboo forest. These habitats result in some behavioural differences and definitely result in different hiking and viewing differences. Budget issues often impact whether our guests visit both parks and only one. If time and budget permit, we recommend that our guests view in both parks.
What is the age limit for gorilla tracking?
The age limit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda is 15 years of age and democratic republic of Congo is 14 years.
When is the best time to track Gorillas?
Whereas gorilla tracking in both Uganda and Rwanda can be done throughout the year, the months of June, July, August and early September plus December, January and February are the most ideal as this is the dry season in most parts of East Africa. January is the driest month of all. So, one has to travel in a good air-conditioned car to avoid the dusty roads. It is also during this time that the gorilla food is very scarce hence leading to longer gorilla treks as visitors have to keep following the gorillas as they move in the jungles looking for their food.
How long is a Gorilla Trek?
Mountain gorilla trekking exercise can take from twenty minutes to three quarters of the day so one needs to prepare for both. This depends on several factors that include, mountain gorilla movements, where the gorillas stayed the previous night and the mood of the gorillas. It may also depend on the people in your group since the guides/rangers move following the slowest person in the group.
How much does it cost to see Gorillas?
A gorilla permit costs $600 in Uganda, $ 400 in Congo and $750 in Rwanda collected by Park Officials.
What should i pack for gorilla tracking?
You need to prepare very well for your gorilla trekking tour, we advise trousers, long sleeved shirts or blouses, long socks to enable you tack in your trousers, garden gloves, a hat, sun glasses, hiking boots, insect repellents and some energy giving foods. A full list of what to pack, please contact us for further clarifications.
How hard or difficult is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda or Uganda?
To enjoy gorilla trekking, you must be physically strong and fit yet enthusiastic to trek in bumpy terrain and in whichever weather to see the Mountain Gorillas in the woodland. But on the other hand, numerous older people who do not take themselves as climbers can well tour the gorillas. Personal helpers may be employed to carry daypack and assist in difficult zones. The local escorts will make it easy to track and snapshot the Mountain Gorillas. AAB Tours and Travel has had several clients in 70’s plus but succeeded in reaching their assigned groups of Mountain Gorilla. Even though many people come back from gorilla trekking very exhausted, muddy punched and tired as a result of vigorous hiking, the whole experience is worth it. Some sicknesses according to the height above sea level are not regularly a problem nor are bush insects. During the tracking exercise, you may need a pair of gloves and outfit that shields your arms and legs against thorns and pesters.
How dangerous are the Mountain Gorillas?
All wild animals are best considered possibly perilous and are taken as such, but Mountain Gorillas are not hostile unless are angered by people. Lots of people are amazed that the Mountain Gorillas tend to ignore the tourists in their midst completely. You should not get in between a mother gorilla and a young one or tease them.They can then be dangerous.