How Hard Is Gorilla Trekking In Africa? : Gorilla trekking in Africa is on a rise now for travelers interested in watching the different endangered gorilla species in the wild can be seen when you visit the different gorilla trekking destinations in Africa. For travelers interested in watching the mountain gorillas in Africa can be seen when they participate in gorilla trekking in Uganda where you will get to take part in gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park and gorilla trekking in Mgahinga national park. You can also get to watch the For travelers interested in watching the eastern lowland gorillas in Africa that can be seen when you participate in gorilla trekking in in Kahuzi biega national park. And for the mountain gorillas in Congo they can be seen when you participate in gorilla trekking in Virunga national park that will help you enjoy a number of rewarding features of the species as you visit their different destinations for memorable primate safaris in Africa.
How hard is gorilla trekking in Africa?
For travelers interested I participating in the activity, they should understand that the
The toughness and difficulty of trekking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National park is one of the major concerns for those planning Rwanda gorilla tours. YES, most people making gorilla inquiries to Rwanda have continuously asked how difficult it is to visit mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National park. It’s one of the frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The difficulty of gorilla trekking is asked along other gorilla safari inquiries such as gorilla group is easy or difficulty to trek, how physically fit should one be to trek gorillas, how long does a gorilla trek take, and what it takes to trek these endangered species. Trekking to see mountain gorillas is undeniably a strenuous adventure that involves hiking up and downhill through the jungle forest with slippery grounds, stinging nestles and thorny bushes. Some gorilla families are challenging to trek than the others but all experiences are memorable and life-changing. The day of gorilla trekking begins with a transfer from the lodge to kinigi park headquarters for briefing about the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking and then a transfer to the starting pint of the hiking trail. The toughness of gorilla treks in Rwanda varies depending on several factors.
The location of a gorilla family
The nearness and farness of a mountain gorilla family from the starting point determines the difficulty of Gorilla trekkin in Rwanda, Susa A group is the most difficulty gorilla family to trek in Volcanoes National park. Similarly, Karisimbi gorilla family is also challenging requiring travelers to hike on the slopes of Mt Karisimbi. The gorilla family is named after Mt Karisimbi, the highest Volcano in the Virunga Conservation area standing at 4507m above the sea level. Similarly, Amahoro gorilla family lives in the slopes of Mt Bisoke hence a bit challenging. Sabyinyo, Kwitonda, Agashya, and Hirwa groups are known to be less challenging hence the best gorilla groups for the elderly and the physically challenged. Therefore, the location of a gorilla family determines the ease or difficulty of trekking gorillas.
Traveler’s physical fitness
Your physical fitness will also determine the ease or difficulty of gorilla trekking. Even for the closest gorilla family, the physically challenged finds it difficult to trek. On the other hand, the physically fit travelers find no difficulty in trekking gorillas even the farthest gorilla family. Potential travelers coming to see gorillas are therefore advised to do physical exercise to ensure fitness for gorilla trekking. Among the recommended exercises include jogging, hiking, walking, gyming and sit-ups among others. Travelers with any kind of difficulties are advised to hire sedan chairs to avoid difficulties in the jungle.
Traveler’s age
The elderly normally find it difficult to trek gorillas especially those in high altitudinal areas. For this matter, aged travelers are usually given easy to trek gorilla families especially those living in low altitudinal areas.
Gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park
10 gorilla families have been habituated for trekking in Volcanoes National park. The gorilla groups in Rwanda are Susa A, Karisimbi group, Agashya family, Amahoro family, Umubano group, Sabyinyo family, Kwitonda group, Hirwa family, Ugenda group and Bwenge. Each family is visited by a group of eight travelers for an hour.
How to prepare for gorilla trekking in Rwanda
The fact that gorilla trekking is not a walk away activity, you have got to prepare for it in advance. The preparation guide for gorilla treks to Volcanoes National Park include:
• Do physical exercises
• Bring a daypack containing cameras, hand gloves, insect repellants, and energy-giving snacks, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and extra batteries among others.
• Book a gorilla permit in time @1500
• Carry hiking boots
• Wear rain jackets for the unpredictable forest weather
Conclusively, trekking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National park is not as difficult as in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest. Contact Gorilla Trek Africa today, book your Rwanda gorilla trip and enjoy this magical encounter
PACKING LIST FOR GORILLA TREKKING