5 Things you did not know about Gorilla trekking.
Uganda, which is referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” presents a safari experience unlike any other, where seeing the magnificent Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros—is intrinsically linked to conservation and community benefit projects. A sustainable Big Five safari in this beautiful, varying country represents more than a visit; it is an ethical travel choice where your visit dollars directly support wildlife protection and the empowerment of the people that live with these amazing animals.
Choosing eco-friendly options allows you to be part of a bigger picture in Uganda as well. Gorilla trekking is arguably one of the most incredible wildlife safari experiences an individual can participate in worldwide in the jungles of East Africa.
While it is no secret that it is a rare and special experience, there are many insightful facts about gorilla trekking and the great apes you may not be aware of. To prepare for this adventure, it is important to understand the wonder and realities of the jungle as well.
Five Surprising Facts About Gorilla Trekking.
1. Before you trek, the trackers are already out
The gorilla trek actually does not begin when you enter the forest. A team of expert trackers is already out in the jungle in the early morning. Their job is to locate the specific gorilla family your group has been assigned to. They notify your guide by radio or satellite phone of the trooper’s whereabouts. So, your trek when you start out is not random. You are heading in a specific direction to greatly assist you in your quest for a sighting successfully and on time. Even so, treks can be long and arduous because gorillas are always moving, but with the knowledge of the trackers, you know you aren’t starting at ground zero.
2. The one-hour limit enforced for their health
Many visitors are disappointed when they discover you can only spend one hour with the gorilla family; once you find them, it’s an enforced, strict time limit.
Nonetheless, this guideline is fundamental for the gorillas’ health. As mountain gorillas are composed of approximately 98% of the same DNA as humans, they are extremely susceptible to diseases from people, such as the common cold or flu. By limiting the interaction to 60 minutes, it reduces the chance of a contagious disease to them and lessens any stress we might cause to their family structure and natural behaviours it’s a crucial aspect of the conservation process.
3. Gorillas Control the Interaction
You are the visitor, but the gorillas are definitely in charge. The park regulations instruct you to maintain a minimum distance of (generally 7-10 meters or 23-33 feet), but if a curious juvenile gorilla or a silverback approaches your group, the guide will instruct you to remain still, most often in a submissive or crouched stance. Running away is not allowed, as it can trigger a chase.
4. Dark Colors can Attract Insects.
When you pack for your gorilla trek, the advice is usually to wear neutral colors, such as khaki, green, or brown, in order to blend in with the environment. However, while avoiding dark colors like black or navy blue is often presented, fewer people understand why. Dark colors can attract biting insects, notably the tsetse fly, which has a very unpleasant bite. Using lighter, more neutral colors means you’ll be less conspicuous and help to avoid being distracted by biting insects in the forest, thus allowing you to remain focused on your difficult hike.
5. Your Permit Fee Supports Conservation and Communities.
The cost of your gorilla trekking permit is considerable, though a significant portion of those funds directly goes towards important conservation and community-based social projects. Costs include paying the salaries of the trackers, rangers, and anti-poaching patrols who protect the gorillas 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Additionally, a percentage of your fee is returned to the local people around the national parks; this gives them an economic reason to protect the gorillas and their habitat, which is a large part of why gorilla trekking is considered one of the biggest successes of a conservation model and is one of the biggest reasons for the slowly increasing population of mountain gorillas.
Why you should select Nyumbu Beyond Journeys for Your Gorilla Trekking.
You should select Nyumbu Beyond Journeys for your gorilla trekking trip because they are true East African specialists who will make your travel personal and memorable. Nyumbu is a local company. Being local means that they know the destinations, including the jungles of Uganda and Rwanda, really well to give you first-hand advice and better transport options.
Nyumbu is based in East Africa and can create a bespoke trip just for you, high-touch from start to finish without any third-party companies involved. This means that not only will your adventure be tailored to your interests and budget (good value), but it’s also a safe and authentic experience. Most importantly, Nyumbu Beyond Journeys truly cares about giving back; a portion of the payments for your adventure goes directly to support education and conservation efforts in local communities, which means your trek will help conserve the gorillas and support the people who live beside them.
