Before embarking on a gorilla trekking safari in Africa, keep in mind that mountain gorillas live in the higher elevations of tropical and subtropical rainforests of the Virunga volcanoes, spanning across Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda.
Trekking mountain gorillas requires trekkers to be in good physical condition because you will need to hike to find mountain gorillas, and sometimes the trekking trails can be very muddy, steep, and slippery, especially during the wet season.
The disabled can also trek with the assistance of sedan seat stretchers.
Also, keep in mind that the weather can become unpredictable, with moments of sunshine followed by rain in some cases.
There are also many stinging insects as you’re in the true African jungle, but those who endure these challenges never regret the experience of encountering gorillas in their natural habitat.
To prepare for your gorilla trek in Africa, you need to check the following.
Physical fitness
When going for gorilla trekking, you will be hiking steep slopes to access a mountain gorilla family, which will require one to be physically fit.
You need to engage in several exercises before the actual trekking date.
Book permits in advance
Though gorilla trekking is the most expensive tourist activity in Africa, it doesn’t stop tourists from flocking in thousands every year to trek mountain gorillas.
You need to book your gorilla permit 3-6 months in advance before the actual trekking date due to high demand.
If you don’t book in advance, you might arrive in the country and find no permits available on the particular day you want to trek.
Get your gear ready
You will need good hiking boots to traverse the rain-forest jungle; waterproof boots are even better, just in case it rains while you are doing the activity.
Garden gloves will also be very helpful because at some point, you will need to support yourself with your hands on the ground.
Rain jackets are a must-have while going for gorilla trekking because rain may fall during the trek.
Warm clothes will also be essential because temperatures can become very cold, and you will need long-sleeved clothing to prevent yourself from being stung by nettles.
You will also need a walking stick, which can be purchased at the park headquarters or you can carry your own.
The stick will save you from slipping on the slippery grass, falling, and walking over uneven terrain.
Taking drinking water for a gorilla trek is very important because you will spend about 5-6 hours trekking, or sometimes even a whole day, and you will need some drinking water to stay hydrated at every stopover.
Energy-giving snacks are also good to boost your energy as you continue with the hike.
You would not want to trek mountain gorillas without capturing the once-in-a-lifetime experience on your camera.
However, mountain gorillas don’t like flash cameras, so it’s better to turn off the flash when taking pictures.
The right lenses help with clearer and better views, and binoculars are for bird lovers, as you will come across various species during gorilla trekking.
You must also bring along insect repellent to avoid being stung by insects like mosquitoes that can cause malaria.
