There are quite many ways of assessing the difficulty of gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda.
In this article, we look at some of them.
Gorilla trekking in Africa is a dream that every traveler wants to experience.
Mountain gorillas are found in the Virunga Massif volcanic region and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, which is home to half of the entire population.
Gorilla trekking is one of the most sought-after tourist activities, although it is the most expensive in Africa.
It is difficult to determine how difficult or easy gorilla trekking can be in a given country or national park.
The trek can vary in difficulty depending on the location of the gorilla family you are trekking, as some families are easier to find while others are more challenging to reach due to their higher elevations.
Weather in gorilla national parks can sometimes be unpredictable, and the trekking can become challenging if it rains during gorilla trekking.
You have to navigate tough terrain and thick jungles. Long-sleeved clothes are necessary to protect you from biting insects, and raincoats may be needed in case of rain during the trek.
Mountain gorillas inhabit higher elevations that require a certain level of physical fitness to conquer; you might become very tired and slow down the pace of other hikers if you are not physically fit.
It is advisable to engage in some exercises before the actual trekking date.
Mountain gorilla trekking can also be more difficult when it rains because the trekking trails become very muddy and slippery, making it challenging to trek gorillas.
The best option is to visit during the dry season from June to September and from December to February.
Mountain gorilla trekking has also become more challenging in recent times due to the high demand for gorilla permits.
Thousands of tourists visit Africa to trek mountain gorillas, leading to a shortage of permits.
You must make sure to book your gorilla permit at least three months in advance before arriving at your trekking destination, or you may be disappointed and unable to trek gorillas because permits will not be available.
Mountain gorilla trekking can also be challenging for children under the age of 15 years, as they are not allowed to trek mountain gorillas.
People over a certain age might also find hiking difficult, but they have the option of being carried in a sedan chair or a traditional bamboo carrier, although these options can be costly.
