What May stop you from seeing Gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo
Whereas it’s rare not to see mountain gorillas, some reasons may stop you from seeing these endangered species if you do not take caution. Traveling to trek gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo has presently become a dream come true for most travelers on African Safari.It’s undeniable that gorilla trekking is the most done tourist activity in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo drawing the highest number of travelers from all over the world to Africa. Based on our past clients travel reviews, a face-to-face encounter with gorillas is magical, feeling and remarkable experience that lasts for a lifetime. When booking gorilla safaris, potential travelers cannot wait for the actual day of seeing gorillas. Check the followings reasons that may stop you from seeing gorillas, take caution and do not miss out on this exciting experience. Among the things that may stop you from seeing gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo include:
Below 15 years of age
travelers below 15 years are not allowed to trek gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s in the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking in all gorilla destinations that every traveler below 15 years is not eligible to trek gorillas. To confirm the age, travelers are asked for their original passports to ensure no underage child is allowed to trek gorillas. The reason why kids of below 15 years are not allowed to trek gorillas is due to the strenuous nature of gorilla hiking and the associated risks. However in instances when a child is almost celebrating his/her 15th birthday maybe a week or two weeks time), the child can be allowed to trek gorillas. Parents/guardians of an under age child are asked to write a formal letter to UWA OR RDB consenting to be fully responsible for anything that happens to the child during trekking.
Forgetting your gorilla permit
A gorilla permit is a must-have for every traveler coming to see gorillas and no one can be allowed to see gorillas with no permit. In other words, a gorilla permit is a pass to see gorillas. Endeavor to get your permit from the travel agent and g to the park headquarters with it. A traveler who books directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda o Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda are reminded to pick his/her permit before transferring to Bwindi or any gorilla national park. Any traveler who reports for gorilla trekking without a permit will not be allowed to trek gorillas. A gorilla permit comes along with a receipt that bears a traveler’s name and the sector he or she is trekking in case of Bwindi Forest. Gorilla a permit booking is recommended at least 6 months in advance due to the high demand for gorilla tours. You can book for gorilla permits directly with UWA or RDB in Rwanda or through Gorilla Trek Africa, your number one gorilla safari company.
When sick
You cannot trek mountain gorillas if you have any kind of sickness, flue cough or any other communicable disease. Its one of the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking that sick travelers are not allowed to trek gorillas. The reason for this is to prevent the spread of diseases to the endangered gorillas, which share 98% 0f human genes. Travelers are also asked to present medical forms to confirm that they have no sickness. During the pre gorilla trekking briefing, all travelers are checked to see if they have no rush, which can transmit to the endangered gorillas putting them at a risk.
When mountain gorillas move too far
There are rare cases when mountain gorillas move too far that travelers spend a full day in the jungle without seeing them. In this case, travelers will be given a second chance to trek again the next day without paying. Gorilla trekking time is not certain and it ranges between 30 minutes to a whole day depending on the location of gorillas and their speed of movements. Different gorilla families in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo lie in different altitudinal areas. Some are easy to reach while others require the patience of a traveler to reach them.
Late coming
All traveling going to trek gorillas are required to be at the briefing pit by 7:00am for a pre gorilla trekking briefing. Travelers are advised to wake up very early and transfer from their lodges to the respective park headquarters for briefing. its at the briefing point that travelers are grouped together and allocated different gorilla groups./ Trekking to see gorillas starts at 8:00 am. Any traveler who comes when other travelers have left for gorilla trekking will miss out on the chance to trek gorillas. NO one is allowed to move in the jungle alone. Therefore timekeeping is key for any successful gorilla trekking experience.
Be keen and careful when booking a gorilla safari to Uganda, Rwanda and Congo and avoid the reasons that may stop you from seeing gorillas. Gorilla Trek Africa is at your service for guided gorilla trekking tours to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
