What is the Safest Country for Gorilla Trekking?

Safest Country for Gorilla Trekking?, In case you are planning to travel to Uganda for gorilla trekking. Kindly note that Uganda a very stable Country and listed among the safest African nations to visit. Also the locals are warm and very welcoming towards visitors. Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park run by the Uganda Wildlife Authority which carries out constant patrols.

The safety of visitors at both Mgahinga and Bwindi a top priority and experienced trek guides. Who always accompany every gorilla trekking experience. To ensure your safety when visiting Uganda for a gorilla trekking Adventure, we recommend travelling with a local tour guide. Regardless of where you go, a local guide will look after you and they know the culture. Environment, people and wildlife of the particular place you are visiting.

Mountain gorilla trekking is a mind-blowing activity that offers visitors a great chance to visit the endangered mountain gorillas in their nature habitat. Mountain Gorillas found in 3 countries that is; Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These gorillas seen in 4 destinations; Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Bwindi impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and also Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

To make gorilla trekking in Uganda safe, there is a set of rules and regulations. That each and every visitor should obey them during the gorilla trekking activity to ensure safety. These rules and regulations put in place to protect the trekkers and also ensuring the well-being of mountain gorillas themselves.

Mountain gorillas live in montane forests, this means you have to walk along the forest trails to find them. Every forest trek varies in length and difficulty depending on the park you are visiting and also the particular gorilla family assigned to.

Trekkers assigned a group near or far from the starting point. The less fit trekkers may wish to have a shorter hike. Hikes in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park range from half an hour to about 6 hours. This is because you hike through thick, remote and well preserved indigenous forests. From where you will encounter towering trees, ancient ferns, and butterflies and enjoy bird sounds.

For you to have a safe gorilla trekking adventure and to also enjoy it, you need to be prepared. The biggest danger on a gorilla trek is to do with navigating the mountainous and forested terrain. You often walk along narrow or even non- existent trails, you should cover up your arms and legs. To avoid being scratched by thorny leaves or being bitten by insects. You should also wear thick gloves. As you might accidentally hold onto some vegetation for leverage and they can have thorns.

Note that, the route you walk on is likely to be steep, slippery and muddy. Which why you need to have comfortable hiking boots and also consider bringing along a walking stick. You can also hire a porter who will assist you to carry your backpack and also help you to navigate the tricky sections of the trekking route.

It can also be cold in the early morning as well as hot at midday when there is no loud cover. It often rains because of the rainforest so you need to be prepared for all kinds of weather by having warm layers, a waterproof shell, a sunhat and sunscreen.

Always and always listen to your ranger guide and stay with the group while trekking, always listen to what you are told to do and not do, poking a silverback’s stomach for instance is not allowed. If you follow the rules of your guide and act accordingly, then you are perfectly safe visiting the gorillas.

The Rules and Regulations to follow during Gorilla Trekking

To ensure your safety and that of the gorillas, there are rules to follow when observing the gorillas and they include;

Don’t use flash cameras as it could startle and irritate them, ensure to turn off the flash.
Maintain a safe distance of 8 meters away from the mountain gorillas.
Do not wear bright or neon colors and also do not wear strong cologne or perfume.
Do not make sudden movements or loud noises as these could scare and alarm the gorillas.
In case a gorilla comes closer to you, ensure to remain submissive.