5 Common Gorilla Trekking Mistakes

5 Common Gorilla Trekking Mistakes- Though gorilla trekking is an incredible wildlife adventure, there are a few mistakes that are made by when gorilla trekking. Here are five common mistakes to avoid while on your gorilla trekking adventure whether in Rwanda or Uganda.

5 Common Gorilla Trekking Mistakes

Here are the 5 Common Gorilla Trekking Mistakes

Arriving on the wrong day

The common mistake that visitors on a trek to see mountain gorillas is showing up on a wrong day, gorilla permits are issued for specific dates and are non – transferrable. This is because gorilla trek groups fill up far in advance.

Note: the permits are also non-refundable.

Not booking gorilla permits in advance

Gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda as well as Congo are limited to eight people per group of gorillas per day. Currently, Uganda has many habituated gorilla groups so trekking to see the gorillas has become very popular and the permits can become very limited.

You need to book your permit often months in advance and if you show up on the day of the trek hoping to secure the permit, you are likely to be disappointed.

Not bringing your passport on the trek

Visitors on a gorilla trek must bring their passports on the day of the gorilla trek as they check these against the permits to ensure only rightful permit holders are admitted to the park. When you forget your passport, you may not be allowed into the park. It is possible you will be able to head back to your accommodation to pick it which will be very stressful. At worst, you will miss the trek.

Not wearing hiking boots

Many people underestimate how challenging the hike through the alpine forests of the gorilla destinations can be, this is not something that should be attempted without the right pair of shoes. It is important to wear sturdy hiking books that you have worm in, these will help you remain sure footed over the slippery jungle trails.

 5 Common Gorilla Trekking Mistakes

Not packing the right clothing

On a gorilla safari, you need to be dressed properly to avoid getting cold, wet, scratched, bitten by insects or sunburnt. The main items to park are a long – sleeved top, warm jacket, long pants, long socks, waterproof jacket, hardy gloves and sunhat. Do not forget sunscreen for your beautiful and handsome face.

Also, you will need to bring along a backpack and sufficient water and snacks to sustain you throughout the hike. A porter can be hired to carry this for you if you wish to.

Gorilla Trekking is a magical wildlife activity only done Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

 

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