Tips For Tracking Gorillas In Rwanda

Tips For Tracking Gorillas In Rwanda : Gorilla trekking is the most enjoyed tourism activity for anyone visiting Rwanda. However many people do not know how best to prepare for this exciting and lifetime memorable adventure. In this article we have offered you the 10 best tips or guidelines to help you prepare for your gorilla safari

BE REALISTIC ABOUT YOUR FITNESS LEVEL

Rwanda is a mountainous county and the hikes a bit steep. Talk to your Rwanda tour operator about your fitness and they will advice accordingly. There is always a provision for the disabled and elder at an extra cost.

MAKE A RESEARCH ON THE GORILLA GROUPS BEFORE TREKKING

Do your research about the respective Mountain gorilla groups and advice on which you would like to track depending on the hike. If you are physically fine track the other groups and leave the simple ones to the ill and weak

HIRE PORTERS

Even when you are physically okay, it is advisable that you hire porters to help you carry your bags such that you are not too tired when you meet the gorillas

WEAR THE APPROPRIATE CLOTHING FOR GORILLA TREKKING

Put on light layers that you can easily put off when it gets hot. Carry a rain coast since you do not know when it will rain. Hiking boots is just obvious.

WHAT TO CARRY WITH YOU

Bottled drinking water, a snack, camera, sunscreen, a hat and preferably a small back pack in which to carry these.

HOW TO USE YOUR CAMERA IN FRONT OF GORILLAS

Keep the distance that has been advised by the guide and ensure that the flash of your camera is off as this irritates the gorillas.

ETIQUETTE WHILE WITH THE GORILLAS

There gorillas are wild animals and there fore they are at times unpredictable. Follow some of the etiquette

Don’t stare directly into their eyes

Do not run away from the gorillas

Never eat or even drink in the presence of gorillas.

Turn your head away from the gorillas in case you want to sneeze or cough

Maintain an 8 meter distance away from the gorillas

BEST TIME FOR GORILLA TREKKING

Gorillas can be trekked all year round although it is good to track them in the dry months of the year(June To Sept and Dec TO Feb)

MAKE THE MOST OF THE 1 HOUR WITH THE GORILLAS

You will only have one hour with the gorillas, take as many photos as you want and do all the observation, you never know you may see something new.