Gorilla Trekking Reality versus Myths
Here are 8 Things You Never Knew About Gorilla Trekking
The 8-Things You Never Knew About Gorilla Trekking: Unveiling the Truth About Gorilla Trekking: Debunking Myths and Revealing Reality
Discover the Real Insights into Gorilla Trekking: Unveiling the Truth Behind the Myths. Prepare to be amazed by the Reality of this awe-inspiring experience. Don’t let misconceptions misguide you and cause unnecessary expenses.
While browsing the internet, reading travel magazines, or scrolling through TripAdvisor, you may encounter biased and misleading opinions about gorilla trekking. These perceptions can lead to overpaying by thousands of dollars and cloud your understanding of what the adventure truly entails.
In Uganda, we have a saying: “They are spewing Buffaloes,” which means those authors speak nonsense. They lack firsthand knowledge and understanding of gorilla trekking.
But fear not! We are here to set the record straight. Gorilla Trekking is not just our business; it’s our passion. We have dedicated ourselves to providing accurate and reliable information about this extraordinary experience.
Now, let’s delve into the eight things you never knew about gorilla trekking, debunking myths and revealing the Reality:
8-Things You Never Knew About Gorilla Trekking
1. Gorilla Trekking is not better in Rwanda:
Some say, “Gorilla Trekking is better in Rwanda.” Rwandan Tourism, Travel Agents, and International Tour Operators propagated that that is a myth sympathetic to Rwanda.
Even Ellen DeGeneres and Arsenal Football are part of the choir proclaiming Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda. Gorilla trekking to us is an encounter with the Mountain Gorillas, and it is the encounter that is important and not the country where the meeting takes place.
Those who claim that Rwanda is better for Gorilla Trekking than Uganda most often have never trekked Gorillas in Uganda. They merely pass on anecdotal diatribes from others or armchair Besserwissers clueless about traveling in Uganda.
Uganda, unlike Rwanda, offers two distinct terrains and habitats to trekkers. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park. Only in Uganda can you track Mountain Gorillas in an ancient rainforest and the shadows of the brooding volcanoes.
Since the time in 2017, when Rwanda chose to market itself as a high-end Gorilla Destination, doubling its Gorilla Permits to $1,500, thousands have chosen affordable Uganda as their Gorilla tracking Destination and have preferred to trek in cheap Uganda, making it the premier Gorilla Destination.
Ask gorilla tourists whether they had a lesser experience trekking Gorillas in Uganda. The bottom line is that a three-day gorilla safari is twice the price in Rwanda without compromising the quality of the experience.
2. I want interaction with the Gorillas on my Trek
Gorilla trekking distinguishes itself from other African tourism offerings, such as walking with lions, petting lion cubs, riding elephants, or spending time with chimpanzees.
Let go of the notion of cuddling with gorillas like Dian Fossey in the movie “Gorillas in the Mist” or feeding them as depicted in John King II’s exceptional encounter. These instances are rare and not the norm. The situation where a gorilla group visited a lodge in the Buhoma area of Bwindi Forest was a one-time occurrence that cannot be replicated.
With the implementation of new COVID-19 protocols, there are now regulations, including maintaining a ten-meter distance and wearing surgical masks during the Trek.
It’s important to understand that the gorillas control the interaction. There is no direct interaction or communication in the manner of Koko the Gorilla’s sign language. Gorilla trekking takes place in the Wild, where you enter the living room of a gorilla family, their natural habitat. Most of what unfolds during the Trek is up to the gorillas. As a trekker, your role is that of an observer, respecting their space and behavior.
If you opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, you actively participate in the habituation process, which allows for a deeper understanding of gorilla behavior. However, even in this case, the gorillas dictate the course of the interaction.
Gorilla trekking is an unpredictable adventure, but one thing is sure: you will have the privilege of being in the presence of a gorilla family observing their natural behaviors and dynamics. It is a unique and awe-inspiring experience that will leave a lasting impression.
3. Gorilla Tourism Funds Gorilla Conservation:
Gorilla Tourism: A Vital Source of Funding for Gorilla Conservation!
As conservationists, we understand concerns regarding gorilla tourism. However, it is essential to recognize its significant positive impact on gorilla conservation efforts, a sentiment shared by the late Dian Fossey, a pioneer in this field.
Today, through the work of conservation organizations dedicated to gorilla preservation, the harmony between gorilla tourism and forest conservation is evident. Without gorilla tourism, the habitats would risk being converted into farmland, plantations, or villages.
Thanks to gorilla tourism, the population of mountain gorillas has experienced a remarkable increase, surpassing 1,000 individuals.
The sharing of permits and entrance fees for protected gorilla habitats and educational initiatives have raised awareness among surrounding communities and significantly reduced poaching activities.
The revenue generated from gorilla permits directly contributes to gorilla conservation and welfare. This has led to improved health and well-being for the gorillas themselves, as well as for the communities living near them. Notably, gorilla tourism has been vital in funding healthcare facilities, including Bwindi Community Hospital, one of Uganda’s finest rural hospitals.
Tracking gorillas in exchange for financial support means that gorilla conservation efforts can continue to thrive and flourish.
Recognizing the positive connection between gorilla tourism and the invaluable funding it provides for gorilla conservation is crucial. By supporting gorilla tourism, we are actively contributing to the long-term survival and well-being of these majestic creatures and the communities that coexist with them.
4. I am not going to trek Gorillas in Uganda-it is too long of a Drive:
The official airport for Uganda is Entebbe International Airport, and yes, it is a 9-hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest from there. Most visitors do not realize this since most have not looked at a map, and still today, many Gorilla Tour Operators do not tell you that there is a closer airport to Gorilla Trekking than Entebbe. You can fly into Kigali, Rwanda, the unofficial Uganda Gorilla Trekking airport. Within three hours, you are in Mgahinga Gorilla Park and four hours in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest’s southern area. That is precisely what most of our clients do.
Plan B is to fly to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla Park with AeroLink Safari Airline, a short, scenic flight from Entebbe airport. Still, it comes with a price tag that can add 500 plus Dollars to your Safari price. Plan C- is to weave a safari together that includes Gorilla Trekking plus other parks.
Many start their Safari with us in Kigali, and 7-days later, at the end of their Gorilla Chimpanzee Wildlife Safari, they fly back home out of Entebbe International Airport.
The East African Tourism Visa is best suited for such Visitors and covers three countries, including Rwanda and Uganda.
5. There are Guerrillas in the Gorilla Tracking Areas:
Uganda is the only country that has been Guerrilla-Free in the last few years. You can safely visit only Gorillas on a Gorilla Trek escorted by rangers and the military.
The same cannot be said about DR Congo and Virunga National Park, which has been closed for most of 2018, and there is no evidence that it will open again soon. It closed because of insecurity in the volatile Eastern Region of the Congo and guerrilla activity, which directly hampered Gorilla Tourists.
Every precaution is taken as you head out for a Trek that you are safe. That includes tight border control in Southwest Uganda and northwest Rwanda. The purchase of weapons is restricted in Uganda and Rwanda; all those crossing the border into Uganda and Rwanda are checked for contraband material.
Reports by people who do not know the local geography place events in one country and put them into another. The term Virunga – covers the Volcanoes that are in Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo. Virunga National Park, the oldest park in Africa, is in DR Congo, and at times, events there get associated with Uganda when that is not the case.
Safe and Secure Gorilla Trekking is taking place in Uganda and Rwanda.
6. Gorilla Trekking is only for the most Physically Fit:
Accessible Gorilla Trekking: Not Just for the Super Physically Fit!
Contrary to what you may have heard, gorilla trekking is not limited to those in peak physical condition. It is an activity that can be enjoyed by the average person with moderate fitness levels.
Even if you have physical limitations, there are options available for you to experience gorilla trekking. Porters can assist you by carrying you on a sedan chair, ensuring you can still witness the incredible gorillas up close.
While gorilla treks can present challenges, they are by no means impossible. If you are in good health and possess a basic fitness level, you should be able to partake in the experience.
We recommend preparing yourself physically before embarking on a gorilla trek. Engaging in regular walks, hikes, or even hitting the gym can help improve your fitness level. However, it’s worth noting that many visitors come to Uganda for gorilla trekking with below-moderate fitness levels, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority accommodates such individuals by assigning them to more accessible and shorter gorilla treks.
Rest assured, regardless of your fitness level, there are options available to ensure that you can participate in and enjoy the awe-inspiring adventure of gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Read more about physical fitness and gorilla trekking.
7. Gorilla Trekking is dangerous:
Dispelling the Myth: Gorilla Trekking is Not Dangerous! The notion that gorilla trekking is dangerous is a misconception far from the Reality of what this experience truly entails. While mountain gorillas are the world’s largest primates, trekking them is not inherently risky. Mountain gorillas undergo a habituation process lasting up to two years, explicitly preparing them for encounters with gorilla trekkers in their natural habitat.
Contrary to popular belief, gorilla trekking is not as dangerous as one might assume. These magnificent creatures have been habituated to the presence of humans, rendering them unafraid of our company. However, it is vital to adhere to the guidelines established by park rangers, which include maintaining a minimum distance of 7 meters from the gorillas and refraining from making sudden movements.
While it is true that gorillas have been known to charge at gorilla trekkers on rare occasions, it is essential to note that these instances are extremely uncommon. Gorillas are often called the gentle giants of the forest, as they rarely threaten human beings. Gorilla trekking is not an encounter with a fictional King Kong but rather an extraordinary opportunity to visit and observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Rest assured, with proper adherence to guidelines and the presence of experienced guides; gorilla trekking is a safe and awe-inspiring adventure that offers a profound connection with these magnificent creatures.
8. Gorilla Trekking is too expensive:
Gorilla Trekking: A Unique and Worthwhile Investment! Gorilla trekking can come with a significant price tag but offers an unparalleled and unforgettable experience.
Gorilla trekking is a truly extraordinary adventure that can only be undertaken in the untamed wilderness of Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Mountain gorillas cannot be seen in any zoo worldwide, making this encounter all the more special. Permits for gorilla trekking in Uganda are priced at $700, while in Rwanda, they cost $1,500.
At first glance, the cost may appear substantial. However, none of our clients have ever expressed that gorilla trekking is too expensive. Contrary to common belief, embarking on a gorilla trek does not require a fortune. Affordable options are available, particularly in Uganda, where permits and lodging are considerably cheaper than in Rwanda.
While gorilla trekking may be pricier than other wildlife experiences like game drives or boat safaris, it is essential to recognize that some of the permit fees contribute directly to the conservation efforts needed to protect these endangered gorillas.
Investing in a gorilla trekking experience grants you a remarkable encounter with these magnificent creatures, supports their conservation, and ensures their survival for future generations to appreciate.
In summary, while gorilla trekking may come with a higher price tag, the unique and awe-inspiring nature of the experience, coupled with its contribution to gorilla conservation, makes it a worthwhile investment for those seeking an extraordinary adventure in the African wilderness.
What you might not know about the role of Gorilla Tour Operator:
Things You Never Knew About Gorilla Trekking -We, at Kabiza Wilderness Safaris, like a Gorilla Matchmaker. We set up the Date, the lodge, and the transportation and ensure you have everything you need for a successful trek. Then it is up to the Gorillas how your Date with them goes.
The Gorilla encounter in the Wild is unlike a visit to the Zoo. You are on the Turf of the Gorillas. Pre-trackers, the trackers, rangers, and porters will all assist you, but the Gorillas are in control. Ninety-nine percent of the time, things go better than planned, better than you imagined, rarely. Your expectations and the Reality of the Trek may not match. Knowing all you can about Gorilla Trekking before you go is good.
The Best Advice we, as a Gorilla matchmaker and Gorilla Tour operators, can give you is to put aside your expectations based on other people’s input. Your experience will be better than you expect.
We cannot stress enough because of Gorilla Trekking. Your experience with the Gentle Giants of the Forest is unpredictable since you are in the Wild. For 99%, the experience is better than expected. One added thing: know as much as possible before going about Gorilla Trekking or Habituation.
Gorilla trekking is a unique and unforgettable experience that allows visitors to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. While some myths and misconceptions surround gorilla trekking, the Reality is that it is a safe and carefully regulated activity that minimizes the impact on the gorillas and their habitat.
