Gorilla trekking myths and realities in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is a popular safari activity with over 70% of tourists visiting both countries for Mountain gorilla trekking. Carried out in Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda and Volcanoes Park in Rwanda, many visitors have questions and are curious about Mountain gorillas and gorilla trekking. Before planning gorilla safaris, many tourists read about them to learn more about the primates, but not everything written is right about gorillas. In this article, we are going to discuss the myths and realities of gorilla trekking and Mountain gorillas.

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The myths about Mountain gorillas

Gorillas feed on humans: This is a myth because Mountain gorillas have never fed on humans or other animals. Mountain gorillas are herbivores and feed on insects, fruit stems, leaves and other vegetation. Note that although this is a myth, gorillas can become aggressive if they feel threatened, although in most cases, they are known to be gentle animals. This is why there are rules and regulations that need to be followed to avoid attacks from the Mountain gorillas.

Gorillas and chimpanzees are the same: Although they are both primates and share about 98% of their DNA with humans, they are completely different from each other. They are different in appearance, with gorillas being larger than the chimpanzees; the face of the gorillas is black as compared to the chimpanzees, which, have a brownish colour, and chimpanzees are more sociable. Gorillas also prefer staying in higher altitudes and calmer, unlike chimpanzees that are chaotic.

Gorillas are rough: This is not true because they only act aggressively if they feel attacked or are in danger. Mountain gorillas are some of the calmest primates in the jungle going about their daily routine even with humans around. You need to, however, note that once they feel agitated and threatened, they will attack to protect their territory.

Gorilla blood is medicine: This is a myth that was started by people who hunt gorillas and it has been believed for many years. They believe that the Mountain gorilla blood heals different ailments but there is no evidence to show that it has ever healed any ailments or diseases.

Realities about gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla trekking is not better in Rwanda than in Uganda and vice versa:

Some articles show that gorilla trekking in Rwanda is better than gorilla trekking in Uganda but this is not true. Some famous people like the Arsenal football club and Ellen DeGeneres have proclaimed that Rwanda is the better option for trekking gorillas in their natural habitat. Tourists who have never trekked gorillas in Uganda will say Rwanda is better, but you need to remember that the most important thing is to trek gorillas and contribute to their conservation.

Uganda offers two separate gorilla trekking safaris, which are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Rwanda's gorilla tracking destination is Volcanoes National Park. Each of the gorilla trekking destinations offers unique experiences, and whichever destination you choose, you will be helping in the conservation of the gorillas. Rwanda is a luxury safari destination, whereas Uganda is a bit cheaper, especially when it comes to gorilla trekking.

Purchasing gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda is the first step in planning your gorilla trekking safari. The permits can be purchased through Encounter Africa Safaris, and tourists can get the permit at $800, $700 and UGX 300 000 for foreign non-residents, foreign residents and East African citizens, respectively, in Uganda. International tourists (foreign non-residents) can get permits in Rwanda at $1500, $500 for the foreign residents and EAC citizens for $200.

Gorilla trekking tourism funds conservation:

Conservation organizations across Uganda and Rwanda have dedicated their time to conserving the natural habitats of Mountain gorillas and this can be evident with the increasing gorilla population in the world. Because of gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda, the population of the once critically endangered Mountain gorillas has greatly increased to over 1000 gorillas. The sale of permits and entrance fees at the protected national parks has raised awareness among the communities, and this has greatly reduced poaching of the gorillas, as this has seen former poachers now reformed working as porters to earn a living and helping with keeping the national parks safe. Get in touch with us.

What you need to know about gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is a highly participated activity where you need to reserve a gorilla permit before you are allowed to trek gorillas in the national parks. A gorilla permit is a single use and cannot be exchanged if you fail to make it for the trek. There are a few permits that are printed per day because only 8 people trek with a gorilla family per day. The reason for the few gorilla permits printed per day is to protect the gorillas by minimizing human interaction and, at the same time, preserving the home of the gorillas.

Trekking gorillas starts with a briefing in the morning, where visitors are told about the guidelines and rules that need to be followed when it comes to gorilla tracking. Visitors are also divided into groups of 8 and after the briefing, you will be taken to the starting point for the trekking to start. Trekking gorillas can take 1 to 6 hours, taking into consideration the trek route conditions, that is, if they are muddy/ slippery or dry and easier to use, the location of the gorillas on the trek day, the speed used to trek the gorillas and the physical fitness of the trekkers. During the trek, you will be able to see other wildlife species, some of which include golden monkeys in Mgahinga, red-tailed monkeys, baboons, L’Hoest monkeys, blue monkeys and black and white colobus monkeys. The national parks are also home to hundreds of bird species.

Mountain gorillas are shy and calm primates despite their huge and scary physical appearance. Gorillas prefer to live in areas of high altitude and their entire body is covered in a black coat of fur. The silverback is the leader of the gorilla families, and it protects the entire family from danger. It is also in charge of hunting food for the gorilla family. Contact us for more information.

Are Mountain gorillas aggressive?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to gorilla trekking and the answer is both yes and no. Mountain gorillas are not aggressive as they are known to be calm animals, but they can be aggressive, especially if they are attacked or feel threatened in their habitat. This is one of the reasons why trekkers are advised to follow all the rules and regulations that come with Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.

When gorillas get angry, they usually thump their chests while roaring and stand on their hind legs while walking around assessing the danger around them. They also walk into hiding if they sense anything suspicious.

What to pack/bring for the gorilla safari

Packing right and bringing the essential items for a gorilla trekking is one of the best ways in which you get to enjoy a gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda. You need to learn about the essentials needed for a gorilla trek, and to avoid packing unnecessary items and bringing extra luggage, we have come up with a list of the items you can bring and these include the following:

Clothes: clothes brought for a gorilla safari have to be in a neutral color to blend with the surrounding jungle, and the colours advised include green, brown and any other neutral color. Colors that should be avoided during a trek include blue because it attracts tsetse flies, white, black and camouflage as it is associated with the army in Uganda. Depending on the number of days you are to spend on the safari, you can bring two pairs of long-sleeved shirts and trousers. Do not forget to bring undershirts as well as they are essential on your safari.

Waterproof rain jackets are also essential, and these are to be used in both the dry and wet seasons because the weather in Uganda changes all the time; warm sweaters, ponchos and scarves to keep warm. Thick socks are also essential and these are used to not only keep warm but also to keep insects from traveling up your legs when trousers are tucked into them. Gaiters are used to keep dust and mud from the trousers, and if possible, adjustable gaiters and garden gloves should be on your list as well to keep blisters off your hands.

Knee-length hike boots to use when trekking through the forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga. The shoes don’t have to be new but make sure that they are well-fitting, comfortable, sturdy and waterproof. Flipflops can be used when at the lodge after trekking and sneakers.

Gadgets: The gadgets that are essential during a gorilla safari are cameras and binoculars. A camera is a must during a gorilla trek as it helps keep all your gorilla trekking memories alive and it should come with extra batteries, lenses and memory cards. Don’t forget the adaptors to charge your camera when at the lodge. Note that you need to turn off the flash on your camera as you take photos of the gorillas in their habitat. Binoculars will help you see all the wildlife around you including species that are far away from you.

Other items: Other items that you can carry for your gorilla safari in Uganda include a first aid kit, toiletries, sunscreen, a flashlight and extra batteries, insect repellent, a waterproof backpack, snacks, refillable water bottle, extra cash (smaller bills if possible) and any other items that you might want to bring on your safari.

Gorilla trekking guidelines (rules) in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is important to the government because it is a top earner, but it is also the best way to save and conserve the Mountain gorilla population that has reduced drastically. The Uganda Wildlife Authority came up with rules for tourists to follow when gorilla trekking and once you get to the national park, the rules are re-echoed during the briefing before trekking starts. The rules and regulations that are followed during a trek include the following.

General rules:

• You need to purchase a gorilla permit as the first step.
• The trekking age for gorillas is 12 and 15 in Uganda and Rwanda respectively. There is no maximum age limit for trekking gorillas in Uganda as long as you are still fit.
• Always listen to the guidelines given to you by the guides.
• Attending the briefing is a must.

During the trek:

• Communicate in low tones and if possible, put your phone in flight mode
• Follow the rule of leaving the park the way you found it by taking all the rubbish with you and avoiding littering the park.
• Follow the guides during the trek because they know the forest and where to go
• Never leave the trek group throughout the trek. There are so many wildlife animals in the park besides gorillas and some of them are dangerous.
• Eight (8) people are allowed to trek with a gorilla family on a daily basis.. This is to protect the gorillas and ensure that they are not wrong put by the presence of humans.

When with the gorillas:

• Tourists/visitors are to keep a distance of 7 to 10 meters from the gorillas
• Tourists need to cover their mouths and noses, turn away from the gorillas to reduce transmission from humans to gorillas
• Communicate in low tones when with the gorillas
• Avoid circling the gorillas because they might assume that they are being attacked.
• Tourists have to avoid looking the gorillas directly in the eye because this is perceived as a challenge for the gorillas, especially with the silverback.
• Take photos of the gorillas after turning off the camera flash. The camera flash scares off the gorillas forcing them to retreat further into the forest.
• Do not spit on the vegetation, as gorillas feed on the vegetation, and this might negatively affect them.
• Tourists have an hour with the gorillas and this can be cut short in case of an emergency or through the directive of the experienced guide.
• Do not approach the gorillas with your luggage. Leave all your luggage a few meters away from the gorillas.
• You are prohibited from feeding the gorillas nor eat in their presence.

Contact us for more information about gorilla trekking and let us plan your gorilla trekking safari today.