Gorilla Trekking Briefing – Key Things to Know before Trekking Gorillas
Gorilla trekking briefing means giving relevant information to visitors at the park offices prior to setting off in the morning to the jungle in search for the mountain gorillas. This briefing aimed at preparing guests for the trek is attended by all tourists in a particular trekking sector who later disperse to begin the adventure to their allocated gorilla families. The briefing, carried out by the park staffs and guides is also witnessed by the rangers who later escort the trekking team into the forest. The gorilla briefing emphasizes mainly on the gorilla trekking rules and regulations to be followed on the way, while with the primates and return.
When visiting Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo to see the endangered primates, the gorilla trekking briefing is a must for every tourists to attend. Anyone who misses it may not not be allowed to enter into the park to see gorillas. This briefing mainly focuses on the safety guidelines put in place to protect the gorillas and humans beings visiting them. The gorilla trekking rules and regulations must be followed strictly for the safety of both humans and the gorillas.
The briefing starts early morning after all the gorilla visitors have converged at the park offices. At the park offices, visitors present their passports for registration. This registration helps Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to record and track data regarding the number of people that visit Uganda, age bracket and their countries of origin. The wildlife authority is able to know the number of people that each country in the world sends to Uganda.
In all the gorilla national parks including Bwindi Impenetrable forest, Mgahinga national park, Volcanoes national park and Virunga national park have age limit standards. So the gorilla trekking age limit is one of the things confirmed during the registration and briefing exercise in the morning.
Also during the briefing, the weaker elderly people and the physically weak ones also get advised to hire porters who help them by carrying important items during the trekking adventure. In case your age or body strength does not favor you in hiking, then you can request for porters with sedan chairs to lift you up for a fee.
During the briefing exercise, it’s when UWA staffs are able to tell whether or not the gorilla permit you are holding is valid for that date. Gorilla permits are issued for specific dates before or after which, they make the holders ineligible to trek gorillas. The gorilla permit your book must indicate the trekking dates, the gorilla trekking region of Bwindi so that you are at the right place at the right time. For instance, if you book a permit for Ruhija area and end up in Nkuringo sector, you are not eligible to see gorillas in Nkuringo. Even though you might be exceptionally to trek gorillas but it would be an inconvenience by allowing an extra person to add on the group of 8 persons.
In Rwanda, the briefing about Gorilla trekking is slightly different from that of Uganda. Rwanda gives some interesting cultural performances plus a cup of coffee/tea to the waiting visitors. This adds some excitement to the trek. Bwindi Impenetrable national park has four gorilla trekking sectors and four briefing points whereas Rwanda has only one briefing point from where all trekkers get briefed and then disperse to visit the different gorilla families in the Volcanoes National Park. At Gorilla Trekking Services, we assist in booking a gorilla tour by securing a permit for you in time once a confirmation deposit is made to us. Please contact us for more details.
The Importance of Gorilla Trekking Briefing
Gorilla trekking is one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences in the world, attracting thousands of tourists to the dense rain forests of East and Central Africa. Countries like Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are famous for offering this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. However, before embarking on the trek, visitors must attend a mandatory gorilla trekking briefing, conducted by park rangers and conservation experts. This briefing plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe, responsible, and enjoyable encounter with these majestic primates. Below, we explore the key reasons why gorilla trekking briefings are essential:-
Ensuring Visitor Safety in the Wilderness
Gorilla trekking takes place in dense, mountainous forests, often at high altitudes. The terrain can be rugged, muddy, and physically demanding, requiring trekkers to be well-prepared before setting off. During the briefing, visitors receive important safety guidelines on how to navigate the forest, what to do in case of sudden weather changes, and how to handle unexpected encounters with other wildlife, such as elephants, buffaloes, or even aggressive gorillas.
Park rangers also provide guidance on proper trekking attire, including the need for long-sleeved shirts, hiking boots, and rain gear to protect against scratches, insect bites, and harsh weather conditions. In addition, they inform trekkers about the importance of carrying enough water and energy snacks to maintain strength during the often strenuous hike. This ensures that all participants are mentally and physically prepared for the gorilla adventure ahead.
Educating Tourists About Gorilla Behavior
Mountain gorillas are highly intelligent, social animals that exhibit complex behaviors. Understanding their behavior is key to ensuring a peaceful and respectful interaction. During the briefing, experts explain gorilla social structures, communication methods, and body language. For example, trekkers learn that direct eye contact can be perceived as a challenge by dominant silverbacks, while crouching down and maintaining a calm demeanor signals non-aggression.
Additionally, visitors are educated about the typical activities of a gorilla family, such as feeding, grooming, and playing. This knowledge enhances the trekking experience, allowing tourists to appreciate the natural behaviors of these incredible primates without causing disturbance.
Promoting Conservation and Sustainable Tourism
One of the main objectives of the gorilla trekking briefing is to instill a strong sense of conservation awareness among visitors. Mountain gorillas are critically endangered, with only around 1,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Poaching, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict have severely threatened their survival.
During the briefing, trekkers learn about the conservation efforts being implemented by national parks, wildlife organizations, and local communities. Rangers emphasize the importance of responsible tourism, including maintaining a safe distance of at least seven meters from the gorillas to prevent the spread of human diseases, which can be fatal to these primates. By educating visitors, the briefing ensures that tourism contributes positively to gorilla conservation rather than harming the species.
Setting Guidelines for Ethical Wildlife Interaction
To protect both the gorillas and visitors, strict rules and regulations must be followed during the trek. The briefing outlines essential guidelines such as:
- No flash photography: Bright flashes can startle the gorillas and cause distress.
- Speaking in low voices: Loud noises can disrupt the gorillas’ natural behaviors and provoke unnecessary reactions.
- Avoiding sudden movements: Quick gestures may be perceived as threats by the gorillas, leading to defensive behavior.
- Not touching the gorillas: Even though they may approach visitors, physical contact is strictly forbidden to prevent disease transmission.
- Following ranger instructions at all times: Trained guides are experienced in handling gorilla encounters and ensuring that both trekkers and gorillas remain safe.
These guidelines create a structured and controlled environment that minimizes risks and ensures a positive experience for all parties involved.
Enhancing the Overall Trekking Experience
A well-informed trekker is more likely to appreciate and enjoy the gorilla trekking experience. The briefing helps set realistic expectations by explaining the challenges of the hike, the duration of the trek, and what to anticipate during the encounter. Visitors also learn about the importance of patience, as locating a gorilla family can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on their movements.
Moreover, trekkers are given insights into the unique characteristics of the gorilla group they will be visiting, including details about the dominant silverback, the number of infants, and individual personalities. This knowledge adds depth to the experience, making the encounter more meaningful and memorable.
In a summary, gorilla trekking briefing is an essential component of any gorilla trekking adventure. It ensures the safety of visitors, promotes ethical wildlife interactions, enhances conservation efforts, and provides valuable knowledge about gorillas and their habitat. Without this critical session, both tourists and gorillas would be at risk, and the sustainability of gorilla tourism could be compromised. By attending the briefing and adhering to the guidelines, visitors not only enjoy a remarkable wildlife experience but also contribute to the long-term protection of these magnificent