Embarking on a gorilla trekking safari sparks curiosity about the duration of this captivating adventure. It’s crucial to differentiate between the overall gorilla safari duration, encompassing the entire safari period, and the specific gorilla trekking duration, referring to the time spent actively tracking mountain gorillas on a given day.
The day of gorilla trekking commences with the early morning awakening, contingent on the overnight stay location, followed by a transfer to the park offices or briefing point. Briefings typically commence at 8:00 am and last for approximately 30 minutes. During this briefing, participants receive comprehensive guidance on the dos and don’ts while navigating the forest and encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
This briefing period is also dedicated to addressing special requests from clients, such as preferences for a specific gorilla family or shorter walks. Park officials collaborate with guides to manage these requests, ensuring a smooth and personalized experience.
In groups of eight individuals, participants are assigned to a specific gorilla family. It’s essential to note that each gorilla family is visited only once a day. Accompanied by a ranger guide, the journey into the forest begins, marking the initiation of the gorilla trekking experience. Some enthusiasts describe gorilla trekking in two phases: the first from the starting point into the forest and the second at a specific point where the encounter with mountain gorillas takes place.
The actual gorilla trekking duration spans from 30 minutes to three-quarters of the day, contingent on the location of the mountain gorillas on that particular day. Several factors influence this duration, including the availability of food, potential conflicts, and the inherent nature of mountain gorillas as wild animals in constant motion. Anticipating their precise position remains unpredictable until the actual encounter.
Living in the elevated altitudes of 2000-3000 meters, mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park necessitate traversing undulating hills and dense forests teeming with herbs and shrubs. Ranger guides often carve fresh trails through the wilderness as participants navigate toward the nesting grounds of the gorillas on that specific day. Gorilla trekking demands physical exertion, emphasizing the importance of prior physical conditioning before embarking on the actual trek in the forest.
For an enriching and well-organized gorilla trekking safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, look no further than Trek Africa Expeditions. We specialize in crafting memorable experiences that allow you to connect with the awe-inspiring world of mountain gorillas. Contact us to plan your gorilla trekking adventure and explore the wonders of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.