When planning a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, the following important tips are very useful and can make your gorilla trekking experience a successful one. These tips are arranged to cover only the important steps from acquiring and purchasing a gorilla trekking permit to the dress code while trekking gorillas in Volcanoes National Park trekking gorillas. These tips, when followed, visitors are assured of having an incredible gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park.
Book the trekking dates in advance.
Booking a desired trekking date before is important for the visitors as they secure a date when they wish to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. For visitors to have a gorilla trekking adventure, they need to purchase a gorilla trekking permit. This gorilla permit is the document that allows visitors to gain access to Volcanoes National Park for a gorilla trekking tour. Acquiring this gorilla trekking permit, visitors are advised to book in advance at least 3 months before the desired date of trekking. Booking requires visitors to contact a licensed tour company, where they can book the permit. Booking amounts to over 30% of the total price of the gorilla trekking permit.
Select the best tour company to use
Choosing a good and reputable tour company to use can be a challenging task, but very important. This is because a good tour company does not stop at booking and purchasing the gorilla trekking permit on your behalf, but also organizes the whole trip. Selecting the best tour company to use requires a lot of caution and research, through reading the feedback from previous clients and also the rating of the company. Therefore, when planning a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, select the best tour company to handle your gorilla adventure tour.
Take note of the season to trek.
When planning a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, take note of the season. The high and low seasons go side-by-side with the weather or climate seasons of dry and wet. The dry season that runs from June to September and December to February is considered the peak or high season. This is because it is the period when there are more visitors flocking into the park. The wet season, on the other hand, sees a drop in the number of visitors, thus terming it the low season. Taking note of these seasons enlightens you of the periods you desire to trek and also the time to book and purchase a gorilla trekking permit. For example, during the peak season, there is a high demand for the limited permits available; hence, visitors are required to book earlier.
Pack the essential trekking gear.
The success of the gorilla trekking expedition is not just awarded to the permits alone, but rather to other factors such as the packing gear. Packing essential trekking gear can be a lifeline to the success of the gorilla trekking tour, thus an important tip for those planning to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Packing gear for trekking engulfs all the essential items that are necessary for a gorilla trekking adventure. These can range from life support items like energy-giving snacks and a first aid box to clothing gear and accessories like sunscreen, insect repellent, gloves, cap, etc.
Observe the safety precautions.
Visitors must follow the safety precautions of the country and also those delivered to them by the rangers during the pre-trekking briefing. These safety precautions are important tips for visitors planning a gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park, as they are meant to keep them safe and secure during their stay.
Travel early before the trekking date.
Traveling early before the actual trekking date is also an important tip for visitors on a gorilla trekking expedition in Volcanoes National Park. When you travel early, you have ample time to prepare for the trekking experience. Last-minute travels can lead to interruptions such as delayed flights that can affect your trekking experience.
Physical fitness
This is arguably one of the most important tips for visitors interested in gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla trekking is a physical and outdoor activity that requires visitors to traverse the dense forest canopies with rugged terrain to get to the mountain gorillas and spend an hour in their presence. Therefore, visitors need to be physically fit to maintain the long treks that can be tiresome and often exhausting.
What is the best time for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park?
Gorilla trekking, being an outdoor activity, is best done during the dry season, which runs from June to August and December to February. This period is characterized by dry weather conditions that are ideal for a successful gorilla trekking experience. This period also ensures that the trekking trails are dry and can easily be navigated, unlike they would in the wet season. With little or no rainfall patterns experienced in this season, the vegetation is sparse and offers a clear sight of the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. The clear sky also adds a touch of scenic beauty to the vegetation surrounding the gorilla trek.
