Gorilla trekking for pregnant women – before you consider traveling for gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, first, you must be certain about how far you are pregnant. When planning a successful gorilla safari to any destination for pregnant women, there are key factors one should consider and among many include malaria protection. A malaria-free gorilla trekking destination is the most favorable for pregnant women in need to visit mountain gorillas or lowland gorillas in Africa.
Gorilla trekking is by far an inclusive adventure and pregnant women are never left out. It should be noted that mountain gorillas live and they can be trekked in only 3 countries; Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Trekking and later encounter a group of these large apes in the wild is a dream come true but it all requires advance planning. Part of planning for a successful gorilla trekking tour for pregnant includes choosing an ideal destination, the accommodation type that is malaria-free, favorable means of travel to and from your destination.
Best gorilla trekking destinations for pregnant women.
There are 4 National Parks to consider visiting to see endangered mountain gorillas in Africa. These include 2 parks located in Southwestern Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; Virunga National Park in Eastern Congo and Volcanoes National Park in Northwestern Rwanda.
Some of these gorilla trekking destinations are officially recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering refuge to more than 1063 endangered mountain gorillas and myriad of other wildlife species, birds, flora, etc. Lowland gorilla safaris are perfectly done while at Kahuzi-Biega National Park, D.R. Congo.
Accommodation types for pregnant visitors.
Choosing where to stay during gorilla trekking for pregnant women can be challenging, but often, we advise our clients to take up the luxury lodging options. These usually guarantee complete comfort and safety. Alternatively, you can book mid-range accommodation that also provide maximum safety and comfort. Unlike budget, the midrange and luxury accommodation normally do their best to provide not only ultimate comfortable stay but also delicious meals.
When to visit for gorilla trekking if you are pregnant?
The ideal time to consider visiting gorillas in Africa when pregnant is during the dry season. This is the comfortable period to trek gorillas, first, the ground won’t be muddy and the steep slopes are kept drier making it easier penetrating through the jungles in search for gorilla family. This is different from the rainy season when the ground can be muddy and steep slopes turn slippery.
Hire sedan chairs / seat stretchers.
Depending on how far you are pregnant, sedan chairs come handy when it comes to gorilla trekking for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, elderly, disabled visitors and sickly. Sedan chairs can be hired while on a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park and on actual trek, there are able-bodied porters to carry you on sedan chairs or bamboo stretchers. The cost of sedan chairs ranges from USD300 to USD500.
How to travel to and from the gorilla destinations?
Traveling long distances may not be favorable to pregnant women with plans to go gorilla trekking and destinations such as Bwindi or Mgahinga take about 8-9 hours to drive from Entebbe or Kampala.
The available alternative means is taking a flight from Entebbe airport and you land at Kihiihi or Kisoro airstrips then drive a short distance up to the park of your interest for gorilla trekking.
What you should pack?
Packing right applies to all guests visiting to see mountain gorillas or lowland gorillas in Africa. The essentials to consider on your packing list; waterproof hiking boots, insect repellents, gardening gloves, safari hat, waterproof daypack, long pants, rain jacket, water, snacks, first aid kit, anti-malaria tablets, etc.
