Uganda has Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the south western part of the country that is among the top destination where tourists take trekking of the gorillas. Half of the total mountain gorillas which currently remains in the whole world is found in Bwindi and it will be quite fascinating to watch these gorillas move in the jungle as they swing from one tree to another. However, one of the most common questions potential trekkers ask is, ”Questions to note include; How long does it take to trek the gorillas in Bwindi? ” In this circumstance, this article is going to describe the areas that one has to understand concerning the time that is used in an actual gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Introduction to Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
I think many people out there would also concur with me that gorilla trekking in Bwindi is unusual. The exercise of trekking involves climbing steep hills to get to the group of the gorillas this is both exciting and satisfying. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be found in the south western part of Uganda occupying an area of 321 square Kilometers and this makes it to be part of the UNESCO world heritage site. The park is divided into four main sectors for gorilla trekking, Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Duration of Trekking There is variation of trekking give of each sector and maybe time just alter by some facts.
Factors Influencing the Duration of Gorilla Trekking
Terrain and Trekking Routes
UG Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one that has steep slopes meaning the terrain in one sector is different from the other. The routes can begin comparatively easy and then become progressively difficult or the routes can begin very hard from the beginning. It might also be assumed that the trekkers will be able to endure such obstacles as thick grown vegetation and a slippery track together with steep slopes arranged by the organizers of this kind of trekkers. The time it takes to get to the gorillas could even be as little as 30 minutes up to 7 hours depending on the particular path as well as the sector.
- Buhoma Sector
This sector is known for its relatively easier trails. Treks here can take between 2 to 5 hours.
- Ruhija Sector
The terrain in Ruhija is moderately challenging, with treks typically lasting between 3 to 6 hours.
- Rushaga and Nkuringo Sectors
These sectors are known for their steep and challenging trails. Treks can last anywhere from 4 to 7 hours.
Preparing for the Trek
As it will be observed tourists planning for gorilla trekking will have to go through an orientation at the park station. Often taking two or more hours from 7:30 AM, these briefings include information on the trekking code and conduct, the behavior of the Mountain gorillas and dos and don’ts while handling or being near the gorillas. Trekkers are belts into groups of up to eight people each of which tracks a particular gorilla group. This preparation phase should take approximately an hour and helps to create conditions that will guarantee the safety of all the participants and the fun they will have.
The Trekking Journey
Setting Off
Actually, the trekking starts around 8:30 AM. Trekking involves following the tracks through the forest moving close to the attached experienced guides and armed rangers when in the park, the experience may involve marching through muddy and slippery ground overgrown with vegetation. The time spent on the trek depends with the layout of the area with a possibility of taking between half an hours to several hours. In most cases, the treks in Buhoma and Ruhija are widely observed to be easier in comparison to those of the steep slopes of Rushaga and Nkuringo.
The Search
To locate the gorillas, one has to trek through the thickets, cross several rivers, and climb hills with steep drop offs. The other technique is that the guides point to fresh signs to enable the tracking of the families as well as they rely on their knowledge in the movement patterns of the gorillas. Thus, it is moderately difficult, thus the need to have a reasonably good level of fitness and endurance. In general, the search phase of the trek can be anything between 2 to 5 hour mean throughout, though it may be lesser or more depending on the movement of the gorillas.
The Encounter: Spending Time with Gorillas
Once the location of the gorilla family is determined, any human being is allowed to spend only one hour with the gorillas and take photographs. This one hour is consider to be special because it presents the conducting and permitting of the gorillas feeding, playing and even grooming each other. It is emotionally appealing and offers the audience the sense of relatedness with one of the closest kin species in the animal world. Considering the dangerous behavior exhibited by the gorillas, the guides make sure that the group stays at a desirable length kept at round one hundred and seventy- seven centimeters so as not to alter the behavior of the gorillas and avoid contracting diseases from them.
Subsequently, after the one-hour spent with the gorillas, the group has to move back to the initial point. It takes almost as long as the search if the distance is great or if the terrain is unfavorable in the return trek. The general duration of the trekking process starting from the briefing till the return to the original position varies from 4 to 8 hours. However, this should be highly taken with the consideration that every trekking is a different event, and therefore may take a different amount of time.
Tips for a Successful Trek
For one to benefit from the gorilla trekking to the fullest it would be wise that one prepares for it physically. Evaluating the nature of the trek, it must be understanding that increasing the stamina for the trek can be done through exercising, for example: hiking, jogging or plain walks. Clothing is also an important factor of which the right accessories should be worn to avoid instances of discomfort and other related mishaps. As for clothing and footwear, sturdy hiking boots, long sleeved- shirt, and proper waterproof jacket should be taken. Concisely, it is also necessary to have at least a backpack with several necessary things such as water, snacks, repellent against insects, and a camera. Gorilla trekking is not easy and therefore one needs to have a positive attitude when going for the activity. Even the route can be rather challenging and one has to accept the situation and adapt to it. To sum up, the meeting with the gorillas in their habitat is worth the effort and time spent.