Can physically unfit persons trek gorillas? Rwanda Safari News

Mountain Gorilla trekking just from the gorilla specie name means a high altitude. Mountain Gorilla trekking therefore requires a certain level of physical fitness to reach the gorillas and this has raised the question of; Can physically unfit persons trek gorillas? The answer is yes but then how? Here is the response to that; In Rwanda, Mountain Gorillas are only found in Volcanoes National Park that raises on an altitude of 2400m-4507m. Gorilla trekking can be a strenuous activity on the hike through the thick forest in search of the gorillas lasting about 4 to 6 hours just to spend 1 hour with the gentle giants. With this altitude many tour operators will discourage the physically disabled, elderly and those with joint problems to go trekking. However, gorilla trekking for many is a dream come true therefore, a special needs gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park can be organized.

How the physically unfit persons trek gorillas?

For a special needs Rwanda gorilla trekking safari, a traditional bamboo stretcher-like carrier (made with ease to maneuver in the forest), or the creatively built steel-base, sedan chairs with seat belts and handles is used to ferry trekkers through the forest. The sedan chair is made up of metal poles with a seat slugging between them. The bamboo stretchers are made of bamboo trees, the common tree species in gorilla habits. The trekker has the chance to choose between a trencher or a sedan chair. Sedan chairs are borrowed from the park headquarters and the cost of carrying a trekker is roughly 300USD though determined by the distance, terrain and weight of the client. Four porters carry the client from each corner of the chair. This is on top of the USD 1500 for a gorilla trekking permit.

Gorilla trekking starts with a briefing from the park rangers at 8:00am lasting about 30 minutes. After briefing and allocation of a gorilla family to trek, the porters carry the individual to the jungle alongside the other 7 trekkers and park rangers. After meeting mountain gorillas, the client is put down for clear photography and gorilla filming. As with sedan chairs, a traveler sits in these stretchers and four porters carry him/her to and from seeing mountain gorillas. No need to miss out on a gorilla safari Rwanda for failure to hike to the Volcanoes for trekking. Just book early to guarantee the availability of the chair on your trekking date.

Mountain Gorillas only exist in their natural habitat and a reasonable number can be found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Others in Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A Uganda gorilla trekking safari or that of Rwanda takes the same time no matter the ability of the person. The whole group treks at the same pace and surprisingly any trek can undertake the activity and appreciated by those who choose our popular 3 days gorilla trekking safari in Uganda. The gorilla trekking safari can be tailored with other Uganda or Rwanda safari activities to make the experience more memorable.