Gorilla Trekking Safety: How Safe Are Gorilla Safaris; Going on a gorilla safari is the experience of a lifetime, bringing one up close and personal with some of the most fascinating and endangered animals in the world. With all the stories of untamed jungles and wild animals, many travelers naturally wonder: “Are gorilla safaris safe?” The simple answer is yes! Safety is considered first in designing gorilla safaris so that one can enjoy the experience without much worry. Here’s everything you need to know to put your mind at ease.
The Gorilla trekking takes place in controlled areas, such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorilla Trekking Safety: How Safe Are Gorilla Safaris
Before every trek, you’ll be assigned a team of trained guides and armed rangers. These experts are fit for the work of keeping you safe. They will take you on well-charted trails, observe the behavior of the gorillas, and handle any unexpected situations.
Additionally, rangers spend months prior to the tourist visits observing gorilla families, meaning only habituated groups are toured by visitors. This alone reduces the risk of showing aggressive behavior.
In order to protect both the gorillas and visitors, there are strict rules governing gorilla safaris. Here are some key ones:
Maintain a distance of 7 meters (21 feet): This prevents direct contact and reduces the risk of transmitting human diseases to the gorillas.
Follow your guide’s instructions: Your guide will brief you on how to behave when near the gorillas, such as avoiding sudden movements or loud noises.
Pre-trekking health checks: Visitors who have flu or any other illness are not allowed to go for trekking to protect the health of gorillas.
Following these rules will ensure a safe and respectful encounter.
Gorilla families available for trekking are part of a habituation program. Over time, these gorillas have grown accustomed to human presence. As long as you behave calmly and follow guidelines, they’re unlikely to perceive you as a threat.
Habituation doesn’t mean domestication, but it does mean these wild animals are more predictable and less likely to display aggressive behavior during treks.
The areas where gorilla safaris take place are well-monitored and regularly patrolled for the safety of visitors and wildlife. Dangerous animal encounters, such as leopards or elephants, are very few since trekking paths are selected based on their safety.
Your guide and rangers will handle any unexpected situations professionally and efficiently.
For destinations such as Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, national park authorities and governments take the security of tourists very seriously. The gorilla trekking zones are heavily guarded, with regular patrols to deter poachers and ensure the safety of both tourists and wildlife.
Safety can be an issue in places like Virunga National Park in the DRC, because of political instability. However, tours are only allowed on areas that are considered to be safe, and trustworthy safari operators will let you know about the current security standing before booking.
Hiking gorillas means going through dense forests and uneven grounds, which can be exhausting but not dangerous if you are well-set for the trek. Here’s how to make sure your trek goes smoothly:
With these precautions, most travelers find the physical demands of trekking quite manageable.
However they are rare to happen, unforeseen incidents like Accidents, though rare, can occur in the form of slipping or falling during a trek. It is obligatory to take comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuations. This adds an extra layer of security to your adventure.
Reputable safari companies like Arcadia Safaris are primarily concerned with your safety and that of the gorillas. Normally, you have nothing to worry about once you make a booking with a trustworthy operator like Arcadia.
Safaris to see gorillas are among the safest and most gratifying wildlife adventures in the world. With expert guides, tight security arrangements, and protection of the trekking areas, you can enjoy the magic moment with these mighty creatures.
By following guidelines and selecting a good tour operator like Arcadia Safaris, you are bound for an exciting yet safe journey into the heart of the jungle. So pack your hiking boots, prepare for adventure, and rest assured that your gorilla safari will be both unforgettable and safe. Safe Gorilla Trekking Safaris
For a well-organized and safe gorilla trekking experience, book with Arcadia Safaris today! Let us guide you to unforgettable memories in the wild.