Is gorilla trekking dangerous

Are you planning a gorilla trekking tour to Uganda, and are also concerned about your safety during the trek?. There is no need to worry as gorilla trekking is a safe activity. is gorilla trekking dangerous?

Security at Bwindi impenetrable forest national park

Is Gorilla Trekking SafeBwindi impenetrable forest national park is one of three national parks in Africa where you can see the mountain gorillas in the wild, with bwindi being home to over a half of the remaining mountain gorilla population in the world. The Uganda government has done a lot to improve security in and around the Bwindi forest. The park has some military posts, tourism police and ranger posts who are all on alert to ensure that tourists are safe guarded from any hostile individuals and or hostile wildlife. It should be noted that the bwindi forest is home to other animals such as forest Elephants, buffaloes, antelopes chimpanzees, monkeys etc which are not habituated and may become hostile if they come into close contact with humans. The game rangers are therefore there trained to ensure that tourists are safe guarded from all threats.

Security during the gorilla trek: Is gorilla trekking safe

Gorilla trekking involves hiking through thick bamboo forests in search for habituated mountain gorilla families. Trekkers(tourists) are usually divided into groups of 8 and are assigned trackers and ranger guides who lead them into the forest on the search for the mountain gorillas. The Ranger guides are armed with guns, and pangas which they  use to protect the guests incase of any threat. They are also able to redirect the routes to be taken in case a threat from any wildlife is detected in any direction.

Am a slow trekker, how will the experience be?

Gorilla trekking is perfectly safe even for slow trackers and or inexperienced trekkers. The group waits for everyone, and no one is left behind.

Tips for gorilla trekking safety

  • Follow the guidance of the ranger guides from start to finish
  • Stay with the group
  • Carry hiking shoes, gloves, long sleeved trousers and shirts, walking stick
  • Carry rain jacked during the rainy season
  •  Carry some drinking water