Gorilla trekking Fitness can Make or break your Gorilla trekking Experience – Don’t take this for granted keep physically fit for your trek to see these gorgeous relatives of Man.
Gorilla trekking or tracking can be a physically active demanding experience that requires a moderate level of fitness, and the more prepared you are, the more fun you’ll have on the trek to see the mountain gorillas.
Gorilla trekking fitness – tips & advice
To prepare for the trek, it helps to familiarise yourself with the landscape and altitude that you’ll encounter. Be aware that the rainforest terrain can be muddy and steep, and the hike may take from 1 to 3 hours before the group reaches a gorilla family. In addition to hiking to reach the gorillas, guests also spend 01-hour with them, or 04 hours if they opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience. Essentially a group of trekkers will follow the gorilla family wherever they are inclined to go. This 01-hour or Full Day Gorilla habituation experience may include hiking through the untamed greenery since the gorillas obviously don’t use trails. After the 1-hour or 04-hour viewing has ended, the walk back begins. Guests may also choose to join considerably longer hikes depending on the Gorilla trekking Fitness Levels. Being overly physically prepared is far better than being under-prepared.
No matter what your physical fitness goals are, being prepared for a gorilla trekking safari will help you enjoy the experience even more. Though the hike can be strenuous, travelers report that the overall experience is easy to tackle. Ultimately, endurance training will help trekkers attain good gorilla trekking fitness.
Practicing the following training exercises will help travelers prepare for a gorilla trek:
- Walk… A Lot!: A large portion of the Gorilla trips is on foot through the rainforest. Get prepared by establishing a long-distance walking routine.
- Practice Hiking: Is there a school with bleachers near your home? Perhaps you live in a mountainous area? Take advantage of this resource by wearing your trekking gear and hiking around the area several times, increasing the distance each time you train. This will help you gain the muscles and endurance necessary for the uphill climb.
- Don’t Forget to Stretch: It is crucial to stretch before and after cardio training. Beyond flexibility, stretching helps promote mobility and prevent injury. Skipping stretching means risking waking up with sore, tight muscles. These simple hiking stretches are applicable to gorilla treks.
Going into unknown territory like Uganda’s Bwindi Forest and or Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park can be intimidating, especially when the terrain is unpredictable. The habituated mountain gorilla families live in high altitudes these Forests are all covered in untangled flora and fauna. Treks are led by professional trackers who lead guests on the search for the mountain gorillas. Guests may also hire a porter to help with the trek – We highly recommend taking a Porter on your trek – Want to know why, then read our blog:” Why to use a porter for Gorilla Trekking.
Porters carry items like water, snacks, and cameras for guests and can help them navigate the terrain. The porters work for tips and are not park employees, so it is important to tip porters if one uses them. Hiring a porter is great for two reasons. First, they can help make the trek easier and more enjoyable. Second, it helps more locals benefit from ecotourism. Some of the porters are ex-poachers, so it is a great program to incentivize care and concern for the mountain gorillas and the local community. This strong support system helps guests feel safe as they trek through the rainforest.
Gorilla trekking Safari with Realm Africa Safaris™
A gorilla trekking safari holiday is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Though the hike can be strenuous, most people can complete the trip easily if they are prepared. Keep in mind that conditions may vary; the terrain could be wet or dry, and the hike may take 1 – 3 hours. Though this description is a bit vague, the point is to be prepared for all possible conditions. When you feel ready to tackle the hike, our advice is to relax and enjoy the trip!
We hope this article about ” Gorilla trekking fitness ” has been helpful in getting you prepared for your next gorilla trekking or tracking Safari to Uganda or Rwanda if you have a question, please leave us a comment below or write us a private email – we will respond within 24 hours.
