Gorilla Altitude and Acclimatization

Is Altitude sickness a possible danger on Gorilla Treks?

Gorilla Trekking is one activity done but in the Wilds out coming with a number of elements that are liable to change(Variables) of which Altitude is one of them. There is usually Altitude sickness as regards Gorilla Trekking Experience /Adventures in Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC and takes place above 2500 m. Mountain Gorillas live mainly at an altitude of between 2200 m to 3000 m (High altitude) which is in most cases can be challenging for trekkers/tourists to hike through while in search of Gorilla family, which in most cases requires in advance adequate training before the real trek occurs, this helps you or enables you become accustomed to the strenuous steep slopes in the Gorillas’ Natural Habitats.

This wonderful Experience or activity does occur mainly in the dense dark Rain forests, steep slopes and all these require you use a lot of energy. There are 2 different stages/episodes taken while in this wonderful Primate Adventure.  They will take you through a simple hike right straight from the car park to the Jungles and National Park boundary which is about 1/2 or 1 hr’s hike basing on your speed of Hiking and the position of the Gorilla family.  Another phase will take you through the Jungles itself to see/view for a group of these massive Primates as they mix themselves with the Green Vegetation and you are escorted by well-trained and qualified Park guides. This makes it easier for one to tell what the 1^st stage of the activity is since it takes you through the Gentle landscape, you may need longer hours to hike/trail through since its Altitude is so energy demanding and same with Nkuringo Gorilla group of Bwindi National Park that offers demanding treks.

This other stage is more demanding and cannot easily be estimated since it bases on the particular sector/region where these gentle giants are situated/stationed in the course of the day and the sector’s level of steepness.  Thickness of the Vegetation cover where you have to bend, crawl via the Jungles in search of these gorillas also does determine the toughness of the area. In this stage, will cost you a duration of 2 – 8 hrs less or more basing on your hiking speed and the above elements.

In addition to, there are other elements considered like age, Physical ability/ fitness. For-instance if you are to trek the Susa, Amahoro and Umubano, you have to be fairly fit, at least 40 years because hiking through these groups is more demanding and requires a lot of energy. On the other hand, the Sabyinyo, Agashya, Hirwa and Kwitonda families are normally uncomplicated/easy to get/trek.

You can begin/start training prior, from your compound, exercise before the real trek, in so doing, you will get physically fit and able to trek with a lot of flexibility and at ease when it comes to higher altitude. Hikes done during the low seasons (wet or rainy seasons) can be quite demanding as you go through the steep slopes, muddy and slippery areas which necessitates you to be physically able and fit. There is no need to think less about the tiring influence that accumulates from the altitude, leading to treks occurring between 2500 m & 3000 m. However, there are trekking sticks that you are obliged to/ought to have while on a trek activity and you can have one at the park head offices during the briefing, need to have enough energy giving snacks and adequate bottled/drinking water to keep on being revitalized and be able to make a complete hike. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s Altitude ranges between 1160 m & 2607 m, described by dense dark rain forest which pushes you to be physically fit so as to be able to make a full arranged hike while in search of the Gentle giants (Mountain Gorillas).

Therefore, when you get a thought as to go Gorilla trekking in Africa, be sure/certain to face some demands since this activity (Gorilla Trekking) is done in the thick/dense Rain forest with an Altitude of about 2500 m – 3000 m. So be well-equipped, prepared and be physically well/fit(do some exercise prior the exact/real Gorilla Trek Activity.