Reasons to Hire A Porter While on A Gorilla Trek?
When you are planning for the real African adventurous safari, visit the mountain gorillas in the misty jungles of East and Central Africa. Mountain gorillas can be found in the 4 national parks namely; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in northern Rwanda, well known as the land of thousand hills and the smallest region in Africa, then the Virunga National park that borders Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A Porter Giving A Hand to the Tourist on a Gorilla Trek in Rwanda
Then, before you take a gorilla safari in Africa, there are several precautions that you have to undergo such as yellow fever vaccinations and other airborne diseases that can be transmitted to the gorillas from humans. Additionally and most important, one must present negative covid-19 test results when entering Uganda, Rwanda or DR. Congo.
Age is also important, one must be at least 15 years and above, and one should be physically fit because, the gorillas are mobile, and you can never predict how long you will hike before meeting them. The hike in search for the mountain gorillas is quite strenuous, goes through steep slopes and slippery jungle grounds before meeting the gorillas camouflaged in the thick vegetation.
Old people should not be discouraged from visiting the gorillas in Africa because there are some nearby gorilla families that are easy to visit. Also, you can be carried on a stretcher by porters safely up to where the gorillas are. Also the disabled can go gorilla trekking on the strecther.
Gorilla Trekking on a Stretcher for the aged and disabled
The next step is to contact your travel agent for the best time to go gorilla trekking and inquire for the availability of gorilla permits because, the permits are on high demand throughout the year, and the number of visitors is limited to 8 persons per gorilla group per day. A maximum of 1 hour is allowed with the gorillas to take pictures and videos.
More so, when you are done with your logistics and ready to travel to Africa, carry with you your necessities required before you enter the rain tropical forest to see mountain gorillas and among them includes hiking shoes, rain gears, trousers and long-sleeved shirts, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, garden gloves and do not forget your camera to take your unforgettable photographs and videos for your memories when back home.
Then on your starting day of gorilla trekking, hire a porter to help you carry your day-pack, pull or push you when you get stuck during the hike. Hiring a porter while on your gorilla safari is one way to create employment to the local communities near the gorilla habitats and more encouraging them to save the mountain gorillas and the habitat for future generations. Each porter is paid between 10-20USD per day.
