Want to learn the difference between gorilla trekking and gorilla tracking? For a long time, tourists have used the terms gorilla trekking and gorilla tracking as if they mean the same thing. However, understanding the difference between the two helps you know what to expect when visiting the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Gorilla trekking is an activity where tourists walk through the forest to search for and see mountain gorillas. It is led by an experienced park ranger who understands gorilla behavior and the forest environment.
Every tourist taking part in gorilla trekking must be physically fit because the activity involves hiking through steep terrain and high altitudes where gorillas usually live.
Gorilla trekking starts at 7 a.m. with a short briefing by a park ranger, followed by the allocation of a specific gorilla family. Each group consists of only eight tourists who are allowed to visit one gorilla family per day.
The activity has an age limit, and children below 15 years are not allowed to take part.
The duration of the trek depends on several factors, such as the location of the gorillas, the terrain, and the physical fitness of the trekkers. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours. Once the gorillas are found, tourists are allowed to spend only one hour with them.
Gorilla trekking requires a gorilla permit, which acts as official permission to visit the gorillas and also supports their conservation.
Gorilla tracking, on the other hand, is done by researchers, park guides, and trackers. It involves locating where the gorillas have recently stayed by following signs such as footprints, dung, or broken vegetation.
Gorilla tracking is mainly carried out for research, gorilla population monitoring, and to help locate gorilla families for tourists before trekking begins.
During gorilla trekking, trackers communicate with park guides to direct them to the exact location of the gorillas. This means gorilla tracking happens before gorilla trekking starts.
Gorilla trekking is what tourists do when they visit the forest to see gorillas, while gorilla tracking is what park guides and researchers do to find the gorillas before the visitors arrive.
