Being a new phenomenon in the world and Africa particularly, Ecotourism is the current trend that almost all travel companies, tourists and organizations are looking up to.

Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving touring natural areas to learn, study and participate in activities that seek to minimize negative impacts to the environment to save it for the future generations as well as protecting and empowering the host communities both socially and economically.

Several ecotourism forms have been put up, say; chimpanzee tracking, nature walks, game drives, mountain climbing, canoeing, cultural tours, bird watching, sport fishing, boat rides and gorilla trekking as the major activity.
Probably you are now asking what gorilla trekking is? Being the prime example of ow conservation can work in Africa.
Making headlines in journals, saving conservation and ranked as one of the lifetime trips by National Geographic, Gorilla tracking is the order of the day. However, many travelers are still questioning what gorilla trekking really is.

Well, gorilla trekking is a tourism activity where tourists walk in the wild just to see and have close encounters with the incredibly beautiful and rare gorillas in the forests.

Trekking the gorillas requires tourists a gorilla permit. This is a legal document that allows tourists access the gorilla homes. They can be reserved through tour companies or direct from the government bodies that issue them; Uganda wildlife Authority and the Rwanda Development Board.

Gorilla trekking is done in three Africa countries; Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga national park, Volcanoes national park and Virunga national park respectively and all located in the Virunga chained ranges all shared by these three countries.
Trekking the gorillas involves simple hikes on the lower slopes of the Virunga ranges. Walking through the slippery trails, in unclearly paved paths, avoiding thorny trees and holding onto tree branches for support. After the long hustle, bustle and cursing, finally meet the mighty apes of the forest.

Trekkers spend one magical hour in the presence of the gorillas visualizing them. The fact that gorillas are so close to the human DNA, watching them is simply epic. Spot how the play on tree branches, feed the young ones, mother gorillas breastfeeding the babies, silverbacks aggressively watching over their families. The moment just simply turns into a lifetime memory.

Planning to trek gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo? Consider carrying a rain coat as it may rain at any time in the Virungas, good hiking boots, head and hand socks, long sleeves, enough drinking water, simple snacks, insect repellents, and other equipment that may seem important for the trek.
Porters are available at the park headquarters, after a simple briefing by a local park ranger who takes you through the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking, hire a local porter at only 15 dollars to carry your equipment throughout the trek.

That is the wholesome experience of gorilla trekking in Africa, an experience that all tourists shouldn’t miss. Don’t hesitate to book a gorilla trip, have not known of a tourist who trekked the great forest animals and ever regretted.