Health precautions for gorilla trekking: General Gorilla Trekking Health Requirements for trekkers

Mountain gorilla trekking safaris are a popular activity on travelers’ bucket lists when planning an African adventure. Gorillas live in the Virunga region that extends across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Mountain gorillas live in misty impenetrable jungles, making trekking to see them a challenging yet exciting experience. Before embarking on a trek, most travelers usually ask; Are there any health precautions I should take before gorilla trekking? ‘’ Yes, there are Health precautions for gorilla trekking that you should consider before indulging in the jungles for this adventure. Although trekking these majestic primates in their natural habitat is a life-changing adventure, understanding the Health precautions for gorilla trekking will make your safari more safe and successful.

Why Health precautions for gorilla trekking? The fact that you are traveling 7,000 miles away from home means you will not be able to access your personal medical practitioner or personal doctor. It is therefore important to understand General Gorilla Trekking Health Requirements for trekkers that will enhance your safety and health during the trek. Are there any health precautions I should take before gorilla trekking? Not only gorilla trekking but all African safaris have recommended medical precautions that you must take to ensure your safety and health during safaris.

For over two decades, we have been organizing Safaris to Africa including mountain gorilla trekking tours, our knowledge and experience will ensure your safety and health are prioritized during your journey. This complete guide covers the General Gorilla Trekking Health Requirements for trekkers and Health precautions for gorilla trekking. Enjoy reading through this well-revised article for a comprehensive understanding of gorilla trekking health precautions and other information.

 

What are the different health precautions for gorilla trekking? – Health precautions for gorilla trekking

  1. Do a pre-trek health assessment

We always recommend our visitors to do a pre-trek health assessment. Before you fly to Uganda or Rwanda for a gorilla trekking safari holiday, do a pre trek health assessment. Meet with your Doctor or medical practitioner and discuss travel plans in case you have any health conditions of concern, consult on how you can stay safe during the trip. Request for guidance on how to handle your medical condition incase it gets out of hand.

If all is well and there are no health or medical concerns, all you need is to get on the plane and fly to Africa for a gorilla trekking adventure. Also, remember to seek advice on various vaccinations that may be necessary in the country you are flying to, knowledge about the health risks of the trek, and the level of medical preparedness you need to have a successful gorilla trekking safari in Uganda or Rwanda.

We also recommend you to asses your physical Fitness levels which is usually a prerequisite for Gorilla Trekking in Africa. It is important to keep in mind that gorilla trekking/Gorilla tracking adventures are done in dense tropical rainforests of Africa with rugged terrains and thick undergrowth that is challenging to navigate. You’ll require a moderate level of fitness to be able to navigate these jungles and encounter the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

 

  1. Acquire Recommended Vaccinations and Preventive Medications

Before you fly to Uganda or Rwanda for a gorilla trekking safari, acquire the recommended vaccinations and preventive medication that will prevent you from catching any kind of illness during safaris. Unlike Europe and America, Africa has long been a playground for dangerous diseases like tetanus, diphtheria, and measles, we recommend vaccinating against them before you fly in for your safari holiday tour to see gorillas. Not forgetting malaria that we recommend packing a strong insect repellant with you.

Before your journey, it is best recommended to discuss various antimalaria medications with your doctor and choose the one that best suits your case. You can also just protect yourself by spraying a strong insect repellent and wearing protective clothing that covers most parts of your body.

 

  1. Know about the Altitude – Health precautions for gorilla trekking

Unlike the famous wildlife safaris in Africa that take place in vast savanna wilderness with relatively flat lands, Mountain Gorilla live in areas of high altitude with rugged terrains that are generally challenging to climb and can only be accessed by foot. Before you embark on your gorilla trekking journey, it is important to know about the gorilla habitat. Although gorilla trekking destinations like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park are not extremely high, it is important to keep in mind that high altitude can pose a great challenge to visitors.

For those who are not used to high altitude, it is advisable to spend a night in the park before the day of trekking to avoid suffering from altitude sickness.

 

  1. Health Screening at the Visitors Center

Before entering the gorilla trekking premises, you’ll be screened at the visitors center by professionals. The health screening may include temperature checks, and those exhibiting signs of illness may be restricted from trekking to prevent the transmission of diseases to the gorillas, especially communicable diseases like cough, Flu or cold. You’ll also be required to disclose any health concerns or recent illnesses during the screening process for better advice from the park officials.

 

  1. Acquire Travel Insurance prior to the trek

Consider obtaining comprehensive travel insurance before traveling to Africa. Just all you expect from Africa is anticipated, it is important to take precautions for unforeseen conditions during the safari. It is greatly advised to acquire insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and evacuation in case of unforeseen circumstances.

  1. Gorilla Trekking Health Packing list

When traveling to Africa for a safari holiday tour to see the endangered mountain gorillas, there are some basic health items that you should carry along with you. Your medical kit for your gorilla trekking safari should have items like; insect repellent, sunscreen, personal medications, and basic first aid supplies.

Explore the impenetrable jungles of Africa and witness the charming beauty, gorillas and nature. Embark on a gorilla trekking journey with us and experience everlasting memories of the tropical jungles.