It is very possible when pregnant to trek however those who are below 7 months are the one who are advised to participate in the activity. Pregnancy cannot exempt you from taking this magical experience with the great apes. Gorilla tracking is among the great adventures which one should consider when planning a trip to Africa. It can only be done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (which has half of the world’s population of gorillas) and Mgahinga in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo.
If Tennis star Serena Williams won her Australian Open when 6 months pregnant (23 weeks), what more of going for Gorilla Trekking that doesn’t involve a lot of jumping but instead hiking/walking. The handicapped and elderly persons can trek mountain gorillas and therefore it is also possible to hike through the mountain slopes to search for the mountain gorillas when pregnant. Just avoid budget gorilla trekking and instead book for a mid-range- luxury gorilla safari. Therefore, the answer is yes, you can actually go for gorilla trekking when pregnant. In as much as gorilla trekking is physically demanding, it is also flexible in a number of ways. First, some gorilla groups are known to be easy-to-trek hence even the elderly can reach them and also, sedan chairs are provided for travelers who aren’t able to hike through higher altitudes. Of course, there are some factor to consider before someone who is pregnant may undertake a gorilla tracking experience as noted below:
- Visit during dry Season
They are also advised to book their trips during high season because it is dry season in the gorilla habitats. Dry season months include June – early October and Mid – December to February. The tracking area isn’t slippery so they can easily participate. You would use a porter to carry your back pack and a sedan chair if necessary to limit movements in the jungle.
- Transportation to the Gorilla Parks
Rwanda is very well positioned on the center of all famous destinations for Gorilla trekking experiences. Its just 2 hours and half drive from Kigali International Airport to the Volcanoes National Park’s reception and 2 hours to reach most lodges in Musanze. On setting foot on Uganda soil via Entebbe International Airport, it is advisable to book a scheduled flight until Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip, depending on the sector where the gorilla trek is planned to be undertaken. A one-way ticket from Entebbe to Kihihi can cost about $283 per person while the round-trip costs about $236 per person hence you will pay about $472 per person, with the flight taking about 2 hours thus saving you the stress of sitting long hours transferring to Bwindi.
The road trip from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes 8-10 hours with several stops along the way to allow snacking, leg stretching and photography. For comfort, legroom and cargo space, we recommend booking the Toyota Land Cruiser. You will be charged from $200 to $250 each day for the vehicle and this includes the services of a knowledgeable private driver. The road from Kampala to Kabale and Kisoro is tarred but with several bumps, thus very uncomfortable for you but the 4WD Vehicle with hydraulics will be slightly comfortable because you won’t feel the bumps.
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However, there is a cheaper option for travellers that can’t afford the domestic flight and this includes starting the road trip from Kigali City (Rwanda) then spend only 4-5 hours on the road including immigration and customs clearing, but still insist on using the Toyota Land Cruiser.
- Choosing the most favorable Gorilla Trekking region
Rwanda got the most easier families of gorillas to visit. Just inform your operator or travel agent in advance for arranging the most suitable gorilla group. As for Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is made up of four trekking regions/sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga) but Buhoma and Rushaga are easier to hike thus best option for pregnant travellers while Ruhija and Nkuringo are more difficult to hike hence should be the least options.
Some travellers deliberately or unintentionally forget to inform the Tour Operators of their condition yet if done in advance will guarantee being allocated the most appropriate trekking sector (Buhoma). This is also vital at the Park Headquarters where the Park warden will allocate you to the easier-to-trek gorilla groups in the specified sector.
- Places to stay and enjoy meals
The luxury and midrange places of lodging offer the much needed comfort and services that are ideal for pregnant travellers. When you inform the Tour Operator of your condition, the accommodation facility will also be informed in advance so as to find the coziest and most comfortable mattresses, and if possible pregnancy pillows as well as balanced and most nutritious diet. You will be cared for and even offered what you crave.
Conclusion:
Don’t let pregnancy deter you from achieving your dream of meeting face to face with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat because the activity is possible with the existence of easier-to-trek gorilla groups, provision of sedan chairs and a number of family-friendly places of lodging among others.
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