Mountain Gorillas live in the high mountains in the Virunga mountains and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park covered with thick vegetation where they get their food and shelter. Tracking habituated gorillas is such a vigorous activity that involves hiking through these mountains with dense vegetation. You will need to have some level of fitness for you to enjoy your Gorilla tracking tour with ease.
Here are some of the tips to help you get prepared for a gorilla tracking safari as far as fitness is concerned;
Walking
Walking is the major exercise for gorilla trekking, it helps you shed excess weight on your legs and the distance covered each time should steadily increase with time. Almost 100% of gorilla trekking is done walking and those not used to this exercise may find it difficult to track the gorillas.
Gym
Improve your legs strength by going to the gym in addition to walking. Gym exercises like weighted squats and leg presses are essential for your preparation to do gorilla tracking.
Jogging
This exercise helps you elevate your heart rate and help your body get used to that which makes it easy for you as you track the Gorillas in their natural habitat.
Hiking
Pushing your body weight on high stairs and back is a great exercise to help you in Gorilla tracking since it involves hiking in high mountains. The distance covered should steadily increase to cover bigger distance.
Squats
These are good at improving your body balance and stability. Squats also help to strengthen your legs, arms, thighs, hips and buttocks.
Stretch
Stretching your body daily improves your body flexibility during that period before the actual tracking date.
Walking stick
Try using a walking stick to get used to it. Sometimes hiking through the forest tracking Gorillas may be difficult due to the unfriendly terrain of the dense forest. Getting used to a walking pole will make it much easier for you when you reach the forest and need to use it.
Conclusion
Preparing for gorilla tracking is for your own good as you prepare for the most vigorous and exciting wildlife activity in the high mountains. You will need to book your gorilla permit with us early enough to avoid missing on the highly demanded permits and to spare ample time for you to exercise.
