Article in More magazine - gorilla trekking
Feb 22nd, 2007, 09:06 AM
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Article in More magazine - gorilla trekking
Hi everyone. Thought some of you might be interested to know that the March edition of More magazine has an article on gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Feb 26th, 2007, 05:31 PM
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drgough: thanks for tellling us about the article. I have been reading on this site for a while, and what an incredible source of knowledge! I wish I knew abou this site before my last big (read "expensive and lengthy"
vacation. I read the article, and it is great. Makes me want to go even more! BUT ...
Question For All: Just how fit should one be for such a trip?
I recently started looking into such a trip, hence my new involvement in this site. I've read everything from "couple of hours of hiking" which is no problem for me to "only the fittest should apply" (slight exageration on my part), which might be ok, but I certainly don't want to be the person dragging the end of the group!
I'm thinking of doing Botswana instead, hiring a trainer, and getting ready for gorilla tracking in 2009 (won't take me that long to get into shape (I hope), but I can't afford (time or money) to do both back to back, and I have the urge to go to Africa soon.
Any advice?
vacation. I read the article, and it is great. Makes me want to go even more! BUT ...Question For All: Just how fit should one be for such a trip?
I recently started looking into such a trip, hence my new involvement in this site. I've read everything from "couple of hours of hiking" which is no problem for me to "only the fittest should apply" (slight exageration on my part), which might be ok, but I certainly don't want to be the person dragging the end of the group!
I'm thinking of doing Botswana instead, hiring a trainer, and getting ready for gorilla tracking in 2009 (won't take me that long to get into shape (I hope), but I can't afford (time or money) to do both back to back, and I have the urge to go to Africa soon.
Any advice?
Feb 26th, 2007, 05:47 PM
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Dana M,
Someone has to be the slowest of the group and if it's you, then you go in front and the group proceeds at that pace.
I know one person who hired a personal trainer but they (1) were wealthy (2) smoked heavily (3) carried a flask of vodka at all times. And that person made it! Actually I've never known anyone to not make it. So I wouldn't hire a trainer solely for the gorilla tracking.
You need to be in decent shape but not a star athlete. I did a few highly strenuous treks with a marathoner and she never broke a sweat and barely drank any water. Hated her.
I think you should do frequent brisk walking and if it works, climb some stairs for preparation. Also do squats.
If you do wait until 2009 and choose late June to early Aug, maybe I'll see you on the mountain!
Someone has to be the slowest of the group and if it's you, then you go in front and the group proceeds at that pace.
I know one person who hired a personal trainer but they (1) were wealthy (2) smoked heavily (3) carried a flask of vodka at all times. And that person made it! Actually I've never known anyone to not make it. So I wouldn't hire a trainer solely for the gorilla tracking.
You need to be in decent shape but not a star athlete. I did a few highly strenuous treks with a marathoner and she never broke a sweat and barely drank any water. Hated her.
I think you should do frequent brisk walking and if it works, climb some stairs for preparation. Also do squats.
If you do wait until 2009 and choose late June to early Aug, maybe I'll see you on the mountain!
Feb 26th, 2007, 06:14 PM
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I know one person who hired a personal trainer but they (1) were wealthy (2) smoked heavily (3) carried a flask of vodka at all times.
So, Lynn, was it Patsy or Edina?
Dana, I've asked the "how fit" question here before and everyone seems to say, "Oh, don't worry, not very."
Maybe, if fortune smiles on me, I'll see you both in 2009.
So, Lynn, was it Patsy or Edina?
Dana, I've asked the "how fit" question here before and everyone seems to say, "Oh, don't worry, not very."
Maybe, if fortune smiles on me, I'll see you both in 2009.
Feb 27th, 2007, 02:44 PM
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I apologize if this appears twice. I thought I posted my reply, but don't see it here.
Atravelynn,
Thank you for the response. It was both informative and entertaining. I particularly appreciate the comment about leading the pack instead of bringing up the rear. I'll save the money I'd pay a trainer to extend my next vacation! After reading so much on this site about Botswana I am thinking of a combined Botswana/Namibia trip. So, maybe I'll see you in Uganda in 2009. Now that I've read enough threads to ask I believe what are intelligent (and not yet answered) questions, I'm going to a post a separate thread for the group to respond to. I would appreciate your comments. You're advice is fantastic.
Leely,
Thanks for the confirmation about not having to be in great shape. Maybe Atravelynn and I will both see you in Uganda too!
Atravelynn,
Thank you for the response. It was both informative and entertaining. I particularly appreciate the comment about leading the pack instead of bringing up the rear. I'll save the money I'd pay a trainer to extend my next vacation! After reading so much on this site about Botswana I am thinking of a combined Botswana/Namibia trip. So, maybe I'll see you in Uganda in 2009. Now that I've read enough threads to ask I believe what are intelligent (and not yet answered) questions, I'm going to a post a separate thread for the group to respond to. I would appreciate your comments. You're advice is fantastic.
Leely,
Thanks for the confirmation about not having to be in great shape. Maybe Atravelynn and I will both see you in Uganda too!
Feb 27th, 2007, 04:03 PM
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i was really unfit and managed to survive. You just have to ask them to stop for a rest occasionally and you'll find everyone else will be happy for the break. When we were in Rwanda and Uganda a lady staying at the lodges with us was 70 years old and she did 2 Gorilla treks and the chimp tracking. She was on a guided tour and the company made sure she was well looked after and got the easier walks. Every guide fussed over her and made sure she was ok, so as long as you let them know of your needs you should be fine. And always hire a porter, they will help you along the way and it will mean employment to them. You'll love it!!
Feb 27th, 2007, 04:07 PM
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OK, I admit it. I am 63 (just) and went on 2 gorilla treks in Dec (with drgough) 1 in Rwanda and 1 in Uganda. I was the lead trekker due to age and announcing that I would absolutley be the slowest one! Guess what. I did both and had a great time. THere is always the option to turn back but you won't need to. Just tell your guide that you want him to try to get you into the trekking group where the gorillas are a little closer. They divy up the people at the Parks. For training, I worked out on the stair master at the gym. That helped with the uphill. I brought, and took diamox for the altitude ( I am very suseptable) for both treks and that helped shortness of breath. AND I took JUICE, in addition to water whick REALLY helped. I needed the sugar.
Feb 27th, 2007, 04:09 PM
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Oh, and one more thing! Porters are very cheap and worth every single penny - plus tip. Mine carried my pack, lifted me over a stream (ah, youth)and held my hand so that I would not slip and fall. It was GREAT.
Feb 27th, 2007, 07:01 PM
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<b>Leely,</b>
It was neither of them.
Your sensible reputation is being touted by Matnikstym in the Lounge in the thread entitled,
"The proliferation of inane, random posts here is disturbing and ridiculous!"
2/27/07 3:43 am
<b>Annergizer,</b> The perfect name for gorilla tracking. Juice is a good idea. I carried a water in a bottle in a holster around my waist so I could drink every 10 minutes or so. That was more often than we stopped, but you could stop and get your water from the porter at any time. The porters will help push and pull you up the hill. If you hire extra porters, they will carry you on a stretcher. I never saw that, only heard about it.
<b>Moremiles,</b> I wanted more traction than what rubber boots provide. But the porters wear those rubber boots. I did not see any participants with the rubber boots. I only saw hiking boots and rugged tennis shoes. But I did not go in November. Divewop returned not long ago from several treks. I'd see what she says on footwear.
2009 may be the Year of the Gorilla for many of us.
It was neither of them.
Your sensible reputation is being touted by Matnikstym in the Lounge in the thread entitled,
"The proliferation of inane, random posts here is disturbing and ridiculous!"
2/27/07 3:43 am
<b>Annergizer,</b> The perfect name for gorilla tracking. Juice is a good idea. I carried a water in a bottle in a holster around my waist so I could drink every 10 minutes or so. That was more often than we stopped, but you could stop and get your water from the porter at any time. The porters will help push and pull you up the hill. If you hire extra porters, they will carry you on a stretcher. I never saw that, only heard about it.
<b>Moremiles,</b> I wanted more traction than what rubber boots provide. But the porters wear those rubber boots. I did not see any participants with the rubber boots. I only saw hiking boots and rugged tennis shoes. But I did not go in November. Divewop returned not long ago from several treks. I'd see what she says on footwear.
2009 may be the Year of the Gorilla for many of us.
Feb 27th, 2007, 07:57 PM
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In terms of footwear, I definitely do not think rubber boots would be the best choice. Not only would they not provide as much traction, as Lynn noted, but they don't have any ankle support. We did not find the mud to be so deep that those high boots were necessary -- ankle-high hiking boots were just fine.
Lynn is right that you will see trackers and porters wearing rubber boots, but I have no idea how they manage with those. I definitely couldn't.
Chris
Lynn is right that you will see trackers and porters wearing rubber boots, but I have no idea how they manage with those. I definitely couldn't.
Chris
Feb 28th, 2007, 04:30 AM
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I think a lot of people underestimate how difficult gorilla trekking can be. Especially because you're beginning the treks at a higher altitude, around 5000-6000 ft.
But it is for all walks of life. If you're determined to make it to see the gorillas, the guides and porters will make it happen. I do agree that the better shape you're in, the easier it is.
As far as clothing and footwear, it never ceases to amaze me what I see tourists wearing at PNV headquarters. Everything from white jeans to business slacks. From loafers to tennis shoes to moccasins to tevas.
Hello people, this is trekking through the rainforest, not a day at the zoo! Some get it, some don't. Such is life.
As far as footwear, I would definitely recommend something with traction.
I wear pretty sturdy hiking boots. Nothing special, Vasque Gore-tex boots,and they've worked fine for me the last three years. Albeit, they get pretty doggone muddy but are easily cleaned.
And for some mysterious reason, rain seems to follow me to Kinigi, even in the 'dry season' as it did this last trip so I'm usually tramping through lots of mud.
A great option is to buy gators and put them over your boots to save both your pants and boots from becoming dirty/muddy. I've yet to do that but I will before returning next year. (And I keep saying that but forget to buy them.)
As far as the wellingtons that the trackers and guides wear, they work fine for them. These guys are used to doing this every day so they don't need the traction like most of us tourists. I've only seen one or two trip-ups from the guides over the course of my treks. I'm still amazed how cat-like and nimble these guys are, especially in their wellies during the rain.
For us everyday folk, the only time I would suggest wearing wellies, is if you're very sure-footed, otherwise I would stick with something with decent traction.
And don't forget the gloves! Very important to push the vines, nettles and branches out of your way as you trek.
And please do hire a porter. For only $5, these guys are amazing. They'll carry all your stuff and help you (even pull and push you) up and down the volcanos if/when you need it. And the money goes a long way to help them and their families. IMHO, worth every dime and then some!
Have fun!!
But it is for all walks of life. If you're determined to make it to see the gorillas, the guides and porters will make it happen. I do agree that the better shape you're in, the easier it is.
As far as clothing and footwear, it never ceases to amaze me what I see tourists wearing at PNV headquarters. Everything from white jeans to business slacks. From loafers to tennis shoes to moccasins to tevas.
Hello people, this is trekking through the rainforest, not a day at the zoo! Some get it, some don't. Such is life.
As far as footwear, I would definitely recommend something with traction.
I wear pretty sturdy hiking boots. Nothing special, Vasque Gore-tex boots,and they've worked fine for me the last three years. Albeit, they get pretty doggone muddy but are easily cleaned.
And for some mysterious reason, rain seems to follow me to Kinigi, even in the 'dry season' as it did this last trip so I'm usually tramping through lots of mud.
A great option is to buy gators and put them over your boots to save both your pants and boots from becoming dirty/muddy. I've yet to do that but I will before returning next year. (And I keep saying that but forget to buy them.)
As far as the wellingtons that the trackers and guides wear, they work fine for them. These guys are used to doing this every day so they don't need the traction like most of us tourists. I've only seen one or two trip-ups from the guides over the course of my treks. I'm still amazed how cat-like and nimble these guys are, especially in their wellies during the rain.
For us everyday folk, the only time I would suggest wearing wellies, is if you're very sure-footed, otherwise I would stick with something with decent traction.
And don't forget the gloves! Very important to push the vines, nettles and branches out of your way as you trek.
And please do hire a porter. For only $5, these guys are amazing. They'll carry all your stuff and help you (even pull and push you) up and down the volcanos if/when you need it. And the money goes a long way to help them and their families. IMHO, worth every dime and then some!
Have fun!!
Feb 28th, 2007, 07:03 AM
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We hiked in January and one of the paths was VERY muddy and the second hike was through a river. I suggest decent hiking boots, with grip and ankle support plus gators and plenty of drinking water.
The altitude and heat can make the hiking tough. Fitness isn't always an indication of how you will cope with altitude. I've seen the fittest of people struggling.
I second Divewop's comment re using porters - it's essential.
The altitude and heat can make the hiking tough. Fitness isn't always an indication of how you will cope with altitude. I've seen the fittest of people struggling.
I second Divewop's comment re using porters - it's essential.
Feb 28th, 2007, 07:32 AM
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http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/pp/Acces...m_Gaiters.html
I think I may have misspelt it. Gaiters. This is the kind of thing.
I think I may have misspelt it. Gaiters. This is the kind of thing.
Feb 28th, 2007, 09:37 AM
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Lynn b-
Hope you enjoyed your treks and your trip. It was great getting to meet you while in Ruhengeri.
We later heard through the Ruhengeri grapevine that one of the people in your group hurt their leg or sprained an ankle or something similar during one of the treks.
If you don't mind sharing the story, what happened and is he/she doing OK now?
Hope you enjoyed your treks and your trip. It was great getting to meet you while in Ruhengeri.
We later heard through the Ruhengeri grapevine that one of the people in your group hurt their leg or sprained an ankle or something similar during one of the treks.
If you don't mind sharing the story, what happened and is he/she doing OK now?
