Tracked lions in Tanzania? Witnessed the migration in the Mara? Walked with wildlife in Zambia? Now it’s time for one of the most unique and utterly breathtaking wildlife experiences possible: Tracking rare Mountain Gorillas courtesy of luxury holidays provider Exsus.com.

Without a doubt one of the most moving wildlife experiences on earth, Mountain gorillas are astonishingly human in their actions and can be found in the misty mountains of Rwanda or Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

"Out of bed" style...

Typically trekking in a group of up to eight people (including trackers and armed rangers) you can spend anywhere from three to eight hours tracking, and an hour in the company of these incredible primates.

Each night, rangers track the gorillas until they make their nest so you have a good idea of where they’ll be for your adventure the following morning.

Uganda or Rwanda?

Uganda

Home to some 300 + Mountain Gorillas, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable forest is a beautiful ancient forest that holds nearly half the world’s Mountain Gorilla population, as well as 350 chimpanzees. If you’re looking to combine your Gorilla trekking as part of a longer trip Uganda is the place to head to.

Yummy breakfast!

There’s huge diversity in the country, stunning landscapes and countless other safari options to further boost your wildlife wanderlust.

Rwanda

Slightly more accessible than Uganda, Rwanda is the better option for a shorter trip to track the Gorillas. The trekking can also be slightly on the easier here though the rewards are just as fantastic.

Spectacular view from Virunga Lodge on a clear day...

Rwanda is also perfect to combine with a safari in Kenya or with the stunning beaches of Zanzibar in Tanzania.

Where did Dune 45 get its name from?

Dune 45 is named after its location; it is 45 km away from the Sesriem Canyon.

The sand dune lies along the gravel road that connects Sesriem to Sossusvlei.

How high is Dune 45?

Dune 45 stands at over 170 m (560 feet), which is pretty decent especially when you have to climb it in order to admire the magnificent sunshine!

In the area though, some sand dunes – such as “Big Daddy” – culminate at over 300 m above sea level, which makes them amongst the highest in the world.

How old is the sand on Dune 45, and where does it come from?

Some of Dune 45′s sand is over 5 million years old, most of it coming from the Kalahari Desert and even from as far as northern Mozambique.

The sand was transported by the Orange River and blown away by the wind to its present location.

When is it the best time to visit Dune 45?

Visiting the dune at dawn is a local favorite, yet it all depends what you’re after really…late afternoons are also impeccable for photo opportunities.

Make sure you get there by 5 am to get to the top on time for the sunrise.

How long does it take to climb to the top of Dune 45?

20-40 minutes depending on how sporty you are, and also depending on how many people are in front of you.

NB: It is recommended to remove your shoes whilst climbing the dune, or else they will get filled with “lots” of sand (whether you like it or not)!

- The Nkuringo Gorilla Campsite is less than 80 km away from Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort, yet it takes at least 2-2,5 hours to get there as the road is extremely sinuous/part of it is in pretty bad shape.

- Despite the long drive though, you will most definitely enjoy the ride as the area is of immense beauty!

2. Nkuringo Gorilla Camp & Surroundings

- When the sky is clear and the mountains are visible, the spot is highly picturesque (you can see as far as Rwanda and the DRC).

- Local villagers are very friendly and most tourists end up being surrounded by children who love to play and laugh with “mzungus” (white people).

- Hike to the “Top of the World”, a wonderful viewpoint from which one can take breathtaking pictures.

3. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge – 5 Star Accommodation Venue

- If you can bear the price (US$470-500 pppn), you will most definitely be enchanted by your stay there.

- If not, you can still drop by for drinks and benefit from the dead-gorgeous view of the valley from the terrace.

4. Gorilla Dance – Nkuringo Youth Initiative Group, Bwindi

- The gorilla dance is presented by the Nkuringo Youth Initiative Group.

- Aged from 2-20 +, they perform songs and dances that will make you fall in love with the area.

- The chief aim of the initiative is to encourage the youth to work for money instead of begging.

- The money collected from visitors is used for community projects and development programs.

5. Penetrating the “Impenetrable” – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Mountain Gorilla Encounter

Mountain Gorilla Trek: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many mountain gorillas are there in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

There are approximately 345 mountain gorillas alone inside Bwindi, which represents about half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.

How much does it cost for a gorilla permit?

Gorilla permits are very volatile in pricing and usually vary from country to country. For the gorilla permit I got through UWA (the “Uganda Wildlife Authority”), I paid US$510 (2010 price). Nevertheless, I have heard they were thinking of increasing the rates to US$750 pp (to be confirmed).

How much does it cost for a porter?

Porters can be handy, especially when you have to trek for long hours before seeing the gorillas. A porter will typically cost you US$15 for the day.

How long does one need to hike before eventually finding the mountain gorillas?

There is no rule. Some people trek for as little as 30 minutes, while others may have to hike for as long as 8-10 hours before eventually finding them.

We were extremely lucky on my last visit as we encountered them after only 15 minutes. It almost felt disappointing as it was kind of too easy!

NB: While the trackers and guides do their very best to find the primates, mountain gorilla sightings are by no means guaranteed. Some people may end up having to go back the next day to try and find them.

Do I get my money back for not being able to see the mountain gorillas?

Gorilla permits only get refunded in the following cases:

- If the visitor is sick (50% refund).

- If the gorilla family has crossed the border to one of the neighboring countries (full refund).

- If the tourists have been trekking the whole day without seeing mountain gorillas (75% refund of the tracking fee).

For general cancellations, refunds depend on how long in advance (to the tracking date) you cancel.

———

For more information on mountain gorillas and how to plan your gorilla safari, visit the following links:

- Mountain Gorilla Trekking Briefing.

- Interesting Mountain Gorilla Facts.

- Uganda Wildlife Authority Gorilla Permit Booking.

Here’s a recap of some of the important things that were mentioned in the video:

• Part of the money one pays for the gorilla permit goes back to the local communities around the area. It is used, for instance, to build schools, for community health centres, and also to support a local pygmy project.

• The Nkuringo office you see in the footage is part of Bwindi impenetrable National Park. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest covers 331 square kilometers.

• 345 mountain gorillas (half of the world’s population) live in those mountains. The rest of the gorilla population inhabits Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (also in Uganda), Volcanoes National Park (north-west Rwanda), and Virunga National Park (in the Democratic Republic of Congo).

• The Nkuringo family I had the privilege of seeing comprises 19 members.

• In each gorilla group there is one dominant male, called the « silverback ».

• Silverbacks get their names from the silver patch of hair on their back, which starts to become apparent once they reach full maturity at around 12 years old (Herbert mentions 14-15 years old in the video).

• There are 30 gorilla families in the Bwindi park: while 7 families have become accustomed to people, 23 groups aren’t.

• One way to estimate the population of a gorilla group is by counting their nests (where they sleep at night).

• Very important: You can’t be sick when you go to see the gorillas. Gorillas are very vulnerable to diseases (such as flu for instance), and can easily contract them from human beings.

• Gorillas are our cousins: we have over 98,4% of genes in common.

• Herbert, our guide, typically works with a team of 5 people. Two usually leave early in the day to track the gorillas. Gorillas sometimes move long distances so by tracking them it gives us a better chance to find them. Team members communicate with a radio to let us know where the mountain gorillas are. Thanks to the trackers valuable insights, it also enables the guides to take precious shortcuts through the bush.

• Two out of five rangers carry the guns. Their role is to protect tourists against potential danger.

• The major threats in Bwindi include forest elephants, which are highly unpredictable, as well as gorillas which aren’t used to people and are therefore best left alone.

• If a gorilla charges, the ranger uses his riffle and shoots in the air to scare the animal away (mountain gorillas fear the sound of gun shots).

• Porters can be used to help out carry your bags. It costs $15 US per porter.

• Gorilla rules : If you break the rules, get ready to wrestle with the silverback (not recommended)!

Some of these rules include:

1. No flash photography.

2. Don’t look at them in the eyes (if you do, the gorillas see it as a challenge). At the end of the day, it’s an unfair battle as the guys can weigh over 200 kg.

• When in the jungle, walking sticks are used to give you balance and support.

———

I traveled with Acacia Africa on this African safari expedition. For more information on this amazing trip, visit the 58-day Ultimate African Overlander.

Hi Kerry, thanks for taking the time to share with us your Kili climb experience, I really appreciate it!

Tell us about your recent trip to Tanzania…How did the idea of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro come about? A dream of yours? A bet?

I know this sounds corny, but it really has been a dream of mine for a very long time. Africa for me is the most amazing place on earth and to be on top of it was just awe-inspiring for me. So last year I decided that no time is better than now, and immediately booked the trip!

How did you prepare physically for the Kili ascent? Did you go through a specific training program, did you follow any special regime (not that you need any lol)?

I trained for about 5 months before my climb doing cardio twice a week and building leg muscle once a week. I also went on a few hiking days in the Magaliesberg mountains close by and also tried to walk as much as I could about 2 weeks before I left (at least an hour a day).

How would you rate (on a scale of 0 to 10) the overall difficulty of the climb? Can anyone do it, or is it required to be a sports person?

I think mentally if it is your dream, you’ll make it happen. But I wouldn’t ever say it was easy. The last day is very difficult as all of your walking and muscle aches and pains have built up. I’d definitely say you would have to like walking…a lot, but I don’t think you’d have to be a sports person. Overall I’d say the difficulty is around 8.

There are six routes used to climb Kilimanjaro: Machame, Marangu, Rongai, Shira, Lemosho and Umbwe. Which trail did you follow? Would you recommend it to trekkers, or is it a route for advanced climbers only?

I used the Machame route. I’d definitely recommend it because the scenery was spectacular. It is known to be the most scenic route up the mountain. It’s not the hardest route going up but one of the harder ones so if anyone would like a challenge I’d recommend it too!

How long does it take to climb the mountain (if everything goes according to plans…)?

You can climb it in 6 or 7 days depending on what you choose. I did it in 6 days but if you think you need an extra day to acclimatise or you don’t walk that fast, 7 would be better.

Take us on a typical trekking day on Kili: What do you do (besides walking )? At what time do you usually wake up, how often can you stop to rest, etc?

You wake up at around 6 am (usually from the chitter and chatter of the porters rather than choice), and get served breakfast in your mes tent (eating tent) at around 7 am. By 8 am you are ready to walk the next part of the trek. You’ll always either stop at a scenic place for lunch or eat your lunch on the way at a rest stop (depending on the weather and which day it is).

Resting is purely up to the individual and your guide will stick to whatever you can deal with. I didn’t rest often and was usually the first at camp which can be quite nice as you can use your extra time to enjoy the mountain and her scenery.

How many people were you during the expedition? How many porters, cooks, guides? How does the whole thing work? We want to know everything lol…

Each person has 3 porters who will carry your duffel bag, food, water and tent. The mes tent (eating tent) will be shared between them as well. You also have a cook who prepares all of your meals and then you have your guide, who stays with you the whole journey.

Porters and cooks often pass you on the path to the next camp with about 30 kg on their shoulders. They are incredible! You carry a day pack which consists of your water for the day (about 3 litres), rain gear and your camera. It’s quite heavy because of the water and mine was specifically heavy because of my camera!

About the packing: How many kg are you allowed to have during your Kilimanjaro climb?

You aren’t allowed to take more than 15 kg in your duffel bag but you can carry whatever you want in your day pack.

If you had 5 items to recommend, what would they be?

- Actual WATERPROOF waterproof jacket and pants (mine said they were, but weren’t!)
- A good waterproof cover for your day bag
- Good, non-slip hiking boots
- A big floppy hat &
- Really good snow socks for summit night (coming from SA where it doesn’t snow, I froze, even with them!).

Food is another key factor to consider during your trek. First of all, how was the food as a whole? From what I remember (from climbing Mt Meru), it is not always very tasty!

The food was great on the first night. I was highly impressed but as the days go on your food gets older and isn’t so fresh anymore. Let’s just put it this way: I hardly ate the last 3 days!

The altitude doesn’t help your desire to eat either and when their food is making you want to throw up you don’t want to eat anything. I don’t know how I did it but I survived on energy bars for breakfast, lunch and dinner for 3 days, even summit day. Like I said before if it’s your dream, you’ll do it.

Secondly, did you eat often during the climb? Energy bars, drinks?

Not really. I took loads of energy bars, chocolate etc but only really ate that stuff when I got to camp. I’d say isotonic sports drinks are more important. I drank plenty of those while walking.

Are there things you recommend not doing?

Trying to be tough and macho, and walking quickly while you are acclimatising. Chances are you’ll get sick. A guy right before us tried to do it that way and yes, he got sick, even though he was training for the army at home. Pole pole (“slowly slowly” in Swahili) is the way to do it. Oh, and packing a heavy day pack – not advisable.

Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the only places in Africa where you can find permanent snow. How cold is it really up there? Any time allocated to build “snowmen?”

It’s freezing! Coming from South Africa didn’t help either. When we reached the top it was around -10° C but you don’t stay up there for long, mainly because people start to throw up from altitude sickness and you get too cold if you stop moving. We probably stayed at Uhuru peak for around 15 minutes.

I read recently that Kilimanjaro’s snow could be gone by as early as 2022 (kind of scary…)! Would you agree with the statement? Any signs encountered to prove this? What is your say on the matter?

Honestly I’ve never seen so much snow in my life (probably because it was the first time I’d seen it)! But seriously, the weather when I went up was quite bad so there really was snow everywhere. It would be really sad if that was true as it’s a one of a kind thing and a sight I’ll never forget.

I guess asking you whether “you made it to the top” or not is rather unnecessary. You can be proud of yourself, well done! How does it feel?

Were there moments in time when you REALLY wanted to quit? It must be an important mental battle, isn’t it?

Yes, I made it!  It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever done. It’s definitely a mental battle; a few in our group didn’t make it but for me, honestly, there was never a time I wanted to quit. It was too important to me to get to the roof of Africa!

Kerry, thanks a million for your time! I’m sure your story will inspire a lot of people to follow their dreams, no matter what!

Larry Garber for providing such amazing Kili tips! His advice is just essential for a successful and hassle-free climb.

Want to learn some more? You are more than welcome to also read my special “Tips on Clothing and Equipment for Your Kilimanjaro Climb” article. Enjoy!

Broadcaster: LDGarber

Video Lesson 1: Your Backpack!

In this video you’ll learn about the following:

- Backpack essentials.

- Camelback water units.

- Waterproofing.

- Layering (clothes needed according to weather forecast).

Video Lesson 2: Boots and Hygiene!

Themes discussed:

- Footwear and personal comfort.

- Ziploc bags to keep clothes dry.

- Wet wipes/hand sanitizers.

- Tissues (for runny noses).

- Water purification techniques.

- Tips to prevent your drinking water from freezing.

Video Lesson 3: For Your Own Comfort and Safety!

Learn all you need to know about:

- Plastic ponchos.

- Sun protection.

- Hiking poles.

- Sleeping bags.

- LED head lamps.

- Ear plugs.

- Personal entertainment (music, cameras, batteries).

- Must-pack items (Swiss army knife, dark tape, etc.).

Video Lesson 4: First Aid Kit and Physical Fitness!

Essential items mentioned include:

- Dental hygiene.

- First Aid Kit and Medication.

- Technology items (watch, GPS).

- Maps of the Area.

- Snacks and Food.

- Physical fitness (VERY IMPORTANT). Prerequisites are rather strict: at least 4 months of physical fitness prior to the ascension. Gym 4 times a week: electrical machines for 45-60 minutes + hikes 1-2 a month!

Heard of Mount Kilimanjaro, I presume, no? Culminating at 5895 m (19341 feet), it is by far Africa’s highest and most majestic mountain! Here’s some advice on what to bring on your trekking odyssey!

Looks very "flamboyant" to me! Just like the tree...

Walking sticks

Whether you call them walking sticks, staffs, or trekking poles, they’re just indispensable for a comfortable walking journey!

Walking sticks will assist you during your climb, and support your knees on descents. Especially if you already have fragile knee joints!

For best support (and even better comfort), consider buying two sticks!

Boots

I’m sure you’re familiar with the song “These Boots are Made for Walking”, right? And no, I’m not talking about Jessica Simpson’s version (although I do admit her clip is rather “special”)! I’m referring to the original version, first recorded by Nancy Sinatra! The song’s title is quite representative of what you need during your Kilimanjaro ascension. Your walking boots have to be solid and soft at the same time, the type that will resist the most extreme weather conditions out there!

Indeed, boots are perhaps the most important item you will purchase! Both in terms of your health and well-being. Make sure they fit you properly! Moreover, try them on before buying them: they just have to be the right size!

Do this: put your foot in the shoe without tying the shoelace, and slide your foot forward until it hits the front of the boot. If you have one finger’s thickness of space at your heel, then the boot is made for you . If not, then it is either too big (don’t recommend “clowny” shoes ), or too small (less than one finger space)!

Some key features to look for in boots are:

- Vibram, or comparable high rubber-content soles with deep lugs to provide better traction.

- Sturdy, high tops with padding to protect ankles while providing good ankle support. Boots with a stiff heel counter is also a big bonus, as it relieves your foot and ankle.

- Uppers made of leather or a leather/Cordura combination.

- Removable insoles for extra comfort and cushioning.

- Lacing system with D-rings and speed hooks to easily put and remove your boots.

- Sewn-in, gusseted tongues.

- Waterproof coating to ensure your feet stay dry at all times.

Socks

Pay special attention to the material of your socks. They can be made of:

- Cotton: Not a great idea while hiking. Cotton absorbs moisture and retains it.

- Ragg Wool: Way more comfortable, but you don’t have to be allergic to it.

- Acrylic: Not as resistant and much warmer than wool socks, although they do wick moisture away from the feet. Notice that some acrylic socks have extra cushioning, which can be interesting!

- Polypropylene: Primarily used in liners – thin socks worn beneath thicker main socks. Will wick moisture away from foot, and can also reduce friction between your foot and the shoe.

- Silk: Same purpose as polypropylene.

Sleeping Bags

Should be chosen wisely! Large variety of options, from “Down Sleeping Bags” (very resistant to water and cold), to “Hollowfibre” (synthetic fibre, dries rapidly), and “Thinsulate” (state-of-the-art synthetic fibre, economic, very light) types!

Important things to consider in a sleeping bag:

- Needs to fit your body (in width and length).

- Two-way zipper (for better ventilation).

- Insulated hood.

Daypacks

Preferably big, but not too big either! A 25-40 litre rucksack tends to fit most people needs.

Headlamps

I’d go for head torches, which leaves your hands free. Petzl Zoom Headlamps and Petzl Tikka are definitely worth it, although not the cheapest I agree.

Gloves

Two pairs highly recommended: a pair of wool or fleece gloves as a next to skin layer, and a second pair of waterproof gloves that go over the first pair!

A very good pair of gloves should not be underestimated if you want to keep your fingers healthy and intact!

Hats

Good-looking hats are important for sure, but as you know looks are not everything! Most importantly, a good hat is one that protects you from the sun, and also that fits easily into your backpack (or comfortably fastens to your belt, backpack, etc…). Furthermore, make sure it can provide good shade to your face, and that it “breathes”.

I just love some of those Rogue hats, don’t you?!

Thermal Beanie/Balaclava

Protects you from the wind and hinders frostbite. Not to be neglected!

Told ya a beanie could be handy!?

Duffel Bags

A lightweight classic! Easy to stuff with your clothing and rolled socks.

Things to consider: a strong seam, good quality zippers (that can be padlocked), and short handles to pull your bag quickly if required.

Water Bottles

Drink, drink, and drink some more! Water is vital to appropriate acclimatisation, and so are water bottles! You should be able to carry 2-3 litres of water at any time!

Any water bottle is good really, although I must admit I really enjoy the Swiss Sigg types. Eco-Friendly, and reusable! Unless you’d rather go for hydration systems, with a tube from a bladder in your pack to your mouth; practical and very popular! The only disadvantage of such systems is they can freeze easily! Either way, be sure it won’t leak nor freeze.

Gaiters/Anklets

Very useful little pieces of materials that keep mud, rocks and to a certain extent water out of your boots! May even be utilized to keep ticks away!

Can be sweaty nevertheless.

A Jacket & Trousers

Two words: comfort and waterproofing! They need to be waterproof, breathable and windproof.

ATTENTION PLEASE: No jeans! They absorb water, cling to the skin and make walking very difficult. Believe it or not, but wearing jeans can lead to hypothermia.