Gorilla trekking involves walking in the jungle to meet gorillas. However, the activity requires adequate preparation to make it a success. Gorilla trekking preparation stage begins after deciding to go on a gorilla safari. The following are key issues in preparation:

• Choose Gorilla trekking destination
• Choose Gorilla trekking date
• Choose a local tour operator to do for you ground work in advance
• Seek advise on gorilla trekking gear
• Best season of gorilla trekking
• Means of transport to be used
• Know the total expenditure and so on

Its should be noted that this exercise requires serious arrangement and any step that messes, may produce negative results. Below are some of the dangers that can occur during gorilla trekking due to inadequate preparation:

Harsh weather condition may affect gorilla trekking exercise. When it rains on the trekking day, trekkers may miss gorilla trekking especially when it rains the whole day.

Slipper gorilla trekking trails may delay the exercise, some trekkers can fall down and injure them selves in the process. The trekker can fall and slide from uphill to the low land especially when trekking takes place uplands.

Gorillas can charge and cause harm to the trekkers. When gorillas get annoyed, they can attack trekkers and if not calm down by rangers, they can wage a fight that can result into injuries and sometimes death.

Dangerous vegetation with thorns, burns and scratching features may cause tear of human skin and or serious wounds.

Long distance walk while searching for gorillas. Since gorillas are in natural habitat, they move here and there freely and finding them can be a serious hustle. On a bad day, trekkers can fail to meet gorillas and so thus wasting their money.  It should be noted that gorillas permit is none refundable and the permits are booked in advance.

Unfriendly Gorilla habitat which is characterized by deep water bodies, steep slopes and slipper trails may make gorilla trekking exercise hectic. Some weak trekkers may break down in the process due to a tough trek.

Forest pests like tsetse flies and mosquitoes may bite and cause sleeping sickness and malaria respectively. Some gorilla habitants harbor dangerous insects which cause diseases among others.

Dangerous animals (man eaters) may overpower the rangers and eat or injure the trekkers. Strong animals like elephants, leopards, lions among others may over power a group of Gorilla trekkers hence causing harm.

How to avoid danger during Gorilla trekking

There are many things to do when you want to be safe during Gorilla trekking and indeed, gorilla trekking is a safe activity if you strictly observe the following measures:

Attend briefing – in most cases, briefing starts in the morning before set off for actual gorilla trekking. Briefing is done to prepare trekkers meet gorillas with ease. During briefing, the guests are equipped with the DOS and during the trek.

Follow rules and regulations governing gorilla trekking – a list of rules of rules and regulations followed by gorilla trekking like do not touch gorillas, when they charge, please leave them and many more.

Move with armed ranger guide – armed ranger know how to shoot to scare dangerous animals like leopards, elephants, Lions and others which are known to be carnivorous.

Do not attempt to fight gorillas – Gorillas are strong apes- stronger than 4 men. Once you attempt to fight them, expect no win.

When Gorillas charge, leave them immediately – when you detect violence among the gorillas, please leave them and plan another day.