Can you go on a safari when pregnant? I have seen many kinds of people trek gorillas. These include people who are handicapped, lame, and more. So what about pregnant women? Can they go gorilla trekking?
My answer is yes. This applies for both Uganda and Rwanda.
A pregnant woman can go gorilla trekking, but good planning is needed.
There are many risks during pregnancy, and you should know the possible causes of miscarriage. Gorilla trekking can be hard at times. It gets worse when the weather is bad, so you must consider many things. You can read more about what gorilla trekking means here.
The good thing is that I am here to guide you on how to plan your gorilla trek while pregnant.
Let’s now look at some important things to think about. But my advice is: be ready to spend more money because this is for your safety.
Do not book budget gorilla trekking when pregnant. Choose luxury gorilla trekking instead.
You can check my list of recommended tour operators here. These companies will organize a good trek for you, even if you are pregnant.
Transportation
If you land at Entebbe International Airport, I suggest using a scheduled flight to Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrip depending on your destination.
One ticket costs about $350 for one way. A return ticket costs about $700. The flight takes only 2 hours and saves you from a long road trip.
Driving from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes 8 to 10 hours with stopovers.
When you arrive, book a Land Cruiser with hydraulics for ground transport. It is more comfortable.
An operator will charge you between $200 and $250 per day. Do not hesitate to pay. It is better to be safe.
Bwindi roads have many bumps. Bumpy rides are not good for pregnant women. They can cause a miscarriage. But with a car that has hydraulics, you will not feel most of the bumps.
If you cannot afford flights, you can arrive through Kigali and drive to Bwindi. Many people book this option to save time and money. The drive is only 4 to 5 hours with a stopover.
Even then, make sure to book a Land Cruiser with hydraulics.
Choice of Gorilla Trekking Sector (Uganda)
Bwindi has four trekking sectors. Nkuringo and Ruhija are harder to trek in. Ask your tour operator to book Buhoma or Rushaga sector instead. These have easier hikes and are quicker.
If Buhoma and Rushaga are fully booked, try Ruhija. Avoid Nkuringo unless you have no other choice. The road to Nkuringo is bad and long.
Inform your tour company and park staff about your condition
Some women forget to tell their tour company or the park staff that they are pregnant. This is very important. It helps them plan for you properly.
Tour operators will plan a safer and more comfortable trip. They will also tell your driver to be extra careful.
Park staff help with gorilla group allocation. Before trekking starts, there is a 30-minute briefing. They teach you the rules and answer questions.
During this time, they assign you to a gorilla group. They check your age, health, and physical ability. Pregnant women are usually given easier groups.
Telling them in advance helps you get a good group and makes your trek easier.
Use Sedan Seat Stretchers if possible
Gorilla trekking can be tiring for pregnant women. A sedan stretcher costs about $400. It allows you to be carried to the gorillas and back.
You will only walk during the one hour spent with the gorillas.
These seats are limited, so book early.
Visit during dry months
Plan your trip during dry seasons. Rainy days make trails slippery and harder to walk on. Even with a walking stick, you can slip and get hurt.
The weather also affects how you feel. Uganda and Rwanda share the same seasons. Read more about the best time to visit Uganda here.
Accommodation and Meals
Stay in luxury lodges. Some mid-range lodges are also fine, but avoid budget options.
Tell your tour company that you are pregnant. They will inform the lodge to prepare a soft mattress and extra pillows for you.
They can also prepare food that is good for pregnancy. In some cases, they may even ask what you feel like eating and cook it for you.
The actual experience
Do not worry too much. The trekking group moves at the pace of the slowest person. If you walk slowly, the group will wait for you.
Trekking is easier now than it was before. Rangers go ahead and find the gorilla groups before you start. Then your guide leads you in the right direction.
This helps you find the gorillas quickly.
Are you a pregnant mother who wants to see gorillas?
Book a great gorilla tour with one of these recommended companies.
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