Photo by Kyle Smith, SafariSmiths Travel
An African safari is a dream for many adventure enthusiasts. There are so many ways to safari, and that’s the beauty of it — it’s a multigenerational activity that can be completely customized to all levels of comfort. Trekking with mountain gorillas in Rwanda, however, is definitely an expedition for the thrill seekers.
The physical challenges that you’ll face on a Rwandan trek are not insurmountable, but you’ll definitely want to give yourself the best shot at getting ready for the adventure of a lifetime by adding some training to your preparation.
Cardiovascular Endurance
Trekking through the rugged terrain of the African wilderness requires stamina and endurance. You’ll want to incorporate lots of cardio exercises such as hiking, jogging, cycling, or swimming into your fitness routine to build up your cardiovascular fitness. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity on most days of the week.
Strength Training
Strengthening your muscles, especially legs, core, and upper body, will help you move through the forest’s uneven terrain and steep inclines with ease. Lots of squats, lunges, calf raises, planks, and push-ups will improve overall strength and stability.
Flexibility and Mobility
Flexibility is crucial for preventing injuries and navigating through Rwanda’s dense vegetation and rocky terrain. Add stretching exercises into your routine to improve flexibility and mobility in your muscles and joints. Focus on areas such as the hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, hips, and shoulders.
Practice Hiking
If you can, getting comfortable with hiking is highly recommended. By adding regular hiking trips into your workout routine, it will simulate some of the conditions you'll encounter during your safari. If you’re newer to hiking, start with shorter hikes and gradually increase the distance and elevation gain to build up your endurance and get used to walking for extended periods.
Train with Hiking Boots
You’ll have porters to carry your backpack on your trek, but it’s a good idea to practice hiking in the boots that you’ll be wearing. Especially if you’re heading out during the rainy season: it can get pretty squishy out there.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
This should be rule number 1, really. Proper hydration and nutrition are essential for your best performance and recovery. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially during training sessions, and eat a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables to fuel your body for the physical demands of trekking.
Listen to Your Body!
Pay attention to any signs of fatigue, discomfort, or injury during your training sessions. It's essential to listen to your body and give yourself adequate rest and recovery time to prevent overuse injuries and ensure that you're in peak condition for your trek.
By following these tips and incorporating a well-rounded training regimen into your routine, you'll be better prepared to tackle the challenges of trekking with mountain gorillas on an African safari. Savor every moment of this incredible adventure and cherish the opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
To inquire about how you can add trekking with the mountain gorillas to your safari itinerary, get in touch! We’d be thrilled to get you started.