A sedan seat stretcher for gorilla trekking is comprised of a pair of metallic handles on either end and a long metallic seat slanted in between. A bamboo stretcher on the contrary is made of woven bamboo sticks instead. A sedan seat stretcher or a bamboo stretcher is important to carry physically compromised visitors on gorilla trekking tours with four porters holding a handle each. The visitor could be either physically handicapped, weak due to age, pregnancy, or physical exhaustion, and hence incapable of participating in the physically demanding gorilla trek.
Before using the stretcher, you must first attend the briefing at around 7-8 am to understand the gorilla trekking rules and regulations. The park guide conducting the session will then place the visitor in a group of up to 8 other visitors and allocate a gorilla family that is relatively easier to locate. A group of porters will be availed and assigned to the visitor who requires a stretcher. An experienced park guided and armed guards will accompany the trekkers including the visitor seated in a stretcher into the dense forest to locate their gorilla family.
Once the trekkers encounter the gorilla family, the 4 porters will set the stretcher on the ground and allow the visitor to observe and photograph the gentle giants for not more than an hour. After observing and appreciating the unique behaviors of the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, the porters will carry the visitor back to the park headquarters. Normally, the entire gorilla trekking experience takes a duration of between 4 to 6 hours however, this might be less or more depending on the location of the gorilla family.
Difference between Sedan Seat Stretchers and Bamboo Stretchers of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- The handles of sedan chairs are made of metal while those of the bamboo stretchers are made of bamboo. Sedan seat stretchers are made out of steel while bamboo stretchers are made of bamboo and thus can blend in with the forest.
- The cost of hiring a Sedan seat stretcher in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park ranges from USD 300-500 while that of a bamboo stretcher ranges from USD 200-300. However, the cost may fluctuate depending on various economic factors.
- Each sedan seat stretcher has a seat belt, while the bamboo stretchers do not have any seat belt. Therefore, the sedan seat stretchers are safer to use compared to the bamboo stretchers.
The Best Time to travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking using a Sedan Seat or Bamboo Stretcher
It is important to know that gorilla trekking tours are available for all kinds of visitors throughout the year. However, for visitors wishing to enjoy their gorilla trek on sedan seats or bamboo stretchers, the dry season is the optimal time. During this season, chances of rainfall are low thus ensuring less muddy and less slippery trails hence facilitating easier navigation in contrast to the damp conditions of the rainy season. The vegetation is also less dense in comparison to the wet season thus enhancing navigation and visibility within the forest. These suitable trekking conditions fall in the dry months of December, January, February, June, July, August, and early September.
Booking a Sedan Seat Stretcher or a Bamboo Stretcher in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Booking of either the sedan seat stretcher or bamboo stretcher for a gorilla trekking tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be done at any time of the year. But we recommend advanced booking to avoid any inconveniences on your trekking day. This is because gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a highly popular activity that attracts thousands of travelers, thus the need to make your plans at least 3 months prior. Booking can be done through a reputable tour company like us.
Traveling to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for Gorilla Trekking using a Sedan Seat Stretcher or a Bamboo Stretcher
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda is about 501.3 kilometers from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. Reaching there can be done either by road, or air transportation. A scenic drive from Kampala or Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi headquarters takes 9-10 hours. For a quicker option that also reduces physical strains and fatigue for travelers, air transportation is the best. A chartered flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to either Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip is available every day. This takes about 1-2 hours and offers aerial views of Uganda’s lovely physical features. From the airstrip to the park headquarters, or a pre-booked accommodation, road transport is used.
Essentials to bring for the gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Raincoat or poncho to avoid getting wet since the weather is quite unpredictable and rains can fall at any time.
- Warm clothing like sweaters, head socks, and wool socks.
- Breathable clothes made of dull colored material, including long-sleeved shirts, and trousers.
- Sun protection items like wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Refillable water bottle to ensure you have drinking water at all times just to remain as hydrated as possible.
- Snacks
- Basic first aid kit containing bandages, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, safety pins, and personal medication among others.
- Insect repellent that consists of DEET, oil, or eucalyptus ingredients. This offers protection against insect bites that may cause discomfort.
- Backpack to carry a camera, extra batteries, charger, binoculars, and other essential items.
- Cash to hire the stretcher and this includes the porters to carry you on it.