Seton Melvin’s love of travel has led him to mountain climbing in Austria and camping on the banks of the River Kwai. The director of the Brain Donor Project at Mt. Sinai Hospital, Seton Melvin believes that one of the highlights of his travels is his time gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Here are a few tips for people who want to experience the life-changing adventure of searching for gorillas:
1. Get a permit. The most popular destinations for gorilla trekking, Rwanda and Uganda, both require permits for gorilla treks in the national parks.
2. Take plenty of food and water. You won’t have access to supplies for the long climb. Take enough food and water to get you through the intense hikes and dress in layers. You will start predawn in the dark cold and drizzle and later work up a sweat as the clouds burn off. .
3. Work on fitness ahead of the trip. Gorillas make their homes at high altitudes, so the hike will be challenging lasting 7 hours on steep, muddy jungle covered mountains in rain and cold.
Seton Melvin 