
Gorilla Trekking Rules And Regulations
What are the gorilla trekking rules and regulations? Tourists intending or planning to do gorilla trekking the following are the rules and regulations you shall need to follow as issued but Uganda wildlife authority, these guidelines as set out in printed leaflet by Uganda wildlife authority. (gorilla rules)
Before departing on your gorilla trekking.
- A maximum number of 8 visitors may visit a group of habituated mountain gorillas in a day. This minimizes behavioral disturbance to the gorilla and the risk of exposure to human-borne diseases.
- Always wash your hands before you head out to the gorillas. On the way to the gorillas;
- Do not leave rubbish in the park. Whatever you bring into the forest such as leftover food, rubbish should be carried back out with you.
- Please always keep your voices low. You will also be able to come across different bird species and other wildlife in the forest.
- You will be taken to where the guides observed the gorilla the day before. From there you will have to follow the gorilla’s trail to allocate them. Look out for the gorilla’s nesting and food droppings along the way.
- When approaching the mountain gorillas, the guides will inform you to get ready.
When you are with the gorillas
- A 7-meter (21 feet) distance should be observed at all times from the gorillas. The more you keep the distance, the more relaxed the group will be.
- Keep your voices every time. However, it’s allowed to ask the guides some questions.
- You must stay in your group when you are near the mountain gorillas
- Don’t drink, eat or smoke when you are near the mountain gorillas. Eating or drinking around mountain gorillas inevitably will increase the risk of food/drink morsels/ droplets falling, which could increase the risk of disease transmission.
- Sometimes mountain gorillas charge. Follow the rules and guidelines for example crouch down slowly, don’t look directly into the eyes of the mountain gorillas, and wait for the animals to pass by. Don’t attempt to run away because that will increase the risk.
- Don’t touch the mountain gorillas. They are wild animals
- Flash photography is not allowed! When taking photos use a flash-less camera, move slowly and carefully.
- The maximum time allowed to spend with mountain gorillas is one hour. However, if the mountain gorillas become nervous the ranger guide will finish the visit early.
- After the visit keep your voices down until you have moved a distance of about 200m away from the mountain gorillas.
Health rules
Remember that mountain gorillas are very disposed to human disease. The following rules are one of the ways to diminish the risk your visit might pose to them.
- Respect the limits imposed on the number of trekkers allowed to trek mountain gorillas every day. This minimizes the risks of disease transmission and stress to the group.
- If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near mountain gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to reduce the risk of the spread of diseases.
- Don’t litter rubbish in the park and some items can harbor diseases or other contaminants.
- If you are feeling, ill or you are carrying any contagious disease, volunteer to stay behind. An alternative visit will be arranged for you or they will refund your money. Always keep a distance of 7 meters away from mountain gorillas. This is to protect them from catching air borne diseases.
- If you need to ease yourself while in the forest, please ask your ranger guide to dig for you a hole with his panga and after cover it.
What to consider on your gorilla tour?
If you are planning a safari to Bwindi or Mgahinga national parks in Uganda, you need to consider the following gorilla tracking packing listÂ
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for steep muddy slopes.
- Carry enough drinking water and packed lunch
- Those who feel uncomfortable with the jungle sounds can put on earplugs
- Carry rain gear, a hat, insect repellents, and sunscreen lotion.
- Carry a good flash-less camera for quality photos.