Guidelines for Gorilla Tracking 2025: Gorilla tracking guidelines are formal laws and regulations used to safeguard the safety and well-being of mountain gorillas. Because gorillas are prone to human illnesses and viruses and get agitated if too many people get too close, certain rules are in place. Keep in mind that they are untamed creatures who fiercely guard their young.
These apes require visitors to leave them alone so they can eat, relax, and interact with other members of their own species in order to stay healthy and thrive. The following rules are described:
The park personnel has the authority to deny a visitor access to the gorillas if they are ill;
to prevent any disease or illness from affecting the giant apes.
The maximum number of tourists per party is eight, and visitors are only permitted one visit each day;
Every effort is made to reduce stress, behavioral disruption, and potential infection risk.
In order to participate in gorilla trekking, visitors must be at least fifteen years old.
to reduce the possibility of exposing gorillas to childhood illnesses such the flu, chickenpox, mumps, and measles.
An hour is the maximum amount of time spent with big mountain gorillas.
to reduce stress, behavioral disruption, and the potential for human disease infection.
Because flash discs might agitate gorillas or cause aggressive reactions or charges, flash photography is prohibited.
Every visitor must occasionally maintain a minimum of seven to nine meters between themselves and the gorillas. Visitors should gradually back off to five meters if these uncommon great apes get close to two or three meters, “as curious juveniles sometimes do.” The tourists will be requested to stay put if this is not feasible;
Reason: To lessen the likelihood of potential future hostility toward guests by minimizing the spread of illness, stress, and behavioral disruption. Additionally, to keep the gorillas from being overly accustomed to people.
Rule 7: Visitors should not disperse or encircle the great mountain gorillas; instead, they should stay in a close-knit group.
Reason: Because of this, gorillas can roam freely and without fear where they choose.
Rule 8: When observing the gorillas, guests should squat if at all possible.
Reason: If you stand taller than the gorillas and stare at them, you could be endangering them. One of the aggressive displays is the standing biped ally.
Rule 9: Visitors should avoid staring at them or raising their hands or arms since body language is highly essential.
Rule 10: In order to gain a better view of the gorillas, visitors should not remove vegetation in their immediate vicinity.
Reason: The gorillas may become alarmed by this. If necessary, the guides will remove any vegetation.
Rule 11: Do not flee if a silverback gorilla charges at you or beats its chest. The park guide is preventing trackers from moving or running.
Reason: As a result, even though a charge could be frightening, staying silent where you are is the safest course of action.
Rule 12: Within 200 meters of the gorillas, it is forbidden to eat, drink, or smoke;
Reason: If they approach out of curiosity, this could lead to issues. Remains and food might spread the virus.
Rule 13: Whisper as quietly as you can. Do not scream if you are bitten by safari ants.
Guidelines for Gorilla Tracking in 2025
Mountain Gorillas: To prevent endangering gorillas and reduce behavioral disruption. If there are gorillas already there, they might flee since the recently habituated gorillas might be scared to approach noisy tourists.
Rule 14: Try to cover your mouth and nose and turn away from the big apes if you start coughing or sneezing.
The purpose of this is to reduce the spread of any airborne viruses that you may be unintentionally harboring.
Rule 15: All waste needs to be buried. It’s possible to borrow a machete from guides, dig a thirty-centimeter hole, and then fill it.
Reason: For these endangered mountain gorillas and other creatures, faces can be extremely contagious.
Rules 16: Visitors are encouraged to take extra care not to litter small objects like film boxes, tissues, or handkerchiefs, and all trash is prohibited in the park.
Reason: In addition, trash can lead to issues with swallowing and can spread illness.
Note: Gorillas are allowed to eat and smoke in the company of tourists, and they are allowed to spend an hour with them.
What should I wear for a safari or gorilla trek?
Keep a waterproof daypack with you.
Bring a raincoat or poncho.
Sunglasses
Sufficient new snacks
The camera is fully charged.
A pair of eyeglasses
Shoes for hiking
The ideal time to visit Rwanda and Uganda for gorilla trekking
All year long is the ideal time to go on a gorilla trekking tour, but the greatest time to avoid damage is during the dry season, which typically occurs from June to mid-September and December to February, when the routes are easy to climb.
Everything You Need to Know About Mountain Gorillas
The mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) is one of the world’s most endangered great apes and one of its most magnificent wildlife spectacles. With fewer than 1,063 individuals remaining in the wild, every encounter with a habituated gorilla family is a rare and deeply moving privilege.
Mountain gorillas live in family groups of 5-30 individuals, led by a dominant silverback male. Gorillas are primarily herbivores, feeding on leaves, stems, bark, roots and fruits – a silverback can consume up to 34kg of vegetation per day. At dusk each individual builds a fresh sleeping nest from bent vegetation.
Where to See Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas can only be seen in the wild – they do not survive in captivity. They exist in two populations:
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda: The largest gorilla population, home to over 400 individuals across 19 habituated families. Four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.
- Virunga Massif: Shared between Uganda (Mgahinga), Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park), and the DRC (Virunga National Park). Home to around 600 gorillas across the six volcanic mountains.
Gorilla Trekking Permits – Uganda vs Rwanda
Both Uganda and Rwanda offer outstanding gorilla trekking experiences with important differences:
- Uganda (USD 800): More affordable permit. Greater number of habituated families and sectors. Bwindi terrain is more challenging but offers more choice. Also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience (USD 1,500).
- Rwanda (USD 1,500): Higher permit cost but closer to Kigali airport (2.5 hours). More developed luxury lodge sector. Smaller park but highly managed experience with reliable gorilla sightings.
Recommended Tours: 4 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari | 4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari
