Rules and regulations for gorilla trekking The most well-known activity is gorilla trekking, which entails walking through impenetrable forests in search of mountain gorillas and spending an hour with them in their natural environment.
There are 1063 mountain gorillas in the world, and half of them live in Uganda, making it the most popular gorilla destination. In Uganda, mountain gorillas may be found in two locations: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is home to the greatest number of mountain gorillas.
In contrast to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is home to roughly 19 habituated gorilla families spread across four sectors—Buhoma in the north, Nkuringo in the south, Ruhija in the east, and Rushaga in the south—Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to only one habituated gorilla family, Nyakagezi.
Every day at around 8:00 am, all of the habituated gorilla families are available for trekking. The activity begins with a briefing at the park headquarters regarding the rules and regulations, which include the following:
Rules and regulations for gorilla trekking
Each habituated gorilla family may have up to eight visitors per day while gorilla trekking. The gorilla group’s risk of disease transmission, behavioral disruption, or stress is reduced, as is the chance of disease transfer to humans.
In order to keep the mountain gorillas from contracting human infections, keep a distance of 7 meters (21 feet) from them.
It is encouraged that you avoid visiting any gorilla families if you are feeling ill. Your money will be reimbursed, or another visit will be scheduled for you.
When trekking, don’t leave any trash behind.
Before embarking on the gorilla trekking trip, always wash your hands.
If you need to go to the bathroom in the forest, you can ask your guide to dig a hole that is 30 cm deep with his panga and then cover it up when you’re finished.
To reduce the spread of bacteria, turn your head aside or cover your mouth and nose if you need to cough or sneeze in front of the gorillas.
Rules for gorilla trekking
When hiking in the forest, always speak quietly to allow for the observation of various wildlife, including birds, bush pigs, forest elephants, and other primates like l’hoest monkeys.
Anything you bring should be brought back with you after your journey because it is forbidden to discard trash into the forest while trekking.
When trekking in the wilderness, always pay attention to the directions given by the guide.
You will be taken to the location where the trackers saw mountain gorillas the previous day, and you will follow gorilla trails in search of gorilla nests.
The park guide will warn you to prepare when you get close to the mountain gorillas.
During trekking, you must occasionally remain with your group to avoid becoming lost in the bush or around mountain gorillas.
Although you are permitted to ask the guide certain questions about the mountain gorillas, keep your voice down when you are beside them.
Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking when near mountain gorillas as food particles may fall and increase the risk of illness transmission.
If the gorillas rush, crunch down slowly as the guide instructs; avoid trying to flee as this could make things more dangerous; and avoid staring into the gorilla’s eyes.
Because mountain gorillas are wild creatures, avoid touching them.
You will be permitted to spend an hour with the mountain gorillas, allowing you to watch them go about their everyday lives and examine their routines, behaviors, and lifestyle. However, the park guide will end the visit early if the mountain gorillas start to act tense or angry.
Keep your voice quiet till you are 200 meters away from the gorillas after an hour of being there.
Because flash photography can disturb the gorillas, it is not permitted to use it when shooting images.
Things you should bring on your gorilla trekking safari
hiking shoes that are comfortable and keep your feet dry, especially when walking during the rainy season.
Use insect repellent to keep insects away from your body.
To stay hydrated, eat energy snacks and water.
Because Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are rainforests, it can rain at any time of day, regardless of the season, so wear a waterproof rain jacket to protect yourself from the rain.
Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants to stay warm, especially in the morning.
After the safari, a camera and extra batteries will be needed to capture the moments and shoot images to share with family and friends.
A set of binoculars for crystal-clear distant wildlife viewing.
Your gorilla trekking supplies, such as a camera, energy bars, and insect repellent, should be carried in a backpack.
The most fascinating and thrilling activity you should not miss on your safari in Uganda is gorilla trekking. For more details on the rules and regulations governing gorilla trekking, get in touch with All In Africa Safaris.
At East Africa Gorilla Safaris, under All In Africa Safaris, we specialize in unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences and diverse wildlife safaris.
Our expertly guided tours provide intimate encounters with gorillas and rich African wildlife, ensuring an unparalleled adventure in the heart of East Africa.
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