Gorilla Trekking Rules
How to trek the Mountain Gorillas
Planning a mountain gorilla Safari in Uganda?
Below are the Uganda Wildlife Authority‘s ‘Gorilla Rules’:
A maximum number of 8 visitors may trek to visit a group of habituated mountain gorillas per day. This minimizes behavioral disturbance to the gorillas and the risk of their exposure to human-borne diseases.
Always endeavor wash your hands before trekking the gorillas.
En route to trekking the gorillas
Try to always keep your voices low.
Never rubbish in the park. Whatever you bring into the forest on your gorilla safari should be carried back out with you.
You will be taken to where the guides have observed the Mountain Gorillas the day before. From there you will follow the gorilla’s trail. Look out for the gorillas’ nesting sites along the way!
As you approach the mountain gorillas, the guides will alert you.
When you are with the gorillas
Keep a 7 meter (21 feet) distance from the gorillas at all times. The gorillas are more relaxed when you keep a sizeable amount of distance from them.
Much as you’re tasked to keep your voice low, you can always ask your guide questions from time to time.
Never smoke, drink or eat when you are close to the gorillas.
Always endeavor to move slowly and carefully without waving your arms unnecessarily.
Gorillas are wild animals and are not supposed to be touched.
When the gorilla charges at you please don’t panic, a ranger guide will help you at all times.
Do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes when they charge at you but rather wait for the animals to pass and don’t attempt to run either.
Flash photography is never an option under any circumstances. Gorillas are black animals that are habituated in a dimly lit environment thus necessitating the use of the right camera settings at all times
You’re entitled to spend one hour with the gorillas, however your guide may once in a while dictate terms and cut on the time for any reasons that they may accrue along the way.
Gorilla trekking safaris and General Health Rules
The following rules have been laid out to mitigate the health risk of your visit to the Mount Gorillas habitant.
Please try to respect the limits imposed on the daily number of visitors allowed with the mountain gorillas.
If you are feeling ill, or you are carrying a contagious disease, volunteer to stay behind. An alternate gorilla trekking opportunity will be arranged for you, or you will be refunded the cost of your gorilla permit.
If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or viruses.
What to bring on your gorilla trekking safari
Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good traction, suitable for climbing steep muddy slopes.
Carry a packed lunch and plenty of drinking water.
The weather can be unpredictable so carry rain gear, sunscreen lotion and a hat.
Wear or pack insect repellent.
Bring binoculars – or hire a pair from the Uganda Wildlife Authority office in the park.
Bring spare batteries and an extra memory card for your digital camera. Using your camera flashlight is not permitted. If you are photographing using film, we recommend using 400-800 ASA film.
If you have any questions about gorilla trekking, please don’t hesitate to contact Adyeri Creations.